🔗 Share this article

As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was 90% ready. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% remains," he said. "This is much more than simply figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, stating that should troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article indicated that US security officials concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company manages the country's only oil refinery.