Overview

• Russia plans to increase its defense spending by 25% to 13.5 trillion rubles ($145 billion) in 2025, the highest level since the Cold War.
• The proposed budget will allocate almost 40% of total government spending to defense and security, more than double the amount for social services.
• The draft budget is shrouded in secrecy, with nearly one-third of all spending classified, raising concerns about transparency.
• Public reaction in Moscow is mixed, with some citizens outraged over the prioritization of military spending over social welfare.
• Ukraine continues to seek financial and military support from Western allies as it faces ongoing Russian military advances and aerial attacks.