Russia military spending hits record 10.6 trillion rubles in H1 2026

Russian military spending Ukraine war economy federal budget deficit war expenditures Janis Kluge

Russia's military expenditures reached a record high in the first half of 2026, totaling 10.687 trillion rubles. According to analysis by Janis Kluge of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, these costs represent a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2025 and a 145% increase compared to 2023.

On average, the Kremlin has been spending approximately 2.5 billion rubles, or roughly 28 million dollars, every hour on military needs. Military spending now accounts for 43.8% of the total Russian federal budget, a new historic high. Furthermore, approximately two-thirds of the military budget is classified as secret.

To manage the budget amidst declining oil and gas revenues, the Russian government has reportedly reduced civilian spending by one-third and implemented a 15% reduction in government agency staff.

Despite these economic pressures, including a growing budget deficit and labor shortages, Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Oleh Ivaschenko, estimates that Russia possesses sufficient resources to continue the conflict through 2027 or 2028. Ivaschenko also noted that Russia continues to suffer significant daily casualties, estimating between 1,200 and 1,500 soldiers killed or wounded each day.

Entities

Central Bank of Russia · German Institute for International and Security Affairs · Janis Kluge · Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation · Oleh Ivaschenko · Russia · Ukraine

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] Russia's military expenditures reached 10.687 trillion rubles in the first half of 2026. prv.mk · radiomoldova.md · tvrmoldova.md · news.yam.md · nezavisen.mk
[● 5 SOURCES] Military and arms production costs rose by 30% compared to the same period in 2025. prv.mk · radiomoldova.md · tvrmoldova.md · news.yam.md · nezavisen.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] The Russian government has reduced civilian spending by approximately one-third since the spring. prv.mk · nezavisen.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] Russia has sufficient resources to continue its war against Ukraine until 2027 or 2028. adevarul.ro · e-news.cz
[● 2 SOURCES] Approximately two-thirds of Russia's military budget is classified as secret. radiomoldova.md · tvrmoldova.md
[● 2 SOURCES] Russia suffers between 1,200 and 1,500 military casualties (killed or seriously wounded) per day. adevarul.ro · e-news.cz
[● 3 SOURCES] Military spending accounted for 43.8% of the total Russian federal budget in the first half of 2026. prv.mk · tvrmoldova.md · nezavisen.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] Russia spent approximately 2.5 billion rubles, or 28 million dollars, per hour on military needs. prv.mk · tvrmoldova.md · nezavisen.mk