Zelenskyy publicly rejected the idea that Putin needs international help to 'save face' in order to end the Ukraine war, criticizing mediators who hold this view. Multiple outlets confirm he simultaneously signaled willingness to negotiate directly with Putin while calling his peace statements lies, suggesting he sees negotiations as possible but doubts Russian sincerity. What's missing from this framing: Zelenskyy's position assumes Putin genuinely wants to end the war but is posturing domestically — but his own statements suggest he believes Putin is using 'peace talk' rhetoric tactically rather than seeking genuine settlement.