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In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he said. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country wants peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards protecting the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report indicated that American security agencies concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. This entity operates the country's only refinery.