Putin approves record military budget as EU officials visit Kyiv

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a budget plan that raises military spending for 2025 to a record 13.5 trillion rubles (over $145 billion), up from 28.3% to 32.5% of the national budget. This increase comes as Russia continues its war in Ukraine. European Council President Antonio Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited Kyiv, emphasizing the EU's support for Ukraine. Their visit coincides with growing uncertainty about future U.S. support under a new administration. In recent violence, a Russian drone strike in Kherson killed three people, while a missile attack in Dnipro resulted in four deaths and 24 injuries. Ukraine's air force reported the destruction of 32 out of 78 Russian drones launched overnight.