Leader Zelenskyy Says The Nation Is Ten Percent Away from Peace, But Not at Any Price

In a New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that his country seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? 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 this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian intentions, stating that should troops withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards protecting the country after a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the event. A report indicated that US national security agencies determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company operates the country's sole oil refinery.