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As part of his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was 90% ready. "The deal is 90 percent ready, ten percent is left," he remarked. "And that is far more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

The president emphasized that his country wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," he added.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards protecting the country following any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Local authorities said multiple buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russia's leader, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that American national security agencies determined the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's only oil refinery.