Leader Zelensky Says The Nation Was 10% Off from a Peace Deal, Yet Not at Any Price
In a year-end speech, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent complete. "The peace agreement is 90% complete, 10% is left," he remarked. "This is far more than simply figures."
A Deal Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Fragile Ceasefire
Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine desires an end to the war but not at "any possible cost". "What is it that Ukraine desires? An end to hostilities? Absolutely. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine."
"Is the nation weary? Extremely. Does that imply we are ready to capitulate? Any person who thinks so is profoundly wrong," he added.
He expressed skepticism about Russian intentions, stating that even if troops pulled out from the Donbas region, the war would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and it will all be over. This is how a lie translates," he remarked.
European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees
In related news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies meeting in Paris in early January will make solid commitments towards protecting the country after any agreement with Moscow is brokered.
Cross-Border Strikes Reported
At the same time, accounts of hostile actions continued. A source from Kyiv's security service reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck a fuel storage facility in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant fire.
On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, injuring six people, among them children. Local authorities said four buildings were affected and considerable damage was caused to a couple of energy facilities.
Disputed Allegations Over Drone Incident
Concerning previous allegations of a UAV strike aimed at a property of Russian leader, American and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. A report indicated that US national security officials determined the reported attack "never occurred".
Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a video claiming to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. A Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the footage as "laughable" and stated it showed a lack of credibility in creating the narrative.
EU Official Labels Allegations a "Distraction"
Kaja Kallas called Moscow's assertions "a deliberate diversion". "Nobody should accept baseless claims from the invading force," she said.
Other Updates
- DPRK Involvement: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign 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: United States authorities have reportedly given a temporary exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's only refinery.
