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In a year-end message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was 90% complete. "This deal is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he remarked. "And that is much more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of military actions continued. An official from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that US security officials determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates the country's sole refinery.