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

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president made clear that his country desires peace but not at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article indicated that American security agencies determined the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages the country's only refinery.