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In a year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president stressed that Ukraine desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV strike targeting a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that US national security officials concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.