President Zelensky Says Ukraine Is Ten Percent Off from a Peace Deal, Yet Not at Any Possible Price

As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace agreement was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine wants peace but not at "any price". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding recent allegations of a drone strike targeting a property of Russia's leader, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. A report indicated that US security agencies concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a video claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's address. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's sole oil refinery.