Putin Approves Record Military Budget for 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a federal budget for 2025 that includes a record allocation of 13.5 trillion rubles (over $145 billion) for military spending, representing 32.5% of the total budget. This increase reflects Russia's ongoing commitment to national defense amid the conflict in Ukraine, which is now Europe's largest since World War II. Recent military actions have resulted in casualties, including a drone strike in Kherson that killed three people and a missile strike in Dnipro that left four dead and 24 wounded. Ukrainian forces reported the destruction of 32 out of 78 Russian drones sent into their territory during a recent attack. Meanwhile, European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv, emphasizing their ongoing commitment despite uncertainties regarding U.S. support under a new administration. The budget emphasizes military needs alongside social welfare and infrastructure development, with a projected deficit due to expenditures exceeding revenues.