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During his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine wants peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What does our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Very. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Local authorities said multiple buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that American security officials determined the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's only refinery.