Russia’s true military spending is vastly higher than the Kremlin admits, according to German intelligence, fuelling alarm across Europe about the scale of Moscow’s rearmament.

Germany’s foreign intelligence service says Russia poured roughly €250 billion into its military last year — around 66% more than officially reported.

Hidden in Plain Sight

The assessment by the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) accuses Moscow of masking defence costs by burying them in civilian budget lines.

Military IT programmes, defence ministry-linked projects and support for soldiers’ families are routinely recorded outside the formal defence budget, the agency said. The result is a distorted picture that understates the true burden of war.

“In these figures, the growing threat to Europe from Russia is concretely materialising,” the BND warned.

A Budget on a War Footing

The numbers chart a steep climb since the invasion of Ukraine. Spending stood at about €78 billion in 2021, rising to €106 billion in 2022 and €136 billion in 2023.

By 2024 it had hit €202 billion. This year, German analysts estimate it has surged to €250 billion — close to 10% of Russia’s GDP, far above NATO’s 2% benchmark.

Beyond Ukraine

Berlin says the build up is not solely about Kyiv. The BND believes substantial resources are also being channelled towards reinforcing Russia’s posture along NATO’s eastern flank.

BND president Martin Jäger has previously warned that Moscow aims to weaken NATO and destabilise European democracies.

Europe Responds

The findings land as parts of Europe scramble to boost their own defences. Germany has pledged to ramp up military spending in response to what it sees as a long-term strategic shift in Moscow.

For European capitals, the message is stark: Russia’s war economy is deeper — and more enduring — than the Kremlin lets on.

German intelligence: Russia’s real budget deficit is magnitudes larger than the Kremlin’s claims

German spies arent very good historically. Just an observation, Carry on

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

German spies arent very good historically. Just an observation, Carry on

Trolls are undeniably no better here on AN or the web in general !

In almost every direction Trump has continued his egotistical campaign attempt to establish himself as some sort of superior political entity.

Sadly it is becoming increasingly evident he is a loose canon being encouraged by a variety of opportunists who possess no better mental capacity to comprehend the reality of consequences.

58 minutes ago, 0ffshore360 said:

n almost every direction Trump has continued his egotistical campaign attempt to establish himself as some sort of superior political entity.

He is, under the benign rule of the Israelis of course

1 hour ago, 0ffshore360 said:

Trolls are undeniably no better here on AN or the web in general !

In almost every direction Trump has continued his egotistical campaign attempt to establish himself as some sort of superior political entity.

Sadly it is becoming increasingly evident he is a loose canon being encouraged by a variety of opportunists who possess no better mental capacity to comprehend the reality of consequences.

It's comical that your reply to this topic is: TRUMP!

Eye for an eye ?

Ben Gvir and Bibi's brother deceased?