Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a New Year address that a peace agreement to end the war with Russia is "90% ready." The remaining 10%, according to Zelensky, would "determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe."
Zelensky's address, delivered as Ukraine approached its fourth year of conflict with Russia, largely focused on the nation's resistance to Moscow's full-scale invasion. The pursuit of a peace agreement comes amid ongoing tensions and accusations between the two countries.
In his own New Year's message, Russian President Vladimir Putin told his troops that "we believe in you and our victory," signaling Russia's continued commitment to its military objectives. The conflict, which began in 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, has evolved into a major geopolitical crisis, drawing in international actors and reshaping the security landscape of Europe.
Earlier on Wednesday, Moscow released what it claimed was evidence of Ukraine using drones to target Putin's private residence on Lake Valdai in north-west Russia. The allegations, which Kyiv has strenuously denied, included a map purportedly showing that the drones were launched from the Sumy and Chernihiv regions of Ukraine, as well as video footage of a downed drone in a snowy woodland. A serviceman in the video identified the wreckage as a Ukrainian Chaklun drone. The BBC reported that it was unable to verify the footage or the location where it was shot.
Russia stated that it would review its position on the ongoing peace negotiations in light of these alleged attacks. The accusations and counter-accusations highlight the deep distrust and animosity that continue to plague relations between Ukraine and Russia, complicating efforts to find a lasting resolution to the conflict. The international community remains deeply involved, with various countries and organizations offering mediation and humanitarian assistance, while also imposing sanctions and providing military aid to Ukraine.
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