Russia Heads for Record Military Spending in 2026

Russia is on course to record the highest military spending in its modern history in 2026, after President Vladimir Putin approved a major increase in funding for the war.

The rise signals a growing conviction in the Kremlin that the conflict in Ukraine could continue and intensify in the years ahead.

The spending plans point to preparations for a prolonged military commitment, rather than an expectation that the fighting will end soon.

The scale of the increase puts war funding at the centre of Russia’s budget priorities for 2026. No specific spending total or size of the increase was provided in the announcement details available.