Putin signs off on record Russian defense spending as top E.U. officials visit Kyiv
As the conflict rages in Ukraine and top E.U. officials tread delicate ground in Kyiv, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s latest move sends a resounding message. With a bullish decree, Putin has greenlit a gargantuan defense budget, the highest in the nation’s history. Moscow’s military might, already a formidable force, is now set to grow even more formidable, casting a shadow over the ongoing negotiations and diplomatic efforts.