President Zelenskyy States Ukraine Is Ten Percent Off from Peace, But Not at Any Possible Cost

In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was ninety percent ready. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire

The president made clear that his country seeks peace but not at "any cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should troops pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them minors. Local authorities said four apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent claims of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that American security officials concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only oil refinery.