Russia’s spending plans show Putin preparing for years of war
The shift offers one of the clearest indications yet of how deeply embedded conflict has become in Russian President Vladimir Putin's priorities.
Russia is preparing for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine, as evidenced by its plan to increase military spending to record levels. This shift marks a significant escalation in President Vladimir Putin's priorities, even as the economy and public finances face mounting strain. The projected military expenditures for next year amount to 17.1 trillion rubles ($205 billion), representing a 40% increase over this year's planned defense budget and a staggering 380% rise from the year prior to the war's onset.
Officials anticipate that spending will only marginally decrease to 16.6 trillion rubles in 2028 and 16.3 trillion rubles in 2029. These projections underscore Putin's determination to deter European support for Ukraine and signal a willingness to sustain the conflict for years to come.
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