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In a year-end speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he remarked. "And that is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that US security officials concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company manages the country's only oil refinery.