Russia is increasing funding for its prison system. By 2035, around $3.8bn is planned to be allocated to the expansion and modernisation of prisons and pre-trial detention centres, instead of the previously envisaged $1.1bn.
This is reported by Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service.
The programme предусматривает the construction of 11 new pre-trial detention centres with capacity for 11,230 places, 14 high-security blocks, the reconstruction of existing facilities, and the building of 118 auxiliary sites.
The new facilities are planned to be built in several regions of Russia. In particular, the Moscow Region will see a pre-trial detention centre for 4,000 places. In Tatarstan, the creation of a multifunctional complex for 3,000 places has been announced, combining penal colonies and a pre-trial detention centre.
In 2025, a complex for 1,000 people was already opened in Kazan, comprising a pre-trial detention centre, general- and strict-regime colonies, a women’s colony and a juvenile correctional colony, as well as a section of a correctional centre. Two more combined complexes, each for 3,000 places, are planned for construction in Chita and Ulan-Ude.
At the same time, the number of prisoners in Russia is declining. In May 2026, Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service reported 282,000 people in places of detention, including 85,000 in pre-trial detention centres. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the reduction in prisoner numbers is primarily driven by the recruitment of convicted inmates for the war against Ukraine. At the same time, some large detention centres, especially in the capital regions, remain overcrowded.
The expansion of the prison system is taking place against the backdrop of intensifying political repression. According to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, since the start of 2026 at least ten political prisoners have died in Russian prisons, and around 50 people a day become subjects of politically motivated criminal cases.
Intelligence officials note that the new pre-trial detention centres and correctional complexes will enable the Russian authorities to hold more suspects and defendants, including during new waves of arrests.
At the same time, in the 2027 budget Russia plans to cut spending on the social sphere. Funding for social policy is set to fall by 7%, and for healthcare by 6.8%, to 7 trillion roubles.