Leader Zelenskyy States Ukraine Was 10% Off from Peace, Yet Not at Any Possible Cost

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

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible price". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he commented.

EU Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Strikes Continue

Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were affected and significant harm was reported to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's president, US and European officials are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. A report indicated that US security officials determined the reported attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Other Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have according to a minister given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's only oil refinery.