According to the adopted document, Russian dictator Putin plans to spend about 40% of all budget funds on defense and the security bloc. This is a record since the times of the USSR and a direct signal that peace is not part of the Kremlin's plans for the coming year. This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, as conveyed by UNN.
Details
Due to falling oil and gas revenues caused by sanctions, next year's budget is set with a deficit of 1.6% of GDP. To "plug the holes," social programs are being cut: their share is reduced to 25%, which is the lowest figure in the last 20 years.
The budget provides for the introduction of new taxes and fees. In particular, the VAT rate is increased to 22%. As a result, working conditions for small businesses are complicated, and additional payments are introduced for both companies and ordinary citizens.
The Kremlin is putting the country on a "wartime footing," strengthening the security apparatus and cutting everything not related to the army. This budget once again confirms that a protracted war remains a priority for the Kremlin, even at the cost of economic degradation and the impoverishment of its own population.
In fact, the Russian population will pay for the war. This will happen through tax pressure and the curtailment of social services, the CPD noted.
Recall
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin signed a law on the federal budget of the Russian Federation for 2026-2028, which provides for a deficit and a significant increase in funding for military and security spheres. Spending on the army and security will exceed social spending.