President Zelensky Declares The Nation Is Ten Percent Off from a Peace Deal, But Not at Any Possible Price

In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he remarked. "And that is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Strong Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

The president emphasized that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."

"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," he continued.

He voiced doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards protecting Ukraine following any agreement with Moscow is brokered.

Cross-Border Strikes Continue

At the same time, reports of military actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials said four buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Concerning previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the event. A report stated that American security agencies concluded the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, Russia's defence ministry published a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" 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 assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Reports indicate the country has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company manages the country's sole refinery.