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During his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was ninety percent prepared. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he noted. "This is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent claims of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report stated that US security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's only refinery.