🔗 Share this article

During his New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was 90% ready. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president emphasized that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced skepticism about Russian intentions, stating that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent claims of a UAV attack aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report indicated that US national security officials concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole refinery.