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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he remarked. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian intentions, stating that even if troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

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

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, among them minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report indicated that US national security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company manages Serbia's sole refinery.