Russia Increases 2026 Military Spending to Record 17 Trillion Rubles
Vladimir Putin ordered a record increase in military spending to 17 trillion rubles after diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine failed.
Russia is projected to spend a record 17 trillion rubles, approximately $199 billion, on its military by the end of 2026. This figure is roughly 40 percent higher than original government projections. Vladimir Putin ordered the spending surge after determining in January that diplomatic efforts led by the United States failed to produce an acceptable peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.
The shift follows an August 2025 meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump that had initially raised hopes for a negotiated settlement. To fund the increase, the Russian government has relied on gold sales and increased domestic borrowing, which has pushed the projected 2026 budget deficit to over 7 trillion rubles.
Alongside the budget increase, Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Putin has also warned European officials that while Russia does not plan to attack Europe, any direct assault on Russian territory would force Moscow to consider its full range of weapons.
