Suleimanov Warns Economy Of Russia Cannot Bear War's 40% Budget Burden
Russia's economy of russia cannot withstand a prolonged continuation of the war in Ukraine, Renat Suleimanov said on May 19. The State Duma deputy said Moscow needs the swiftest possible end to what it calls its special military operation.
“Russia's economy will not withstand a prolonged continuation,” Suleimanov said in an interview published by Russian outlet Kontinent Sibir. For people tied to Russia's defense industry, the warning points to a budget that is already being pulled toward war spending instead of wages, civilian jobs, and investment.
40% budget share
Around 40% of Russia’s federal budget now goes to defense and security, Suleimanov said. He said military spending is feeding inflation while reducing social spending and investment, and he argued that military-sector goods have no consumer value.
The approved 2026 federal budget puts military spending at 12.93 trillion rubles, or $141 billion. Broader security and law enforcement expenditures are set at 16.84 trillion rubles, or $184 billion.
2026 spending gap
One and a half times as much is going to security and law enforcement as to total social spending, according to the budget figures cited in the interview. That gap leaves less room for civilian programs just as the war keeps absorbing a larger share of state resources.
Suleimanov said “a million people” will return to civilian life. He asked: “But what will happen to the people employed in the defense industry? To those currently under arms? A million people will return to civilian life. Where are the jobs, decent salaries, and social adaptation?”
Suleimanov's public warning
Agentstvo described the comments as likely the first public statement of this kind by a sitting State Duma deputy. Suleimanov, who represents Novosibirsk Oblast and has previously supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has also been placed under sanctions by the EU, the U.S., and the U.K.
For defense workers and soldiers heading back into civilian life, the practical issue is not rhetoric but placement: jobs, pay, and social adaptation must exist when the spending mix shifts. If war outlays keep crowding out civilian investment, the return from the front could meet a labor market that has less to absorb it.
