Official Russian government announcements or credible news sources

Putin Signs Decree for Autumn Conscription of 133,000 Amid $145 Billion Defense Budget Hike

Sep 30, 2024, 07:01 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to initiate the autumn-winter conscription campaign, calling up 133,000 men aged 18 to 30, three thousand more than last fall, for military service from October 1 to December 31, 2024. This conscription comes as Russia faces ongoing conflict in Ukraine and follows a 25.6% increase in funding for Putin's administration. Additionally, the Russian government has proposed a significant increase in defense spending for 2025. According to draft budget documents, defense spending will rise by 25% to approximately 13.5 trillion rubles ($145 billion), which is the highest level since the Cold War. This increase will see defense expenditures surpass social spending, with military spending accounting for about 41% of the total budget. The budget also includes provisions for technological sovereignty and social welfare commitments. The conscription targets individuals not in the reserve and comes amid reports of Russian military losses exceeding 650,000.