Leader Zelensky States Ukraine Is Ten Percent Away from a Peace Deal, Yet Not at Any Possible Price

In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was 90% prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards protecting the country following any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of hostile strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, among them minors. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russia's leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that US national security officials determined the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity manages Serbia's sole refinery.