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As part of his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "This deal is 90 percent ready, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine wants peace but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a property of Russian leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that American security agencies determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

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

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole refinery.