RUSSIALINK: “Putin announces cuts to defence spending in 2018” – RIA Novosti

(RIA Novosti – August 15, 2017)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced cuts to defence spending in 2018 as a part of next year’s federal budget, state-owned news agency RIA Novosti reported on 15 August.

“I would like to recall that significant savings are under review for next year’s budget, and incidentally, by means of reducing spending on defence. This is not linked to any curtailment of our plans to re-equip the army and navy. We will fulfil the state defence order and come up with a new programme,” Putin said during a meeting with State Duma deputy and head of the ruling United Russia faction in the lower house of parliament, Vladimir Vasilyev.

Putin noted the need for parliamentarians to be careful when considering issues arising during the preparation of next year’s budget.

“This relates to defence, security, the economy, economic support, the social sector, healthcare, salary levels, citizens’ income, especially in the public sector, for so-called ‘unspecified’ categories of citizens. I request that you pay attention to this,” Putin added.