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During his year-end message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

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

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

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

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous claims of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article indicated that US security officials concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages the country's sole refinery.