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During his year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

The president made clear that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that even if forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards protecting the country after a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russian leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report indicated that American national security officials concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

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

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company manages the country's sole refinery.