🔗 Share this article

In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent complete. "This deal is 90% ready, 10% remains," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that even if troops 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 sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards protecting the country after any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV strike targeting a property of Russia's president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article stated that US security officials concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. This entity operates the country's only oil refinery.