Russia is set to significantly increase its national defense expenditure in 2025, with a 23% rise from the previous year, according to draft budget documents released on Monday.
The budget for national defense will grow to 13.5 trillion roubles ($145.32 billion), up from 10.8 trillion roubles in 2024, marking a substantial investment in the country’s military operations.
Defense spending is projected to account for 32% of the total national budget, which is estimated to be 41.5 trillion roubles.
Finance Minister Anton Siluanov highlighted that the increase in defense spending reflects Russia’s continued prioritization of its military operations in Ukraine, referred to by Moscow as a “special military operation.”
This budgetary focus comes in the context of the ongoing conflict, which began in February 2022 and has since escalated, drawing international sanctions and increasing military expenditure.
Siluanov stated that military support and addressing the needs generated by the conflict will remain central to the Russian government’s fiscal strategy.
“We are ensuring that the necessary resources are available for the continuation of our special operation,” he said, emphasizing the importance of sustaining defense capabilities amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Despite the sharp increase in 2025, defense spending is forecast to decrease to 12.8 trillion roubles in 2026.
Approximately 10% of this allocation will be dedicated to payments for military personnel, underscoring Russia’s ongoing commitment to supporting its forces in the field.
CERN Ends Collaboration with Russian Scientists
In a related development, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) announced that it will end its collaboration with scientists from Russian institutions, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
CERN, known globally for its cutting-edge particle physics research and home to the Large Hadron Collider, will not renew its partnership with Russia when the current agreement expires on November 30, 2024.
This decision marks a significant step in the scientific community’s response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, which have strained relations across multiple sectors.
CERN, headquartered in Switzerland, has long been a hub for international scientific cooperation, and its collaboration with Russian scientists has been integral to various research projects.
The move to cease ties with Russian institutions will affect approximately 400 to 500 scientists, effectively cutting them off from participation in CERN’s initiatives.
Additionally, the organization has suspended cooperation with around 15 scientists from Belarus, another nation whose involvement in the Ukraine conflict has drawn international condemnation.
According to reports, many Russian scientists have already relocated to foreign institutions in an effort to continue their research.
It is estimated that about 90% of these displaced researchers have found new positions abroad, allowing them to maintain their involvement in projects previously connected to CERN and other international collaborations.
The termination of CERN’s agreement with Russia represents a growing trend of international isolation faced by Russian scientific and academic communities.
The loss of access to key research facilities, such as those at CERN, may have long-term impacts on the country’s scientific output and its ability to contribute to global research endeavors.
As Russia continues to focus on its military priorities, its scientific community faces increasing challenges, both at home and abroad.