Leader Zelenskyy Declares The Nation Is 10% Away from a Peace Deal, Yet Not at Any Possible Price

As part of his year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president made clear that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any 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 our country."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he commented.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Local authorities said four buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article stated that US national security officials determined the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. This entity manages the country's sole refinery.