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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "The peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% is left," he noted. "This is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine wants peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of military actions continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russian president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article stated that US security officials concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.