Russian President Vladimir Putin has authorized a historic allocation for national defense, dedicating nearly one-third of the government’s budget to military spending as the protracted conflict in Ukraine strains resources on both sides. The 2025 budget, published on Sunday, earmarks approximately $126 billion (13.5 trillion rubles) for defense, accounting for 32.5% of government expenditure. This marks an increase of about $28 billion (three trillion rubles) compared to the previous year’s record budget.

 

The ongoing war, often characterized as a grinding war of attrition, continues to sap resources from both nations. Ukraine, despite being outmatched in terms of material and manpower, has benefited from substantial support from its Western allies. On Monday, Germany pledged over half a billion dollars in new military aid, including equipment slated for delivery in December. However, the future of U.S. support remains uncertain as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.

 

While Russia possesses a larger arsenal, greater ammunition reserves, and a more extensive pool of personnel, the prolonged conflict has imposed significant economic and social burdens. Inflation in Russia is surging, and businesses are grappling with labor shortages. In an attempt to stabilize the economy, the Russian Central Bank raised interest rates to 21% in October, the highest level in decades. Meanwhile, the nation has significantly increased military spending over the past two years, exacerbating economic pressures.

 

Ukraine continues to rely heavily on foreign military assistance. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a prominent supporter of Ukraine, recently announced a package of military equipment valued at over $684 million (€650 million). Despite receiving substantial aid, Ukraine faces challenges in countering Russia’s superior resources and enduring battlefield losses.

 

Russia, too, is experiencing difficulties with recruitment and troop retention. The last partial mobilization prompted hundreds of thousands of Russian men to flee the country, highlighting the growing reluctance among the population to join the war effort. Furthermore, battlefield losses have compelled Russia to seek external support. In November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers had been deployed to Kursk to assist Russian forces. 

 

Additionally, North Korea has supplied weaponry to Russia, with Ukrainian defense officials reporting that nearly a third of ballistic missiles fired at Ukraine this year originated from North Korea. While these reinforcements may temporarily bolster Russia’s capabilities, the material losses incurred in the conflict remain difficult to replenish.

 

As the war drags on, the strain on both nations continues to grow, with no clear resolution in sight. Russia’s record-breaking defense budget underscores its determination to sustain the conflict, but it also highlights the immense cost of its ongoing campaign in Ukraine.

 

Based on a report by the CNN 2024-12-03

 

 

 

Don't get me wrong but $126 billion is chicken feed. The US figure for "defense" of their borders (with Canada and Mexico, as far as I know) is $882 billion (eight hundred and eighty two billion USD = 882,000,000,000) but yes smaller countries (USA compared to Russia) need much more money to splurge around in all those conflicts all over the world - except defending their own border, for which a "defense" budget is normally applied. 

Too many loonies running this world and, certainly, Putin is one of 'em! Let's see, what 2025 brings once Trump moved back into the colourless house on 20 January next month! 

This just shows how weak and feeble Russia actually is.

It could'nt defeat its closest neighbour despite having an overwhelming superiority in weapons, men and money.

And all the while we have to listen to the bs about how Russia will invade the Baltics or Poland next and what a threat they are.

We've heard this for donkeys years yet the reality is that Russia only poses a threat to themselves by thinking that they can recreate the Russian empire.

 

12 trillion dollars worth or rare earth minerals, that is what the US (blackrock, ...) wants, pretending to rebuild the country after...

 

 

Sep 16, 2024 — US Senator Lindsey Graham says Ukraine is a “gold mine” with $12 trillion worth of critical minerals, which the West “can’t afford to lose”.

58 minutes ago, john donson said:

12 trillion dollars worth or rare earth minerals, that is what the US (blackrock, ...) wants

 

Any idea of what Russia wants? Because, let me remind you, that it is Russia that invaded Ukraine, first in 2014 and then again in 2022 (and not the US).

And Sen. Lindsey made it clear that rare earths are the reason why Russia invaded Ukraine.

Ukrainian resources shall belong to Ukrainians and to no one else.

 

By the way, you didn't even get your number right:  Sen. Lindsey clearly stated that the value of rare earths is estimated (by the Ukrainian government) in 2 to 7 trillion dollars, not 12.

 

 

Edited December 3, 20241 yr by AndreasHG

Record defense / military budgets  

 

How's that different from any other country that does the 'end of days' war mongering fear BS.

 

It's called inflation of war toys, and idiots, sheeple, giving up their tax $$$ believing all the BS.

 

EU, RU, CN, USA are all too intertwined trade & economics wise to have a very unprofitable war.

 

Wouldn't surprise me if the call each other and plan fake news blips and responses to scare the sheeple and laugh all the way to the bank.

 

Hard to believe people still fall for all this BS.  Y'all haven't figured out there will always be middle east conflicts to keep the price of oil up, when the reality is, many countries don't even need oil from the middle east or RU.

 

Oil sanctions against RU & IR, but yet, plenty of sales & buyers of.

 

The 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council are also some of the largest weapon suppliers ... nuff said

 

Want to end wars ... Stop selling the toys of wars 

 

Edited December 3, 20241 yr by KhunLA