The President's Daily Brief PDB Afternoon Bulletin | August 15th, 2025: Ukraine Delivers Major Blow To Russian Economy & White House Expands Federal Takeover Of DC
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Aug 15, 2025 Ukraine is delivering significant blows to Russia's economy by disrupting its oil industry, affecting a staggering 22% of its refining capacity. Meanwhile, the political climate in Washington D.C. is heating up, as local leaders challenge the federal takeover of the police department, leading to intense legal battles. The implications of these developments could reshape the dynamics of both the conflict abroad and governance at home.
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Ukraine's Deep Strikes Cripple Russian Refining
- Ukraine launched a sustained drone campaign in August that has disrupted about 22% of Russia's refining capacity.
- The strikes targeted refineries and depots up to 1,200+ miles inside Russia, hitting key wartime revenue sources.
Timeline Of High-Altitude Refinery Hits
- The campaign began August 1 with strikes across three provinces, then hit Sochi's largest refinery and other plants.
- Attacks included a record 1,200+ mile strike on a Lukoil plant and a Volgograd refinery processing 15 million tons annually.
Energy Losses Threaten Russia's Wartime Budget
- Russia depends on oil and gas for roughly a quarter of its federal budget, making refinery losses economically severe.
- Falling exports, tariffs, and capacity hits raise doubts about Russia's ability to sustain wartime production.