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In a year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was 90% ready. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president made clear that his country desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions continued. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Local authorities said four buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report stated that US security officials concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.