Russia's defense spending reaches record high, surpassing health care and education combined

Russia's defense spending for 2025 will reach a record high of 137 billion euros, accounting for 32.5% of the national budget. This marks an increase from 28.3% in the current year. The new budget prioritizes military and security forces over health care, education, and social policy combined. This shift reflects ongoing efforts in the war with Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Recent attacks in Ukraine resulted in multiple casualties, including three deaths in Kherson from a drone strike. In response, Ukraine reported the destruction of 32 Russian drones during a recent attack.