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In a year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he remarked. "This is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he added.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Officials said multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous claims of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report indicated that US national security agencies determined the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages the country's sole oil refinery.