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In a New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president made clear that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV strike targeting a residence of Russia's leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article indicated that American security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity operates the country's only refinery.