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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any possible price". "What does our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, stating that should troops pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards protecting the country after a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Officials said multiple buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. A report stated that American national security officials concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense published a video claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

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

Other Developments

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's only refinery.