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As part of his year-end message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he said. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, stating that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine after a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions 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 significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials said multiple buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian president, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report stated that US security agencies determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's only refinery.