🔗 Share this article

During his year-end address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he noted. "This is much more than just numbers."

A Deal Needs Robust Assurances, Not Weak Truce

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine desires? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation weary? Very. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," he added.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Pull out from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how deception translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-War Security

In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards protecting the country after any agreement with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, reports of hostile strikes continued. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were affected and considerable damage was reported to two power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Regarding previous allegations of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russian leader, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the event. A report stated that US national security agencies determined the alleged attack "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense 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 fabricating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: The US have reportedly given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. This entity manages Serbia's only refinery.