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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he said. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards protecting Ukraine after a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military actions continued. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Local authorities said four buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent claims of a drone attack targeting a property of Russia's leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article indicated that American security agencies concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.