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As part of his year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he said. "This is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country desires peace but not at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that should forces withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials said four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article stated that US security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company manages the country's only oil refinery.