Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that a peace agreement aimed at ending the war with Russia is close to completion, describing it as “90% ready” in his New Year address. His speech largely focused on Ukraine’s continued resistance and the conditions required for a lasting settlement after nearly four years of conflict.
According to Zelensky, the remaining elements of the agreement will be decisive, as they will shape not only Ukraine’s future but also broader security in Europe. He stressed that Kyiv is seeking an end to the war without compromising its sovereignty or survival as a state.
In a separate New Year message, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed Russian troops, expressing confidence in them and reaffirming his belief in eventual victory. Moscow continues to describe the conflict as a “special military operation.”
Tensions rose further after Russian authorities claimed that Ukrainian drones had targeted one of Putin’s private residences near Lake Valdai, in north-west Russia. The Kremlin released what it described as supporting material, including a map of alleged flight paths and footage of a damaged drone found in a wooded area. Ukraine firmly denied the accusations, and the images could not be independently verified.
The Kremlin said it would reassess its stance in ongoing peace talks following the alleged incident. However, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, dismissed the claims as an attempt to distract attention and undermine diplomatic efforts.
In his extended address, Zelensky underlined that Ukraine does not seek peace “at any price.” He warned that giving up the eastern Donbas region would effectively end the Ukrainian state. Russia currently controls most of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which together form Donbas, and insists on full control as part of any settlement.
Zelensky also thanked international partners for their support but emphasized that political promises must be transformed into binding security guarantees. He revealed that the United States had proposed security assurances lasting 15 years, although details on timing and implementation remain unclear.
Meanwhile, Putin’s address made only brief reference to Ukraine, focusing instead on support for Russian citizens and military personnel involved in the operation.
Elsewhere, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un used his New Year message to praise the close alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow, including North Korean soldiers deployed abroad. South Korean officials estimate that hundreds of those troops have been killed since their deployment.
Diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify in the coming weeks. Zelensky has called for renewed talks involving the United States and European partners. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that a meeting of European leaders and allies in Paris on 6 January would aim to make concrete commitments to Ukraine’s security.
Discussions have already taken place between Zelensky, advisers to former US President Donald Trump, and senior officials from the UK, France and Germany. US envoy Steve Witkoff said talks focused on strengthening security guarantees and preventing a future resumption of hostilities.
Despite these efforts, any agreement will require Russia’s participation, which currently appears uncertain, particularly in light of the latest accusations and rising tensions.
About the author
Le Togo mise sur le Forum urbain mondial
Le Togo entend capitaliser sur les opportunités offertes par le 13ᵉ Forum urbain mondial (WUF13), qui s’achève ce vendredi à Bakou, en Azerbaïdjan, sous la coordination d’ONU-Habitat. Placée sous le thème « Loger le monde : des villes et des communautés sûres et résilientes », cette rencontre internationale a réuni plus de 45 000 participants issus de 182 pays autour des enjeux liés au logement, à l’urbanisation durable et aux effets du changement climatique. La délégation togolaise comprenait notamment le maire de la commune Ogou 1, à Atakpamé, Komlan Mensah Kassamada. Celui-ci a participé à plusieurs discussions axées sur le financement climatique, la résilience des villes et les approches environnementales durables adaptées aux collectivités locales. L’édile a également pris part à une rencontre entre investisseurs et acteurs institutionnels consacrée au financement du logement durable par les banques multilatérales. Selon le […]
FMI valide les progrès économiques du Togo
Le Togo poursuit son programme de réformes économiques avec l’appui du Fonds monétaire international (FMI). Les équipes du gouvernement togolais et de l’institution financière sont parvenues à un accord dans le cadre des troisième et quatrième revues du programme soutenu par la Facilité élargie de crédit (FEC). Cet accord doit encore être validé par le conseil d’administration du FMI. Une fois cette étape franchie, le pays pourra bénéficier d’un nouveau décaissement de 110,8 millions de dollars. Le montant total déjà mobilisé depuis le lancement du programme atteindra alors 302,2 millions de dollars. Le FMI estime que les performances du Togo restent satisfaisantes dans l’ensemble. La majorité des objectifs quantitatifs fixés ont été respectés, tandis que plusieurs réformes structurelles ont également été mises en œuvre. Les progrès concernent notamment la gestion des finances publiques, la transparence budgétaire et le contrôle des […]
UK Festival Season Begins Under Hot Weather
Music fans across the UK are heading into festival season this May Bank Holiday weekend, with major events taking place under soaring temperatures expected across the country. From huge headline acts to packed campsites, organisers are also reminding festivalgoers to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather. Artists including Olivia Dean, Sub Focus and Kate Nash are among the performers entertaining crowds at festivals such as Radio 1 Big Weekend, Love Saves the Day and Bearded Theory. With temperatures climbing, health experts say staying hydrated should be a top priority. Drinking alcohol in hot conditions can increase dehydration, as the body loses extra fluids through sweating and urination. Festivalgoers are encouraged to regularly drink water and make use of refill stations available on-site. Loose and lightweight clothing is also recommended to help the body stay cool. Experts warn that […]
UK explores closer trade ties with the EU
The UK government has reportedly explored the possibility of creating a closer trading arrangement with the European Union, including discussions around a potential single market for goods as part of its broader post-Brexit reset strategy. According to sources familiar with the discussions, British officials raised the idea during recent contacts with EU representatives. However, the proposal has not advanced further after receiving a cautious response from Brussels. The discussions come ahead of a new UK-EU summit expected in the coming weeks, where both sides are likely to focus on strengthening economic cooperation in areas such as food exports, agriculture, energy trade and emissions regulations. In recent months, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have repeatedly called for a stronger economic relationship with the EU following years of post-Brexit tensions. Behind the scenes, UK officials reportedly suggested broader negotiations […]
Putin vows response after deadly Ukraine strike
Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to respond after accusing Ukraine of launching a deadly drone strike on a student dormitory in the occupied eastern Ukrainian region of Luhansk. According to Russian authorities, the overnight attack targeted the town of Starobilsk and left six people dead while 39 others were injured. Officials also reported that at least 15 people remained missing following the strike. Speaking during a reception at the Kremlin in Moscow, Putin rejected claims that the building was being used for military purposes. He stated that there were no military or intelligence facilities near the site and accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilians. The Russian leader said the attack involved 16 drones launched in three separate waves. He also instructed the Russian military to prepare proposals for a possible retaliation. Ukraine’s military confirmed carrying out a strike in […]
Ebola en RDC : l’OMS relève l’alerte au maximum
L’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) a relevé le niveau de risque lié à l’épidémie d’Ebola en République démocratique du Congo (RDC), le faisant passer de « élevé » à « très élevé » au niveau national. Dans une mise à jour publiée vendredi, le directeur général de l’OMS, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, a précisé que le risque restait « élevé » pour la région africaine, mais « faible » à l’échelle mondiale. L’épidémie actuelle est provoquée par la souche rare Bundibugyo du virus Ebola, contre laquelle aucun vaccin homologué n’existe pour le moment. Cette forme de la maladie tue environ un tiers des personnes infectées. Selon les données communiquées par l’OMS, la RDC compte actuellement 750 cas suspects et 177 décès suspects. Parmi eux, 82 cas ont été confirmés, avec sept morts officiellement enregistrés. Face à cette situation, plusieurs équipes […]
Related
Iran Weighs Peace Proposal Accuses US of Excessive Demands
Iran is carefully reviewing the latest US peace proposal for ending the current war in the Middle East even as Tehran accuses Washington of making excessive demands that jeopardise the negotiations. In a call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains engaged in the diplomatic process despite what he called repeated betrayals of diplomacy and military aggression against Iran along with contradictory positions and repeated excessive demands by the United States. According to recent reports, Iran's latest peace initiative includes demands for an end to all aggressive actions against Iran and its allied faction in Lebanon, withdrawal of US troops from areas near Iran's borders, and compensation for damages from the US-Israeli conflict. The proposal also calls for the lifting of all US sanctions, release of frozen Iranian assets, and an end to the […]
China Coal Mine Blast Kills at Least 90, More Missing
A powerful explosion at a coal mine in northern China has killed at least 90 people, with more miners still missing underground, according to international and local media reports citing Chinese authorities. The blast, described as a suspected gas explosion, occurred late Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Changzhi City, Shanxi province, while 247 workers were underground. Initial updates said four workers had been confirmed dead and 90 trapped after carbon monoxide levels suddenly spiked in the tunnels. As rescue operations continued through the night, the death toll climbed sharply, with state media later reporting that at least 82 to 90 miners had lost their lives and several others remained unaccounted for. Emergency teams have been battling toxic gas, collapsed galleries and fires as they try to reach remaining pockets of trapped workers. Rescue officials said that 157 miners […]
UK explores closer trade ties with the EU
The UK government has reportedly explored the possibility of creating a closer trading arrangement with the European Union, including discussions around a potential single market for goods as part of its broader post-Brexit reset strategy. According to sources familiar with the discussions, British officials raised the idea during recent contacts with EU representatives. However, the proposal has not advanced further after receiving a cautious response from Brussels. The discussions come ahead of a new UK-EU summit expected in the coming weeks, where both sides are likely to focus on strengthening economic cooperation in areas such as food exports, agriculture, energy trade and emissions regulations. In recent months, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have repeatedly called for a stronger economic relationship with the EU following years of post-Brexit tensions. Behind the scenes, UK officials reportedly suggested broader negotiations […]
Putin vows response after deadly Ukraine strike
Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to respond after accusing Ukraine of launching a deadly drone strike on a student dormitory in the occupied eastern Ukrainian region of Luhansk. According to Russian authorities, the overnight attack targeted the town of Starobilsk and left six people dead while 39 others were injured. Officials also reported that at least 15 people remained missing following the strike. Speaking during a reception at the Kremlin in Moscow, Putin rejected claims that the building was being used for military purposes. He stated that there were no military or intelligence facilities near the site and accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilians. The Russian leader said the attack involved 16 drones launched in three separate waves. He also instructed the Russian military to prepare proposals for a possible retaliation. Ukraine’s military confirmed carrying out a strike in […]
Ebola en RDC : l’OMS relève l’alerte au maximum
L’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) a relevé le niveau de risque lié à l’épidémie d’Ebola en République démocratique du Congo (RDC), le faisant passer de « élevé » à « très élevé » au niveau national. Dans une mise à jour publiée vendredi, le directeur général de l’OMS, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, a précisé que le risque restait « élevé » pour la région africaine, mais « faible » à l’échelle mondiale. L’épidémie actuelle est provoquée par la souche rare Bundibugyo du virus Ebola, contre laquelle aucun vaccin homologué n’existe pour le moment. Cette forme de la maladie tue environ un tiers des personnes infectées. Selon les données communiquées par l’OMS, la RDC compte actuellement 750 cas suspects et 177 décès suspects. Parmi eux, 82 cas ont été confirmés, avec sept morts officiellement enregistrés. Face à cette situation, plusieurs équipes […]
Chine : au moins 90 morts dans une mine de charbon
Au moins 90 personnes ont perdu la vie après une explosion survenue dans une mine de charbon située dans la province du Shanxi, dans le nord de la Chine, selon les médias d’État chinois. L’accident s’est produit vendredi soir à la mine de charbon de Liushenyu, exploitée par le groupe Tongzhou. Au moment de l’explosion, environ 247 ouvriers se trouvaient sur le site. D’importants moyens de secours ont été déployés après la déflagration. Plus de 300 sauveteurs participent actuellement aux opérations de recherche, tandis que plus d’une centaine de blessés ont été transférés vers des hôpitaux de la région. Des images diffusées par les médias officiels montrent des ambulances et des équipes médicales transportant des victimes sur des civières à proximité du site minier. Les premières informations indiquent qu’il s’agirait d’une explosion de gaz. Les autorités ont notamment signalé des […]