President Zelensky Says The Nation Was 10% Off from a Peace Deal, But Not at Any Possible Cost
During his New Year's Eve address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was ninety percent ready. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "This is much more than just numbers."
An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Fragile Ceasefire
The president made clear that his country seeks an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of our country."
"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is deeply mistaken," he continued.
He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, stating that even if troops pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception sounds," he remarked.
European Leaders to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees
Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards protecting the country after a potential agreement with Moscow is brokered.
Cross-Border Strikes Continue
At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. An official from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukraine's long-range drones hit a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant blaze.
In Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring six people, including minors. Officials confirmed four apartment buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.
Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack
Regarding previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a residence of Russia's president, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report indicated that American national security agencies concluded the alleged incident "did not happen".
In response, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in fabricating the story.
EU Diplomat Labels Claims a "Diversion"
The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.
Other Updates
- North Korean Role: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's invasion in the region.
- Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until late January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.
