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In a year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was ninety percent complete. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is much more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president made clear that Ukraine desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that US national security officials concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's only oil refinery.