Leader Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Is 10% Away from Peace, But Not at Any Cost

During his year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was ninety percent prepared. "The peace agreement is 90 percent ready, ten percent remains," he said. "And that is far more than just numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Security

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions continued. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russia's president, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report indicated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to support the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company operates the country's sole oil refinery.