Russian, Oct 01 (Alliance News): The Russian government has proposed allocating 32.5% of its 2025 budget to defense, the highest percentage ever, up from 28.3% in 2024, as it seeks to sustain its war effort in Ukraine.
The draft budget, released Monday, outlines a defense expenditure of nearly 13.5 trillion rubles (over $145 billion), marking a significant increase of 3 trillion rubles from the previous year.
The ongoing war in Ukraine, now Europe’s largest conflict since World War II, has heavily strained both sides, with Ukraine receiving substantial military and financial aid from Western allies.
Meanwhile, Russian forces, larger and better-equipped, have been advancing in eastern Ukraine.
The financial burden of the war has impacted Russia’s economy. Earlier this month, the central bank raised interest rates to 19% to combat inflation, with further hikes anticipated to bring inflation down to 4% by 2025.
The defense budget is expected to decrease in 2026. However, the draft is subject to change as it undergoes parliamentary review before being signed into law by President Vladimir Putin.
On Monday, Putin signed a routine call-up order for 133,000 conscripts in the autumn military draft.
Additionally, Russia’s missile and drone attacks on Ukraine have intensified, setting new monthly records.
Ukraine also continues to develop its own drones for battlefield use and long-range strikes inside Russia.
