President Zelensky Says The Nation Was Ten Percent Off from a Peace Deal, Yet Not at Any Price

In a year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country desires peace but not at "any price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he added.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, stating that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article indicated that US security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, The Russian defence ministry released a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. The company operates the country's only refinery.