Leader Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Is 10% Off from Peace, But Not at Any Cost

During his year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "This peace agreement is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he said. "And that is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible 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 end of Ukraine."

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

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine after any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile actions continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them children. Officials said multiple buildings were affected and considerable harm was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a drone attack targeting a property of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article stated that American national security officials concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent a significant number of personnel to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.