Zelenskiy Reflects on New Year’s Eve Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed his hope that peace wouldn’t slip away from Ukraine as the new year arrived. Meanwhile, Russia celebrated the occasion by launching over 200 drones into the embattled country.

Zelenskiy, who had a meeting with President Trump on Sunday to discuss peace negotiations, shared his sorrow that the year 2025 had come and gone without an end to Russia’s invasion.

When the clock struck midnight, he stated, “I would give anything if this speech could signify peace was just moments away.” Unfortunately, he added, that wasn’t the case.

“Yet we can confidently say that Ukraine is truly committed to peace,” he remarked.

The president noted that a U.S.-supported peace agreement was “90% ready,” but that Russia’s extreme demands and refusal to make meaningful compromises continued to stand in the way.

“These 10% will determine the fate of peace, Ukraine, and Europe, affecting how people live,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of that small percentage in achieving harmony.

“Just 10% can save millions of lives. It takes 10% of the determination required for peace to become a reality. It calls for 10% unity and wisdom, not just from Ukrainians but also from Americans, Europeans, and the entire world. Just 10% for peace.”

This address followed a recent phone call Zelenskiy had with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, regarding the peace initiative and Ukraine’s future security. Witkoff noted they discussed practical steps to further the peace process, including enhancing security and developing effective mechanisms to resolve conflicts.

On the military front, as discussions about peace were ongoing, Kiev reported that Russia kicked off the new year by launching around 205 drones, resulting in at least two fatalities.

Ukraine’s air defenses managed to intercept 176 of these drones, but 24 strikes successfully impacted at least 15 locations throughout the country.

In addition to the attacks, the Russian government once again reiterated its accusations that Ukraine had attempted to assassinate President Vladimir Putin during a prior drone strike in December. However, Ukraine has denied these claims, and the CIA has also deemed them unsubstantiated.