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Russia-Ukraine war expected to persist as Moscow rebuilds military capacity
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine shows signs of becoming a protracted war. US Pentagon official Elbridge Colby warned that Russia is actively rebuilding its military and defense industrial capacity, suggesting the war could last for months or even years. He urged European allies to increase their own defense spending and industrial production to support both Ukraine and their own long-term security needs.
In terms of military economics, data indicates Russia's war machine is heavily funded. In the first half of 2026, Russia allocated 10.687 trillion rubles to its military and defense industry, representing 43.8 percent of its federal budget. This spending has increased significantly compared to pre-war levels.
Security concerns are also rising on NATO's eastern flank. Ukrainian military intelligence chief Oleh Ivaschenko warned that Russia may increase provocations in the airspace of Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states to test NATO's response and undermine support for Kyiv. He cited a July 30 incident involving a Russian Ch-101 missile in Poland as a potential deliberate provocation.
Diplomatic efforts remain stalled. While US envoys recently traveled to Moscow and Kyiv, no major breakthroughs were reported. Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to demand full control over the Donetsk region as a condition for peace, a demand Ukraine has rejected.
Entities
Alexander Lukashenko · Belarus · Elbridge Colby · German Institute for International and Security Affairs · NATO · Oleh Ivaschenko · Pentagon · Russia · Vladimir Putin
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] European allies should increase defense spending and industrial capacity to support Ukraine and their own defense. forsal.pl · wiadomosci.gazeta.pl · ukdefencejournal.org.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Russia spent 10.687 trillion rubles on the military and defense industry in the first half of 2026. www.rmf24.pl
- [● 3 SOURCES] Russia is rebuilding its military forces and defense industrial capacity. forsal.pl · wiadomosci.gazeta.pl · ukdefencejournal.org.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] The conflict in Ukraine may persist for months or years. forsal.pl · wiadomosci.gazeta.pl · ukdefencejournal.org.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Vladimir Putin demands full control over the Donetsk region as a condition for any peace agreement. newsbit.nl
- [● 2 SOURCES] A Russian Ch-101 missile trajectory in Poland on July 30 indicated a deliberate action rather than an error. dzienniknarodowy.pl · wiadomosci.wp.pl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Military spending accounted for 43.8 percent of Russia's federal budget in the first half of 2026. www.rmf24.pl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Russia may increase provocations in Polish, Romanian, and Baltic airspace to test NATO's reaction. dzienniknarodowy.pl · wiadomosci.wp.pl