Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is being blamed by his "inner circle" for the mounting losses in Ukraine, exacerbated by recent Ukrainian drone strikes inside Russia. Zelensky described the atmosphere in the Kremlin as "toxic," suggesting that key allies are signaling it is time to end the war.
"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 stated. "He alone is the reason this war began and hasn't ended. Putin alone is responsible for the losses Russians continue to suffer." He added that Putin's retinue understands this and is conveying this sentiment to Ukraine and its partners, with Russian society also beginning to feel the impact.
Ukraine has been conducting a campaign of long-range strikes targeting Russian infrastructure. Ukrainian drones recently struck warehouses belonging to the online retailer Wildberries, described as the Russian equivalent of Amazon. Three major Wildberries complexes have reportedly been hit in the past five days, causing damage to the Russian economy. One such strike in Voronezh resulted in casualties, including a three-year-old child.
In addition to infrastructure attacks, Ukraine has also targeted Russia's energy sector. An oil refinery and a depot in Novosspasskoye, Ulyanovsk region, were hit and exploded in a drone strike. Another drone attack targeted a major Transneft pumping, storage, and dispatch oil hub in Bashkortostan, further disrupting Russian supplies. Attacks on power plants in Crimea have also led to power outages.
Intense battles are also occurring over shipping lanes. Ukraine reported hitting at least two more Russian "shadow fleet" vessels in the Black and Azov seas, bringing the total to 198 in 17 days. Russia claims to have struck 28 ships supplying Ukraine since July 11. Ukraine has accused Russia of deliberately striking vessels carrying grain destined for third-world countries, prompting a demand for a U.S. Security Council session. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated, "No country has the right to starve the world," while Russia maintains it is targeting military cargo.
Shipping giant Maersk has temporarily suspended operations in the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk due to Russian shelling. The claims of turmoil within the Kremlin emerge as Russian forces are reportedly losing approximately 7,000 troops weekly, dead and maimed.
Zelensky's remarks come as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a 35-minute meeting in the Philippines. Initial reports indicated Lavrov maintained Russia's official stance. The U.S. is seeking to restart peace talks, a prospect that Putin has previously resisted without Ukraine making significant territorial concessions in the Donbas region.