Putin signs off record Russian defence spending as top EU officials visit Kyiv

Sun Dec 01 17:10:27 UTC 2024: ## Russia Ramps Up Military Spending as Ukraine Receives Continued EU Support Amidst Ongoing Conflict

**Kyiv, Ukraine – December 1, 2024** – Russia has announced a record-breaking military budget for 2025, allocating over $145 billion (13.5 trillion rubles) to national defense, representing 32.5% of the total budget. This significant increase, up from 28.3% this year, comes as Russia continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its second year. The move underscores Moscow’s determination to maintain its military offensive, despite facing stiff resistance and substantial economic strain.

Meanwhile, new European Union leadership has reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine. European Council President Antonio Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited Kyiv on their first day in office, pledging continued financial aid, including €4.2 billion for budget support and €1.5 billion monthly from frozen Russian assets. This commitment comes amidst growing uncertainty about the future support from the incoming US administration under President Donald Trump. Mr. Costa assured that the EU’s support would continue regardless of US actions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of EU and NATO involvement in any future ceasefire negotiations with Russia, stating that Ukraine would not recognize any Russian occupation of its territory. He also urged the outgoing Biden administration to solidify support from any remaining European skeptics regarding Ukraine’s NATO membership. Zelenskyy reiterated his belief that offering NATO membership to territories under Kyiv’s control would end the active phase of the war.

The conflict continues to claim lives on both sides. Three civilians were killed in a Russian drone strike on a minibus in Kherson, while a child died in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Bryansk region of Russia. Further casualties were reported from recent attacks in Dnipro. Ukrainian officials also reported that dozens of Russian drones were intercepted overnight.