Russia's Most Secretive Budget: Military Spending Soars

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a military-focused budget for 2025-2027, with a significant 25% increase in military spending. This budget is noted for its secrecy, with one-third of spending not available for public scrutiny. The budget priorities include military needs, social welfare, and technological development.

In a move that underscores increasing military priorities, Russian President Vladimir Putin has authorized a new budget focusing on military expenditure for 2025-2027. The announcement, made through the official legal acts portal, highlights a 25% surge in defense spending.

Significantly, this budget will be the most secretive in post-Soviet Russian history, with nearly a third of all allocations shrouded from public view. The Kremlin has stated that the primary focus remains on ongoing military operations in Ukraine, alongside social and technological development efforts.

Despite the military emphasis, the government maintains the draft budget is "balanced." It aims to reduce the deficit to 0.5% from the current year's estimated 1.7%, while ensuring state debt remains under 20% over the next three years.

(With inputs from agencies.)