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In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential treaty was 90% complete. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is far more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards protecting the country after a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article stated that American national security officials determined the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's only oil refinery.