🔗 Share this article

In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent complete. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent is left," he remarked. "This is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards protecting the country following a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to two power facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack targeting a property of Russia's president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that US security agencies concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.