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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace deal was 90% complete. "This deal is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine desires peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he added.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

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

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Local authorities said multiple buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article indicated that American security agencies determined the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity manages Serbia's only oil refinery.