Fact Check: Russia's defense spending is at its highest since the Cold War.

Fact Check: "Russia's defense spending is at its highest since the Cold War."

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that Russia's military expenditure has reached unprecedented levels, marking the highest spending since the Cold War. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia's military spending was estimated at $149 billion in 2024, reflecting a 38% increase from 2023 and doubling the level seen in 2015. This expenditure accounted for 7.1% of Russia's GDP and 19% of the total government spending. The SIPRI report also noted that military spending in Europe, including Russia, rose significantly, with all European countries except Malta increasing their military budgets in 2024.

Additionally, the Russian government has planned for a further increase in military spending for 2025, estimating a budget of 15.5 trillion rubles (approximately $140 billion), which represents a real-terms increase of 3.4% over 2024 and is projected to account for 7.2% of GDP (SIPRI). This trend is consistent with findings from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), which reported that Russia's military expenditure outpaced that of all European countries combined.

Analysis

The claim that Russia's defense spending is at its highest since the Cold War is supported by multiple credible sources. The SIPRI report highlights a significant increase in military spending across Europe and particularly in Russia, driven by ongoing military engagements, notably the war in Ukraine. The reported figures of $149 billion in 2024 and the planned increase for 2025 corroborate the assertion that Russia's defense budget is at a historical peak.

Furthermore, the IISS report emphasizes that Russia's military expenditure has not only surpassed that of European nations but has also seen remarkable growth since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. This context is crucial, as it illustrates the strategic shifts in military funding in response to geopolitical tensions. The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputations in defense analysis and military economics.

However, it is important to note that while the figures are substantial, the transparency of Russia's budget can be questioned. As highlighted in the SIPRI analysis, a growing share of military spending lies outside the traditional defense budget, complicating assessments of actual military expenditure. Despite this, the overall trend of increasing military spending is clear and well-documented.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Russia's defense spending is at its highest since the Cold War" is substantiated by credible data from reputable sources. The significant increases in military expenditure over recent years, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, support this assertion. The evidence indicates that Russia's military spending has reached levels not seen since the Cold War era, reflecting both a strategic pivot and a response to heightened security concerns.

Fact Check: Russia's defense spending is at its highest since the Cold War.