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Russia's military spending exceeds that of all of Europe combined
Russia's military spending currently exceeds the combined defense budgets of all European countries.
Russia's military spending exceeds the combined defense budgets of all of Europe. Overall, Russia's military spending increased by more than 40% last year, the Financial Times reports.
Total Russian defense spending increased by 42% last year to 13,1 trillion rubles, equivalent to $462 billion.
European defense budgets, including the UK and EU member states, rose by almost 12% last year to $457 billion, slightly less than Russia's spending.
It is predicted that this year Russia's total defense spending — including so-called voluntary payments from regional authorities and companies — will increase by another 13,7% to reach 15,6 trillion rubles, equivalent to 7,5% of GDP or almost 40% of Russian federal spending.
