🔗 Share this article

In a New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was 90% ready. "The deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president stressed that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," he added.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, stating that should troops withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any peace deal with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of military actions continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them minors. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that US security agencies concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company operates the country's only refinery.