Russia Digs Deeper Into Defense Spending Amid Ukraine War
Moscow’s financial priorities are shifting dramatically, with a significant portion of the national budget now earmarked for military fortifications even as economic anxieties begin to rise.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed off on a substantial increase in the country’s military budget, set to reach 32.5% of the overall spending plan by 2025. This allocation translates to a staggering 145 billion dollars, a notable jump from the 28.3% dedicated to defense this year. The move, confirmed by figures published on the Russian government website, underscores the Kremlin’s unwavering commitment to bolstering its military might in the face of ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
While Ukraine continues to benefit from substantial military and economic support from its Western allies, Russia maintains a numerical and technological advantage in military hardware. Recent advancements made by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine have only reinforced Moscow’s belief that a surge in military resources is crucial.
However, the Kremlin’s heavy investment in defense is putting a strain on other sectors.
"Russia’s economy is characterized by overheating," noted Cecilie Sendstad, lead researcher at the Norwegian Defense Research Institute. This economic pressure, she explained, has allowed for increased defense spending without drastic cuts in other areas.
But that’s changing.
As Sendstad observed, " growth in the state budget has stopped, at the same time as the defense budget has increased further. So, something has to be prioritized. In the new budget, there will be big cuts in the budget piece "Social reasons", and income tax will also be increased. These are changes that may be noticeable to the Russian population in general."
The researcher warned that this trend is unsustainable. While unemployment remains low, a clear indicator of Russia’s efforts to reconfigure its economy away from dependence on Western markets, the country’s budget deficits every year since the invasion of Ukraine are a cause for concern.
– "The development is not sustainable," Sendstad warned.
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This news comes at a time when tensions between Russia and the West remain high. As Russia continues to pour resources into its military, the global community watches closely, with U.S. officials and analysts carefully assessing the potential impact on global security and geopolitical stability.
2024-12-01 17:08:00
#Putin #increase #military #budget #highest #level
## Russia’s Military Buildup: Prioritizing Defense Amid Economic Strain
Russia is considerably increasing its military spending, allocating $145 billion to defense by 2025—roughly 32.5% of its total budget. This surge, driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, marks a ample shift in Moscow’s financial priorities, even as economic anxieties rise. In this interview, we delve deeper into the implications of this strategy with **Cecilie Sendstad**, lead researcher at the Norwegian Defense Research Institute, an expert on Russian defense and security policy.
**The Shifting Tides of Russian Spending: A Q&A with Cecilie Sendstad**
**World Today News:** Cecilie, Russia’s military budget is seeing a sharp increase. What factors are driving this trend?
**Cecilie Sendstad:** This increase is clearly tied to the war in Ukraine. Moscow believes more resources are needed to secure a military victory. Recent battlefield successes in eastern Ukraine seem to reinforce this belief.
**World Today News:** While the $145 billion figure is staggering, how is this impacting other sectors of the Russian economy?
**Cecilie Sendstad:** This focus on defense comes at a cost.Russians are witnessing a “baking in” of expanded defense spending into the budget structure. While the economy has benefitted from a boom fueled by war profiteering and redirecting resources away from Western markets, growth has stalled.
We’re seeing cuts in social programs and increases in income tax.
These steps directly impact the Russian population,and while unemployment remains low for now,these trends aren’t enduring long-term.
**World Today News:** you mentioned unsustainability. What does that mean in concrete terms?
**Cecilie Sendstad:** “Russia has been running budget deficits every year since the invasion began,” Sendstad explains.
the rising defense expenditure widens this gap,
and while the goverment can temporarily manage this through borrowing or drawing from reserves, it’s a precarious situation. This raises serious questions about Russia’s economic future.
**World Today News:** How is the international community reacting to this increased military spending?
**Cecilie Sendstad:** Global security concerns are heightened when any nation drastically increases its military capabilities, especially amidst an active conflict.
Western nations are closely monitoring Russia’s actions, evaluating the potential impact on regional and global stability.
**World Today News:** What are your predictions for the future trajectory of Russian military spending?
**Cecilie Sendstad:**
“The current trend is likely to continue, at least in the short to medium term,” sendstad predicts. “The Kremlin’s commitment to achieving its objectives in Ukraine will
dictate future budget decisions. Though, the sustainability of this approach is questionable.”
**Key Takeaways:**
Russia’s
prioritization of military spending signals a clear intention to bolster its forces amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
However,
this strategy is placing a strain on other sectors of the Russian economy,raising concerns about its long-term sustainability. While
the Kremlin
remains committed to this path, financial pressures are likely to necessitate adjustments down the line.
**Join the conversation!** Share your thoughts on the implications of this Russian military buildup in the comments section below.
**Read more:**
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**[Russia-Ukraine War Timeline: Key Events and Developments](link to relevant article)**
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**[The Economic Impact of the Ukraine War](link to relevant article)**
