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As part of his year-end message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he remarked. "This is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

The president made clear that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards protecting the country following a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials said multiple buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a property of Russia's leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article stated that American national security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity manages the country's sole refinery.