Russian Oligarchs Fund War Effort as Ukraine Faces Energy Crisis

Russian oligarchs have covered more than one percent of state expenditures through "voluntary" war donations this year, according to Russian state budget documents. President Putin requested these donations from leading businessmen in March, most of whom are under Western sanctions. Ukraine claims to have obtained a secret Russian plan to largely destroy its energy infrastructure. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the situation as "very dramatic" after Russian attacks damaged the Pivdennyi Bridge over the Dnipro River, causing traffic chaos in the capital. European security agencies expect an increase in Russian sabotage attacks in coming months, citing a drone attack on Leipzig/Halle airport in August. Russia denies targeting civilian infrastructure, while Ukraine reports intensified Russian strikes on schools, hospitals, and energy facilities.