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During his year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he said. "This is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that his country seeks peace but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should troops withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards protecting the country following a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent claims of a drone attack targeting a property of Russian leader, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report stated that US national security agencies determined the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's only refinery.