Putin boosts defence spending amidst Ukraine conflict escalation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a significant increase in military spending for 2025, marking a record allocation of 13.5 trillion rubles (over $145 billion).

This figure represents approximately 32.5% of the overall national budget, an increase from 28.3% in the previous year.

The Russian parliament recently endorsed these plans amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which has been intensifying since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

European Council President Antonio Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas have visited Kyiv

Meanwhile, European leaders, including new European Council President Antonio Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, have visited Kyiv, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine. They pledged financial assistance, including €4.2 billion for Ukraine’s budget and €1.5 billion in monthly support derived from frozen Russian assets.

During a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Costa emphasized the EU’s determination to stand by Ukraine, regardless of potential changes in U.S. administration.

Zelenskyy asserted that any future negotiations with Russia should involve EU and NATO representatives, emphasizing the importance of these alliances for Ukraine’s security.