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During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was ninety percent complete. "The peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president emphasized that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that even if forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine after any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Local authorities said four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that US security agencies concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity operates Serbia's only refinery.