🔗 Share this article

In a year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "The deal is 90% complete, 10% is left," he said. "This is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards protecting the country following any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Officials said multiple buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV strike targeting a residence of Russian leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that US national security agencies determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's only oil refinery.