🔗 Share this article

During his year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace agreement was 90% ready. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy made clear that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What does our nation desires? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of our country."

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

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

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after any peace deal with Russia is brokered.

Cross-Border Attacks Reported

Meanwhile, accounts of military actions continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including children. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Claims Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russian leader, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. An article stated that US national security agencies determined the reported attack "never occurred".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a video purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.

EU Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "an intentional diversion". "No one should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in the region.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. The company operates the country's only oil refinery.