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As part of his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, stating that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials said multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that US national security officials concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.