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

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine wants peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them minors. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were damaged and considerable harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that American national security officials determined the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.