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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president made clear that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, stating that should forces withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards protecting the country after any agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that US national security agencies concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's only refinery.