The Kremlin has denied reports that Vladimir Putin asked wealthy Russians to fund the war in Ukraine, dismissing the claims as false.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “It’s not true that Putin made such a request,” adding that a business figure had independently offered to donate a “very large sum” to the state.
“This was absolutely his initiative, and not President Putin’s. Although, of course, the head of state welcomed such an initiative,” he said.
The denial follows reports that Russia is facing mounting financial pressure, with defense spending rising sharply and new tax measures being considered to boost revenue.
