Russia to Boost Defence Budget by 23% in 2025

Russia plans to increase its national defence budget by 23% in 2025, reaching 13.5 trillion roubles. The expenditure will make up 32% of the total budget. Despite a projected decrease in 2026, the focus remains on supporting the military and the ongoing 'special military operation' in Ukraine.

Russia is set to boost its national defence budget by 23% in 2025, taking total spending to 13.5 trillion roubles ($145.32 billion), according to draft state budget documents released on Monday.

With defense spending projected to account for 32% of total budget expenditure in 2025, which will amount to 41.5 trillion roubles, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said that supporting the military and what Moscow terms its 'special military operation' in Ukraine would remain a budgetary priority.

Expenditure on defence is forecast to decline to 12.8 trillion roubles in 2026, with around 10% of the overall defense budget allocated for military personnel payments. ($1 = 92.9000 roubles)

(With inputs from agencies.)