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During his year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president stressed that his country seeks peace but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report indicated that American national security agencies determined the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole refinery.