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As part of his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he said. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any cost". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy 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 deception sounds," he commented.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine after a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Officials said four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV strike targeting a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report indicated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages Serbia's sole refinery.