Putin Open to Talks with Zelenskyy Amid Legitimacy Concerns

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that Russia has effectively trapped the remaining Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region, a focal point of conflict for over seven months. During a news conference, Putin asserted that the situation was “completely under our control” and directed military commanders to swiftly eliminate remaining Ukrainian forces. In response, Ukraine's top military officials refuted claims of being encircled, stating they are reinforcing their defensive positions. Ukrainian General Staff reported successfully repelling five Russian attacks and ongoing clashes across multiple locations. Despite this, maps from Deep State, a Ukrainian conflict monitoring source, indicate significant territorial losses for Ukraine in recent weeks. Putin expressed optimism for the Russian military's progress, indicating that options for Ukrainian soldiers would soon be limited to surrender or die. He emphasized the necessity of a truce that would address the root causes of the conflict, complicating discussions about a proposed 30-day ceasefire endorsed by the United States and Ukraine.

In a significant escalation of the conflict, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Moscow, resulting in at least one fatality and three injuries, according to officials. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that it intercepted a total of 337 drones, with 91 targeting the Moscow region alone during the overnight strike. This incident marks one of the largest drone assaults on the city since the onset of the war, as fires erupted in various locations, prompting authorities to suspend train and air travel. Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, described the attack as "the most massive" drone offensive faced by the city, which is home to over 21 million people. Damage included a wrecked apartment building and disruptions to transport services, affecting airport operations and commuter trains. The drone strikes occurred just before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was scheduled to meet with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss potential peace talks, following a period of heightened tensions and military aid disputes between Washington and Kyiv. The ongoing conflict has seen both sides utilize drones extensively, indicating a complex and evolving battlefield landscape.

Maritime experts warn of an alarming trend involving the use of underwater mines on oil tankers departing from Russian ports. According to a report by maritime intelligence firm Ambrey, these mines, likely placed by divers using specialized vessels, have resulted in multiple explosions days or even weeks after tankers have set sail. The targeted vessels are suspected to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet," which is accused of circumventing international sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine. Ambrey identified recent attacks on tankers, including incidents near Ust-Luga and Novorossiysk. One vessel partially sank in Russian waters while others suffered explosions far from their point of departure. The firm emphasized that these attacks appear aimed at inflicting total losses on ships that have called at Russian ports, utilizing delayed fuses for maximum impact. This increased maritime risk reflects a shift in tactics within the broader context of geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the ongoing implications for global shipping routes.