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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent complete. "The deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities said multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent claims of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russian president, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report indicated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company operates the country's only refinery.