Russianomics

Russian military spending surges by 30% in early 2026, raising doubts about budget plans

With classified expenditures at a record high, nearly half of all federal budget spending went to the military in Q1 2026.

Jun 12 • Janis Kluge

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Federal budget data shows 71,216 new contract soldiers in Q1 2026, lowest in 3 years

The latest federal budget data confirms a slowdown in recruitment to around 800 per day in Q1, but newer regional data shows stabilization at closer to…

Jun 9 • Janis Kluge

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April 2026

Russian recruitment fell by 20% in Q1/2026

Despite further increases in sign-on bonuses, Russian recruitment fell to approximately 800 per day in early 2026. Meanwhile, regions paid compensation…

Apr 12 • Janis Kluge

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February 2026

Russia’s consolidated budget deficit reached almost 4% of GDP in 2025

As Russian regions shoulder more war costs and social security funds are depleted, the consolidated budget balance has deteriorated far more than…

Feb 7 • Janis Kluge

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November 2025

Russian federal buget: Military spending and recruits in Q3

Russia's spending data for Q3/2025 shows no slowdown in military spending. Also, the recruitment puzzle from Q2 has been solved.

Nov 17, 2025 • Janis Kluge

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Russia's unrealistic budget plan

Officially, Russia expects a budget deficit of 2.6% of GDP this year. It will be closer to 3.5% of GDP unless a miracle happens.

Nov 11, 2025 • Janis Kluge

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Russian recruitment and casualties in Q3 / 2025

According to regional data, Russian recruitment is still stable. Several regions lowered their bonuses. Payouts to families of killed soldiers indicate…

Nov 11, 2025 • Janis Kluge

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October 2025

How many Russian soldiers died - according to regional budgets?

This post presents a new method for estimating the number of Russian fatalities based on budget spending in certain Russian regions. The results appear…

Oct 15, 2025 • Janis Kluge

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September 2025

Russia still recruits 1,000 soldiers per day, but costs continue to rise

Recent increases in sign-on bonuses in several regions suggest mounting pressure to boost the number of recruits.

Sep 5, 2025 • Janis Kluge

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August 2025

New & improved Russian budget browser

The latest version allows you to analyze federal budget laws and execution data from 2018 to 2025, as well as filter by military spending.

Aug 11, 2025 • Janis Kluge

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Writing off regional debt to fund the war

Moscow is allowing Russian regions to write off up to 2/3 of their debt. While the official goal of the program is to enable more investment in housing…

Aug 2, 2025 • Janis Kluge

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July 2025

Russian recruitment: The first half of 2025

Recruitment has slowed down from the ~40,000 per month seen in March and April to slightly below 30,000 in May and June. Russia has spent at least $4…

Jul 4, 2025 • Janis Kluge

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