Putin denies asking business leaders to finance the war in Ukraine
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- The Kremlin denied reports that President Vladimir Putin asked Russia’s richest businessmen to fund the war in Ukraine, clarifying that any donation offers were made independently by individuals, not requested by Putin.
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that one business leader offered a large personal donation during a recent meeting, which Putin welcomed but did not solicit, and the funds were not intended specifically for the war effort.
- Reports by independent Russian outlet The Bell claimed Putin urged entrepreneurs to help cover growing wartime financial gaps, amid a significant increase in Russia’s defense budget and ongoing military expenditures.
- Russia’s defense budget has surged by 42 percent to 13.1 trillion rubles (€130 billion) in the past year, prompting the government to consider additional fiscal measures such as windfall taxes and increased VAT to support its finances.
- Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov suggested a potential new windfall tax if the ruble weakens further, following a one-off levy on big businesses and a VAT hike earlier this year to boost state revenue.
