President Zelenskyy Declares Ukraine Is Ten Percent Off from Peace, But Not at Any Possible Cost

In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine wants peace but not at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were affected and considerable harm was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russia's leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article stated that American security agencies concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.