Source: ISW
Details: Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin signed a decree approving the federal budget for 2025 and the draft federal budget for 2026-2027 on December 1.
The budget for 2025 allocates approximately 41% of Russia’s annual expenditures for military needs.
Verbatim: "ISW continues to assess that the increase in Russian military spending, while dangerous, does not necessarily equate to a simultaneous increase in Russian military capability, especially considering that a significant portion of the funds is directed toward benefits for Russian servicemen, veterans, and their families."
Details: Analysts point out that Russia's ongoing focus on military expenditures is likely impacting the effectiveness and sustainability of Russian social programs, which could affect the Kremlin's ability to sustain the war in Ukraine, given the mounting pressure on the Russian economy and Putin's tendency to avoid risks to the stability of his regime.
Key takeaways from ISW for December 1:
- Reports indicate that the Russian Ministry of Defense has replaced Lieutenant General Sergey Kiselyov with Colonel General Alexander Chaiko, who will return to the position of commander of the Russian group of forces in Syria, although it remains unclear how Russian operations in Syria may change.
- On December 1, Putin signed a decree approving the federal budget for 2025 and the draft federal budget for 2026-2027.
- Russian state media reported that the Russian military command has appointed Colonel General Rustam Muradov as the first deputy commander of the Russian Ground Forces.
- The Georgian opposition continues to contest the legitimacy of the ruling party "Georgian Dream" following its suspension of negotiations regarding Georgia's accession to the European Union.
- Ukrainian forces have recently advanced in the Kursk region, while Russian troops have made gains near Pokrovsk and Huliaipole.