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During his year-end address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he said. "This is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that his country seeks peace but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he added.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, stating that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report stated that US national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.