India, Aug. 18 -- Russians are pulling billions of dollars out of their bank accounts as fears grow that the government could eventually take private money to help pay for Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine. The withdrawals come as the war appears to be putting more pressure on Russia's economy, with Ukraine stepping up attacks deep inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian strikes have increasingly targeted businesses, energy facilities and other important infrastructure inside Russia. Russians are also dealing with a fuel crisis, adding to concerns about the country's economic situation. Depositors withdrew nearly $3.4 billion in the first two weeks of August alone, according to figures cited by The Daily Beast.

That amount came on top of abou...