President Zelenskyy Says The Nation Was 10% Away from Peace, Yet Not at Any Price

As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent complete. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, stating that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Security

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

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Local authorities said four buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to two power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article stated that US security agencies determined the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. This entity operates the country's only oil refinery.