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In a year-end message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russian president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article stated that US national security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's address. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.