Leader Zelenskyy Declares The Nation Is Ten Percent Off from a Peace Deal, But Not at Any Possible Cost

In a year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "The deal is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he noted. "This is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president made clear that his country wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how a lie sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of hostile strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

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

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning previous allegations of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russian leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article stated that US national security officials concluded the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's address. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company manages the country's sole oil refinery.