Russia Boosts Military Spending 40% to Record $200B, Exceeding Soviet-Era Levels
Russia has increased its 2026 military budget by 40% to a record 17 trillion rubles (~$200B), surpassing Soviet-era spending in real terms. This signals sustained war mobilization and fiscal strain, though exact figures are unverified. The escalation underscores Russia's commitment to prolonged conflict and may pressure Western defense budgets.
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Russia's 2026 Defense Spending Surges to Record $200B After Putin-Trump Meeting
Russia's 2026 defense budget is projected to reach a record $200 billion (17 trillion rubles), a 40% increase over original plans and approximately $60 billion above previous estimates. This significant escalation in military expenditure, reportedly ordered by President Putin following an August 2025 meeting with Donald Trump in Alaska, signals a deepening fiscal commitment to sustained military operations, particularly in the Ukraine conflict. The exact breakdown of funding sources and the full implications for Russia's fiscal stability remain unclear.