Zelensky Declares Peace Deal 90% Complete in New Year Address

Thu Jan 01 2026 09:59:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reveals significant progress towards a peace agreement with Russia amidst ongoing conflict, emphasizing crucial negotiations for Ukraine's future.

In his New Year address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a peace deal to end the ongoing war with Russia is '90% ready.' He highlighted the importance of the final 10% in determining the fate of both Ukraine and Europe. The speech comes amidst ongoing tensions and accusations between the two nations, as Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's unwillingness to accept peace 'at any cost.' Meanwhile, Russian President Putin expressed confidence in victory, marking a stark contrast in their reflections on the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said a peace agreement to end the war with Russia is '90% ready,' in a New Year address that largely focused on resistance to Moscow's full-scale invasion.

Zelensky said the remaining 10% of the agreement to end nearly four years of conflict would 'determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe.'

In his own New Year speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin told his troops that 'we believe in you and our victory.'

Earlier on Wednesday, Moscow also released what it said was evidence of Ukraine using drones to target Putin's private home on Lake Valdai in northwest Russia, allegations Kyiv has strenuously denied.

It included a map allegedly showing that the drones were launched from the Sumy and Chernihiv regions of Ukraine and a video of a downed drone lying in snowy woodland. A serviceman standing next to the wreckage claims it is a Ukrainian Chaklun drone.

The BBC hasn't been able to verify the footage, and it is not possible to locate where it was shot.

Russia would review its position on the ongoing peace negotiations as a result of the alleged incident, the Kremlin said.

However, Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, on Wednesday described the Russian claims as a 'deliberate distraction' and an attempt to derail the peace process.

In his 20-minute address to the nation, Zelensky said that Ukraine did not want peace 'at any cost', adding that 'we want the end of the war – not the end of Ukraine.'

He mentioned that a Ukrainian withdrawal from the eastern Donbas region means 'everything will be over,' referencing Russia's demand to secure full control of the industrial area in any peace agreement.

Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk region and some 99% of the neighboring Luhansk. The two regions are known collectively as Donbas.

Its fate has been a major obstacle throughout negotiations, with Russia consistently unwilling to compromise on its aim to seize full control of Donbas.

In the address, Zelensky thanked leaders that have supported Ukraine, but stated that 'intentions must become security guarantees, and therefore - be ratified.'

Zelensky also indicated that recent discussions with US officials about security guarantees for a duration of 15 years were held, although the timeframe for these agreements remains unclear.

'Signatures under weak agreements only fuel war,' he warned. 'Either the world stops Russia's war, or Russia drags the world into its war.'

Putin's New Year address was much shorter, in which he described the war in Ukraine as a 'special military operation' and expressed support for soldiers engaged in this conflict.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un also referenced the partnership with Russia during his New Year address, highlighting troops sent to aid in the invasion.

Zelensky expressed hope for peace negotiations to accelerate in January, with discussions with US and European officials planned.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies meeting on January 6 would make commitments to protect Ukraine and ensure a just peace in Europe.

While US special envoy Steve Witkoff mentioned strengthening security guarantees in discussions, a deal will ultimately require Russia's cooperation, which seems increasingly distant.