Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved budget plans that will raise military spending to record levels by 2025 in order to support Moscow’s efforts in the war in Ukraine. Around 32.5% of the budget has been allocated for national defense, totaling 13.5 trillion rubles. Following approval by both houses of the Russian parliament, the State Duma and Federation Council, the plans will move forward.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been draining resources on both sides, with Kyiv receiving support from Western allies while facing a larger and better-equipped Russian army. New European Council President Antonio Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited Kyiv to show solidarity with Ukraine amidst doubts about U.S. support under Donald Trump.
In recent incidents, three people were killed in Kherson by a Russian drone strike, and the number of wounded in a missile strike in Dnipro rose to 24. Russian drones launched attacks in Ukraine and were met with retaliation, resulting in casualties on both sides.
A child was killed in a Ukrainian drone attack in Russia’s Bryansk region, and 29 Ukrainian drones were shot down in different regions of western Russia, according to the Defense Ministry. The situation remains tense as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates.
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