Zelenskyy says cracks emerging inside Putin's inner circle over war
Photo: Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and Chief of the General Staff of Russia Valery Gerasimov (Getty Images)
There is a rift within the inner circle of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Some members of that circle are calling for an end to the war, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Rift in Kremlin: Who wants to end war
There is no consensus among Putin's inner circle regarding the future of the war. According to Zelenskyy, some of those close to the Kremlin leader advocate continuing the fighting, while others want it to end.
He specifically noted the position of Russian businessmen.
"I think that people who are from business, they understand that the economy is in terrible situation in Russia," the President says.
Three conditions for peace
Zelenskyy outlines specific steps that would bring the war closer to an end:
- Europe, Canada, and the US do not lift sanctions and put pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet and other sectors of the economy
- Ukraine remains strong on the battlefield
- Pressure on Russia intensifies on all fronts.
He emphasizes that if Western countries do not lift sanctions, intensify pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet and other sectors, and Ukraine remains strong on the battlefield, it will be closer to peace.
Regarding the negotiations in general, Kyiv’s position remains unchanged.
The President stresses that, in any case, Ukraine is ready to talk, but it would not give up its territory
The EU also supports increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas stated that Russia’s losses from sanctions have already exceeded $1.5 trillion, and the bloc is preparing new restrictions against 80 organizations and individuals.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has responded to external threats with heightened security measures.
After the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Russian intelligence agencies temporarily shut down the video surveillance system around Putin for verification, fearing the capabilities of modern intelligence technologies.
