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As part of his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country wants peace but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, stating that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he commented.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous claims of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russia's president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article indicated that American national security agencies determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages the country's sole oil refinery.