🔗 Share this article

As part of his year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential treaty was ninety percent prepared. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he remarked. "This is far more than just numbers."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

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

"Are we tired? Very. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm commitments towards protecting the country following a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and considerable harm was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that American security officials concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: 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 late January. The company manages Serbia's sole oil refinery.