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As part of his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Officials confirmed four buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent claims of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that US national security officials concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company manages the country's only refinery.