Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia is ready to negotiate a 50% reduction in military spending with the United States, supporting a proposal previously floated by Donald Trump.
"We are not against it. I think it is a good idea: the United States would reduce by 50 percent, and we would reduce by 50 percent," Putin said in an interview with Russian state TV.
But the Russian president made it clear that he would not extend the offer to China, stating that “this is Beijing’s business” and that China could join later if it chooses to.
Trump first mentioned the idea in mid-February, saying he intended to negotiate with Russia and China to cut defense budgets and nuclear arsenals after conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza are resolved. He argued that the three nations "have no reason to spend almost $1 trillion on military needs" and should redirect funds to more productive causes.
Despite supporting Trump’s proposal, Putin acknowledged Russia’s record-high defense spending, which has skyrocketed due to the war in Ukraine.
In 2025, Russia’s military budget will reach 13.49 trillion rubles ($146 billion), nearly double its 2023 spending. Military expenses now consume 32.5% of Russia’s national budget, up from 17% in 2022.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia remains the world’s third-largest military spender, behind the United States and China.
In 2023, military expenditures were:
United States: $916 billion (3.4% of GDP)
China: $296 billion (1.7% of GDP)
Russia: $109 billion (5.9% of GDP)
