Leader Zelensky Declares Ukraine Was Ten Percent Away from Peace, But Not at Any Possible Price

As part of his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president emphasized that his country wants peace but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should troops pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, among them minors. Local authorities said four apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack targeting a property of Russian president, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report indicated that US security officials determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.