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As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was ninety percent complete. "The deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country seeks peace but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Officials said four buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV strike targeting a property of Russia's leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report stated that US national security agencies concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed 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 accept baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages the country's sole refinery.