The tax burden in Russia may increase in the future, says a top government official.

      Speaking at the Winter Grain Conference, Andrey Klepach, deputy head of the Ministry of Economic Development, warned that the mounting budget commitments may force the cabinet to raise taxes.

      In particular, he referred to defense commitments.

      The comment contradicts earlier statements by Finance Minister of Russia Anton Siluanov who said that tax rates are likely to go down, not up, and the president’s pledge to keep taxes at current levels for non-energy sectors of the economy.