President Zelensky Says The Nation Is 10% Off from a Peace Deal, But Not at Any Price

In a year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "And that is much more than simply numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after any agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a residence of Russia's leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that US security officials concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

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

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's sole refinery.