President Zelensky Says Ukraine Is Ten Percent Away from Peace, But Not at Any Possible Cost

As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace agreement was 90% complete. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he said. "This is much more than just figures."

A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that even if forces pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Continue

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russian president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article stated that American security officials concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity operates the country's only refinery.