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As part of his year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he said. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president emphasized that his country wants peace but not at "any cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Any person who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards protecting Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of military actions persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Local authorities said four buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russian leader, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. A report stated that US national security officials determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity manages the country's only oil refinery.