Leader Zelensky States Ukraine Is Ten Percent Off from a Peace Deal, Yet Not at Any Possible Cost

In a year-end speech, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent complete. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "And that is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Truce

The president emphasized that Ukraine wants an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.

He expressed skepticism about Russian aims, stating that should forces withdrew from the eastern region, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish solid pledges towards protecting Ukraine after any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions continued. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them children. Officials confirmed four buildings were damaged and considerable harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Regarding recent claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article indicated that American national security officials determined the alleged incident "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.

European Official Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

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

Additional Developments

• North Korean Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.