Russia Heads for Record Military Spending in 2026

Russia is set 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 in allocations signals that Moscow is preparing to sustain its military effort in Ukraine rather than anticipating a swift end to the conflict.

The spending plans reflect a growing conviction in the Kremlin that the war could continue and escalate in the coming years. They point to a longer-term approach to financing the conflict.

The expected record marks a new high in Russia’s military commitments, with war funding remaining central to its spending priorities as the conflict’s future remains uncertain.