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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he noted. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he added.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Officials said four buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russia's president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report stated that American security officials determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only oil refinery.