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As part of his year-end speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is far more than just numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

The president emphasized that his country seeks peace but not at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that should troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials said four buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russian leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report stated that American national security officials concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's sole refinery.