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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent complete. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he said. "And that is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials said four apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a property of Russia's president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article stated that American national security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Updates

• 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 Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole refinery.