What Russia Just Said About NATO’s Defence Budget Has Everyone Talking

Russia has announced plans to reduce its defence budget next year, even as NATO members boost their military spending.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the statement during a press conference on Monday, June 30, 2025, in Moscow.

He warned that NATO’s growing military budgets could destabilise the alliance rather than deter threats.

“A catastrophic increase in NATO defence budgets may lead to the collapse of this organisation,” Lavrov said.

His remarks follow comments by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who warned of an arms race.

Sikorski suggested such a race could eventually weaken Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hold on power.

Lavrov fired back, saying the real risk lies within NATO’s ranks, not Russia’s.

NATO members agreed to increase defence spending during a summit last week, largely under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Lavrov criticised what he called “Western fear-mongering” and said Russia poses no threat to NATO countries.

Still, Russia has spent heavily on its military in recent years.

In 2025, defence accounted for 6.3% of Russia’s GDP, the highest since the Cold War.

Military spending now makes up 32% of Russia’s federal budget.

Despite its own large defence budget, Moscow insists it is committed to strategic restraint.

Russia’s planned cuts are expected to take effect in 2026, though no exact figures were provided.

Lavrov did not explain which military sectors would see reductions.

Since launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has faced renewed tensions with NATO and the West.

NATO has strengthened its eastern flank and continued military aid to Ukraine.

Western leaders continue to describe Russia as a persistent threat to European security.

But Moscow denies any intent to attack NATO nations.

Both Washington and Moscow have warned that a direct NATO-Russia conflict could trigger global war.

Lavrov concluded his remarks by warning NATO leaders not to “overstretch” their resources.

“The alliance may collapse under the weight of its own military ambitions,” he said.

The comments come ahead of the next NATO strategic review, scheduled for August 2025.

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