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As part of his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country seeks peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French President 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 agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials said multiple buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russian president, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report stated that US security officials determined the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

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

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company manages the country's sole refinery.