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During his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential treaty was 90% complete. "This deal is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine wants peace but not at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards protecting the country following a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials said four apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV strike targeting a property of Russian president, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report stated that US security agencies concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity operates the country's sole refinery.