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In a year-end message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent complete. "The deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he said. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, stating that even if forces withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards protecting the country after a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

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

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials confirmed four buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a property of Russia's leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report stated that US security officials determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity operates Serbia's sole refinery.