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.
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