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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he noted. "And that is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country wants peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Local authorities said four buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article stated that US security agencies determined the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's sole refinery.