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Zelensky claims peace agreement nearly finalized
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in his New Year address that a peace agreement to end the war with Russia is 90% ready, emphasizing that the remaining 10% will determine the future of Ukraine and Europe.
Russia's response and allegations
In his own New Year speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in victory, telling troops, "We believe in you and our victory."
Earlier, Moscow accused Ukraine of using drones to target Putin's private residence in Lake Valdai, releasing a map and video as evidence. The Kremlin suggested it would reassess its stance on peace talks due to the alleged incident. Kyiv has denied the claims, and the BBC has not verified the footage.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas dismissed the allegations as a "deliberate distraction" aimed at undermining peace efforts.
Ukraine's stance on peace terms
Zelensky clarified that Ukraine does not seek peace "at any cost," insisting that the war's end must not come at the expense of Ukraine's sovereignty. He warned that conceding the eastern Donbas region would mean "everything will be over," referring to Russia's demand for full control of the area.
Russia currently occupies roughly 75% of Donetsk and 99% of Luhansk, collectively known as Donbas. Moscow has refused to compromise on its goal of seizing the entire region.
Security guarantees and international support
Zelensky called for concrete security guarantees, stating that "intentions must become security guarantees and therefore be ratified." Following discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida, he noted that Washington had proposed 15-year security guarantees, though the timeline for implementation remains unclear.
"Signatures under weak agreements only fuel war. Either the world stops Russia's war, or Russia drags the world into its war."
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President
International diplomacy and next steps
Zelensky has urged the resumption of peace talks this month, involving U.S. and European officials. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders and allies meeting in Paris on January 6 would make "concrete commitments" to protect Ukraine and secure a "just and lasting peace."
On Wednesday, Trump's advisers met with Zelensky and national security officials from the UK, France, and Germany to discuss strengthening security guarantees and establishing de-escalation mechanisms to prevent future conflicts.
However, any agreement will require Russian cooperation, which appears increasingly unlikely following the alleged drone incident near Putin's residence.
North Korea's role in the conflict
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un used his New Year message to praise the alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow, commending soldiers fighting in "alien lands." South Korean officials estimate that North Korea has sent thousands of troops and long-range weapons to support Russia, with at least 600 soldiers reported dead.
