Zelensky Discusses Peace Deal Progress and Ukraine-Russia Conflict Developments
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the peace deal to end the war with Russia is 90% ready, with the remaining 10% critical in determining the fate of peace, Ukraine, and Europe. In his New Year address, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine does not want peace at any cost and warned that a Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas region would mean the end of Ukraine's position, highlighting Russia's aims to seize full control of Donbas—approximately 75% of Donetsk and 99% of Luhansk.
Ukraine seeks to resume and accelerate peace talks in January with involvement from the United States and European parties. Washington has offered 15-year security guarantees, but implementation timelines remain unclear. Zelensky cautioned that signing under weak agreements could fuel continued conflict.
Separately, Russia released what it claims is evidence of Ukrainian drones targeting President Putin's private residence. The footage includes a drone launch map from the Sumy and Chernihiv regions and a video of a downed drone. Ukraine denies these claims, and the BBC could not independently verify the footage. Moscow stated it will review its position on peace negotiations based on this development.
