Retired US General Jack Keane has stated that Russia's military offensive in Ukraine has failed miserably, with Russian forces losing more territory than they have gained. Keane, who is the chairman of the Institute for the Study of War, emphasized that Ukraine is on the offensive and actively retaking territory. His remarks come amid growing concerns from Russian figures about the possibility of a full-scale defeat. Aleksey Chadaev, a former Kremlin adviser and current head of the Ushkuynik drone-warfare centre, has advocated for a ceasefire and regrouping to prevent further losses. Russian war correspondent Anastasia Kashevarova has criticized the current strategy, stating that silencing critics and blocking the internet will not solve the issues at hand. She highlighted the impact of Ukrainian drone strikes, which continue to penetrate deep into Russian territory.

In response to the ongoing threat, new footage has emerged showing the deployment of the Pantsir-SMDE-E air defense system on rooftops in Moscow's Sokolniki district. This system is designed to protect against Ukrainian drone strikes, and similar defenses are being installed on other tower blocks in the city. Despite these measures, Ukrainian forces have launched new strikes on Russian infrastructure, including an oil depot in occupied Crimea, which was set ablaze. The attack has exacerbated existing petrol shortages in the region, leading to strict rationing and forcing car owners to travel to mainland Russia for fuel while dodging drones.

Ukrainian drones have also targeted railway infrastructure in the occupied Luhansk region, setting a substation on fire. These strikes come as the largest attacks on Russian soil have recently hit St Petersburg, Putin's hometown. Meanwhile, Russian forces have continued their own assaults, killing one person and injuring 25 in the Zaporizhzhia region, as well as killing another individual in Odesa.

As the conflict intensifies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to visit London for talks with key European leaders, including UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, the French leader, and the German leader, on Sunday. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin remains steadfast in his refusal to engage in peace talks with Zelensky, prolonging the ongoing conflict.