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During his year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he noted. "This is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president made clear that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of military strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russian president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article indicated that US national security officials concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's only refinery.