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As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% complete. "The deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he noted. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president emphasized that Ukraine wants peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What does our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards protecting the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that US security agencies determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates the country's only refinery.