**Russia Approves Budget with Record Military Spending**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the country’s budget for 2025. The plan includes record levels of military spending over the next three years.
The Russian State Duma, the lower house of parliament, passed the law on the federal budget in November. According to the law, Russia will spend a record 13.5 trillion rubles ($126 billion) on national defense in 2025. This is more than 6% of the country’s GDP.
Spending on war and law enforcement agencies will be higher than spending on education, healthcare, social policy, and the national economy combined.
**Military Spending to Decrease Slightly**
The new three-year budget plans for military spending to decrease slightly in 2026-2027. In 2026, Russia will spend 12.8 trillion rubles ($114.9 billion) on national defense, and in 2027, the country will spend 13.1 trillion rubles ($122.4 billion).
**Budget Deficit Expected**
The total expenditures of the Russian budget next year are planned at 41.47 trillion rubles ($387.3 billion). This is higher than expected revenues, which means a budget deficit is expected.
**Ukraine Approves Budget with High Defense Spending**
Meanwhile, Ukraine has also approved its state budget for 2025. The plan includes spending Hr 2.2 trillion ($53 billion) on defense, which is 26.3% of the country’s projected GDP.