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As part of his year-end message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine wants peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that should troops pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous claims of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russia's president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article indicated that US security officials concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• 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 indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.