**Russia to Increase Defense Budget by 25% in 2025 Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict**

Russia is set to ramp up its defense expenditure by 25% in 2025, reaching a historic high amidst its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has emphasized that all objectives in the war will be met. A draft budget published on the parliament's website reveals that defense and security will comprise 40% of the total government outlay in 2025, amounting to a record $443 billion, as reported by the Guardian.

In this unprecedented budget, $144 billion is specifically allocated for national defense, marking an increment of approximately $32 billion from the current year's spending. To put this into perspective, the United States allocates about one-sixth of its federal budget to national defense. The considerable increase in Russia's defense funding signifies a major shift in the country's economic priorities, as stated by Russian outlet the Bell, highlighting that military and security expenses will surpass the combined budget for education, healthcare, social policy, and the national economy.

Conversely, social spending in Russia is projected to decline by 16% in 2025, coming down to $69.5 billion. This significant reduction underscores a reallocation of resources towards military capabilities. The proposal is still subject to the legislative process, requiring approval from both the lower and upper parliamentary chambers before it can be signed by President Putin, according to the Associated Press.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent appeals for continued assistance from the United States gain further urgency in light of these developments. As the conflict with Russia escalates, the stark increase in Russian defense spending underlines the growing intensity of the geopolitical situation.