President Zelenskyy Says The Nation Was Ten Percent Off from a Peace Deal, But Not at Any Cost

In a New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he remarked. "This is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he added.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, stating that even if forces pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a property of Russian leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article indicated that US national security agencies determined the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

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

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity manages Serbia's only oil refinery.