The volume of Russia’s state debt will grow as the government needs the funds to support the economy, Deputy Finance Minister Irina Okladnikova said at a meeting of the Federation Council Committee on Budget and Financial Markets on Tuesday.

According to the official, the authorities will work to contain the debt level to under 20% of GDP, but additional borrowing is necessary, reports RT.

“We have to support the military sector, and our four new regions need substantial investment. Therefore, we will increase the debt, but we will try to stay within… a safe boundary, which we have set for ourselves at 20% of GDP.”

Okladnikova noted that the government has been forced to borrow more funds internally as the country’s ability to borrow abroad has been reduced due to Ukraine-related Western sanctions.