Leader Zelensky Says Ukraine Was Ten Percent Away from Peace, But Not at Any Possible Price
During his year-end message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was 90% prepared. "The deal is 90 percent ready, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is much more than simply figures."
An Agreement Needs Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire
The president emphasized that Ukraine seeks peace 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 declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the war but not the destruction of Ukraine."
"Are we tired? Very. Does that imply we are ready to give up? Anyone who believes that is deeply mistaken," he added.
He voiced skepticism about Moscow's aims, stating that should forces pulled out from the eastern region, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the Donbas, and it will all be over. That is how deception translates," he commented.
European Leaders to Discuss Post-War Security
In related news, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will establish firm commitments towards protecting Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Moscow is reached.
Cross-Border Strikes Continue
Meanwhile, reports of military actions continued. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.
On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials said multiple apartment buildings were affected and significant harm was caused to a couple of energy facilities.
Disputed Claims Over Drone Incident
Concerning previous allegations of a UAV attack targeting a property of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukrainian forces did not target the event. A report stated that American security agencies determined the alleged incident "never occurred".
Reacting, The Russian defence ministry released a video purporting to show debris of a downed Ukrainian-made drone. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.
European Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"
Kaja Kallas called Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "Nobody should accept unfounded claims from the invading force," she remarked.
Other Updates
- North Korean Role: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "alien land" in a New Year message. Intelligence assessments indicate North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to aid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
- Sanctions Extension: The US have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from sanctions to a Serbian, majority Russian-owned oil company until 23 January. The company manages the country's sole oil refinery.