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During his year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was 90% complete. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he said. "This is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that his country seeks peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

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

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russian leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. A report indicated that American security agencies determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages the country's only refinery.