Russia discloses direct war spending for the first time, estimating over $137 billion in 2025

Russia’s federal budget spending “directly related to the special military operation” is set to reach 5.1 percent of the country’s GDP in 2025, according to a presentation shown by Defense Minister Andrey Belousov at a ministry meeting on Wednesday.

Based on the Economic Ministry’s forecast of 217.3 trillion rubles ($2.7 trillion) in GDP for 2025, Russia’s total war-related expenditures reached approximately 11.1 trillion rubles ($137.9 billion).

The outlet Faridaily notes that this marks the first time the Russian Defense Ministry has disclosed direct spending on the war against Ukraine. Previously, the authorities only publicized figures under the “national defense” budget category, a broader line item that includes not only current military expenses but also investments in construction, the development of new weapons systems, and other costs.

Total spending under the “national defense” heading in 2025 amounts to 13 trillion rubles ($161.5 billion), exceeding the government’s spending on “social policy” and “national economy” combined.

Belousov also said at the meeting that about 410,000 people enlisted for contract military service in 2025, surpassing the ministry’s recruitment target for the year. He added that nearly two-thirds of new recruits were under the age of 40.