The day of Druzhba pipeline's confirmed resumption

Russian media in the early hours reported Ukrainian drone attacks, notably on Rostov-on-Don, where an emergency regime was later introduced. US President Trump's statements on Ukraine, including an aide's year-end timeframe for conflict resolution and Trump's threats of "economic war," remained a prominent theme from prior days. FSB detentions for alleged terror plots on military airfields also featured.

Mid-morning saw reports of Russian forces liberating the Pervoe Maya settlement. Economic discussions intensified: Finance Minister Siluanov projected GDP growth and President Putin supported monetary policy easing, contrasting with The Moscow Times' reports of deteriorated forecasts. The Kremlin reiterated opposition to European troops in Ukraine.

A concrete development emerged in the afternoon with the confirmed resumption of Russian oil supplies to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline on August 28, following earlier accusations regarding pipeline attacks. The government extended its ban on gasoline exports. Towards evening, focus shifted to the evolving sanctions landscape, including EU plans for secondary sanctions and Hungary's legal challenge to the EU over Russian asset transfers, alongside reports of record daily war spending.