🔗 Share this article

During his year-end message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was 90% complete. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any price". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were affected and considerable harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russia's president, American and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report indicated that US security agencies concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.