Russia's war against Ukraine is costing more and achieving less: UK statement to the FSC
What was announced
Politico-Military Counsellor Arron Newble says Russia is spending a growing share of its budget on the war for limited gains, and asks how this fits its Code of Conduct commitments.
Key points, in the publisher's words
- Thank you, Mr Chair. The United Kingdom remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and for a just and lasting peace. We also fully support Allies’ efforts to challenge destabilising activity on NATO territory: the latest example being Romania’s exposure this week of a Russian sabotage network responsible for an arson attack in Brasov on 14 September.
- Last week, Russia devoted much of its statement to the cost of supporting Ukraine. It claimed that the money of Western taxpayers does not go to Ukraine’s defence. It then closed by declaring that the achievement of Russia’s objectives is “inevitable”. Mr Chair, if Russia wishes to discuss the cost of this war, we welcome that discussion. But it should begin with the State that started it.
- First, the distinction matters. Ukraine is exercising its inherent right of self-defence, which the Code of Conduct reaffirms. Its partners are supporting that defence; despite Russia’s efforts to deter them from doing so. Russia, by contrast, is financing a war of aggression against a fellow participating State. That directly contradicts its commitment that no participating State will attempt to impose military domination over another. The two cannot be equated.
Figures in this announcement
Each line is quoted from the original. Figures are as the publisher stated them on the day.
- “Last month, Russia’s Ministry of Finance doubled its forecast for this year’s budget deficit, to 3.2% of GDP.”
- “The liquid assets of its National Wealth Fund have fallen to around 1.6% of GDP, from 7% before the full-scale invasion.”
Who and where
UK bodies of power
- Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK government department) · more news
- Fire Service College (other) · more news
- National Wealth Fund (executive non-departmental public body) · more news
Global and regional bodies
Countries
Where this sits in the 10 levels of power
- Level 8: The UN and global treaty bodies · news at this level
- Level 6: National government · news at this level
Topics, as GOV.UK files them: Foreign affairs.
Receipt
- Original: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/russias-war-against-ukraine-is-costing-more-and-achieving-less-uk-statement-to-the-fsc
- Published 2026-10-28 13:28:52 UTC
- Read by this site 2026-10-28 13:30:14 UTC from GOV.UK
- Saved copy: receipt 3730, with its SHA-256 fingerprint
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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