By Haifa Chairunisa
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a peace agreement to end the war with Russia is “90% ready,” though key unresolved issues could determine the future of Ukraine and Europe. Speaking in a New Year address focused on resisting Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zelensky said the remaining 10% of the deal would be decisive for lasting peace.
In a separate New Year message, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in Russia’s forces, telling troops, “We believe in you and our victory.” Moscow also claimed on Wednesday that Ukraine had used drones to target Putin’s private residence near Lake Valdai in north-west Russia, an allegation Kyiv strongly denied.
Russian authorities released what they described as evidence, including a map and video footage of a downed drone, but the material could not be independently verified. The Kremlin said the alleged incident could affect Russia’s stance in ongoing peace talks. The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, dismissed the claims as a “deliberate distraction” aimed at undermining negotiations.
In his 20-minute address, Zelensky said Ukraine sought peace but not “at any cost,” stressing that ending the war must not come at the expense of Ukraine’s survival. He warned that withdrawing from the eastern Donbas region would effectively end Ukraine’s sovereignty, rejecting Russia’s demand for full control of the area.
Russia currently occupies about three-quarters of the Donetsk region and nearly all of neighbouring Luhansk, collectively known as Donbas. Control of the region has remained a central obstacle in negotiations, with Moscow unwilling to compromise on its territorial ambitions.
Zelensky also called for firm, ratified security guarantees, saying vague commitments would only prolong the conflict. He said the United States had proposed 15-year security guarantees following recent talks with US President Donald Trump, though details on their implementation remain unclear.
“Signatures under weak agreements only fuel war,” Zelensky said, warning that failure to stop Russia could allow the conflict to spread further.
Putin’s New Year address was brief by comparison and avoided detailed references to the fighting, which Moscow continues to describe as a “special military operation.” Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised what he called an “invincible alliance” with Russia, as Pyongyang continues to provide troops and weapons in support of Moscow, according to South Korean officials.
Zelensky said he hoped peace negotiations would resume and accelerate this month with the involvement of US and European officials. French President Emmanuel Macron said European leaders meeting in Paris on 6 January would make concrete commitments to protect Ukraine and work toward a just and lasting peace.
US and European officials held further talks this week on ending the war, focusing on security guarantees and mechanisms to prevent renewed fighting. However, any agreement would still require Russia’s approval, which remains uncertain amid heightened tensions.
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