🔗 Share this article

As part of his year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is far more than simply figures."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country wants an end to the war but not at "any price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Are we exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

Meanwhile, reports of hostile actions continued. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials said four buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack

Concerning recent allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, American and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that American security agencies concluded the alleged attack "never occurred".

In response, The Russian defence ministry published a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to support the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company operates the country's only refinery.