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During his year-end address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he said. "This is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president made clear that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report stated that American national security officials determined the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole refinery.