Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is costing Russians £10m an hour – according to new figures.
Russia It is believed to have allocated 5.3 billion rubles to weapons and personnel so far in 2024 – which translated to around £10.06 million for every hour of the conflict so far this year.
The figures, from German analyst Janis Kluge, represent a 54% increase compared to 2023 and a 126% increase since 2022 – the year Russia launched its full-scale invasion of its smaller neighbor.
Reasons for the increased spending may include the need to pay more “incentives” for volunteers to fight on the front lines — which has already cost the lives of tens of thousands of Russians.
Russia is also spending money to bring weapons and equipment from other countries, including Iran and North Korea, according to Kluge.
The analysis reports that Russiawhich exports oil and natural gas as a major part of its economy, could face trouble maintaining its war budget if oil prices fall globally.
The new figures come as Putin’s forces counterattack Ukrainian troops occupying areas of RussiaKursk region.
In an update on Sunday morning, a UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “Russia continued a rapid pace of offensive operations in several areas of the front line.
“In RussiaKursk Oblast, where Ukraine maintained control of approximately 800-900 km² of territory since mid-August 2024, Russian forces launched a counteroffensive.
“Led by airborne and naval infantry units, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions in the western salient and likely retook several villages.
“In the east UkraineRussian forces made gradual advances around Vuhledar and southeast of the logistics hub of Pokrovsk.
“However, Russia has not advanced significantly towards Pokrovsk in the last week.”