Russia's Military Spending in 2026
In the first quarter of 2026, Russia's military expenditures hit an all-time high of 5.9 trillion rubles ($83.2 billion), representing 46% of the national budget. This marks a 29.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The costs of the Russian army have grown so immense that they now consume two-thirds of all government revenue.
For the first time, the share of military outlays in Russia's state budget has exceeded 46%. This means that nearly every second ruble spent from the budget goes to the armed forces. Russia's war machine is burning through 2.7 billion rubles per hour ($38 million), equivalent to daily expenses of 65 billion rubles ($916 million) and monthly costs of 2 trillion rubles ($28.2 billion). Compared to the first quarter of 2024, spending has surged by 68.7%, and relative to 2023, the increase stands at 129%. Since the onset of hostilities in February 2022, military expenditures have grown 4.6-fold.
Classified Expenditures and Financial Strain
Classified spending has also risen by 43%, reaching 4.9 trillion rubles, which accounts for 38.2% of all federal outlays. Approximately 85% of these classified expenses are tied to military needs. Over the entire period of the war, Russia has spent a cumulative total of 53 trillion rubles ($746.6 billion).
Despite record-breaking military spending, Russia's oil and gas revenues dropped by 45% in the first quarter of 2026, falling to 1.44 trillion rubles. Total state revenues amounted to 8.3 trillion rubles, highlighting severe financial difficulties. Notably, since 2026, servicing Russia's national debt has become more expensive than combined spending on healthcare and education.
As a result, Russia's military expenditures in 2026 continue to climb against a backdrop of declining income, raising concerns about fiscal stability and government priorities. The increase in military spending amid shrinking revenues may signal looming challenges in other areas, such as social programs, healthcare, and education, underscoring the complexity of the country's economic situation.
Amid international isolation and economic sanctions impacting the Russian economy, future financial decisions could carry significant consequences for both domestic policy and Russia's international relations.
As military expenditures continue to soar, Putin's refusal to reduce defense spending raises questions about the sustainability of Russia's financial strategy amidst dwindling oil revenues. This highlights the growing tension between military priorities and the country's economic stability.