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During his New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was 90% ready. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

The president emphasized that his country desires peace but not at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards protecting the country following any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

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

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Officials said four buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russia's president, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article indicated that American security officials determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.