President Zelensky Declares The Nation Was 10% Off from a Peace Deal, Yet Not at Any Possible Cost
As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible treaty was 90% complete. "The deal is 90 percent complete, 10% is left," he said. "This is much more than just figures."
A Deal Needs Robust Guarantees, Not Weak Truce
Zelenskyy stressed that his country desires an end to the war but not at "any price". "What does our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of our country."
"Are we tired? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy added.
He expressed skepticism about Moscow's aims, stating that should forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. This is how deception translates," he commented.
EU Allies to Plan Post-War Security
In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.
Reciprocal Attacks Reported
Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. An official from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a large blaze.
On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Officials confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.
Contested Claims Over Aerial Attack
Concerning previous allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russian president, US and European authorities agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. A report indicated that American security officials determined the alleged attack "never occurred".
Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the story.
EU Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Diversion"
Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should believe baseless allegations from the invading force," she remarked.
Additional Updates
- North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops operating in an "alien land" in a New Year address. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
- Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company operates Serbia's only oil refinery.
