Putin plans huge military budget boost for Ukraine war
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In a significant military budget increase, Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed financial plans that allocate unprecedented funding for defense spending in 2025, demonstrating Moscow’s commitment to sustaining its military campaign in Ukraine.
The government website revealed Sunday that defense spending will consume 13.5 trillion rubles (exceeding $145 billion), representing 32.5% of the total budget, an increase from this year’s 28.3%. Both chambers of Russia’s parliament have already endorsed these financial arrangements.
putin approves record military spending for russia's 'defense' in 2025 – Associated Press.
32.5% of the budget ($145 billion) is allocated to "defense." Let's call it "attack." pic.twitter.com/PQEffj5s5k
— Jürgen Nauditt 🇩🇪🇺🇦 (@jurgen_nauditt) December 1, 2024
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, represents the largest European military engagement since World War II. Despite Ukraine receiving substantial Western financial support, Russian forces maintain superiority in equipment and numbers, gradually advancing against Ukrainian positions in eastern regions.
On their first day in office, European Council President Antonio Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited Kyiv, particularly significant as uncertainty grows regarding potential U.S. support under a possible Trump administration.
“From day one of the war, the EU has stood by the side of Ukraine,” Costa posted on X, together with a photo of himself, Kallas and EU enlargement chief Marta Kos. “From day one of our mandate, we are reaffirming our unwavering support to the Ukrainian people.”
The conflict continues to claim civilian lives, with three casualties in Kherson from a Russian drone strike on a minibus Sunday morning, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin, while seven others sustained injuries.
▶️ Vladimir Putin introduced the new Minister of Defense Andrei Belousov to the commanders of the military districts and explained his appointment by increased spending on defense and security.
Video: TASS/Ruptly pic.twitter.com/MhrUg8HfZW
— Shepherd (@YvesUitGent) May 15, 2024
In Dnipro, Saturday’s missile attack casualties increased to 24 wounded and four dead, reported Governor Serhiy Lysak. Ukrainian officials documented 78 Russian drones deployed overnight, with 32 destroyed and 45 lost to electronic interference.
Russian territories also faced attacks, with one child killed in Ukraine’s drone strike in Bryansk region. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting 29 Ukrainian drones across western Russia, with 20 in Bryansk, seven in Kaluga, and single drones in Smolensk and Kursk regions.
