MOSCOW, October 3. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky is aware that he could face strong public hostility at home and has therefore already prepared "fallback options" with members of his inner circle, Alexander Borodai, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, said in an interview with TASS.

"Zelensky and the vast majority of his inner circle fully understand that if some form of peace is established, he will not only cease to position himself as president of Ukraine but will no longer be able to live in Ukraine. He will become a figure of utter loathing, cursed by the population, and it would be unsafe for him to remain in the country; naturally, therefore, he has prepared fallback options for himself. His cronies in this high-risk business have done the same," the official said.

Borodai also claimed that Zelensky had long made arrangements for potential future residence in Europe and Israel. He added that, as the business continues to generate income for Zelensky and his associates, they have little interest in any agreements being reached.

The previous day, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the plenary session of the 23rd meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club that Russia wanted to end the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible, specifically through peace negotiations. He said that avoiding further casualties on both sides and reaching peaceful solutions on issues concerning Ukraine - including the status of the Russian language and the church - would be the right course. Putin emphasized that Russia also needs security guarantees and conditions for lasting peace.