President Zelensky States The Nation Was Ten Percent Off from Peace, But Not at Any Possible Price
In a year-end address, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a potential peace agreement was ninety percent prepared. "This peace agreement is 90% ready, ten percent is left," he noted. "And that is much more than just figures."
A Deal Requires Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Truce
The president emphasized that Ukraine desires an end to the war but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he said. "Our goal is an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."
"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who thinks so is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy continued.
He voiced skepticism about Russian aims, stating that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas Donbas, the conflict would not necessarily cease. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.
EU Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security
Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners meeting in Paris in early January will establish solid pledges towards protecting Ukraine following any peace deal with Moscow is reached.
Reciprocal Attacks Reported
Meanwhile, accounts of hostile strikes persisted. A source from Ukraine's security service reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.
In Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding six people, including children. Officials said multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was reported to a couple of energy facilities.
Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Attack
Regarding previous claims of a drone attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article stated that American national security agencies concluded the reported attack "did not happen".
Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense released a footage purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it showed a lack of seriousness in creating the narrative.
EU Official Labels Allegations a "Diversion"
The EU's top diplomat called Russia's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked.
Other Developments
- North Korean Involvement: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media praised troops serving in an "alien land" in a new year's message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's invasion in the region.
- Sanctions Extension: United States authorities have reportedly granted a temporary reprieve from restrictions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until late January. The company operates the country's sole refinery.
