In a move reflecting the ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe, Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a new budget that marks record levels of military spending, with defense expenditures reportedly reaching a third of the national budget. The budget plan sets military spending at approximately $175.5 billion for the upcoming years. This decision coincides with a visit from top EU officials to Kyiv, where discussions regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict and security measures in the region are ongoing. As Russia continues to amplify its military budget amidst the conflict, the implications for regional stability and international relations remain significant.