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As part of his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was 90% ready. "This deal is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any price". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Local authorities said four apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous claims of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russian leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article indicated that US security agencies determined the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.