Increasing military spending of Russia is not necessarily tantamount to strengthening its military capacity, but it could affect the Kremlin's ability to continue the war in Ukraine. This is stated in a new report by the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), reports RBC-Ukraine.
On December 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree approving the federal budget for 2025. It allocates about 41% of Russia's annual spending on national security and defense.
At the same time, ISW explains that an increase in Russian defense spending, while dangerous, is not necessarily equivalent to an increase in Russian military potential. Especially given the fact that significant funds go to pay benefits to Russian soldiers, veterans and their families.
The Russian Federation's continued focus on military spending is also likely to affect the effectiveness and sustainability of the country's social programs, which could affect the Kremlin's ability to continue the war in Ukraine, given the growing pressure on the economy and Putin's observed tendency to avoid risks to the stability of power, says the ISW report.
Russia's 2025 budget law signed into law on Sunday and $145 billion in defense spending is a record amount Moscow has spent on war, analysts said.
ISW: Increasing Russia's Defense Spending Does Not Equivalent to Strengthening Its Military Capabilities
On December 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree approving the federal budget for 2025
Dec 2, 2024 12:53 413
