Putin Backs Trump’s Proposal
To Halve US-Russia Military Budgets
—Will China Follow? 
Economic Times

(February 25, 2025) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed a proposal from Donald Trump to cut military spending in half for both Russia and the US, stating Russia was “ready for a discussion.” Speaking in a televised interview, Putin called it a “good proposal.”

“I think it’s a good idea. The US would cut by 50 percent and we would cut by 50 percent, and then China would join if it wanted,” he said.

Russia’s military budget has surged since launching its Ukraine offensive in 2022. While boosting economic growth, it has also fuelled inflation. Defence and security spending is projected to reach 8.7% of Russia’s GDP in 2024. Despite the sharp increase, Putin indicated a willingness to negotiate.

‘We could come to an agreement with the US (on cutting spending), we’re not against it,” he stated. “We think it’s a good proposal and we are ready for a discussion about this.”

China’s Response to Military Spending Cuts
China has not directly responded to Trump’s proposal. When asked about the matter, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian pointed to the official readout of a recent phone conversation between Presidents Xi Jinping and Putin.