🔗 Share this article

In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was 90% complete. "This deal is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

The president made clear that Ukraine desires peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that should troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he commented.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards protecting the country after any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning recent claims of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that American national security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company manages the country's sole oil refinery.