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In a year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was 90% complete. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit 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 struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, among them minors. Officials said four apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report stated that American security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense published a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company operates the country's only oil refinery.