Introduction

In a move that underscores the relentless nature of the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has unveiled an unprecedented defence budget for 2025, which allocates a staggering 13.5 trillion rubles (about C$179.5 billion). This allocation represents a hefty 32.5% of the entire government budget, marking an alarming escalation in military spending at a time when the conflict has steadily consumed resources on both sides for nearly three years now.

Overview of the New Military Budget

This new military budget has surpassed the previous record by approximately C$39.9 billion (three trillion rubles), indicating Moscow’s commitment to bolstering its military presence in the face of sustained resistance from Ukraine. The budget does forecast a minor decrease in military expenditures for the years 2026 and 2027, suggesting a potential pivot in strategy, subject to the evolving dynamics of the war.

Current State of the War in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has intensified, being declared the most significant conflict in Europe since World War II. Recently, Russian forces have made tactical gains at critical points along the frontline, particularly in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops previously achieved notable successes.

A War of Attrition

This protracted battle has become a war of attrition, where both Ukraine and Russia are locked in a struggle to exhaust each other's resources. Ukraine has consistently faced challenges with both equipment and personnel, although recent military aid from Western allies—such as a hefty pledge of over half a billion euros in new military equipment from Germany—has provided vital support.

International Support for Ukraine

International support for Ukraine is robust, with significant commitments from Western nations. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently visited Kyiv for the first time in over two years, pledging nearly 650 million euros (about C$960 million) in military hardware to reinforce Ukraine’s defenses. Scholz reiterated Germany's role as a key supporter of Ukraine, even as tensions with Ukrainian officials surfaced after his remarks about engaging with Putin.

Russia’s Challenges

While Russia enjoys a larger population than Ukraine, it is grappling with severe battlefield losses, raising concerns about its recruitment efforts. The last mobilization attempt drove hundreds of thousands of men to flee the country, highlighting the growing reluctance among Russians to participate in the war effort.

Unconventional Support from North Korea

In an unconventional partnership, North Korea has dispatched thousands of soldiers to bolster Russia's forces on the frontlines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that approximately 11,000 North Korean troops have arrived in the conflict-affected areas, with some of the weaponry used by Russian forces reportedly sourced from North Korea, including nearly a third of the ballistic missiles fired at Ukraine this year.

Conclusion

While these newly recruited troops may provide temporary assistance, the long-term challenges posed by resource limitations and battlefield losses could prove to be a crippling blow for Russia. As the war rages on, both nations are left to navigate the treacherous landscape of military strategy, economic stability, and international relations. Stay tuned as this story continues to develop!