🔗 Share this article

As part of his year-end speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was ninety percent ready. "This deal is 90% ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Leaders to Discuss Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, accounts of military strikes persisted. A source from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous claims of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article indicated that American national security officials determined the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense published a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

European Official Calls Claims a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she said.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity manages the country's sole refinery.