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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential treaty was 90% ready. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president stressed that his country wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards protecting the country after a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Local authorities said four apartment buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russia's president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article indicated that American national security officials concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.