Putin will not 'make concessions' as Russia appears to be preparing for 'multiple further years' of war in Ukraine, international affairs expert says

• Russia is planning to increase its defense spending by 30%, leaked documents show, per UK intel.
• This suggests that Moscow is preparing for the war in Ukraine to carry on for years.
• Observers believe that Russia is hoping Western support for Ukraine will wane.

Russia is planning to dramatically increase its defense spending, suggesting it is preparing for the war in Ukraine to carry on for years, the UK Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence update on Sunday.

Moscow is planning to increase its defense spending by up to around 30% of total public expenditure in 2024, documents "apparently leaked" by Russia's Finance Ministry suggest.