Russia Proposes Record 2025 Defense Budget Amid Ukraine Conflict

The draft budget allocates nearly 40% of government spending to defense and security, overshadowing social services.

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.