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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential treaty was 90% ready. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% remains," he noted. "This is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Any person who thinks so is deeply wrong," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials confirmed four buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report stated that US national security officials determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity operates the country's only refinery.