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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president emphasized that his country seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards protecting the country following any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

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

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Local authorities said four buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that US national security officials concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company operates Serbia's only oil refinery.