In a New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent remains," he said. "This is much more than just numbers."
A Deal Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire
Zelenskyy made clear that his country wants peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."
"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.
He expressed doubt about Moscow's intentions, stating that should troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. That is how deception sounds," he remarked.
European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees
In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine following any agreement with Moscow is brokered.
Reciprocal Attacks Reported
At the same time, reports of hostile actions continued. An official from Kyiv's security service said that Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large fire.
On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Officials said four apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was reported to two energy facilities.
Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack
Regarding recent claims of a drone strike targeting a residence of Russian president, American and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article stated that US security agencies determined the alleged attack "never occurred".
Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.
EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Distraction"
The EU's top diplomat called Moscow's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe unfounded claims from the aggressor," she said.
Additional Developments
- DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "foreign land" in a New Year message. Reports suggest the country has sent a significant number of troops to support Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
- Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages the country's only refinery.
