Russia Spends Nearly Half Its Budget on Military as Revenue Falls

Moscow promised to cut war spending in 2026. Instead, it raised it by 30%. Russia now pours 46% of its entire budget into the military, even as government revenue declines. That is according to a new assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The think tank’s report shows that the Kremlin is prioritizing military spending over other sectors, despite a shrinking financial base. The increase contradicts earlier pledges by Russian officials to reduce defense costs. The shift comes as the war in Ukraine continues to drain resources.