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During his year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards protecting the country following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV strike targeting a property of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report stated that American security officials determined the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages the country's sole oil refinery.