Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has shared that a peace agreement to end the war with Russia is '90% ready' in a New Year address that focused on the nation's resilience against Moscow's invasion. He stated that the finalization of the remaining terms will be critical for the future peace and security of Ukraine and Europe.
In his address, Zelensky asserted that Ukraine would not accept a peace deal at any cost, emphasizing that their goal is to end the war without compromising their sovereignty. He condemned the notion of a Ukrainian retreat from the eastern Donbas region, hinting it could signify a complete surrender.
Simultaneously, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a shorter New Year address, rallying his troops and emphasizing confidence in their victory. As tensions mount, Moscow has alleged that Ukraine attacked Putin's residence with drones, claims which Kyiv firmly denied.
Zelensky's calls for immediate negotiations included hopes for support from U.S. and European officials. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed intentions for commitments to protect Ukraine during a meeting scheduled in Paris on January 6.
Despite Zelensky's push for peace, the situation remains precarious, with ongoing claims and counterclaims from both sides, and any significant breakthrough will hinge largely on Russia's willingness to negotiate, which appears uncertain.
