Russia has spent $11.8 billion on Ukraine’s occupied territories: three times more than on its own 20 regions
Russia has allocated approximately $11.8 billion for infrastructure development in the occupied territories of southern and eastern Ukraine for the period 2024–2026.
This is nearly three times more than the total spending on similar projects in 20 regions of Russia itself, according to Reuters.
According to the agency, the funds are being directed toward road construction, the development of the railway network, ports, and mining facilities. In particular, since 2022, more than 2,500 kilometers of roads and railways have been built or modernized.
Specific projects include the construction of the “Novorossiya” highway, a bypass road around Mariupol, and the modernization of the ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk.
In addition, mineral deposits and other resources in the occupied territories are being put up for sale—a number of assets have already been sold, including a gold-polymetallic deposit in the Luhansk region.
Experts note that the scale of investments and the speed of project implementation indicate Moscow’s intention to establish a long-term foothold in the occupied territories.
As a reminder, the Kremlin has expressed hope for new negotiations with Ukraine.
The Kremlin also commented on the upcoming talks in the U.S. without Russia’s participation.
