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During his year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "The deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he remarked. "And that is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What does our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

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

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report stated that US national security agencies concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.