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In a year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he noted. "This is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

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

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that US national security officials concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity manages the country's sole refinery.