Deal to end Ukraine war ‘10 percent’ away

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday his country was "10 percent" away from a deal to end the war with Russia, but cautioned that the most important issues were unresolved and warned against rewarding Moscow.

US-led efforts to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II have gained pace in recent weeks, but both sides remain at odds over the key issue of territory in a post-war settlement.

In his New Year's Eve address, Zelensky said his country wanted an end to the war but not at "any cost", and that any agreement needed strong security guarantees to deter Russia from invading again, reports AFP.

"The peace agreement is 90 percent ready. Ten percent remains. And that is far more than just numbers," Zelensky said in the address, posted on his Telegram account.

"Those are the 10 percent that will determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe," he added.

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian-held part of Ukraine's southern Kherson region has killed at least 20 people, a Moscow-installed governor and Russian authorities said yesterday.

"Three UAVs struck a cafe and hotel on the Black Sea coast in Khorly. According to preliminary reports, more than 50 people were injured, and 24 people were killed," Vladimir Saldo said on Telegram.

A Russian drone attack damaged power infrastructure in several Ukrainian regions overnight, Ukraine's energy ministry said yesterday.