Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a peace agreement to end the nearly four-year war with Russia is “90% ready,” but warned that the remaining 10% would decide “the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe.” His remarks came in a New Year address that focused on Ukraine’s ongoing resistance to Moscow’s full-scale invasion.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine does not seek peace “at any cost” and that “we want the end of the war – not the end of Ukraine.” He noted that a Ukrainian withdrawal from the eastern Donbas region, which Russia demands for full control, would effectively end Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. Moscow currently controls about 75% of Donetsk and 99% of Luhansk, areas collectively known as Donbas. The region has been a major sticking point in negotiations, with Russia showing little willingness to compromise.
Zelensky thanked international leaders who have supported Ukraine, emphasizing that “intentions must become security guarantees, and therefore – be ratified.” He said that following talks in Florida with US President Donald Trump, Washington had offered 15-year security guarantees, though a timeline for implementation has yet to be clarified. “Signatures under weak agreements only fuel war,” he warned. “Either the world stops Russia’s war, or Russia drags the world into its war.”
In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin used his New Year address to praise troops involved in what Moscow calls a “special military operation” in Ukraine. He told Russian forces, “We believe in you and our victory,” while highlighting support for soldiers and humanitarian efforts.
Earlier on Wednesday, Moscow released footage it said showed Ukrainian drones targeting Putin’s private residence at Lake Valdai. The video included a map pointing to the Sumy and Chernihiv regions as launch sites and showed a downed drone in snowy woodland. Kyiv has strongly denied the allegations. The Kremlin said the incident would affect its stance on peace talks. The footage could not be independently verified, and the location of the video could not be confirmed.
European officials dismissed the claims as a distraction. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the Russian narrative a “deliberate attempt to derail the peace process.”
Other international figures also weighed in on the conflict. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised the “invincible alliance” with Moscow and honored soldiers fighting abroad, while South Korean officials estimate that at least 600 North Korean troops have died in support of Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron said upcoming meetings in Paris on 6 January will focus on “concrete commitments to protect Ukraine and ensure a just and lasting peace.” US and European advisers, including from the UK, Germany, and France, discussed strengthening security guarantees and deconfliction mechanisms to end the war.
Despite progress toward a draft agreement, Russian cooperation remains uncertain, and the alleged drone incident may further complicate any immediate resolution. Zelensky expressed hope that negotiations would resume and accelerate this month with US and European involvement.
