Russia not going to cut defense spending in 2026 — Reuters

The government of the aggressor country russia does not plan to cut defense and security spending. The budget for 2026 includes 8% of gross domestic product (GDP).

It was reported by Reuters, citing its own sources.

An unnamed source told the agency that the russian leadership does not plan to cut defense spending in 2026. According to him, a reduction to the levels that existed before the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine is not worth expecting.

In 2027, russia will probably cut spending, but only if the active phase of hostilities is completed.

"Even with a ceasefire, shells and drones will still need to be made, but on a slightly smaller scale. There will be no return to the level that existed before the 'special military operation'," Reuters quotes the source as saying.

The confrontation will continue, the army and spending on armaments will be greater, the publication says.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, in June this year, russian dictator vladimir putin acknowledged rising inflation in russia. The country will supposedly fight this by reducing defense spending.

Recall that russia's defense budget in 2025 was a record high since the Cold War.