On June 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow is planning to reduce its military spending starting in 2026, a declaration that directly contrasts with NATO’s goals to increase defense budgets to 5% of GDP by 2035. During a visit to Belarus, Putin stated, ‘We are planning to reduce defense spending. For us, next year and the year after, over the next three-year period, we are planning for this.’ However, many Western officials are skeptical about these claims, as Russia’s military expenditures have been increasing, with the country surpassing the combined defense budgets of all European nations in 2024, according to recent reports.
Putin’s remarks were met with scrutiny by the Kyiv Independent, which could not independently verify the president’s claims. Putin did not provide specific details on the proposed budget cuts, nor did he offer any insight into how the reductions would be implemented. Instead, he used the opportunity to assert that Europe is preparing for aggressive actions, while Russia remains the one defending against potential threats. This comes at a time when NATO states are increasingly concerned about Russia’s military capabilities, with senior officials warning that the Kremlin could rebuild its military force to challenge the alliance within five years.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently emphasized the urgency of preparing for future threats, stating during a press briefing on June 23 that ‘Our security environment has changed, and not for the better. The threats we face today demand that we do far more.’ This sentiment aligns with several European intelligence leaders who have issued dire warnings about the escalating threat from Russia. German intelligence chief Bruno Kahl, for instance, warned in October that Russia could attack NATO by 2030, underscoring the growing concern among European nations about the potential for renewed conflict.
The Kyiv Independent’s report also highlighted recent developments regarding Russia’s military spending, noting that the country’s defense expenditures surged by 42% in real terms last year, reaching an unprecedented total of $462 billion. This figure outpaced the combined defense budgets of all European nations, which totaled more than $457 billion in 2023. Such figures have drawn attention from international observers, with the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) noting that Russia’s military spending is a significant concern for global security.
Despite these indicators of increased militarization, Putin’s remarks suggest an internal debate within Russia about the country’s long-term defense strategy. While some officials have suggested that there is yet to be an agreement on the specific details of the proposed cuts, the rhetoric from the Kremlin has been seen as a signal of a broader shift in the country’s military policy. However, the reality of Russia’s ongoing military operations in Ukraine and the vast resources committed to these efforts have complicated the notion of a substantial reduction in defense spending, especially as the war continues to place immense pressure on the Russian economy.