Zelenskyy says some in Putin's inner circle support ending the war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that some members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle support Ukraine's efforts to end the war, arguing that they recognise there is no alternative to peace.

“We have put forward proposals on how to achieve peace. We have support for peace not only from our international partners but also from people in Putin's closest circle. They understand what is happening and that there is no alternative to peace," Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy also said Russia is facing a worsening petrol shortage, which he attributed to Ukraine's continued long-range strikes on Russian territory.

The President noted Ukrainian forces have struck targets in several Russian regions as well as military objectives in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine.