Russia plans to increase military spending by quarter in 2025
Russia plans to significantly increase military spending in 2025, allocating 13.2 trillion rubles ($142 billion) in the corresponding budget category, according to Bloomberg.
According to Russia's three-year draft state budget, military spending in 2025 is expected to increase by nearly 3 trillion rubles ($32 billion). In 2024, 10.4 trillion rubles ($106 billion) were allocated for military expenditures. This means the military budget will grow by more than 25% next year.
In 2025, spending on national defense and internal security will account for about 40% of Russia’s total budget expenditures, surpassing the combined spending on education, healthcare, social policy, and the national economy.
Additionally, classified expenditures could rise to 12.9 trillion rubles (around $132 billion) in 2025, up from 11.1 trillion rubles (about $113 billion) this year, according to the budget draft. Part of these funds could be directed toward continuing the war against Ukraine.
Background
Previously, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated that he considered it unlikely that Russia would end its war against Ukraine this year or next year.
Meanwhile, the chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, mentioned that Russia aims to end the war by 2026.
Bloomberg also reported that some of Ukraine's partners have started discussing the possibility of ending the war in 2025 through negotiations.