Leader Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Was 10% Away from a Peace Deal, Yet Not at Any Possible Cost

As part of his New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was ninety percent complete. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is far more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president made clear that his country wants peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

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

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV strike targeting a property of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article indicated that US security officials concluded the reported incident "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

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

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity operates the country's sole refinery.