Vladimir Putin has announced new plans to fund his protracted war in Ukraine, drawing fierce backlash from Russians who want an end to the conflict.
Putin plans to boost Russia‘s defence budget next year, prolonging the war and taking spending to the highest level on record.
He plans to increase defence spending by 25 percent next year, pushing the total defence budget to a staggering 13.5 trillion rubles (£109bn).
Draft budget documents released on Monday on the parliament’s website detailed these plans, revealing that spending on defence and security will make up 40 percent of Russia‘s total budget.
Russian pensioner Irina, 70, expressed her “outrage” to AFP at the news, calling the increased spending a “crime” and telling the outlet that “we need to end this war”.
Another pensioner quoted by the outlet called the budget hike a “shame and a disgrace”, as Russia cannot afford to give money to help its poor children so should not be spending such large amounts on prolonging the war.
This comes amid Russian gains on the frontline in eastern Ukraine as troops have entered the centre of Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast.
Pro-Kremlin military bloggers have shared images on social media of Russian soldiers waving their country’s flag while standing on top of ruined buildings.
Ukrainian troops have been defending the city since the war broke out over two years ago as it’s a strategically important location in terms of advancing further north and reaching transportation hubs.
On Tuesday, Donetsk regional authorities announced that Russian troops had almost taken the city centre, with some reports saying Ukrainian forces were managing to hang on in some areas.
Donetsk regional head Vadym Filashkin announced on Tuesday that 100 civilians are still trapped in Vuhledar, compared to the city’s pre-war population of 14,000.
He said: “Thank God, we evacuated all children. Regarding the 107 people who are still there, it’s difficult to reach them and bring them humanitarian aid, drinking water, medicine because an active stage of war is under way.”
The military’s General Staff meeting on Wednesday morning said, “The enemy launched unsuccessful attacks on our positions in Bohoyavlenka’s direction”, without mentioning the situation in Vuhledar.