Author: dmitriy.vasyura@gmail.com

ISW: an increase in Russian military spending to 41% of the budget in 2025 does not guarantee an increase in military capabilities. A significant part of the funds will be spent on social payments, which may weaken the country's economy.

Analysts at the Institute for the study of war (ISW) believe that an increase in Russian military spending does not necessarily equal an unambiguous increase in military capabilities, but affects the effectiveness and sustainability of Russian social programs, which may affect the Kremlin's ability to continue the war in Ukraine. This is stated in the ISW report, reports UNN.

Details

As analysts remind, on December 1, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin signed a decree approving the federal budget for 2025 and the draft federal budget for 2026-2027.

In the budget for 2025, about 41% of Russia's annual expenditures are allocated for national security and defense. The ISW continues to assess that an increase in Russian defense spending, despite the danger, does not necessarily equal an unambiguous increase in Russian military capabilities, especially given that significant funds are being allocated to pay benefits to Russian soldiers, veterans, and their families. Russia's continued focus on defense spending is likely also affecting the effectiveness and sustainability of Russian social programs, which could affect the Kremlin's ability to continue the war in Ukraine, given the growing pressure on the Russian economy and Putin's observed tendency to avoid risking his regime's stability

– the report says.

addition

rossmi reported that yesterday, December 1, Putin signed the law on the budget of Russia for 2025 with record military spending under the item "National Defense".

Russian budget revenues are estimated at more than 40 trillion rubles. About 32.5% of the Russian budget was allocated for defense, which is 13.5 trillion rubles (more than доларів 145 billion). This is more than in 2024, when Russia allocated 28.3% of the budget for defense.

recall

In September, it was reported that Putin instructed the Russian government to prepare a budget with priority for defense spending. It is planned to increase military spending by 60% compared to last year, which will amount to 30% of the total budget.

At the end of September, the Russian government submitted a draft budget for 2025 with expenditures of 41.5 trillion rubles. It is planned to spend 6.31% of GDP on the war – more than 13.5 trillion rubles, which is 30% more than in 2024.

The Russian military has attacked Nikopol with drones and artillery, damaging residential buildings, cars, a power line and a gas pipeline.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote from Lysak: "A garage was destroyed. Six residential buildings, a car, a power line and a gas pipeline were damaged."

The aftermath of the Russian attack Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

Details: Lysak stressed that there were no casualties.

The aftermath of the Russian attack Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

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Відновлення 2.6 trillion should be invested by the end of the decade to restore degraded land and combat desertification. The private sector currently provides only 6% of the necessary funding.

To restore degraded land and combat the expansion of deserts in the world, it will be necessary to invest at least 2 2.6 trillion by the end of the decade. This is reported by the Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to combat desertification (UNCCD) Ibrahim Tov, reports UNN.

Details

Climate change, frequent droughts and growing food needs amid global population growth pose serious risks to the stability of societies.

Most of the roughly необхідних 1 billion a day needed should come from the private sector, Tiava said. Currently, this sector provides only 6% of the necessary funds, while the main burden of financing lies with public resources. LLC noted that the private sector, being the main driver of land degradation through food production, should be more actively involved in their restoration.

This global challenge requires immediate action and financial involvement from both governments and private companies.

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Russian and Syrian aircraft intensified bombing in the rebel-held northwest of Syria on 1 December.

Source: British news agency Reuters; Russian propaganda agency RIA Novosti

Details: Reuters, citing military sources, reported that Russian and Syrian aircraft struck the rebel-held city of Idlib in Syria’s north on 1 December.

Residents said one of the strikes hit a densely populated residential area in the centre of Idlib, the largest city in the rebel enclave near the Turkish border, where about four million people live in makeshift tents and dwellings.

Rescue workers reported that at least seven people were killed and dozens were injured. Syrian forces and the Russians claimed they were targeting rebel shelters, denying attacks on civilians.

On 30 November, Russian and Syrian planes bombed other towns in Idlib province that are fully under rebel control.

On 1 December, Syrian forces claimed recapturing several towns seized by rebels in recent days.

Meanwhile, rebels announced that they had advanced further south of Aleppo, capturing the town of Khansir in an effort to cut off the army’s main supply route to Aleppo. Rebel sources also reported taking control of Sheikh Najjar estate, one of the country's major industrial zones.

Separately, the Russian propaganda news agency RIA Novosti, citing the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria, claimed that the Syrian forces, with support from Russian Aerospace Forces, were repelling what it called "terrorist aggression" in Idlib, Hama and Aleppo provinces. Over the past day, they reportedly killed at least 320 rebels and destroyed 63 pieces of equipment.

The report mentioned missile and bomb strikes targeting rebel gatherings, equipment, ammunition and weapons depots, MLRS and artillery positions and command centres.

Background:

• Syrian authorities announced a "temporary withdrawal of troops" from the city of Aleppo in the northwest on 30 November to prepare a counteroffensive against the rebels.
• Reuters sources reported that the Syrian forces received orders for a "safe withdrawal" from key areas of Aleppo captured by the rebels.
• The sources added that Russia had promised Damascus additional military support to hinder the rebels, with new equipment expected to arrive within 72 hours.

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