Maroc - ENG.UATV.UA - A La Une - 31/12/2025 21:05

War Has Already Cost Russia $550 Billion — Ukrainian Intelligence

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the war has cost Russian taxpayers an estimated $550 billion, according to the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU). This amount is equivalent to 24 annual Russian higher education budgets or 22 healthcare budgets. The intelligence service notes that much of these expenditures are classified: 59% of the military budget is secret. In the first three quarters of 2025, 4.816 trillion rubles were spent on “open” budget items, while 7.038 trillion rubles were allocated to “closed” items. The classified portion increased by 39% year-on-year. “The Kremlin shifts the financial burden of war onto the population through new taxes and rising prices. With any anti-war criticism punished as ‘treason,’ the space for public dissent has almost disappeared,” SZRU stated. Prices for Russian citizens have continuously increased from 2022 to 2025. Key economic impacts include: Utilities: average costs rose 43%, with a further 14% increase planned for 2026. Fuel: prices increased 29–35%, with the trend expected to continue. Real estate: costs rose 50% between 2022–2025, projected to increase another 6–7% nationwide and up to 20% in Moscow. Food: dairy products rose 62%, meat 41%, with further substantial increases forecast for 2026. SZRU also noted the societal impact: 54% of Russians feel annoyed by New Year’s gifts related to self-development and healthy lifestyles, reflecting the economic pressure and public sentiment. As previously reported, Russian military losses from February 24, 2022, to December 31, 2025, are estimated at approximately 1,207,910 personnel, including 1,000 losses reported in the past 24 hours. The post War Has Already Cost Russia $550 Billion — Ukrainian Intelligence appeared first on Freedom.