President Zelensky Declares The Nation Is Ten Percent Away from Peace, But Not at Any Cost

As part of his year-end message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent remains," he remarked. "And that is far more than just numbers."

An Agreement Requires Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any possible price". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas region, 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

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military actions persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to two energy facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Aerial Incident

Concerning previous allegations of a drone strike targeting a property of Russia's leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that US national security officials determined the alleged incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's ministry of defense published a video claiming to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas described Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should believe unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.

Other Developments

• North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien territory" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. This entity manages Serbia's only oil refinery.