August M
Moscow’s latest financial disclosures are drawing scrutiny from analysts who say the numbers tell a clear political story. Despite talk of negotiations, Russia’s own data suggests its priorities remain firmly focused on the battlefield.
A Latvian military officer says the scale of spending leaves little doubt about the Kremlin’s intentions.
Budget disclosure
According to figures released by Russia’s Ministry of Finance, planned defence spending for 2025 stood at 11.1 trillion rubles, roughly $137.8bn. The data covers direct military expenditure and was made public in official budget reporting.
National Guard Captain Māris Bruža highlighted the figures during the TV24 programme Current Affairs on the Hostilities in Ukraine, arguing that they contradict any suggestion that Moscow is preparing for peace talks, reports LA.LV.
“Looking at those numbers… they are not at all ready for peace talks,” Bruža said.
Share of the economy
Russia’s defence minister, Andrei Belousov, has acknowledged that military spending now accounts for about 7.3% of the country’s gross domestic product. Bruža said the real total is even higher than initially stated.
“The total figure shown in the report is 30 billion more than what was mentioned. 167.7 billion was actually spent,” he said.
According to his assessment, close to 80% of Russia’s defence budget is now being used directly to support the war.
Priorities unchanged
Bruža argued that the figures reflect President Vladimir Putin’s strategic focus. “Putin is interested in territory, money is less important,” he said, suggesting economic strain has not altered the Kremlin’s objectives.
Military analysts have previously noted that sustained spending at this level over several years represents a massive allocation of national resources.
The question, Bruža said, is what else that money could have achieved.
Missed alternatives
“If such sums were directed to military purposes for four years in a row, Russia could have used this money to implement huge infrastructure projects,” Bruža said.
He offered a blunt comparison to underline the scale of the expenditure. “Russia could have turned St. Petersburg into Dubai, so that everything would be nice there,” he said.
Instead, he added, decisions continue to be driven from the top.
No internal restraint
Bruža suggested there is little appetite within Russia’s leadership to challenge the current course. “But unfortunately, the ‘bunker’ has his own plans,” he said, using a common reference to Putin.
“And no one has been able to convince the ‘bunker’ because it seems to be beneficial to everyone there.”
The spending figures, he argued, reinforce the view that Moscow is preparing for prolonged conflict rather than compromise.
Sources: TV24, Russian Ministry of Finance
