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In a year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential treaty was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What does our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that even if troops withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous claims of a drone attack targeting a property of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article stated that American security agencies determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.