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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent complete. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article stated that US national security agencies concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

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

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's sole refinery.