Russia Increases Military Size and $145 Billion Defense Budget Amid Ukraine War

Oct 1, 2024, 02:13 AM

As Russia's war against Ukraine continues, President Vladimir Putin has increased the size of the Russian military to over 1.5 million troops. The Russian government has also announced a significant rise in defense spending. The draft budget for 2025, sent to the Duma, includes a nearly 25% increase in defense spending and a 25.6% increase in funding for President Putin and his administration. Overall, 41% of all government expenditures are allocated to the military, amounting to $145 billion for 2025, marking a 30% increase in defense spending.