Putin approves record defense budget as EU leaders visit Kyiv

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a record military budget for 2025, allocating 32.5% of the national budget, over $145 billion, to defense. This marks an increase from 28.3% in the current year, reflecting ongoing military efforts in Ukraine. European Council President Antonio Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited Kyiv, reaffirming EU support for Ukraine amid concerns about future U.S. assistance. They announced continued financial aid, including $4.4 billion for Ukraine's budget and monthly support from frozen Russian assets. In recent violence, three people were killed in Kherson from a Russian drone strike, while a child died in a Ukrainian drone attack in Russia. Ukrainian forces reported downing 32 out of 78 Russian drones launched overnight.