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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "This deal is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president made clear that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials said four apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article stated that US security agencies determined the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's sole refinery.