Putin approves military budget with 25% increase for 2025-2027

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a military-focused budget for 2025-2027, which includes a 25% increase in military spending. Nearly one-third of the budget will be secret, prioritizing military needs related to Ukraine. The new budget is described as the most secretive in post-Soviet history. It emphasizes military support and social and technological development. The government claims the budget is balanced, projecting a deficit of 0.5% for next year, down from 1.7% this year, while keeping state debt below 20% for the next three years.