🔗 Share this article

In a year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was 90% ready. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he said. "And that is far more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Anyone who believes that is profoundly mistaken," he continued.

He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions continued. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Local authorities said four buildings were damaged and significant harm was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report stated that American security officials determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a New Year address. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates the country's only refinery.