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As part of his year-end message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was 90% complete. "This deal is 90% ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president emphasized that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV strike targeting a property of Russian leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article indicated that American national security agencies determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.