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During his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he said. "This is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president emphasized that Ukraine wants peace but not at "any cost". "What does our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply wrong," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, stating that should forces pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a property of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report indicated that US security agencies concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity operates the country's only refinery.