Russian Former Minister of Finance Alexei Kudrin in his interview with Dozhd said that Russia's military operation in Syria seems not to be very costly.
"I would call it advanced exercises as involving air force contingent serving. Now this is not so very expensive. Probably, even cheaper than in eastern Ukraine," said Kudrin. Earlier Russian Gosduma officialy stated that the Russian military action in Syria with last for some 3-4 months.
Ex-minister also noted that Russia should take part in the campaign against terrorism in the Middle East, as the threat is too high.
September 30 Russian Air Force struck the first airstrike in Syria. The bombing killed at least 30 people, including 12 children. Local media reported that there were no ISIS militants at that place, and aviation of the Russian Federation is bombing places where the opponents of the Assad regime are located.
According to the Stratfor experts, at least $2 bln from Russian 2015 budget went to sustain the military support in eastern Ukraine. Russia spends at least $5 bln annually to finance the quasi-states.