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In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was 90% prepared. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he said. "And that is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president stressed that his country wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards protecting the country following any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions continued. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Officials confirmed four buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a drone strike targeting a property of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that American national security officials determined the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.