Germany’s foreign intelligence service (BND) has warned that Russia is spending far more on its military than officially reported.
Its analysis of Russian budget data showed that military spending in 2022 and 2023 was about 66% higher than the official figures.
The BND described this as “a tangible manifestation of the growing threat Russia poses to Europe.”
The agency noted that Russia defines defense spending differently from NATO, excluding costs such as social benefits for soldiers, military construction, and IT projects.
When these hidden expenses are included, Russia’s actual military spending in 2024 amounts to €202 billion instead of the officially declared €140 billion.
In the first quarter of 2025, spending rose to €163 billion compared to the official figure of €118 billion.
Overall, military expenditures in 2025 account for around 10% of Russia’s economic output and half of its total budget.
The BND stressed that these funds are not only used for the war in Ukraine but also to expand military capabilities, particularly along NATO’s eastern flank.
In October, BND President Martin Jäger told the Bundestag that Russia is determined to expand its influence westward in Europe.
He warned that Moscow would not shy away from direct military confrontation with NATO if necessary.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused Russia of carrying out cyberattacks, espionage, and sabotage against Germany and other European countries.
Sources – Agencies
