Russia has faced economic turbulence caused by sanctions imposed after Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that are aimed at choking Moscow's military machine. Strong GDP has been driven by high military spending amid predictions for harder times as inflation and high interest rates take their toll.

President Vladimir Putin said Russia plans to cut defense spending, acknowledging growing strains on the budget even as he insisted that reductions would depend on winning his war in Ukraine.

Russian ships and aircraft have reportedly been produced in higher numbers in recent months amid fears Moscow is preparing for a "longer-term conflict" with NATO, according to an expert, who highlight