🔗 Share this article

In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce

The president made clear that his country seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Any person who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, stating that should troops withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards protecting the country after a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russia's leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report stated that American national security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's sole refinery.