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Putin approves record defense budget as EU leaders show support in Kyiv

The war has severely affected both Russia and Ukraine, draining their resources.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a new military budget plan that increases defense spending for 2025 to record levels.

The new budget will allocate 32.5% of the total, which is about 13.5 trillion rubles (over $145 billion) to national defense. This is a significant rise from last year’s 28.3% allocation.

The new defense budget was approved by Russia's parliament, the State Duma, and the Federation Council, which voted in the past 10 days. The increased spending comes as Russia continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. This invasion is the largest conflict in Europe since World War II.

The war has severely affected both Russia and Ukraine, draining their resources. Ukraine has received billions of dollars in support from its Western allies, including the United States and European countries. Despite this, Russia’s military remains larger and better equipped. In recent months, Russian forces have been slowly pushing Ukrainian troops back, especially in the eastern regions of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently suggested that the “hot phase” of the war could end if Ukraine is given the opportunity to join NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO is a group of 30 countries that support each other for defense purposes.

In response, Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden, spoke on Sunday. He stated that Ukraine’s future should be decided by Ukraine itself, not imposed by the United States or any other country. Sullivan said that the Biden administration is committed to providing Ukraine with the tools it needs to defend itself. He also said the goal is to help Ukraine succeed on the battlefield so that it can negotiate peace when the time comes.

Meanwhile, new European Union leaders have shown strong support for Ukraine. Antonio Costa, the President of the European Council, and Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, visited Kyiv on Sunday. This marks their first day in office, and they used the opportunity to send a powerful message of solidarity to the people of Ukraine.

Costa posted a photo of himself and Kallas with EU Enlargement Chief Marta Kos on social media. He wrote that from the very beginning of the war, the EU has stood with Ukraine. Costa reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s people, despite growing concerns over what may happen under a potential future U.S. administration led by Donald Trump.

On the ground in Ukraine, violence continues. In Kherson, a southern city in Ukraine, a Russian drone attack on Sunday killed three people and injured seven others. The attack targeted a minibus, and local authorities have confirmed the deaths.

In Dnipro, a city in central Ukraine, a missile strike on Saturday killed four people and injured 24. Seven of the wounded are in serious condition. This attack shows that the war’s impact continues to be devastating for civilians.

Russia also launched 78 drones into Ukraine on Saturday night. Ukrainian officials reported that 32 of these drones were destroyed. Another 45 were likely disabled by electronic interference. Meanwhile, in Russia, a Ukrainian drone strike in the Bryansk region near the Ukrainian border killed a child, according to local officials.

The fighting is not limited to Ukraine. In the western regions of Russia, Russian authorities reported that 29 Ukrainian drones were shot down by Russia’s defense forces. These drones were intercepted in four regions: Bryansk, Kaluga, Smolensk, and Kursk.

As the war in Ukraine continues, both sides are suffering heavy losses. Russia’s decision to increase military spending shows its commitment to continue fighting, while Ukraine is still pushing for NATO membership to end the conflict. International leaders continue to show support for Ukraine, but the situation remains tense as both countries battle for control.

 

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