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As part of his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he noted. "This is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

The president emphasized that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV strike targeting a property of Russia's leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article indicated that US security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

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

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.