Internal Disagreements on Military Budget
Finance and Central Bank officials push for defense spending cuts.
Defense Ministry resists, demanding more funding for a 3 trillion ruble shortfall.
State budget deficit hit 5.9 trillion rubles in four months (2.5% of GDP).
National Wellbeing Fund reserves are 60% lower than pre-invasion levels.
Economy Ministry downgraded 2026 growth forecast to 0.4% due to recession risks.
Final budget decisions rest with Putin as the sole authority.
4 hours ago