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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was 90% ready. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is far more than just figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president emphasized that his country seeks peace but not at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russia's president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article stated that American national security agencies concluded the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.