Leader Zelensky Declares Ukraine Is Ten Percent Away from Peace, But Not at Any Price

As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he noted. "This is far more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire

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

"Are we weary? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make firm pledges towards protecting the country after any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russia's leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article indicated that US national security agencies concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company manages the country's sole refinery.