**Russia’s Military Spending Surpasses Europe’s Combined Defense Budget**
Russia’s military spending has reached a new high, driven by President Vladimir Putin‘s efforts to prepare the country for war. According to a new study, Russia’s total defense expenditures have now surpassed the combined defense budgets of all European nations.
The study by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) found that Russia’s defense spending surged by 42% in real terms in 2024, reaching 13.1 trillion rubles. When adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), this amounts to $462 billion. This is a significant increase from the previous year.
**European Defense Spending Trails Behind**
In comparison, total defense spending across Europe, including the UK and EU member states, increased by nearly 12% last year to $457 billion. While European defense spending has grown significantly since 2014, it still trails behind Russia’s budget.
The IISS report highlights key security concerns for Europe, especially in light of the potential for reduced US support for Ukraine and European defense. The report notes that if European defense spending were to rise to 3% of GDP, it would add an estimated $250 billion to current levels.
**Germany Increases Defense Spending**
Germany’s defense budget climbed 23% last year to $86 billion, surpassing the UK’s $81 billion for the first time in over 30 years. However, Germany’s increased defense spending was largely due to one-time disbursements from a special military fund, and maintaining that level of funding remains uncertain.
**US President Trump Pushes for European Defense Spending**
US President Donald Trump has pushed for Europe to dedicate 5% of its GDP to defense, significantly higher than the current average of roughly 1.7 percent. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has called for a target of 3%. Either figure would see European defense spending surpass Russia’s by a significant margin.
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