Updated

Russia's government, under PM Mikhail Mishustin, submitted a draft three-year federal budget (2027-2029) to the State Duma on September 30, projecting combined deficits of nearly 16 trillion rubles and a 2026 shortfall of $88 billion, with a record 34.9% of 2027 spending classified. Reporting indicates roughly 44% of the budget goes to military and security agencies, even as the Kremlin has instructed state media to emphasize social benefits rather than military spending in coverage. Moscow is also expecting 471.4 billion rubles in 'voluntary' contributions from businesses toward the war effort. Amid rising war costs, several Russian regions have sharply cut death benefits for soldiers' families by up to 95%, even as St. Petersburg plans pay raises for officials and troops. The budget underscores the mounting financial strain of sustaining the war effort in its fifth year.