President Zelensky Says Ukraine Is Ten Percent Away from a Peace Deal, But Not at Any Possible Price

In a year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace agreement was 90% ready. "The deal is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he said. "This is far more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are prepared to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, stating that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.

EU Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards protecting Ukraine following any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

At the same time, accounts of military strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's security service said that Ukraine's long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.

In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Regarding recent allegations of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. An article indicated that US security officials concluded the alleged attack "did not happen".

Reacting, Russia's ministry of defense published a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Diversion"

The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's claims "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should believe baseless claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates the country's only oil refinery.