🔗 Share this article

In a year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he noted. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, stating that should forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

European Leaders 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 commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article stated that US security officials determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages the country's sole oil refinery.