Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1280: Ukraine destroys 17% of Russia’s oil capacity in month of strikes

Exclusives

Russians captured him, cut his throat, and left Ukrainian POW to die. He survived and wants revenge for tortured comrades. National Guard soldier Vladyslav was dragged into a basement near Pokrovsk and watched how the Russians tortured seven Ukrainian defenders before they slashed his own throat and dumped him in a pit with their bodies, thinking he was dead. He was not.

2 million workers gone: Russia's war economy slides toward collapse. With 73% of businesses understaffed, defense plants are breaking under labor shortages and falling output.

Ukraine's M-2 Bradleys engage Russian infantry at point-blank range. A Russian tank brigade pushed into Vorone. A Ukrainian assault regiment pushed back.

Ukrainian journalist abducted from his garden in 2022 returns from Russian captivity weighing less than 45 kg. Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Khyliuk returned from Russian captivity in the latest exchange on 24 August, weighing less than 45 kg (99 lbs), as he spent three years in Russian prison after his abduction near Kyiv in 2022.

Military

DeepState: Russians occupy two villages in Dnipro Oblast for the first time. After months of Ukrainian military denials, Russian forces established their first confirmed presence in Zaporizke and Novogeorgiyivka villages, Dnipro Oblast. Russia's Syzran refinery lost critical equipment in recent strikes — Rosneft plant now offline, Astra reports. The core oil processing and pump installations were destroyed, halting operations entirely. Ukraine knocks out 17% of Russia's oil capacity — and that's just this month, Reuters says. Moscow's energy security unravels as Ukraine escalates long-range attacks on its most vulnerable assets. Ukrainian drone reportedly crashes in Estonian field after Russian GPS jamming diverts flight path. No injuries occurred, but Estonian Security Police warn the device could have caused extensive damage if it had hit residential buildings instead of farmland.

Intelligence and technology

Revenge served cold: Kronshtadt's billion-ruble meltdown. AO Kronshtadt, one of Russia's largest drone manufacturers, is drowning in debt. Russia helps China to develop amphibious operation system for potential Taiwan attack. The technology transfer coincides with China's strategic commitment to prevent Russia's Ukraine defeat, suggesting coordinated efforts to stretch Western military resources across multiple potential theaters. Ukrainian intelligence exposes Russian colonel's four fake combat awards scheme. The scheme exposes how Russia's $1 trillion war budget enriches corrupt officers while families of killed soldiers are systematically denied death benefits. Ukrainian man disguised as woman to spy for Russian intelligence. He got 15 years in prison.. A 26-year-old man from Odesa Oblast was recruited through a Telegram channel advertising opportunities for quick financial gain.

International

EU's new Russian sanctions package will not be as expected. EU prepares 19th sanctions package targeting Russian shadow fleet and evasion tactics while leaving energy sales that fund Ukraine war intact. Belgium promises first F-16 jets to Ukraine within months. Belgium joins the growing coalition of countries providing F-16s to Ukraine, while also committing to comprehensive support including €20 million for grain initiatives and completing Black Sea demining by 2029. US-Russia energy deals floated as incentives for Ukraine peace talks: Reuters. Exxon return and LNG equipment sales offered as incentives for Russia agreeing to a peace deal with Ukraine. Brussels confirms member states free to determine refugee payment levels amid Polish restrictions. EU countries must provide Ukrainian refugees with "necessary assistance" but face no minimum payment standards, European Commission confirmed amid Poland's moves to restrict benefits to working Ukrainians. Russia's closest ally accuses Moscow of betrayal despite sending weapons to kill 13,800 Ukrainians. The alliance fracture reveals how partnerships built on civilian targeting prove fragile when partners face their own military goals.

Humanitarian and social impact

122 Crimean Muslims persecuted since Russia's 2014 annexation: CTRC. Russia has "actively persecuted" members of the Crimean Tatar indigenous group since its illegal annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula in 2014. Russia eliminates monitoring of facilities where beatings, electrocution becomes standard practice against Ukrainian POWs. Russia plans even worse crimes against Ukrainians after quitting a torture convention, says the Ukrainian ombudsman. UPDATE: Russian shelling traps 148 miners underground in Dobropillia coal mines. The 148 trapped miners face potential suffocation or equipment failure without power to operate ventilation and safety systems in the deep coal shafts.

Political and legal developments

Ukrainian human rights defender Maksym Butkevych shortlisted for Václav Havel Prize. One of Ukraine's leading voices on human rights spent 913 days in Russian prison. Ukraine's $185 billion war tab threatens everything after victory. Ukraine spends more servicing debt than supporting its elderly and vulnerable. Read our earlier daily review here.