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During his year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

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

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, stating that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone strike targeting a property of Russia's leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report stated that US national security agencies determined the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• 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. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.