Russia plans to allocate an unprecedented 41% of its federal budget to security and defense in 2025, signaling an intensifying focus on its military amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, this increase, while significant, may not directly translate to enhanced military capabilities, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Budget Highlights: Military Spending Takes Center Stage
On December 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the federal budget for 2025, setting aside 41% of expenditures for defense and security—a historic high, up from 38.6% in 2024. The budget also includes provisions for law enforcement and support for military personnel and their families, Deutsche Welle reported.
Despite the surge in funding, ISW analysts caution that the allocation may not yield proportional military advancements. A significant portion of the budget is earmarked for benefits to soldiers and veterans rather than for bolstering combat effectiveness. The analysts noted that prioritizing defense spending could weaken Russia’s social programs, potentially undermining public support amid economic strains and a protracted war effort.
More Read
Frontline Developments: Advances and Challenges
Russian forces have continued their offensive operations, making gains in the Pokrovsk sector and other areas:
Pokrovsk Sector: Russian troops advanced slightly north of Zhovte and reportedly captured the village of Petrivka. However, ISW indicates this area may have been seized in November.
Southwest Pokrovsk: Claims of progress near Novopustynka and Novotroitske remain unverified.
Zaporizhzhya Front: Geolocated footage from December 1 shows Russian advances in Dorozhnianka, near Huliaipole.
Donetsk Oblast: The DeepState monitoring group reported advances in Kurakhove and near Novyi Komar and Berestove.
Intensity of Combat
Vitalii Lytvyn, commander of an artillery reconnaissance unit in Ukraine’s National Guard, provided insight into the brutal conditions on the battlefield. He described Russian tactics of relentless infantry assaults supported by artillery and aviation, targeting both frontline positions and logistical hubs.
“We neutralize waves of enemy soldiers, but within minutes, new groups arrive, stepping over the bodies of their comrades,” Lytvyn said, highlighting the grueling nature of the conflict. He added that Russia’s use of guided bombs and multiple rocket launch systems makes defending areas like Pokrovske increasingly difficult, especially with weather conditions impeding drone operations.
What This Means for Ukraine and Beyond
Russia’s record military spending for 2025 underscores its long-term commitment to the war in Ukraine, but the economic and social costs could strain domestic stability. On the battlefield, relentless offensives continue to test Ukraine’s defenses, particularly in regions like Pokrovsk and Zaporizhzhya.
As the conflict persists, the interplay between Russia’s military ambitions and its economic sustainability will remain a critical factor in determining the trajectory of the war and its broader implications.
Catch the latest updates and insights on the evolving situation in Ukraine here.
