In an evening address, Zelenskyy said Ukraine has “proposals” to bring peace closer and that, in addition to international partners, there is also backing for peace among people in Putin’s inner circle. He argued those individuals understand Russia’s situation and see no alternative to reaching peace.

The remarks were presented alongside Zelenskyy’s assessment of recent developments: he pointed to continuing Ukrainian long-range strikes inside Russia and elsewhere, and he described Russia’s fuel crisis as worsening. He said the combination of battlefield pressure and targeting of infrastructure is contributing to a shift in perceptions within Russia’s leadership circle, and that this sentiment would continue to grow.