Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a New Year's speech for 2026, revealing that the peace agreement to end the nearly four-year war with Russia is "over 90% complete," but noted the remaining 10% will determine the fate of Ukraine and all of Europe.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in his New Year's speech that the peace agreement to end the war with Russia is about 90% ready, with the remaining 10% set to determine the "fate of peace, Ukraine, and Europe." He emphasized that Ukraine wants to end the war but not at the cost of its future.
He stated that withdrawing troops from the Donbas region would mean "the end of everything," reflecting Moscow’s top demand to fully control this industrial area. Currently, Russia controls about 75% of Donetsk and approximately 99% of Luhansk, collectively called "Donbas." The status of Donbas remains a major obstacle in negotiations.
He also called on allies to turn "intentions" into "binding security guarantees," following reports that the administration of Donald Trump in the United States might offer Ukraine 15-year security guarantees.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities released video footage and maps claiming to prove that Ukraine sent "Chaklun" drones targeting President Vladimir Putin’s private residence near Lake Valdai in northwest Russia, which Ukraine has denied.
The Russian government said this incident might cause Russia to "reconsider its position" in ongoing peace talks. However, Kaya Kallas, the European Union’s chief foreign policy official, viewed this as a deliberate "distraction tactic" aimed at hindering the peace process.
President Putin delivered a New Year's speech focused on boosting morale among troops on the battlefield, while North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a message praising the "unbreakable alliance" between North Korea and Russia and saluted tens of thousands of North Korean soldiers sent to assist Russia, with at least 600 reportedly killed.
The war’s direction is under close watch. On 6 January 2026, European leaders and allies are scheduled to meet in Paris to sign concrete agreements to protect Ukraine. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s advisory team has begun talks with representatives from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to seek ways to end the fighting and establish mechanisms to prevent future war flare-ups.
.sourceBBC