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In a year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was 90% prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country wants peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," he continued.

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

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Officials said multiple buildings were affected and considerable harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report indicated that US security officials concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages Serbia's sole refinery.