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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was 90% prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he noted. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country desires peace but not at "any possible price". "What does our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article stated that American security officials determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages the country's sole oil refinery.