President Zelenskyy States The Nation Was Ten Percent Away from a Peace Deal, Yet Not at Any Possible Cost

As part of his year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russia's president, US and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the event. A report stated that US national security officials determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.