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As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he said. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article stated that US security officials concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity manages Serbia's sole refinery.