Russia announced plans to increase its defense spending by a staggering 68% next year, channeling vast resources into its ongoing offensive in Ukraine in what it has called a "hybrid war" provoked by the West.
This decision comes in the midst of a conflict that has entered its 20th month, and in which both sides have been intensifying their efforts and acquiring weapons from their respective allies in preparation for a protracted conflict.
A significant increase in military spending
The announcement of the increase in Russian military spending comes at a time when NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and the defense ministers of Britain and France visited Kiev.
During his visit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged for more air defense systems to protect energy infrastructure and people's lives, especially in the winter season.
Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's newly appointed defense minister, stated that they are prepared to face the challenges of winter. Ukraine has been seeking to acquire more Western weaponry, including longer-range missiles, to counter Russian forces and advance into Russian-controlled territory.
Challenges in the conflict
Despite launching a counteroffensive in June, Ukraine has acknowledged slow progress due to strong resistance from heavily fortified Russian positions. Despite the challenges, Stoltenberg said Kiev is gaining ground in its fight against Russian forces, although he acknowledged the fierce fighting Ukrainian forces are facing.
The conflict has been protracted and has led Russia to increase arms production and allocate significant resources to its military machine.
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This comes despite persistent inflation and a weak ruble in the country. According to the Ministry of Finance, defense spending will increase by more than 68% year-on-year, reaching almost 10.8 trillion rubles (about $111.15 billion), surpassing even the spending allocated to social policy.
"Hybrid warfare" and focus on national defense.
The Kremlin has defended this increase in military spending by arguing that it is necessary because of the "hybrid war" unleashed against Russia.
This increase in defense spending will exceed approximately three times the combined spending on education, environmental protection and health care.
The Ministry of Finance has stated that this approach is part of promoting national development goals, including strengthening the country's defense capabilities and integrating regions that Moscow claims to have annexed last year.
Economic and geopolitical impact
Despite the Kremlin's efforts to minimize the economic impact of the offensive in Ukraine, the Central Bank of Russia has warned of a slowdown in economic growth in the second half of 2023.
In addition, ordinary Russians have been affected by price increases.
Russia' s military spending plans were unveiled during the visit of Stoltenberg and other Western defense ministers to Kiev, where they discussed the possibility of providing more military aid to Ukraine.
The visit took place ahead of the First Kiev Defense Industries Forum, where Ukrainian officials met with representatives of defense companies and foreign countries.
Despite progress in the conflict and economic challenges, both Russia and Ukraine have remained committed to maintaining a firm position in this protracted struggle.
The international community remains attentive to developments in the region, aware of the geopolitical importance and implications of this ongoing conflict.
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