Leader Zelenskyy Declares Ukraine Was Ten Percent Away from a Peace Deal, But Not at Any Possible Price

In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military actions continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Local authorities said multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent claims of a drone strike targeting a property of Russian president, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that US security officials determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's only refinery.