Russia accelerates military advance in Ukraine, House of Representatives spends heavily on defense

On November 22, in a video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, Minister Andrei Belousov said that Russian forces in Ukraine have accelerated their advance.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belouso. (Source: Reuters)

Reuters news agency reported that the Russian Defense Ministry released a video recording Mr. Belousov visiting a Russian command post in Ukraine and awarding soldiers medals for bravery.

Earlier, on the evening of November 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that the country's military used the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile carrying a conventional warhead, designed to carry nuclear warheads, to attack Ukraine's Yuzhmash space equipment factory.

According to the Russian leader, Moscow is prepared to deal with any developments related to the conflict in Ukraine, although it always prioritizes and is now ready to resolve any disputes through peaceful means.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the Russian State Duma (lower house) approved a nearly 30% increase in defense spending next year with a commitment to spend even more on the special military operation in Ukraine.

This is an unprecedented increase in military spending since the Soviet era, aimed at producing missiles and drones as well as paying high salaries to hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

Earlier, President Putin said that Moscow spent nearly 9% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defense and security this year - the highest level since the Cold War.

According to Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, the spending plans "ensure all social obligations, solve development tasks and respond to the challenges facing our country."

The budget now needs to be approved by the Russian Senate before being signed into law by President Putin.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nga-day-nhanh-toc-do-tien-quan-o-ukraine-ha-vien-vung-manh-tien-cho-quoc-phong-294728.html