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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent complete. "This deal is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he said. "And that is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards protecting the country following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous claims of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian leader, US and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report indicated that American national security officials concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company manages Serbia's only oil refinery.