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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was 90% ready. "The deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he noted. "This is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that his country wants peace but not at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine after any agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to two power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian president, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article indicated that American national security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. This entity operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.