🔗 Share this article

During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was 90% complete. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

The president stressed that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any price". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the end of our country."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that should troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, American and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. An article stated that US security officials concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

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

Other Developments

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's only refinery.