Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that a peace deal to end the war with Russia is approximately 90 percent finalized, though he warned that the remaining details will shape the future of both Ukraine and Europe.
In his New Year address focused heavily on Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s invasion, Zelensky emphasized that the final 10 percent of the agreement would “determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe” after nearly four years of warfare, according to the BBC.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin struck a different tone in his own New Year message, telling Russian forces “we believe in you and our victory,” signaling continued commitment to military operations.
The peace talks face new complications after Moscow released what it claims is evidence of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Putin’s private Lake Valdai residence in northwestern Russia—allegations Ukraine has firmly rejected. Russia presented a map purportedly showing drone launch sites in Ukraine’s Sumy and Chernihiv regions, along with video footage of what officials identified as a downed Ukrainian Chaklun drone. The BBC noted it could not verify the footage or determine its filming location.
The Kremlin indicated it would reassess its negotiating stance following the alleged incident. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas dismissed the Russian claims as a “deliberate distraction” intended to undermine peace efforts.
In his 20-minute speech, Zelensky made clear that Ukraine seeks “the end of the war – not the end of Ukraine,” rejecting any settlement that would compromise Ukrainian sovereignty. He specifically warned that withdrawing from the eastern Donbas region would mean “everything will be over,” referring to Russia’s demand for complete control of the industrial area.
Russia currently holds approximately 75 percent of Donetsk and 99 percent of neighboring Luhansk—the two regions comprising Donbas. Control of this territory remains a central sticking point, with Moscow refusing to compromise on its goal of securing the entire area.
Zelensky expressed gratitude to supporting nations while stressing that “intentions must become security guarantees, and therefore – be ratified.” Following recent discussions with US President Donald Trump in Florida, Zelensky revealed Washington has proposed 15-year security guarantees, though implementation timelines remain unclear.
“Signatures under weak agreements only fuel war,” Zelensky cautioned, adding that “either the world stops Russia’s war, or Russia drags the world into its war.”
Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised the “invincible alliance” between Pyongyang and Moscow, commending troops fighting in “alien lands.” South Korean officials report that North Korea has deployed thousands of soldiers to support Russia’s invasion, with estimated casualties exceeding 600.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European nations and allies will gather in Paris on January 6 to “make concrete commitments to protect Ukraine and ensure a just and lasting peace on our European continent.”
On Wednesday, Trump’s advisers met with Zelensky and security officials from the UK, France, and Germany to discuss pathways to ending the conflict. US special envoy Steve Witkoff said discussions centered on “strengthening security guarantees and developing effective deconfliction mechanisms to help end the war and ensure it does not restart.”
Any final agreement will require Russian cooperation, which appears increasingly uncertain—potentially complicated further by the alleged drone incident near Putin’s residence.
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