Russia increases defense spending for 2027
The Russian government has finalized a draft budget for the upcoming year, which includes a significant increase in defense spending to over £150 billion. This move is intended to bolster the ongoing military campaign in Ukraine. Russian officials, including Maria Zakharova, stated that this escalation is a direct response to continued Western military support for Kyiv, which Moscow claims is prolonging the conflict and preventing a diplomatic resolution.
Date: October 2, 2026
Location: Eastern Europe, Russia
Conflict: Russia-Ukraine War
Category: sanctions
Severity: HIGH
Source: The Independent