President Zelensky Declares Ukraine Was Ten Percent Off from Peace, Yet Not at Any Possible Cost

In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90% ready, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that our nation desires? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions continued. An official from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities said four buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a UAV strike targeting a residence of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article stated that American security officials determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates the country's only oil refinery.