Leader Zelenskyy Declares Ukraine Is 10% Away from Peace, Yet Not at Any Cost

As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he added.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards protecting the country after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article indicated that US security officials determined the alleged attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.