Leader Zelensky Says The Nation Was Ten Percent Away from Peace, But Not at Any Price
In a New Year's Eve message, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace agreement was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "And that is much more than just figures."
An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not Fragile Truce
The president emphasized that Ukraine desires peace but not at "any price". "What is it that Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. No matter the price? No," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."
"Is the nation weary? Very. Does this mean we are prepared to surrender? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," he added.
He expressed doubt about Moscow's aims, suggesting that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the war would not necessarily cease. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie sounds," he commented.
EU Allies to Discuss Post-Conflict Security
In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris in early January will establish solid commitments towards protecting the country following a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.
Cross-Border Attacks Continue
Meanwhile, accounts of hostile actions persisted. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.
In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, among them minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple apartment buildings were affected and considerable harm was caused to two energy facilities.
Disputed Claims Over Drone Attack
Concerning previous allegations of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russian president, American and European authorities agree that Ukraine did not target the incident. A report indicated that American national security officials concluded the reported attack "did not happen".
In response, Russia's ministry of defense released a video purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed the footage as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the story.
EU Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"
Kaja Kallas described Moscow's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she said.
Other Updates
- DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of personnel to aid the Russian military campaign in the region.
- Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary exemption from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. This entity operates the country's sole oil refinery.
