Leader Zelenskyy States Ukraine Is Ten Percent Off from a Peace Deal, But Not at Any Possible Cost

In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was 90% ready. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that his country wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

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

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials said four buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report stated that American security officials determined the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense published a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages the country's sole oil refinery.