President Zelensky Declares Ukraine Was Ten Percent Away from a Peace Deal, But Not at Any Price

As part of his year-end message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90 percent ready, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want an end to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian intentions, stating that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent claims of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report stated that American national security officials concluded the reported attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity manages the country's only oil refinery.