Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a New Year's address, stated Ukraine desires peace but not at any cost, emphasizing that any agreement must not compromise the nation's sovereignty or future security. He acknowledged the war's toll and the exhaustion of Ukrainians but asserted they are not ready to surrender. Zelenskyy stressed that a "weak" peace deal would only prolong the conflict, and his signature would be reserved for a strong agreement, with diplomatic efforts reportedly nearing completion on a deal that would determine the fate of peace in Ukraine and Europe.