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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes continued. 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 significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Officials said multiple buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report indicated that American national security agencies determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

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

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's only oil refinery.