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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was 90% prepared. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

The president made clear that his country wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of hostile strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a property of Russia's leader, US and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that American national security officials concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company operates the country's sole oil refinery.