🔗 Share this article

During his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was 90% prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country wants peace but not at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions continued. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article indicated that US security officials concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity manages Serbia's sole refinery.