Putin’s Record Defense Budget Signals a Long War Ahead

Nearly a third of the government’s overall spending would go toward the military in 2025, according to a record-breaking defense budget approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite escalating defeats on the battlefield and increasing economic difficulties at home, the Kremlin is determined to continue its war in Ukraine, which is currently in its third year, as evidenced by the budget of an astounding $126 billion (13.5 trillion rubles).
Russia’s new defense budget tacks on an additional $28 billion to military spending, marking a significant jump from this year’s allocation. At 32.5% of total government spending, it’s the largest defense budget in the country’s history. The 2025 figures show just how committed Moscow is to its military ambitions, even with slight reductions expected in 2026 and 2027.
Lawmakers in both houses of parliament quickly approved the budget, solidifying Russia’s focus on its war priorities. But this level of spending raises important questions about the long-term sustainability of such an approach, especially given the heavy toll the war has already taken on the Russian economy and society.

The war in Ukraine has turned into a brutal stalemate, with both sides locked in a grueling battle. Russia, armed with a larger arsenal and more manpower, continues to press offensives in key areas like the Kursk region. But the prolonged conflict is wearing on Russia. Inflation is skyrocketing, industries are struggling with labor shortages, and the Central Bank has had to hike interest rates to a staggering 21% to keep the economy from overheating.
Ukraine, while heavily reliant on Western aid, continues to fight back with determination. This week, Germany announced an additional $684 million (€650 million) in military aid, including much-needed equipment scheduled to arrive in December. For Ukraine, international support remains a lifeline as it struggles to match Russia’s resources.
Despite having a larger population, Russia is struggling to recruit enough soldiers. Last year’s partial mobilization backfired spectacularly, triggering a mass exodus of hundreds of thousands of men fleeing the country to avoid being conscripted. In an unusual move, Russia has turned to outside help to fill the gaps. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently claimed that about 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to the Kursk region to support Russian forces. Also, North Korea has reportedly provided a significant share of the ballistic missiles used in Russia’s attacks on Ukraine this year.
These reinforcements might give Russia a temporary boost, but the strain of mounting losses—both in manpower and resources—is becoming impossible to ignore. The massive increase in defense spending is taking a serious toll on Russia’s economy. Inflation is eating away at household incomes, businesses are grappling with labor shortages, and the overall economic pressure is only growing. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to benefit from strong backing by its Western allies. But uncertainty lingers about how long that support will last.
Russia seems to be gearing up for a long, drawn-out war, but whether it can handle the mounting economic and political strain is far from certain. Putin’s record-breaking defense budget makes it clear that Moscow is digging in for the long haul. Both Russia and Ukraine are grappling with their own challenges. Yet, despite the toll on both sides, neither appears ready to step back anytime soon. Putin’s budget might buy Russia more time, but whether it leads to victory—or further isolation—remains to be seen.
By Ioana Constantin