Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a budget increasing 2025 military spending to record levels, with 32.5% allocated for national defense, totaling over $145 billion. This comes amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Europe’s largest conflict since WWII. Meanwhile, new EU leaders, including European Council President Antonio Costa, visited Kyiv, pledging continued support for Ukraine. Costa emphasized the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine since the war’s onset, amid uncertainties about future U.S. support under a new administration.