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As part of his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president made clear that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a UAV strike targeting a property of Russian president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report indicated that US national security agencies determined the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a video claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages Serbia's only refinery.