Leader Zelensky Says The Nation Is 10% Away from Peace, But Not at Any Possible Cost

During his year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace agreement was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% remains," he remarked. "And that is much more than simply figures."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm pledges towards protecting the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Reported

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article indicated that American security officials concluded the reported incident "did not happen".

In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support the Russian military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. The company operates Serbia's only refinery.