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During his year-end address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace deal was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "And that is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any price". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them minors. Officials said multiple buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article indicated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.