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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was 90% ready. "This deal is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he said. "This is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not Weak Truce

The president made clear that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Officials said multiple buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report indicated that US security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.