In a year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential treaty was ninety percent ready. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he said. "This is far more than just figures."
An Agreement Requires Strong Guarantees, Not a Fragile Ceasefire
The president stressed that Ukraine wants an end to the war but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."
"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is profoundly mistaken," Zelenskyy added.
He expressed doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he commented.
European Leaders to Plan Post-War Guarantees
In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following any agreement with Russia is brokered.
Reciprocal Attacks Continue
At the same time, reports of military actions persisted. A source from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.
In Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.
Contested Claims Over Drone Incident
Concerning recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that American security officials determined the reported incident "never occurred".
In response, Russia's defence ministry released a video claiming to show debris of a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.
European Diplomat Calls Allegations a "Distraction"
Kaja Kallas described Russia's claims "an intentional diversion". "Nobody should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she said.
Additional Developments
- North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
- Restrictions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates the country's sole oil refinery.
