Russia Plans Major Defense Spending Increase

Russia plans to increase its national defense spending by approximately 25-30% in 2025, reaching 13.5 trillion roubles ($145 billion), the highest level since the Cold War era. This will account for 6.3% of the country's GDP and 32% of the total budget expenditure of 41.5 trillion roubles. The draft budget, submitted to the State Duma for review, marks a significant reversal from last year's plan to reduce defense spending by 21% in 2025. The increase is aimed at supporting ongoing military operations in Ukraine, equipping armed forces, paying military salaries, and bolstering defense industry enterprises. Combined spending on defense and national security will constitute around 40% of total government spending. This substantial allocation underscores the Russian government's continued prioritization of military expenditures over other areas like welfare and education.