Russia’s 2026 outlook: war spending climbs as reserves drain
Both may be right—and that’s exactly the problem. “Russia has the upper hand. And they always did. They’re…
Browsing Tag
Russian budget
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Gold, once untouchable, becomes Russia’s financial lifeline
Central bank reverses decades of stockpiling to plug $48 billion hole.
Russia has 18 months of war funding left—and China just said no
How long can Russia’s economy last? Economist breaks down the timeline
Putin’s budget exposes who pays for Russia’s war economy
Kremlin staff get $18M in raises while World Bank predicts Soviet-style economic stagnation.
Russia to spend $183 billion on defense and security in 2026
Russia plans to reduce defense spending by $2.4 billion in 2026. The shift comes as the Kremlin faces declining oil revenues and increased reliance on value-added taxes to fund its security apparatus.
Russia raises taxes as $59.7B deficit grows
Russians face a VAT increase while Putin dismisses the 5 trillion ruble budget hole, breaking the promise of no tax rises until 2030.
As sanctions bite, Russia’s war chest nears empty by Christmas
The Russian economy is not collapsing, but it is stagnant and suffering high inflation. And this economic decline could be a tipping point, because Russia may run out of liquid reserves, prompting the Kremlin to cut public expenditures.
Russia accidentally admits what it denied for three years: war is breaking its economy
Russia just admitted something it has spent three years denying: the war is breaking its economy. According to Russian Finance Ministry data, Moscow’s federal deficit hit $62 billion by July — already 25% over its yearly target with five months still to go.
Russia’s energy revenues crash by 19% as war devours civilian budget
With gas exports to Europe halved and oil profits plunging, the Kremlin raids its welfare fund while fueling the front.
Putin approves 2025 budget with massive defense spending, potentially cutting social programs
The Kremlin's latest budget reveals a strategic allocation of resources that could impact social program sustainability.
Putin approves record defense spending for 2025 as EU leaders visit Kyiv to show Ukraine support
Russia commits to record military expenditure, representing 32.5% of the 2025 budget, to sustain its ongoing war in Ukraine.
UK intel: Russia proposes 25% defense budget increase, social cuts in 2025
The draft budget has a 16% cut in social spending, prioritizing military funding amid 9% inflation and economic challenges from excess demand, per UK intelligence.
ISW: Russian officials emphasize social spending but increase 2025 defense budget to $ 140 billion
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin emphasized the fulfillment of "all social obligations to citizens," even as defense spending is set to consume 40% of the federal budget.