New Delhi, Jan. 2 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky began the New Year with a stark message of resolve, telling his nation and the world:

"What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he said.

"We want the end of the war - not the end of Ukraine. Are we tired? Extremely. Does that mean we are ready to surrender? Those who think so are deeply mistaken."

Despite continued fighting, Zelensky insisted Kyiv has exhausted every avenue to secure peace.

"But with a clear conscience, I, all of us, can say that Ukraine is truly doing everything for peace," he said.

Zelensky noted that a US-backed peace framework is nearly complete, though critical details remain unresolved.

"The peace deal is 90% ready," he said.

"Those are ...