Leader Zelensky States Ukraine Is 10% Away from Peace, But Not at Any Price

During his New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

The president made clear that his country wants peace but not at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

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

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russia's president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that American national security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

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

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless claims from the aggressor," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company manages the country's only oil refinery.