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

As part of his year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was 90% ready. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% remains," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president made clear that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he added.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

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

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack targeting a property of Russian president, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article stated that American national security agencies determined the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a video purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages the country's sole oil refinery.