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As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was 90% complete. "This deal is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong 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 Ukraine desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and considerable harm was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent claims of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russia's president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article stated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.