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As part of his year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent is left," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president emphasized that his country desires peace but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after any agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile actions continued. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous claims of a UAV strike targeting a property of Russia's leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article stated that US security agencies concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates the country's sole refinery.