🔗 Share this article

As part of his New Year's Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace agreement was 90% ready. "The peace agreement is 90% ready, 10% is left," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

The president emphasized that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What is it that our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should troops pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he commented.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine following any peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of military strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russia's president, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article stated that US national security officials concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until late January. This entity manages Serbia's only oil refinery.