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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% is left," he noted. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous claims of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article indicated that American security officials determined the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity operates the country's only refinery.