Leader Zelenskyy States The Nation Is Ten Percent Off from a Peace Deal, Yet Not at Any Possible Cost

As part of his year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible peace deal was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90% ready, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

A Deal Requires Strong Guarantees, Not Weak Truce

The president made clear that his country seeks peace but not at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service said 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 Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them minors. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV strike targeting a property of Russia's leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. A report indicated that American national security agencies concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations 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 territory" in a new year's address. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates the country's sole oil refinery.