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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent complete. "The peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he remarked. "This is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What does Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if forces withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards protecting the country following a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. An official from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent claims of a drone attack targeting a property of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article indicated that American security agencies concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company operates the country's sole oil refinery.