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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he remarked. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russia's president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. A report stated that American security agencies determined the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.