Russian President Vladimir Putin has unveiled his plans for Russia over the next six years, outlining budget priorities until 2030. These plans include addressing the demographic crisis, increasing life expectancy, and allocating significant funds to infrastructure, defense, and social programs. Putin aims to increase life expectancy in Russia to 78 by 2030, with a focus on improving healthcare facilities and services. The spending plans amount to 15 trillion rubles ($164 billion) and include allocations for hospitals, schools, and kindergartens [b7cbbbcc].
However, critics argue that Putin's priorities are skewed towards defense spending rather than social programs. They believe that the allocation of funds to defense may come at the expense of investments in social welfare. Putin's address also included strong rhetoric against the West and a declaration of readiness to use nuclear weapons. Experts suggest that Putin will continue to engage in alternative warfare through cyber and information warfare tactics, further isolating Russia and making it less attractive to the international community [b7cbbbcc].
While Putin is expected to win the upcoming election, the impact of sanctions and personnel losses from the war could pose challenges to his rule. Critics anticipate increased repression and efforts to control information that goes against the regime's message. Despite his victory in the election, Putin's rule may face growing strain as Russian society grapples with these issues [b7cbbbcc].