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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% remains," he said. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president made clear that his country seeks peace but not at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply wrong," he added.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that American national security agencies concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates the country's sole oil refinery.