Leader Zelensky States The Nation Is Ten Percent Away from a Peace Deal, Yet Not at Any Possible Price

In a New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent complete. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he noted. "This is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," he added.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine after any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a UAV strike targeting a residence of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that American security agencies concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only refinery.