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As part of his year-end message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any price". "What does Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions continued. A source 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 Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russia's president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that American security agencies concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

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

European Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. This entity manages the country's only oil refinery.