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As part of his New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was ninety percent complete. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country wants peace but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

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

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials said multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.