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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he added.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, stating that should troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

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

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials confirmed four buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article indicated that US security agencies determined the reported attack "never occurred".

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

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.