Russia's Ukraine War Bill: Death Benefits Consume 38% of Military Pay Budget

• Analysis reveals 38% of Russia's military pay budget is spent on death benefits for fallen soldiers' families.
• Russia's casualties are estimated to be twice as high as Ukraine's, often due to 'meat-grinder' assaults.
• Personnel costs, totaling 5.1 trillion rubles, account for 90% of Russia's annual budget deficit.
• Personnel expenditure is projected to rise from 3 trillion rubles in 2023-24 to 4 trillion rubles in 2025, indicating economic strain.
• Ending the war could free up 4 trillion rubles, potentially averting a budget crisis for Russia.