President Zelensky Says Ukraine Is Ten Percent Away from Peace, But Not at Any Cost
During his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is much more than just numbers."
An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not Fragile Truce
The president emphasized that his country desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any cost". "What does Ukraine want? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."
"Is the nation exhausted? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to give up? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," he added.
He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that should troops withdrew from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.
EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security
In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will make firm commitments towards ensuring the security of the country following a potential agreement with Russia is reached.
Reciprocal Strikes Reported
Meanwhile, reports of military actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large fire.
On the other side, in Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack hit apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and significant damage was reported to two power facilities.
Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident
Regarding previous claims of a drone strike aimed at a property of Russia's president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the event. An article indicated that American security officials determined the reported attack "never occurred".
In response, The Russian defence ministry published a footage claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.
European Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"
Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should believe baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.
Additional Updates
- North Korean Involvement: North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "alien territory" in a new year's address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
- Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company manages Serbia's only oil refinery.
