Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a peace agreement to end the war with Russia is "90% ready," in a New Year address that largely focused on resistance to Moscow's full-scale invasion. Zelensky stated the remaining 10% of the agreement to end nearly four years of conflict would "determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe." The remarks come as the conflict continues to reshape the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe and draw in international actors.

In his own New Year address, Russian President Vladimir Putin told his troops that "we believe in you and our victory." The dueling addresses highlight the starkly different perspectives on the conflict and the path towards resolution.

Earlier on Wednesday, Moscow released what it said was evidence of Ukraine using drones to target Putin's private home on Lake Valdai in north-west Russia, allegations Kyiv has strenuously denied. The purported evidence included a map allegedly showing that the drones were launched from the Sumy and Chernihiv regions of Ukraine and a video of a downed drone lying in snowy woodland. A serviceman standing next to the wreckage claimed it was a Ukrainian Chaklun drone. The BBC has not been able to verify the footage, and it is not possible to locate where it was shot.

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia began in 2014, escalating significantly with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The war has resulted in widespread destruction, displacement, and casualties, and has triggered a series of international sanctions and diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and resolution. The conflict is rooted in complex historical, political, and cultural factors, including Ukraine's post-Soviet trajectory, Russia's security concerns, and the status of Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine.

Russia has indicated it would review its position on the ongoing peace negotiations, though specifics were not provided. The international community, including the United Nations and various European nations, continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the importance of respecting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The next steps in the peace process remain uncertain, dependent on diplomatic efforts and the evolving situation on the ground.