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During his year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "This deal is 90% ready, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Officials said four apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article indicated that American security officials determined the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

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

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.