🔗 Share this article

In a year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% remains," he said. "And that is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president stressed that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should troops withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine after any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of military actions continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article stated that American security officials concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Official Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.