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In a year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent complete. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he noted. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article stated that US national security officials concluded the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity manages the country's only oil refinery.