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During his year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential treaty was 90% ready. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that even if troops withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Local authorities said four apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article indicated that American national security officials determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. This entity manages Serbia's only refinery.