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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent complete. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, stating that should forces withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

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

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Local authorities said four apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent claims of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report indicated that US national security agencies determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company operates the country's only oil refinery.