Russia to raise defense spending by 30% next year...an estimated 193 trillion won.

Russia, which is at war with Ukraine, has decided to increase its defense spending by nearly 30% next year.

The Russian House of Representatives passed the budget with an overwhelming approval in the first review.

According to this budget, Russia's defense budget next year will reach 13.5 trillion rubles and 192.5 trillion won in our money, which is larger than the combined welfare and education costs.

AFP estimates that Russia's total military spending next year will reach 40% of the government's budget, including domestic security budgets and confidential expenses.

The budget plan will go through a second review on the 14th of next month.

The increase in defense spending comes as Russia, which has been at war for three years, is expanding its occupation of eastern Ukraine.

Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov explained that the increased funds would be used to buy weapons and equipment, pay for soldiers and social support for military families.