President Zelensky States Ukraine Is Ten Percent Off from Peace, But Not at Any Cost
In a year-end address, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a potential peace deal was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he remarked. "And that is much more than simply numbers."
An Agreement Requires Robust Guarantees, Not a Weak Ceasefire
The president stressed that his country desires peace but would not accept it at "any cost". "What is it that our nation want? An end to hostilities? Yes. At any cost? Certainly not," he declared. "We want a conclusion to the war but not the end of Ukraine."
"Are we tired? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to give up? Anyone who believes that is deeply wrong," Zelenskyy added.
He voiced doubt about Moscow's intentions, suggesting that even if forces pulled out from the eastern region, the war would not necessarily end. "Pull out from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he commented.
European Allies to Discuss Post-War Guarantees
In related news, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that European leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will make solid pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Moscow is brokered.
Cross-Border Attacks Continue
At the same time, accounts of hostile actions persisted. An official from Ukraine's SBU reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, causing a significant fire.
On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian aerial assault struck residential blocks and the power grid in Odesa, wounding several people, including minors. Officials confirmed four buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to two power facilities.
Contested Claims Over Drone Attack
Regarding previous allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russian president, US and European authorities are in agreement that Ukraine was not behind the incident. An article stated that American national security agencies concluded the reported incident "never occurred".
In response, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage purporting to show fragments of a downed Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs dismissed the evidence as "laughable" and stated it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in creating the story.
European Official Calls Allegations a "Distraction"
The EU's top diplomat described Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "No one should accept baseless allegations from the aggressor," she remarked.
Additional Developments
- DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly praised troops serving in an "foreign land" in a new year's address. Reports suggest North Korea has sent a significant number of troops to support the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
- Sanctions Reprieve: The US have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled oil company until 23 January. This entity operates the country's only oil refinery.