🔗 Share this article

As part of his year-end speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential treaty was 90% complete. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he noted. "And that is much more than just figures."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce

The president stressed that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does our nation want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who believes that is profoundly wrong," he added.

He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that should forces withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris on 6 January will make solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country after any agreement with Russia is reached.

Reciprocal Attacks Continue

At the same time, accounts of military actions continued. A source from Ukraine's SBU said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.

In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack hit residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including children. Officials said four buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to a couple of energy facilities.

Disputed Claims Over Aerial Incident

Concerning recent allegations of a drone attack aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report stated that American security agencies concluded the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a footage claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.

European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"

Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded allegations from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Developments

• DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
• Sanctions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. The company manages the country's only oil refinery.