Heads of constituent entities of the Russian Federation have begun publicly reporting spending on the war against Ukraine in order to receive additional transfers in exchange for loyalty to the authorities.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine stated this on its website, Ukrinform reports.
"Throughout 2026, Russia’s regional leaders began speaking much more openly about spending on the war against Ukraine. Until recently, this topic was considered too sensitive: any mention of the billions sent to the front risked sparking discontent amid a crumbling public utilities sector, underfunded healthcare, and neglected infrastructure. Now the situation is reversed. Governors have made war expenditures the main focus of their reports, as if these were not necessary expenses but rather a source of pride," the statement said.
According to intelligence, this hits subsidized regions the hardest. There, total war-related spending, including off-budget financing schemes, reaches 18-20% of all available resources. Even in financially prosperous Russian regions, this figure does not fall below 10%.
In 2026, Krasnodar Krai allocated $231.6 million (RUB 17 billion) in its budget to support participants in the so-called "special military operation." Leningrad Region spent $327 million (RUB 24 billion) on war needs last year, not including contributions from big business, which is also being forced to pay.
