Leader Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Was 10% Away from Peace, Yet Not at Any Cost
As part of his New Year's Eve speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible treaty was 90% ready. "This deal is 90% complete, 10% remains," he noted. "And that is far more than simply figures."
A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not Fragile Ceasefire
Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine seeks peace but not at "any cost". "What does our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. At any cost? Certainly not," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."
"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to capitulate? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy continued.
He voiced doubt about Russian aims, stating that should forces 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 a lie translates," he commented.
EU Allies to Plan Post-War Security
Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of the country after any agreement with Russia is reached.
Cross-Border Strikes Reported
At the same time, reports of military strikes continued. A source from Ukraine's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.
In southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, injuring several people, among them children. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and significant harm was caused to two power facilities.
Disputed Claims Over Aerial Attack
Regarding recent claims of a UAV strike targeting a property of Russian president, US and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article stated that US security officials determined the alleged incident "did not happen".
Reacting, The Russian defence ministry published a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.
EU Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"
The EU's top diplomat described Russia's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "No one should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.
Other Developments
- North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to support Russia's military campaign in the region.
- Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly granted a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's only oil refinery.