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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he said. "This is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine wants peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, stating that even if forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards protecting the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Local authorities said four apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that American security officials determined the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.