Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that President Vladimir Putin's inner circle is blaming him for the significant losses Russia is sustaining in Ukraine, contributing to a "toxic" atmosphere within the Kremlin. Zelensky suggested that key allies are signaling that it is time to end the conflict.
"The situation on the front, together with our long-range and mid-range strikes, is creating a new atmosphere around Putin. A very toxic atmosphere," Zelensky said. He asserted that Putin alone is responsible for the war's initiation and continuation, as well as the ongoing Russian casualties. "His retinue understands this – they are signalling it to us and to our partners," Zelensky added.
Zelensky indicated that Russian society is increasingly feeling the impact of the war and that decisions are needed to achieve peace. Ukraine, he stressed, is prepared for this and is working to ensure the war concludes with dignity.
The Ukrainian leader's remarks come amid a series of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian infrastructure. Notably, Ukrainian drones have targeted warehouses belonging to the online retailer Wildberries, with three major complexes reportedly damaged in the past five days. Attacks have also struck oil refineries and storage depots in regions including Ulyanovsk and Bashkortostan, disrupting Russian energy supplies.
Voronezh experienced intense overnight strikes, resulting in "serious consequences," including the death of a three-year-old child. Crimea has also reported power outages following attacks on its power plants.
In addition to strikes on infrastructure, intense battles are occurring over shipping. Ukraine has claimed to have hit at least two Russian "shadow fleet" vessels in the Black and Azov seas, bringing the total to 198 in 17 days. Russia, conversely, claims to have struck 28 ships supplying Ukraine in the Black Sea since July 11. Ukraine has accused Russia of deliberately striking vessels carrying grain intended for third-world countries and has requested a U.S. Security Council session, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stating, "No country has the right to starve the world." Russia maintains it is targeting military cargo.
Shipping giant Maersk has temporarily suspended operations in the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk due to Russian shelling.
Zelensky's claims of turmoil within the Kremlin were made as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a 35-minute meeting in the Philippines. Initial reports suggested Lavrov maintained Russia's official stance. The U.S. is aiming to restart peace talks, which Putin has thus far resisted, reportedly demanding a significant surrender of Ukrainian territory in the Donbas region.
Zelensky mentioned speaking with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner about resuming negotiations with Russia and expressed readiness to travel to Washington for talks with Donald Trump.