Zelensky Peace Deal 90% Ready: The Final Stretch to End the War in 2026

It's 90% there, but the last 10% will determine the fate of Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in his 2026 New Year's address that a peace agreement to end the war with Russia is nearly finalized. While the progress is significant, the remaining hurdles involve the very survival of Ukraine as a sovereign nation.

Zelensky Peace Deal 90% Milestone vs. Territorial Realities

In a 20-minute speech, Zelensky emphasized that he won't seek peace "at any cost." The primary sticking point remains the Donbas region. Russia currently occupies about 75% of Donetsk and nearly 99% of Luhansk. Zelensky warned that withdrawing from these industrial heartlands would signal the "end of Ukraine."

External support plays a pivotal role. Following talks with Donald Trump in Florida, Zelensky revealed that Washington has proposed a 15-year security guarantee. However, the exact timeline for implementation isn't yet set. Zelensky insists that any deal must be ratified as a formal security guarantee, stating that "signatures under weak agreements only fuel war."

The Valdai Drone Allegation and Geopolitical Friction

The road to peace faced a sudden detour on Wednesday when the Kremlin alleged that Ukraine used drones to target Vladimir Putin's private residence on Lake Valdai. Russia released a map and footage of a downed drone, claiming it was a Ukrainian 'Chaklun' model. Kyiv has strenuously denied the allegations.

The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called the claims a "deliberate distraction" aimed at derailing the peace process. Meanwhile, North Korea's Kim Jong Un praised the "invincible alliance" with Moscow. South Korean officials estimate at least 600 North Korean soldiers have already died in the conflict.