https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/russia-to-sharply-increase-war-spending-and-cut-social-programsContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/russia-to-sharply-increase-war-spending-and-cut-social-programshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/russia-to-sharply-increase-war-spending-and-cut-social-programs#u103618Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:56:42 +0000Russia is shifting its economic priorities toward war efforts, planning record military spending for 2027. Budget documents indicate a 27% increase in defense spending, reaching an estimated $200 billion to $202 billion. To fund this expansion, the Kremlin is raising taxes and increasing borrowing while cutting funding for social programs, specifically targeting healthcare and education. This shift comes as the Russian government submits a three-year budget to the State Duma, with the 2026 deficit projected to reach $88 billion.Why it mattersThe budget shift follows increased Ukrainian long-ra