[Tee tiong huat]

Russian defense spending could reach 8.7% of its GDP, Putin says. Russia’s defense & security spending could rise 8.7% or more in gross domestic product this year, Putin said Wed in a meet with military commanders, state agency RIA Novosti reported, this is a big resource we are obliged to use it very efficiently & effectively,” Google-translation of quotes published by state news agency.

Social obligations to citizens, education and healthcare must continue despite added expenses, Putin said increasing amount of funds used for defense was a key reason for he appointing Andrei Belousov as new defense minister, appointeded earlier this week, replacing former defense minister Sergei Shoigu, who has in turn been made Secretary of Russia’s security council.