On November 27, 2023, Russia** Putin signed a sensational draft military budget plan in the Kremlin, officially approving an unprecedented and significant increase in military spending.
The move sparked a strong reaction from Western countries and NATO, who saw Russia's military expansion as a threat to Europe's security and stability and called on Russia to return to the table and avoid further escalation of tensions.
However, Putin said that Russia's increase in military spending is to defend its sovereignty and interests and will not succumb to NATO threats and sanctions.
Russia** documents reveal that Moscow's finances have been heavily burdened by increasing spending on the war in UkraineRussia has doubled its defense budget for 2023 to more than $100 billion, accounting for one-third of public spending.
The document revealed that Russia has already consumed 57 percent of the new military budget target since the beginning of the year4%。The data shows thatBy the end of the first half of 2023, Russia's defense spending was 12% higher than originally planned for the whole year, spending 600 billion rubles more.
The introduction of the draft plan for Russia's military budget is taking place against the backdrop of the ongoing escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since 2014, Russia has been supporting pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, exchanging fire with Ukrainian ** forces.
In March 2014, Crimea was referendum on its secession from Ukraine and into Russia. Ukraine refused to accept the results of the referendum, and Western countries, represented by NATO, condemned and sanctioned Russia on the grounds of "annexation".
Since the beginning of this year, the situation in Ukraine has become tense again, and Russia has amassed a large number of troops and ** on the Ukrainian border, arousing the West's vigilance and worry.
The West has accused Russia of the possibility of an "invasion" of Ukraine, threatening to impose "unprecedented" sanctions on Russia. Russia, for its part, denied the accusation, stressing that it has the right to move troops within its territory to defend its territory.
The signing of the draft plan for Russia's military budget immediately provoked a strong reaction from Western countries and NATO.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in an interview that Russia's increase in military spending is "irresponsible and dangerous" and that the United States, together with allies and partners, will impose a "heavy price" on Russia.
He also called on Russia to return to the dialogue table, abide by the Minsk agreements and stop military threats against Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also expressed concern about the increase in Russia's military spending. He said that Russia's military expansion threatens the security and stability of Europe, and NATO will continue to strengthen its deterrence and defense against Russia while maintaining openness to dialogue.
He also said that NATO supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty and called on Russia to respect Ukraine's options for European and Atlantic integration. ³
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell also expressed concern about Russia's increased military spending.
He said that Russia's military action has increased tensions in the Ukraine crisis, and that the EU will maintain close coordination with the United States and NATO to put pressure on Russia to resume dialogue and negotiations.
He also said that the EU will continue to provide political, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and support its reform and modernization process.
In the face of the reaction and attitude of Western countries and NATO, Russia** Putin said that Russia's military spending has increased to defend its sovereignty and interests, and will not succumb to NATO threats and sanctions.
He said that Russia is a peaceful country that does not seek conflict with any country, but also does not allow any country to violate its territory and security.
He also said that Russia's increase in military spending is in response to NATO's constant expansion and provocationsNATO has arrived at Russia's doorstep and even wants to include Ukraine and other countries in its system, this is Russia's red line, and Russia will not sit idly by.
Putin also said that Russia is not opposed to dialogue with Western countries and NATO, but demands that the other side respect Russia's legitimate interests, stop hostile actions against Russia, and establish a partnership of equality and mutual trust.
He said that Russia has put forward a series of security proposals to Western countries and NATO, including not deploying short- and medium-range missiles in Europe, not providing military assistance to Ukraine and other countries, and not conducting military exercises on Russia's borders Xi.
He hopes that Western countries and NATO will seriously consider these proposals and respond to them at the talks to be held early next year.
In the future, dialogue and negotiations between Russia and Western countries and NATO will be the key to reducing tensions, but it will also face many obstacles and challenges. Russia's relations with Western countries and NATO will have an important impact on peace and security in Europe and the world.