President Zelensky Declares The Nation Is 10% Off from Peace, Yet Not at Any Price

In a New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV strike targeting a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report indicated that US national security officials determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company manages the country's only oil refinery.