🔗 Share this article President Zelenskyy Declares Ukraine Was Ten Percent Off from Peace, But Not at Any Possible Cost During his New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a possible peace deal was 90% prepared. "This deal is 90 percent ready, 10% is left," he remarked. "And that is far more than just numbers." An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not a Weak Truce The president emphasized that Ukraine wants peace but would not accept it at "any price". "What is it that our nation want? Peace? Absolutely. At any cost? No," he said. "We want an end to the conflict but not the destruction of Ukraine." "Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are prepared to capitulate? Any person who believes that is deeply mistaken," Zelenskyy added. He voiced skepticism about Moscow's intentions, stating that even if troops withdrew from the Donbas region, the conflict would not end. "Pull out from the Donbas, and it will all be over. This is how a lie sounds," he remarked. European Allies to Plan Post-War Guarantees In related news, France's President Emmanuel Macron stated that European allies and partners gathering in Paris in early January will make firm pledges towards ensuring the security of Ukraine following any agreement with Russia is brokered. Reciprocal Attacks Continue Meanwhile, reports of military strikes continued. An official from Kyiv's SBU reported that Ukraine's long-range drones struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze. On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault struck residential blocks and energy infrastructure in Odesa, injuring several people, including children. Local authorities said multiple apartment buildings were damaged and considerable damage was caused to two energy facilities. Disputed Allegations Over Aerial Incident Regarding previous allegations of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russia's leader, US and European authorities agree that Ukrainian forces did not target the incident. An article indicated that American national security agencies determined the reported attack "did not happen". In response, Russia's defence ministry released a footage purporting to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian-made drone. An official from Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs ridiculed the evidence as "laughable" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of credibility in fabricating the narrative. EU Diplomat Calls Claims a "Diversion" The EU's top diplomat described Moscow's claims "an intentional distraction". "No one should believe baseless claims from the invading force," she remarked. Other Developments DPRK Role: The DPRK's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops operating in an "foreign land" in a new year's message. Reports indicate North Korea has sent thousands of personnel to aid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Restrictions Extension: The US have according to a minister given a temporary reprieve from sanctions to a Serbia-based, majority Russian-owned energy firm until late January. The company operates Serbia's only refinery.