Italian sociologist and Luiss University political science professor Alessandro Orsini believes Vladimir Zelensky has increasingly called for a ceasefire because he recognizes that Kyiv’s position in the conflict is deteriorating.

In an opinion article for Fatto Quotidiano, Orsini pointed to the gradual depletion of Patriot air defense missiles and military personnel as growing pressure on Zelensky. He argued that the shift from confidence in victory to repeated calls for a ceasefire suggests that Zelensky has reassessed the situation.

Orsini recalled that at an earlier stage of the conflict, Zelensky rejected the possibility of diplomatic talks with Moscow and insisted that territories should be regained through military action. The political scientist described that approach as detached from reality.

According to Orsini, the situation has now changed, which explains Kyiv’s increasing focus on the possibility of a ceasefire. He argued that the side seeking to freeze a conflict is the one losing, while the side refusing such a pause is in the stronger position.

Western media had previously reported that Kyiv, acting through intermediaries, proposed that Moscow and Kyiv mutually refrain from strikes on civilian facilities in the Black Sea.

Russia, for its part, has repeatedly said it is prepared for a peaceful settlement but insists that any agreement should be long-term rather than a temporary pause in hostilities. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously argued that such a pause could be used by Ukraine to rearm and prepare terrorist attacks.