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In a New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential treaty was ninety percent complete. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he said. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

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

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Officials confirmed four buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article indicated that American national security agencies determined the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.