President Zelenskyy States The Nation Was 10% Away from Peace, But Not at Any Price

During his New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

The president made clear that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any cost". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russian president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report indicated that US national security officials concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only refinery.