MOSCOW. Dec 28 (Interfax) - President Vladimir Putin has tasked the Defense Ministry with completing the formation of an optimal structure of military spending in the nearest future.
"I am drawing your attention: we should come up with an optimal structure of military spending in the nearest future. No more than 30% of the means should go to the maintenance of the Armed Forces, and about 70% to their equipment and development," Putin said at a Friday ceremony in the Kremlin that presented high-ranking officers taking new positions or receiving new military ranks.
"The task is complex. We have been speaking of it for many years, we are moving to it gradually, but it must be carried out," he said. "The new defense minister, the new Defense Ministry leadership should guarantee the effective use of resources received from the state," Putin said.