Russian donors contribute billions to state budget amid war costs

Russian business leaders and individuals have contributed approximately 383.69 billion rubles (about 3.9 billion euros) in voluntary donations to the Russian state budget this year. This figure is significantly higher than previous totals, aimed at supporting the ongoing war in Ukraine and addressing the country's large budget deficit.

Reports indicate that these contributions followed appeals to the business community in March. While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied that President Vladimir Putin personally requested the funds, officials such as Igor Sechin, head of Rosneft, have called for financial support for the war effort. The funds are expected to help offset rising military expenditures as the conflict enters its fifth year.

In a related development regarding political opposition, a 41-year-old German citizen was detained in Saint Petersburg. He is accused of financing an extremist organization after making three small donations, totaling approximately 900 rubles, to Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) several years ago. The German Foreign Ministry is providing consular assistance to the individual.