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By SOFREP,

Russia is putting even more money into its military next year, with lawmakers approving a nearly 30 percent increase in defense spending on Wednesday.

That means a record 13.5 trillion rubles ($125 billion) will go toward “national defense,” surpassing what the country plans to spend on welfare and education combined.

And that’s not even counting classified or “domestic security” expenses tied to the war in Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin, who’s expected to sign off on the budget soon, has already said that Russia is spending close to 9 percent of its entire economy on defense—levels not seen since the Cold War.

The focus is on pumping out weapons and keeping frontline soldiers well-paid, even as ordinary Russians feel the pinch from rising inflation and a ruble that’s losing value fast.

The ruble, which used to hover around 75-80 per dollar before the Ukraine invasion, has now dropped to over 105, sparking concerns about the country’s economic health.

While the government is doubling down on military spending, businesses and households are left grappling with the financial strain.

Russia Hits Ukraine’s Infrastructure Ahead of Winter Freeze

Russia launched a “massive” overnight assault on Ukraine’s energy grid, causing emergency blackouts as freezing temperatures set in.

Ukrainian officials are calling it another wave of “terror tactics” aimed at leaving at least 1 million civilians in the dark and cold as winter looms.

Cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa faced missile and drone strikes, forcing energy providers to cut power in several regions to prevent further damage.

Ukraine’s energy minister said the attack hit infrastructure across the country, with air raid sirens blaring nationwide.

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Meanwhile, Russia appears to be stockpiling missiles for more winter strikes, escalating its strategy to wear down Ukraine’s defenses and civilian morale.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff labeled the attacks as deliberate warfare against civilians.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is grappling with manpower shortages and bracing for what could be the harshest winter since the war began.

********* This First Appeared in SOFREP

Russia Launches Massive Strike on Ukraine Ahead of Winter Freeze