Website of the President of Russia: All Publications

Meeting with Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin

2026-06-15T17:35:46+04:00

Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Nikitin, you oversee a very large and complex sector, and there are many issues to discuss. Let us begin with the high-speed mainline project. How is the work progressing?

Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin: Mr Putin, thank you for this very important question. At present, work is underway across all sectors of the project.

The train itself is under construction. Today, we have already completed the welding of almost the first five carriages of the high-speed train. For the first time in the world, welding has been carried out on a 980-millimetre section. At speeds of 400 kilometres per hour, we are dealing with an entirely different level of physics, which means completely different requirements in terms of safety, tolerances, and engineering standards. This work is proceeding fully on schedule in Verkhnyaya Pyshma.

Importantly, 150 companies are participating in the industrial cooperation chain for the train. The two key elements in the interaction between the train and the wheel–rail system are the wheelsets and the traction drive. Both have been developed and manufactured in Russia. They are currently undergoing successful testing and are being prepared for certification. In other words, the most critical engineering challenges facing the developers are being successfully addressed.

Construction of engineering structures is actively progressing along the entire route. Perhaps the largest of these is the eight-kilometre bridge across the Shosha River. Work there is proceeding at full speed, with the bridge supports already under construction.

One of the more sensitive aspects of the project involves crossings over existing infrastructure: railways, motorways, gas pipelines, and power transmission lines. Work in these areas is also advancing steadily. For example, construction at the crossing over the M-11 Neva Motorway is already in an active phase.

A unique project involving reinforced-concrete beams weighing 700 tonnes is also underway. Production has begun at a dedicated facility, one of ten such plants planned for the project. These beams will form the foundation of the entire structure. The first two have already been cast and are undergoing testing, while the third one is currently being poured. By the time the supports are completed, these beams will be ready for installation.

Where the line passes over unstable ground without elevated structures, pile foundations are essential. As you know, the soils in the Moscow, Tver, and Novgorod regions are particularly challenging, with numerous wetlands. Consequently, the pile fields have largely already been driven, and this work is being carried out efficiently.

Given the high operating speeds, we are also constructing viaducts and overpasses to minimise gradients and ensure the smoothest possible alignment, with as few curves and deviations as possible.

Vladimir Putin: Who is responsible for monitoring quality?

Andrei Nikitin: First, quality control is carried out by the concessionaires acting on behalf of the customer. They have engaged a specialised company for this purpose. Rostekhnadzor is also conducting oversight on site. And of course, Russian Railways, as the general contractor, is closely involved. Accordingly, all work is subject to exceptionally rigorous supervision.

I would also like to express my gratitude to our colleagues from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. We have established an advanced engineering school – the High-Speed Rail Academy – which is helping us train the required specialists.

Mr Putin, the task you have set is extremely important. This is a landmark engineering and technological project, and we cannot allow the momentum to be lost. Following your instructions, we have also examined potential future directions for the development of the high-speed rail network. We assessed these options based on reductions in travel time, projected passenger traffic, investment requirements, and, most importantly, their contribution to gross domestic product. That is, which routes are most effective.

Among the proposed routes within Russia, the most effective is the Moscow–Nizhny Novgorod section with further extension to Kazan. It offers the greatest economic impact and overall benefit. The second most promising project is the international Moscow–Minsk route, followed by the other proposed corridors.

Therefore, with your permission, we would like to begin preliminary work on these projects. I will submit the corresponding proposal.

Vladimir Putin: Of course.

Andrei Nikitin: It would be desirable for us to make a decision on these projects by 2028–2029, finalise the financial model, and move on to implementation.

Vladimir Putin: As for the Moscow–Minsk project, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and I have discussed it repeatedly. The President of Belarus supports the initiative, so there should be no administrative difficulties.

Andrei Nikitin: Mr Putin, with your approval, we would like to involve the Eurasian Development Bank from the outset and develop the project jointly as an international undertaking. We will work on this together with Oleg Belozerov under the supervision of Vitaly Savelyev.

Vladimir Putin: Good.

Andrei Nikitin: Let me also say a few words about inland waterway and maritime transport. Mr President, you issued a corresponding instruction in this area, and today river transport is developing steadily. At the same time, several projects are of key importance for the economy. These include the Bagayevsky and Gorodetsky hydraulic engineering complexes, whose construction is progressing in line with your instructions. We recently inaugurated the first phase of the Bagayevsky project together.

Of course, attention must also be paid to Siberia and the Far East, particularly to everything related to the northern delivery. From a commercial standpoint, these routes may not generate large cargo volumes, but we have a responsibility to ensure the delivery of food, fuel, and other essential goods to people in these regions.

Vladimir Putin: It is a vast distance – more than 12,000 kilometres.

Andrei Nikitin: When I looked into the issue, I found that since the 1990s, 93 ports have been closed, while only 95 remain in operation. In other words, nearly half of the ports have been closed. Responsibility for these facilities was transferred to the regions. As a result, in places where ports occupied central locations, developers emerged, and so on. One of the key challenges for expanding river cargo transportation today is the availability of port infrastructure, transshipment facilities, and rail connections.

We have already begun addressing these issues together with the regions. Three new ports have been built, and we intend to continue this work.

Vladimir Putin: Where have they been built?

Andrei Nikitin: In Tatarstan and Yakutia. These regions have the most proactive governors and sufficient cargo volumes.

Passenger transport is demonstrating remarkable growth. On your instructions and under the leadership of Vitaly Savelyev, the River Routes project was launched and continues to expand rapidly. Passenger traffic has been growing steadily year after year, reflecting strong public interest in this form of tourism.

While river passenger services are still largely associated with tourism, they are increasingly serving broader transportation needs. Moscow, for example, has launched a full-fledged river transport system and has even established its own shipyard. We are actively assisting these efforts.

Nor is this trend limited to Moscow. Meteor-class vessels are being built in Nizhny Novgorod, and a shipyard is operating in the Leningrad Region. As a result, the passenger river transport sector is currently developing even faster than freight transport.

Vladimir Putin: What is the average age of the passenger fleet today?

Andrei Nikitin: Taking into account the vessels currently in operation and undergoing modernisation, the average age is 38 years. However, this figure is expected to change soon. Moscow alone plans to introduce more than 40 new vessels, which will significantly rejuvenate the fleet. New cruise ships are also under construction.

Vladimir Putin: I assume the cruise fleet is even older?

Andrei Nikitin: Yes, although brand-new cruise vessels are now being built as well. Efforts in this area are underway. Passenger expectations are rising, tourists are becoming more demanding, and shipowners are investing heavily in the modernisation of their fleets.

Vladimir Putin: Good.

Andrei Nikitin: There are two other priorities I would like to highlight for the Ministry of Transport. The first is the monitoring of dredging operations. It is essential that dredging be carried out where it is genuinely needed. To achieve this, we plan to use unmanned and autonomous technologies to assess river conditions, identify priority areas, and establish targets. We intend to begin this work this year.

As for the second priority: I asked my colleagues a simple question: how do we currently know what cargo is being transported along our waterways? It turns out that at many locks, this information is still recorded manually in large logbooks based on what captains report. Clearly, it is impossible to accurately assess the economic performance of river transport using such methods. For this reason, we are moving toward the introduction of an electronic waybill system on rivers as well. A pilot project will be conducted this year, followed by full implementation next year. This will provide us with reliable data of the sector’s economic performance.

Vladimir Putin: As I understand it, this will also help determine the optimal distribution of cargo among different types of transport.

Andrei Nikitin: Absolutely. We will also see how government investment can be allocated most effectively.

In this regard, I would like to request your support for the preparation of a comprehensive concept for the future development of water transport. We believe this concept should be built around several key principles: first, investment decisions should be guided by actual cargo and passenger flows. Second, there must be a clear division of responsibilities between the federal and regional authorities, allowing regions to take the lead, while ensuring federal support and oversight in important areas. Third, attention must be given to operational reliability, safety, and the fulfilment of critical national tasks, including the northern supply.

We plan to begin this work this year and submit the resulting proposals to the State Council in 2027.

Vladimir Putin: Very well.

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Birthday greetings to President of China Xi Jinping

2026-06-15T12:55:08+04:00

Vladimir Putin wished a happy birthday to President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.

Mr President,

Dear friend,

Please accept my heartfelt greetings on your birthday.

Under your leadership, the People’s Republic of China has achieved impressive progress in economic, social, scientific and technological development, while steadily strengthening its standing on the international stage. You rightly enjoy great respect and authority both among your fellow citizens and abroad.

I warmly recall our recent meeting in Beijing, which fully confirmed the positive momentum of Russian-Chinese relations across all key areas of cooperation. The agreements reached are of great importance for further strengthening the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between our countries.

We will undoubtedly continue our constructive dialogue and close joint efforts for the benefit of our friendly nations and in the interests of building a just, truly democratic multipolar world order.

Dear friend, I sincerely wish you good health, happiness, prosperity and every success in your important state duties.

Respectfully,

Vladimir Putin

Commentary by Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov following Vladimir Putin’s telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump

2026-06-14T21:53:03+04:00

Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov: President of Russia Vladimir Putin telephoned the US President today to extend birthday greetings on his 80^th birthday. The conversation was friendly and candid, lasting just under an hour – 55 minutes to be precise.

As you might expect, it was not merely an exchange of pleasantries. President Trump heard more than kind words and good wishes: the leaders also discussed key issues relating to the current international situation, the development of Russia-US relations, and possible future contacts between representatives of both sides.

As for the greetings, they were informal and reflected the nature of the personal relationship between the two leaders. The Russian President made no secret of his respect for Donald Trump’s fighting spirit, his ability to withstand blows, successfully overcome obstacles, and persistently pursue his goals.

Incidentally, the Russian President also sent a birthday message in which he highlighted the exceptional character traits of the man he was honouring – traits that contribute to his success both as a person and as a politician. Donald Trump was touched by the remarks and thanked Vladimir Putin, noting that he was the first foreign leader to call him at the White House.

I would like to emphasise again that the conversation was informal and, I might add, not without a touch of humour. I will even let you in on a secret: Donald Trump is not entirely thrilled by the number 80, as he is full of energy and vigour.

I should also mention that Vladimir Putin naturally extended his best wishes to First Lady Melania Trump, praising her role in reuniting Russian and Ukrainian children with their families. Donald Trump, in turn, conveyed his wife’s greetings and gratitude for the assistance she had received from Russia.

To conclude the ceremonial congratulatory part of my remarks, I will note that Vladimir Putin thanked Donald Trump for his warm congratulatory message on Russia Day, which expressed respect for the Russian people.

Naturally, the conversation also touched on the situation surrounding the memorandum of understanding being drafted between the United States and Iran. Donald Trump said an agreement was close and expressed hope that the results of the difficult but ultimately successful negotiations could be announced today. He acknowledged that the road to agreement had been arduous, with many obstacles encountered – and not only from the Iranian leadership. Ultimately, however, the efforts of American negotiators, with the assistance of Pakistani and Qatari mediators, produced an acceptable outcome. Mr Trump expressed gratitude for Russia’s involvement and, in particular, for its proposals aimed at finding constructive solutions.

On our part, we expressed satisfaction with the United States’ apparent ability to curb the conflict that may have set the entire region ablaze and even expand beyond the region. President Putin noted his readiness to keep working in favour of stabilising the situation and handling deeply rooted issues that are still to be seriously addressed.

As regards the conflict in Ukraine, Donald Trump once again stressed the importance of ceasing hostilities. He claimed that he is ready to influence both his European partners and Kiev, including during the upcoming contacts at the G7 summit. The recent strikes targeting civilian facilities on Russian territory certainly complicate the resolution process, which was noted. President Trump also said that sooner completion of the war could open up prospects for giving Russia-US relations a new quality.

On his part, Vladimir Putin communicated the message that no attempts by the Kiev regime to strike Russia’s civilian infrastructure can overturn the situation on the battlefield, which is critical for Ukraine. There is no doubt that in Évian-les-Bains, the Europeans and Zelensky will try to paint the exact opposite picture and will only be able to propose ideas that drag out the conflict and prolong the hostilities. Zelensky himself should be told that, instead of reburying Nazi criminals with honours, he’d better remember the tragedy of the Holocaust. Should the chief of the Kiev regime mention a potential meeting with the Russian leader again, as we said in the past, he is free to come to Moscow if he wants a meeting.

It is indicative that, responding to these words, Donald Trump spoke about the alliance between our two countries during World War II. He said that this alliance simply must not be forgotten.

Colleagues, I think I have outlined the key points from the telephone conversation. I should also mention that, recalling the success of FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia, Vladimir Putin wished success to the American organisers of this year’s championship.

And one last thing. It was agreed that the US President’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are currently deeply involved in Iranian affairs, will come to Russia again in the near future.

Question: Were any gifts sent?

Yury Ushakov: No gifts were sent but, as I have already said, the greetings were quite warm and reflective of the relations between the two presidents.

Birthday greetings to US President Donald Trump

2026-06-14T21:52:03+04:00

Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to President of the United States of America Donald Trump on his 80^th birthday.

Mr President,

Dear Donald,

Please accept my warmest greetings on your 80^th birthday. You are a truly remarkable and extraordinary person and politician, and I send you my very best wishes on this special day.

I greatly value the mutual understanding we have developed, which allows us to speak frankly and directly about even the most complex issues on our bilateral and international agendas.

I am confident that, through our joint efforts, we could genuinely strengthen Russia-US relations and do a great deal to uphold security and stability on the global stage.

I sincerely wish you good health, happiness, prosperity, and every success. Please also pass on my warmest regards to Melania and all your family.

Vladimir Putin

Birthday greetings to film director Alexander Sokurov

2026-06-14T12:51:47+04:00

Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to film director Alexander Sokurov on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

The message reads, in part:

“A director, screenwriter, and creator of an extraordinary body of feature films, documentaries, and innovative projects, you are rightfully considered one of the foremost masters of contemporary cinema. Audiences and colleagues alike value your exceptional talent, continual pursuit of artistic excellence, and, above all, for unwavering commitment to art and your immense personal contribution to nurturing and developing young talents.”

Alexander Sokurov is a Soviet and Russian film director, screenwriter, People’s Artist of Russia, six-time winner of the Nika National Film Award, and a member of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights.

Meeting on development of reunited constituent entities of the Russian Federation

2026-06-14T11:09:30+04:00

The President held a videoconference meeting on socioeconomic development of the reunited constituent entities of the Russian Federation: the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.

Taking part in the meeting were Prosecutor General Alexander Gutsan, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kirienko, deputy prime ministers Tatyana Golikova and Marat Khusnullin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Minister for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Natural Disaster Relief Alexander Kurenkov, Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev, Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov, Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin, Head of the Lugansk People’s Republic Leonid Pasechnik, Governor of the Zaporozhye Region Yevgeny Balitsky, Governor of the Kherson Region Vladimir Saldo, and Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Sanchik.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,

Our agenda includes issues of socioeconomic development of Donbass and Novorossiya. Let me remind you that just over three years ago, in April 2023, a corresponding comprehensive programme was endorsed, and large-scale tasks were set to ensure close integration of our historical territories into a single legal, economic, educational, cultural, and information space of the country.

Today, we will assess the results attained, and most importantly, we will once again jointly analyse which areas call for additional efforts, where closer coordination is required, taking into account the current situation and operational information from the regional heads. We will look into where resources should be concentrated as a priority, and where, as I have already mentioned, additional support from the federal authorities is required.

I would like to point out once again that under the plans, the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics, and the Kherson and the Zaporozhye regions should achieve Russian nationwide standards in all key indicators, in terms of quality of life by 2030. To this end, the programme provides for about 300 different activities, including the development of social, housing, transport, and utilities infrastructure, implementation of projects to launch new industrial and agricultural enterprises, and creation of additional modern jobs.

Importantly, all federal agencies, 26 state-owned companies and 82 constituent entities of the [Russian] Federation have engaged in this massive work and taken patronage over specific areas and settlements of the reunited regions. In fact, entire Russia, hundreds of work teams, volunteer movements, and public organisations have lent a hand to Donbass and Novorossiya; they united to help unlock the enormous potential of these lands and create conditions for creative and stable life.

I am sincerely grateful to all those involved in these tremendous efforts. I know that we have to work in a very stressful, difficult, and sometimes dangerous combat situation – near the line of contact, under conditions of unmanned attacks and shelling.

Our troops are holding a strategic advantage, confidently moving forward, and no shelling or drone strikes are going to change this situation now. There are advances in all directions. The enemy cannot contain this onslaught and is turning to openly terrorist methods – striking civilian targets and communications as well as passenger transport.

I would like to thank all residents of Donbass and Novorossiya for their courage and steadfastness, and, of course, doctors, teachers, public utilities workers, drivers, employees of many departments, and specialists who conscientiously perform their professional tasks and achieve meaningful results.

I can inform you that in total, more than 25,000 different facilities have been restored or rebuilt, including schools, hospitals and clinics, sports grounds, energy and utilities infrastructure. About one million square meters of housing have been commissioned, almost 260 industrial enterprises have been launched, and about 19 million tonnes of grain have been harvested. Through a wide range of tools and mechanisms, assistance has been provided to businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Next. Over 8,000 kilometres of motorways have been repaired and paved, including sections of the Azov Ring motorway, a modern road connecting our Azov regions designed to improve transport accessibility of these territories, open up new opportunities for investment, logistics, and trade.

In this regard, I would like to mention the recently approved Azov Region Development Strategy. It covers our historical regions of Donbass and Novorossiya and should help expand transport and tourism infrastructure, bring land into agricultural production, take the fishery complex to a new level, and eliminate accumulated environmental damage. Eventually, the resource and recreational potential of the Azov Sea region should substantially increase.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask my colleagues in the Government, jointly with the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, local leaders, and business representatives, to focus special efforts on implementing this strategy.

We essentially need to actively introduce cutting-edge scientific and technological solutions and create conditions for attracting investment in technological development projects in this region. This is the foundation for a long-term, sustainable growth. As a result, the Azov Sea region’s development strategy and the programme for the socioeconomic development of Donbass and Novorossiya will effectively complement each other and provide a comprehensive approach to the recovery of our historical regions.

I would like to reiterate: we need not just to recreate or repair everything that was destroyed or damaged but to lay a foundation for a drastic transformation of the economy and industry in Donbass and Novorossiya, to ensure that all spheres of life in these regions get a powerful boost to development for people to see real changes for the better. This is our key national task, and it must be rigorously carried out.

There is a lot of work ahead, and the programme for the socioeconomic development of Donbass and Novorossiya is designed for the period of up to 2030, as you are well aware. A significant part of the programme has yet to be implemented.

This is what we are going to discuss in detail today. Let us get to work. The floor goes to Mr Khusnullin, please.

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin: Mr President,

The social development programme for the reunited regions, approved on your instructions, is being implemented in full. You have declared this year the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, and the development of Donbass and Novorossiya has become an example of how the entire country has united to achieve the common goal.

It is important that the programme is comprehensive and covers all areas of our lives and interests of all our citizens.

The most vital task that directly affects the future of these regions, and with due account of their potential – of the entire country, is the development of the regions’ economies.

As you have already noted, industrial enterprises are restoring their operations, and an increasing number of products from these regions are integrated into our common Russian economic system. Agriculture is developing, and agricultural land is being brought into cultivation.

The free economic zone contributes to the inflow of investments and the growth of business activity. The number of participants in the free economic zone has already exceeded 500, whereas the volume of announced investments in the territory amounts to 383 billion rubles. We see that investors are showing great interest. Regional teams should prioritise provision of comfortable investment conditions, project support, and response to investors’ problems and issues in the reunited regions. The latter have a tremendous potential in industry, agriculture, tourism, and construction, and our task is to actively develop it. This is a priority task for the near future.

Mr President, the banking sector is actively developing, and investments through the banking sector are intensively growing. Last year we saw a significant and serious growth with a loan portfolio of 275 billion already, while the growth since the beginning of this year alone, in five months, has been 30 percent. This is a huge work, which, of course, must be continued and increased many times over.

Of course, preferential mortgages and industrial loans, support for agricultural producers and all types of financial services are of great help here. In addition, a military risk insurance programme for housing construction was launched jointly with the Ministry of Finance.

Jointly with the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography and the Roskadastr public non-profit company, large-scale work has been organised to take a total inventory and registration of all real estate property; some six million facilities have already been registered – it is an enormous figure. This is very important for people to be able to register their housing and land plots, develop the economy, attract investors, receive loans, and increase tax revenues.

As for tax receipts, we have collected 435 billion rubles in 2025. It is 22 percent more than in 2024. Mr President, we review the figures every month together with the Federal Taxation Service, and we can see that the growth rate this year will be between 10 and 20 percent in different sectors. In other words, our economy is developing and taxes are collected. We can see that the new regions are growing and creating additional demand for the output of our enterprises throughout the country, which is fostering its development.

Since 2025, all four regions have been fully involved in the implementation of the Infrastructure for Life national project. Under this project, 98 key settlements were identified and comprehensive plans for their development have been drafted and approved. These are core development milestones. At the same time, I would like to say that all other territories continue to develop as well. As recently as last week, we held meetings in every region with the heads of these regions and their teams. We are implementing all plans for the development of major settlements.

Our key priority was to rebuild housing and infrastructure, which the people need for comfortable life. Overall, we have rebuilt 7,700 apartment buildings, or about 24 million square metres.

For the first time in the post-Soviet period, we are implementing a programme of major repairs and replacement of old lifts in Donbass and Novorossiya. We are also inspecting dilapidated housing and have launched a programme to relocate people from such housing.

Another priority is the development of investment housing construction. Our ambitious task is to reach the national average in housing construction by 2030. We are addressing this issue comprehensively. In particular, we have prepared 26 master plans and another 75 such plans will be ready by 2030, including for the coastal area in the context of the potential development of tourism and housing construction, as well as the overall development strategy of the Azov Region.

We are taking measures to increase our construction potential. Towards this end, we have created a database of land plots that can be used for housing construction.

While working to rebuild housing, we are also implementing a programme to rebuild and modernise the public utilities sector. It should be said that this sector was in bad shape, as it had not been renovated since the Soviet era. We have approached this task systematically, repairing and modernising networks and installing new systems.

Of course, we pay special attention to the acute problem of stable water supply. Mr President, you focused on this issue on numerous occasions, and we have taken a package of measures to maintain the requisite volume of water supply. We have switched to a daily water supply in Mariupol. That is why we can continue to reduce water losses by changing pipes, and we have good results to report.

Road infrastructure is a vital element of territorial development. To improve these regions’ connectivity, we have approved detailed road development plans until 2030, which include every settlement and every road in it. We have signed these documents with all city heads and the Federal Road Agency (Rosavtodor) and published them.

I can assure you that both federal and municipal roads there have been brought to standard. The next task is to upgrade roads inside the localities, which is why we have increased additional funding to expand the road network in settlements. We also need to expand the municipal road network, which is currently below standard.

We are actively developing the public transit system. I would like to say that we have fulfilled your instructions to increase the share of public transport in the new regions that complies with the national standard to 85 percent. Over the past two years, we have sent many buses there. There is a problem with drivers, but the last time we visited that territory we saw that nearly all buses are running on their routes. This is very important for the people.

I would like to highlight the modernisation of social infrastructure, which is a matter of special significance for us. Overall, we have rebuilt 263 healthcare facilities, 1,700 educational establishments, including universities, schools and kindergartens, and 500 culture, sports and social services facilities. We worked together with the single customer in the construction sector, the heads of the regions, and our colleagues at the ministries of science and higher education, healthcare, education, culture, labour and social protection, as well as sport to formulate sector-specific programmes for the reconstruction of social facilities until 2030. In all, we plan to rebuild 2,300 facilities. We have the necessary funding and plans, and we are working to implement them.

Mr President, I would like to thank you for the attention you are giving to the development of the reunited regions. We would not have achieved these results without your constant support. I would also like to thank the Presidential Executive Office, the heads of the reunited regions and their teams, all participants in this project, namely, federal agencies, the sponsor regions, and state companies. We are also grateful to the State Duma and the Federation Council for the huge volume of their legislative work – they have adopted over 200 legal acts.

I would also like to extend a special thank you to our colleagues in the law enforcement – the FSB, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Defence Ministry, the Emergencies Ministry, the Interior Ministry, and the National Guard, who ensure security and compliance with law and order.

The tasks ahead are ambitious and complicated, but we know how to address them. We have developed a systemic approach to the development of the new regions. I am sure that we will achieve all the goals you have set to us.

Thank you for the attention.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you, Mr Khusnullin.

Please, Ms Golikova, on the development of the social sphere.

Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova: Thank you.

Mr President, colleagues, good afternoon.

As Mr Khusnullin has already noted, today our historical regions are fully included in the implementation of key strategic and priority activities, as well as national projects – Family, Long and Active Life, Personnel – and in our state programmes.

Today, a network of government agencies has been fully established: these include authorities of the Federal Agency for Labour and Employment (Rostrud), medical and social assessment offices, employment centres, social protection centres, departments of the Social Fund, the Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund, and the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare. In other words, we have moved from the stage of adaptation to the stage of sustainable functioning and development.

I will briefly report on individual areas of work.

In terms of the social block, today all social protection, labour, and pension guarantees are available to citizens. Currently, federal support measures cover 2.4 million residents of the historical regions. There is a gradual transition to federal pensions going on. Today, more than 1.5 million people have been awarded pensions since 2023, 93 percent of them are pensions meeting federal standards.

From July 1, 2025, according to your instructions, work in Ukraine is included in the pensionable service. And today, pensions have already been recalculated for 27,000 citizens.

Almost 140,000 maternity capital certificates have been issued, with 50 percent practically used. The preferred form of using maternity capital is monthly payments to children under three years of age.

The unified [child] benefit currently covers 36,000 families with 56,000 children, as well as 1,300 pregnant women. And we have preserved the simplified conditions for accepting documents.

We are also implementing a social contract programme. Today, 39 percent of families with children use social contracts in historical regions. And this year, on your instructions, participants in the special military operation receive a social contract regardless of their needs. This work has been launched by the regions.

The support measures that we are implementing are gradually yielding results. Over the past three years, we have seen that the birth rate is increasing albeit slowly. The Donetsk People's Republic is the leader here: the growth amounted to 14 percent over three years.

A few words about the citizens who need our support, perhaps more than healthy citizens. We are talking mainly about the elderly and citizens with disabilities. Today, 104,000 such citizens receive our care in 138 social care institutions, and 1,937 citizens receive long-term care.

We set up and opened 42 coordination centres and 37 nursing schools. The process of disability assessment and categorisation and granting of combat veteran status has been simplified. Interdepartmental commissions which operate in the region have confirmed more than 53 thousand statuses. In three years, we have increased the provision of technical means of rehabilitation almost three-fold. Today, the regions receive support for equipment for comprehensive rehabilitation and habilitation of people with disabilities as per uniform standards. The Lugansk People's Republic is currently receiving funds for the reconstruction of a comprehensive rehabilitation centre.

As far as healthcare is concerned, over the past three years, a three-tier system of medical care has been created both in the regions and throughout the Russian Federation. Now the historical regions are fully integrated into the compulsory health insurance system. And, as Mr Khusnullin has already noted, we are implementing all investment programmes, both for the restoration and construction of medical facilities.

I would also like to note that over the past period of time we have established 11 regional vascular centres and primary departments, and the availability of high-tech medical care has almost tripled. While in 2023, high-tech medical care was provided to 4,300 patients, last year this figure reached 12,000. And we continue to increase these digits.

Five cancer centres have been equipped, and more than 580 equipment units have been supplied. And I should also note that a linear accelerator for radiation therapy has been launched for the first time in Zaporozhye on the basis of the Melitopol cancer dispensary; 98 patients have already been treated. This year, we will continue the construction of 43 medical modules, 22 major repairs, and we will continue to supply medical equipment and vehicles.

Additionally, pursuant to your instructions, we have been actively developing occupational health examinations and preventive medical checkups from the very beginning. Every year, more than 1.9 million adults and more than 530,000 children undergo these check-ups in four regions.

Special attention is paid to participants in the special military operation. Last year, 14,500 soldiers and four thousand veterans underwent occupational health examinations and medical checkups; 12,000 participants were put under observation.

I would also like to note, Mr President, that the development of infrastructure, such as cancer centres or cardiovascular departments at various levels, helps us transfer there all types of care that are developing in other regions of the Russian Federation.

Thanks to this approach, we managed, among other things, to render medical care to patients with cardiovascular diseases, saving the lives of 5,000 citizens in the historical regions because help came quickly.

I would like to particularly praise the work of the emergency medical service. Today, there are 297 crews and 2,300 employees. They are given special attention, because they are exposed to constant danger. And on your instructions, last year, we provided them with armoured ambulances. Last year, it amounted to 33 vehicles and we continue this year with another 31 ambulances.

Medical staffing is also on our agenda. This is a complex challenge, and we have not yet achieved the benchmarks or solved the tasks that we set for ourselves together with the historical regions. Around 46,000 doctors are currently working in the new regions. The Donetsk People’s Republic is closest to achieving the national average. But we continue to work in all areas, including developing higher and secondary medical education in the regions.

On your instructions, we provide social payments to certain categories of medical workers: from 20,000 rubles for ambulance drivers to 100,000 for doctors who deliver medical care to participants in the special military operation. Last year, 16,500 people received these payments for a total of 4 billion rubles. The necessary resources have been allocated, and we continue to make payments in 2026.

We managed to engage 270 medical professionals as part of the County Doctor and the County Paramedic programmes. We make payments in the amount of 2 million rubles to doctors and 1 million rubles to nursing staff. This work is underway, it will be continued this year, and we plan to attract 190 specialists in 2026.

And a few words about culture. In three years, more than 470 cultural facilities have been upgraded and equipped, including libraries, cinemas, and museums, and 140 more will receive support this year. More than a million books have been purchased, and we plan to purchase 300,000 in 2026. We are equipping children’s art schools, of which 257 are ready, and cultural centres – there will be 84 more this year. It is important that we organise sightseeing and study trips for children across the Russian Federation, and 29,000 students have already been on such trips, 8,000 children are expected to go on such trips this year. We continue to open new museums. I must say that cultural facilities are actually in great demand in all four regions.

Mr President, we will continue our work without slowing down, and we will work actively together with our colleagues from historical regions.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

Colleagues, I want to thank you for what you have done. A lot has been done, and it’s very good, but there are many more unresolved issues. And now I suggest discussing exactly this.

<…>

Greetings to organisers, participants and guests of the 6th Cantata International Classical Music Festival

2026-06-13T15:37:29+04:00

Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to the organisers, participants and guests of the 6^th Cantata International Classical Music Festival.

The message reads, in part:

“Your creative forum is rightly seen as a true magnet for music enthusiasts. Every year, it draws an impressive number of participants and guests, offering them a wonderful opportunity to hear world-famous classical masterpieces alongside contemporary symphonic and instrumental works.

I would particularly like to commend the forum’s organisers for their dedicated efforts and efficient contribution to supporting highly relevant charitable initiatives aimed at preserving the unique historical and architectural heritage of the Kaliningrad Region, known as the Amber Land.

This festival takes place in the year that marks the Kaliningrad Region’s 80^th anniversary. I am positive it will be a highlight in the cultural life of both Russia and its westernmost territory, leaving everyone with unforgettable impressions and warm, sincere emotions.”

Executive Order on authorised strength of Russian Armed Forces

2026-06-13T15:03:57+04:00

Vladimir Putin signed Executive Order On Establishing the Authorised Personnel Strength of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

In accordance with Article 4 of Federal Law No. 61-FZ of May 31, 1996, On Defence, the President resolved to establish the authorised strength of the Armed Forces at 2,399,130 personnel positions, including 1,510,000 military personnel.

The Russian Federation Government has been instructed to ensure that the Ministry of Defence receives the necessary budgetary allocations from the federal budget to support the implementation of the order.

Meeting with military personnel participating in the special military operation

2026-06-13T16:44:03+04:00

On Russia Day, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief held a meeting with the military personnel participating in the special military operation in the Kremlin.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends. I am delighted to see you.

You may have noticed that it is my regular practice to talk, meet and maintain contact with representatives of different services and branches of the Russian Armed Forces at various levels: combat troops and senior commanders, commanders of groups of forces (we maintain regular contact with them), and also with commanders of subunits – brigades, divisions, armies, and battalions.

But I wanted to meet with you specifically, specifically today, on Russia Day, because you are the people who – like other personnel involved in the special military operation (I will speak about this further) – are directly involved in defending our Motherland, defending our Fatherland, defending Russia. Russia Day is your day.

At all times, assault troops have closed the book on any battle, finalising any military conflict. It is infantry and assault troops who ultimately seal the outcome of a combat mission.

When I meet, say, with pilots or sailors, gunners or members of other military jobs, I hear – and you probably have heard it yourselves – the same idea they all say in chorus: we do this and that to help and support our assault troops, to give them more confidence; to ensure that the losses are minimal. Everybody works to support you.

Every serviceperson performs their job diligently. But in the long run, it all comes down to you completing the combat mission.

This has been true at all times: during Peter the Great’s reign, when his grenadiers fought for the Motherland, and during Suvorov’s and Kutuzov’s times, and through all military conflicts. It has always been true and it remains true today. On the same note, I would like to underline the crucial task that our assault units – you and your brothers-in-arms – are handling right now.

On this holiday, I wanted to meet with you. So I asked the Minister and the Chief of the General Staff to arrange the presence of, as they phrase it in officialese, representatives of all branches, all subunits, and all groups. I hope this arrangement has been achieved.

I would like to hear you out: what you think about current developments, what you wish could be done additionally to ensure our goals are achieved successfully, effectively, with minimal losses, and with maximum effect. Please don’t hold back; you are welcome to raise any questions you find important and which, in your opinion, have been waiting for a solution, in this orderly and friendly businesslike setting.

Overall, I know what issues are going to be discussed, but either way, I am curious to know the opinion of people who are handling Russia’s crucial tasks on the ground right now.

That is essentially all I wanted to say for starters. We didn’t have anything special planned for this meeting. I just wanted to see you and say thank you. Please pass my words of gratitude to all our men, all our fighters working alongside you.

I will be pleased to hear your opinions and views on current developments and what should be done to ensure the goals are achieved more clearly, more transparently and with the best possible outcome for the Motherland.

That is all I wanted to say in the beginning. Please.

Alexei Lisovoy: Sergeant Alexei Lisovoy, Marine Corps, 155^th Regiment, 2^nd Battalion.

First, I want to say this: the assault troops you see here have looked death in the face more than once. And when the time came to defend the Russian population of Donbass, we stood as one under the Russian banner – just as our grandfathers and great-grandfathers did during the Great Patriotic War.

And in response to the words you addressed to Russian military personnel at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, I want to say on behalf of everyone here: we are working, and we will continue to work, until complete victory over the enemy. All the tasks and goals you have set will be fully accomplished.

I have a small suggestion. Just a week ago, a decorated Hero of Russia died a heroic death. Senior Lieutenant… I am sorry, I am really nervous.

Vladimir Putin: You are less stressed under fire than you are here.

Alexei Lisovoy: Yes, sir. That is much more important. We probably behave more naturally under fire – when we are not standing in front of the President.

Vladimir Putin: You mean Ochir-Goryayev, don’t you?

Alexei Lisovoy: [Naran] Ochir-Goryayev, yes. He died tragically. So here is my proposal: we ask you to consider giving honorary designations to the assault units, so that we do not forget their heroism, and the men themselves, who gave their lives on the battlefield.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you for remembering him. He was such a vibrant, remarkable man.

I have said this before, and I will tell you honestly: when I spoke with him, first during the Direct Line, when he reported directly from Seversk, and then when I met him in Moscow, I asked him, “How can I help? Any practical needs? Any problems?” And you know, it is extraordinary. A real man. He was a father of many children, by the way. And his first request – essentially his only one – was: “My mother is getting old. Everything is fine, everything is fine, we do not need anything.” Even though, as it turned out, the family still had unresolved social and welfare issues. He said, “My mother is getting old. Her health is failing. If possible, help her.” Things like that, moments like that, move you to tears, you know. Unfortunately, we lose people like him too.

Let’s honour his memory, and the memory of the other heroes who have passed away giving their lives for their homeland, for Russia, with a moment of silence.

(Minute of silence.)

Thank you.

As for your proposal, I believe it is important not only to name assault units after such fighters – our heroes, without exaggeration, like you and Ochir-Goryayev, like other personnel who are selflessly sacrificing their health and lives for Russia – but also to immortalise the names of these fighters, these guys who truly gave their lives to strengthen our country – laid them down as the very foundation of Russia’s strength. I have already spoken to the Executive Office, I mean my office, and certain messages have been communicated to the Government as well.

Clearly, this applies to assault units, but also to other divisions and military units as well. What’s more, streets should be named after them, and the schools where they studied, and so on. There is a lot to consider. It is not even for them but for us, the people living today, and for future generations. They are examples of brilliant lives and, importantly, of dignified deaths.

I have said it many times and I want to repeat: nothing lasts forever, does it? Every person will eventually end their life journey – it is natural. What is important is how the person lived their life. Of course, these are great examples that we need to strengthen our country, our morale, our spiritual strength today and in the future. Immortalising their names is, without a doubt, an extremely important task. And we will do that.

Please. Feel free to speak your mind.

Denis Ognyanik: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

Sergeant Denis Ognyanik, the 163^rd tank regiment, sir.

During offensive operations, assault units have to carry gear, munitions and food supplies. They walk up to 15 km per day while carrying this weight. All supplies are delivered to the frontline using heavy-lift drones. The enemy uses hexacopters called Baba Yaga. They are controlled via Starlink.

Is it possible to organise domestic production of similar heavy-lift drones operated via satellite channels?

Vladimir Putin: Yes, it is possible, and work is already underway. In 2023, we launched our first satellites capable of doing what you described – they are already in orbit. And this work has continued in 2024 and 2025.

We essentially have a private company working on this – I will not name it again, though it has been mentioned many times in various contexts and in the media. It operates successfully. We are expanding this low-orbit constellation, and it is capable of doing everything you mentioned. The question is when it will become fully operational. But the work is not just well underway – it is moving at a good pace and to a high standard. I hope you will feel that on the ground soon enough.

The same applies to communications, and to the gear you have to carry – the weight. The Ministry of Defence knows this, the General Staff knows this, and Mr Belousov himself has been working on it constantly throughout his time as minister. The best options are being selected. I hope you are feeling the difference. Those who have been in the service for a long time have probably noticed how much things have improved compared to a few years ago. But of course, we will keep working to reduce the load.

And these drones that can carry over 30 kilograms – how much are they carrying now?

Defence Minister Andrei Belousov: Anywhere from 10 to 40 kilograms.

Vladimir Putin: Right now they carry 30.

Andrei Belousov: Yes.

We will deliver about 20,000 of these to the troops this year. The product line has expanded significantly. Last year, there was practically only one type – the well-known Product 80. It was not very high quality, and they are still refining it. This year, there are already over a dozen types but I can’t name them on camera.

Vladimir Putin: The Ministry of Defence is ordering these drones, and we will increase the quantity. As for Bureau 1440 – this has probably been mentioned many times before, and I will say it again, there is nothing top-secret about it. The organisation handling this low-orbit satellite constellation is in no way inferior to Starlink – in some ways, perhaps even superior.

Andrei Belousov: Even better.

Vladimir Putin: Yes. It is a matter of scaling up these capabilities. So we are working in that direction.

Sergei Chuvashov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

Guards Lieutenant Sergei Chuvashov, Commander of the Air Assault Platoon of the 247^th Guards Air Assault Regiment, sir.

I have the following question.

Unfortunately, many of our brothers-in-arms have left our ranks following severe, crippling wounds. We are concerned about their fate and prospects outside the army.

In 2022, the Defence Ministry launched a special rehabilitation and adaptation programme for this category of personnel. Military posts are created for them promptly regardless of the severity of their wounds. Special-purpose rehabilitation and training centres are available. They are provided with housing in their chosen location of service.

On the same note, I would like to know what social guarantees are planned for these people in the future.

And I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on Russia Day on behalf of the airborne troops and the Dnepr Group of Forces. I wish you long and fruitful work for the sake of Russia’s prosperity.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

We’ll work together for Russia’s prosperity.

Sergei Chuvashov: Yes, sir.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

As regards the social guarantees you mentioned, you know, I remember one of the first meetings with the mothers of our fallen soldiers. Some of the mothers shared their families’ problems. Some said that their sons had returned from the zone of hostilities but were in critical condition. Back then, the Healthcare Ministry and the Defence Ministry were given additional instructions. A public foundation called Defenders of the Fatherland was established.

I hope – at least as far as I know – this foundation is quite active and involves family members and veterans of the special military operation in its work in all regions of Russia. This means direct communication with families and individuals. Direct communication produces results.

I am not going to list all the programmes – there are plenty – but there are several focus areas: rehabilitation and efforts to ensure that veterans, especially those with severe wounds, do not drop out of social and public life, or out of work. There are several projects here involving sports, public activism, and so on.

You mentioned that the Ministry of Defence adopted a certain decision that we introduced into the current regulatory and legal framework. In the past, a person with wounds was no longer allowed to serve in the Armed Forces. A decision was made to permit further service. It is a done deal now.

But I told the Minister and other colleagues in the Ministry that it is not enough to offer service in, say, military recruitment centres – which is not bad, and many guys are happy to do it. I even asked them if we could come up with something more interesting for them, and they said it’s enough. But there is certainly more to it.

The Minister is aware of it. There are many teams in the Ministry. The Defence Ministry as a government body is becoming more and more technology-intensive. There are ample opportunities for military personnel, numerous opportunities even for people who have lost certain health capacities but who can still be active in work and want to feel valued. I am asking the Defence Ministry to continue considering other niches because the scope is unlimited. The Defenders of the Fatherland fund will continue to deal with these matters.

You may have heard about the Time of Heroes platform. I have said many times and I want to repeat: clearly, the pool is big, over 700,000 people. Clearly, the platform can’t take all 700,000. One needs ambition, first, and certain qualifications, second. Those who want to develop professionally must be given such opportunities.

Corresponding decisions have been adopted, and we will keep improving this system. If somebody wants to go further in education, pursue vocational education or civilian higher education, we will do our best to ensure that our fighters – people like you and your comrades – have such opportunities, including financial and organisational support. This includes housing provision, among other things.

We are working across all fields – medical rehabilitation, education, and employment. Both the Defence Minister and the Prime Minister are raising this issue constantly. We all understand that, once the special military operation is over, a significant number of people will return to civilian life. Trust me, everybody in the Government is concerned with this matter. They are thinking about how to help the guys find their calling, and how to ensure that they find decent employment, obtain additional skills and qualifications, and have access to medical rehabilitation by any means necessary.

You know, this is always a huge undertaking. And in any major undertaking, there are always some hurdles, some hiccups: something forgotten or overlooked. But the system is designed to organise this work in the best possible way. If you see anything, something not meeting expectations, please report it directly to your superiors. We will try to fine-tune it – the Minister is here now, the Chief of the General Staff will be arriving in a couple of hours, and I’ll speak with him separately as well – so that it is communicated easily, so that we can take any glitches into account, hear them, and make the necessary adjustments.

In fact, our meeting today is also dedicated to this.

Thank you.

Please, let’s continue.

Maxim Stepanenko: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

Guards Lieutenant Maxim Stepanenko, assault platoon commander, assault company, Motor Rifle Battalion, 137^th Ural Separate Assault Brigade, sir.

I have several questions. How soon can we ensure a mass supply of UAVs similar to the fibre-optic drones with artificial intelligence that the enemy is using? Is it possible to centralise the industrial production of hand-held, pistol-type net launchers and supply them to the troops to destroy enemy FPV drones operating via fibre optics?

To destroy enemy UAVs, we need pellet-firing cartridges not only for smoothbore weapons but also for 5.45mm automatic weapons. Can these be factory-produced?

For rapid, silent, and stealthy movement to the enemy’s front lines, an assault trooper needs various types of electric vehicles: scooters, kick-scooters, ATVs, and motorcycles. Can this problem be solved within the framework of the state defence order?

Vladimir Putin: You have many questions, and I will try to answer them broadly.

Regarding FPV drones and drones with artificial intelligence, work in these areas is very active – very much so.

Just before coming to this meeting – perhaps you were watching television, if you had the opportunity – I was presenting state awards. There was also a closed session, in addition to what was shown in the media. There, I presented awards to representatives of the defence industry, of our leading enterprises. Of course, during that ceremony, we also had a discussion, and in such settings, there can be no discussion other than about production matters. They all told me in detail about their previous accomplishments and the reasons for which the nation was awarding them, as well as what they had in store, what they were working on, and what they were proposing for the near future.

And of course, on our side, UAVs using artificial intelligence, targeting images for destruction, and so on – we are working on all of this, very actively. That is the first answer.

Regarding the fight against drones, of course we are fully aware of this, as are your commanders. They tell us about it constantly – every day, believe me, every single day. They report on the challenges drones create for our forces and on the ways they believe this problem can be overcome.

I won’t go into details now. I know what it is like in situations where simply raising your head can be dangerous when drones are hovering overhead like flies. So, the nature of this problem is well understood.

You probably know better than anyone else that once the drone threat is neutralised – correct me if I am wrong – the enemy’s conventional firepower is often significantly weakened, because, as I understand it, they rely heavily on this “wall” of drones.

This is essentially one of our most important tasks. Our industry is working on it too. Your commanders are involved in this as well, and the Ministry of Defence is working on it, along with other agencies, including civilian ones. Beyond that, as we have mentioned on numerous occasions, many skilled people across the country are engaged in working on it as well. I have tried to ensure – and the Ministry of Defence supports these efforts – that we do not stifle initiative, that there is no excessive bureaucracy, and that every worthwhile development receives support and proper funding. This is already happening. I would like the process to move faster, but in any case there is progress in this regard.

The same applies to state defence order. Obviously, the most in-demand equipment is being acquired through the state defence procurement system, and we will keep up this effort. Our own ‘Kulibins’ [self-taught engineers] and the so-called ‘people’s [crowdsourced] military-industrial complex’ are also making an effective contribution.

Sometimes I am surprised by how much of this work is being done almost directly on the frontline, but that is the reality – our fighters are achieving results. We will try to provide them with direct support. We will continue this work.

Please, go ahead.

Pavel Kuznetsov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

I am Guards Senior Sergeant Pavel Kuznetsov, deputy commander of an assault platoon. On behalf of myself and my command, I would like to personally thank you for inviting us here today for this celebration. I would also like to assure you that all tasks set by you will be carried out in full.

My question is the following. Along the entire front line, the enemy is now using UAVs with varying capabilities, ranges, and operating frequencies. Now, they have increasingly been using frequencies in the 8 to 12 GHz range. As a result, our ground-based detection systems are no longer able to detect them. As far as I know, commercial laboratories are producing the necessary modules in large amounts and fast. This leads to my question: is it possible to authorise and procure such modules from commercial laboratories in order to counter enemy UAVs?

Vladimir Putin: We discuss this issue with the Ministry on an ongoing basis, and I have just concluded another such discussion. We have tried to remove as much bureaucracy from the decision-making process as possible in order to accelerate both implementation and delivery to the troops. These commercial laboratories are operating and receive funding directly from the Ministry of Defence.

You know, there is really only one issue here, and I believe I can say it here: the equipment supplied to the troops must be effective. We have simplified many procedures and accelerated decision-making processes compared to the original procedures that were used, let’s say, under peacetime conditions. We are speeding up the adoption of new solutions as much as possible. Many new enterprises and laboratories have emerged. It is important that they not just receive funding, that the state supports promising ideas. What matters is that the resulting weapons are effective in combat, help accomplish combat missions, and most importantly, protect your lives and health. That is the key objective.

We work actively with everyone. Every developer naturally believes that their solution is the best. I have heard hundreds, if not thousands, of times: “Take ours – it is the best.” Then another developer says: “No, mine is the best,” followed by a third. Fortunately, we now have many of them, which is very positive. But the task of the Ministry of Defence is to identify the most effective solutions and promptly deliver them to you. I want to emphasise this again: this is the main challenge, not a lack of ideas or a lack of support. The challenge is selecting the very best. We must avoid spending resources on something that ultimately proves unsuitable for practical use.

So, there are now indeed many laboratories and various organisations working in this field. It is encouraging that so many people have responded to this challenge. Our people are exceptionally talented. Sometimes you look at their work and wonder how they managed to create it. The task remains the same: select the best. That is what the Ministry of Defence should be doing, and I hope this process is functioning effectively.

If you would like to add anything, Mr Belousov, please do.

Andrei Belousov: In fact, a clear mechanism has already been established. A small enterprise, a people’s defence-sector developer, or even a small team may create a new system. If we are talking about portable tactical electronic warfare equipment, such as Sosedka-N or Zemlyak, these first undergo formal testing. If they successfully confirm their stated performance characteristics, they are then assigned to advanced military units for operational trials. For unmanned aerial systems, for example, testing may take place with specialised formations such as the Rubicon centre of the 45th Special Purpose Brigade of the Airborne Forces. Several other units are also involved in combat testing.

If the equipment performs the testing successfully, it is then introduced into wider military service. This entire cycle now operates relatively quickly. However, as you know, we are engaged in a technological race. Even in the field of tactical electronic warfare, we are only beginning to develop a full range of solutions. We used to only have the Sosedka; now other systems are emerging as well. That is how the process works.

I would also like to say that we are about to fully cover the assault units’ needs for portable electronic warfare systems. We are focusing on the most effective solutions – those that have demonstrated their capabilities in combat, offer acceptable weight characteristics, and cover the necessary frequency ranges. We intend to continue this work to fully meet these operational needs.

Vladimir Putin: (Addressing Pavel Kuznetsov.) You mentioned the 8–12 GHz range. The adversary is constantly changing parameters; we therefore need systems capable of adapting flexibly and staying one step ahead. The Ministry is working on this issue, as is the entire defence industry. We will certainly continue these efforts.

Please, go ahead.

Question: As has been noted before, warfare is becoming increasingly technological every day. The enemy is deploying swarms of strike drones controlled by artificial intelligence systems on the battlefield. In this competition, it is important not only to keep pace with the enemy, but to surpass them.

The enemy’s drones rely on the Starlink satellite communications system, while we do not have an equivalent system. I would like to ask you to give instructions to our industry to find a solution to this technical challenge.

Vladimir Putin: As I have already said, we do have such a system. It exists and is being implemented. The challenge is scaling it up, and that will take time. However, the system has been created and is operational. The task now is to expand the satellite constellation, and this work is already underway. Another launch took place recently. How many satellites have been deployed?

Andrei Belousov: Sixteen.

Vladimir Putin: Another 16 satellites have been deployed. Of course, that is nowhere near enough. But the key point is that the problem has already been solved technologically and intellectually. The task now is to increase our capabilities, and that process will continue. We will keep working on it.

Denis Sviridov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

I am Guards Sergeant Denis Sviridov, Hero of the Russian Federation.

Over the past four years, the nature of warfare has changed dramatically. It has become more technological and, I would say, more lethal. I would like to ask you to call upon our industry, scientific community, and civil society to combine their efforts and provide us with the best possible weapons so that we can achieve military and technical superiority over the enemy. I am confident that, under your leadership, our united multi-ethnic people, our great united Russia, and our powerful army will deeply disappoint our enemies.

In conclusion, I would like to say: the enemy will be defeated, and victory will be ours. On behalf of the command of the 68^th Tank Regiment, I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for everything you are doing for our multi-ethnic country, Russia.

Thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

This is exactly what we have been discussing: the increasingly high-tech nature of modern armed conflict. We are witnessing it unfold before our eyes.

It is obvious to everyone, and I am not saying anything new, that Russia stands essentially alone against the so-called collective West, represented by the well-known North Atlantic bloc – NATO. After all, all NATO countries, absolutely every one of them, are now stepping up their efforts and doing everything possible to support actions directed against Russia and achieve what they view as a successful outcome of the war unleashed against Russia.

It was them who started the war. I have said this many times, and I will repeat it again: we did not initiate the conflict when the special military operation began. No, first they staged a coup d’etat in Ukraine, which compelled us to protect the people of Crimea. After that, war began in eastern Ukraine: air strikes were carried out against Donetsk. This was war. They deployed artillery and multiple-launch rocket systems, launched warfare in southeastern Ukraine. For eight years, we attempted to achieve a peaceful settlement. Do you see? We did not wake up one day and decided that we would start a war tomorrow. We urged the Ukrainian authorities to engage in dialogue with southeastern Ukraine, where Russians live. We were repeatedly assured that agreements would be implemented. And what happened then? It became clear that they came to Minsk, signed the Minsk agreements, but later – six months ago or around that – they publicly admitted that the agreements had primarily been intended to provide time for the Kiev regime to rearm and launch warfare. The former Federal Chancellor of Germany and the former President of France, who took part in the negotiations in Minsk, openly acknowledged that they had to sign that agreement to give the Kiev regime time to rearm.

We started military action. We had waited eight years for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, but after that it became clear it would never happen, because the head of the regime said outright that they would not fulfil anything. So we were forced to use other means to protect our interests and the people living there.

And they all believed – as everyone knows well – that they would rapidly achieve a strategic defeat of Russia. They have achieved no such thing, and they never will. No one has ever inflicted an ultimate strategic defeat on Russia, and the reason is simple: the multi-ethnic people of Russia, as you rightly said, stand together and understand their responsibility to future generations, to our children and grandchildren. Some people present here are quite young, and, God willing, you will have grandchildren, too. We must think about this. No one will safeguard Russia’s future on our behalf. It is our responsibility to defend the country, strengthen it, and create the conditions necessary for its stable and confident development.

And, of course, all our adversaries – and we have always had plenty – have invariably united against us. During the time of Napoleon, was it only France that fought Russia? No. Virtually every European country was involved. The same was true under Hitler. Just look at what happened at Stalingrad. Incidentally, Stalingrad was the first major battle in which Soviet forces suffered fewer losses than the enemy. But who was fighting there? Representatives of every European nation, without exaggeration, played their part. The same thing is happening today. Once again, they are pooling their efforts, including their intellectual resources.

We should acknowledge the high level of development of NATO countries. They possess advanced technology, strong scientific capabilities, and highly developed economies. They set out to inflict a strategic defeat on us, but now they understand that it is impossible. It is simply not a solvable task. They made a mistake by declaring that objective publicly. They got ahead of themselves; some even rushed to join NATO in the hope of securing their share of the benefits. If there were no cameras here, I would use a familiar gesture to show you exactly what they will achieve by doing so. They will achieve nothing.

At the same time, we must do more than simply respond to the challenges they create and the weapons they deploy against us. We must stay one step ahead. There are many of them – a whole pack – while we are one people, united and multiethnic. Our task is not merely to react to the challenges they create for us, but to anticipate them and be one step ahead. And often, we succeed. Step by step, perhaps not as quickly as we would like, but we are moving forward. Every day we continue to advance, gradually bringing territory under our control. This process will continue, and we will achieve our goals. There can be no doubt about this.

And there is only one piece of advice we can offer our adversaries: do not fight Russia. Never attempt to do so. Instead, let us live in peace and resolve issues through negotiation. But those must be genuine negotiations, not ultimatums that they tried to deliver to us until now. That approach no longer works. Now they say, “Let’s negotiate.” Yes, we agree to engage in negotiations, but those negotiations must take into account our national interests – not only today’s interests, but our long-term, historically significant interests as well.

When addressing these challenges, particularly in the context of an armed conflict, you are absolutely right: we must carefully assess the enemy’s capabilities while continuing to improve, develop, and enhance our own. That is exactly what we will do.

We were just discussing Starlink and other advanced technologies, including low-Earth orbit satellite constellation. As I have already said, we already have it, but it needs to be expanded. I have also recently discussed other projects with scientists and manufacturers – capabilities that our adversaries simply do not possess. There are many things they do not have that we do. And we will continue to increase those capabilities and improve them further.

Please, go ahead.

Timur Tydykov: Senior Sergeant Tydykov, 69^th Separate Brigade, Amur assault detachment.

On behalf of our unit commander and all the servicemen currently serving on the frontline, I would like to congratulate you on this holiday.

We actively use the Igla and Verba man-portable air-defence systems to counter enemy fixed-wing drones. At night, we also employ thermal-imaging FPV goggles that we have developed ourselves.

Mr President, we would like to ask that these FPV systems be distributed more widely among units operating on the front line. As for the Verba air-defence system, its performance remains unmatched. It is also resistant to flare decoys, which the enemy is increasingly attempting to use.

I would also like to take this opportunity to convey greetings from the indigenous peoples of the Kemerovo Region, whom I represent. Some of our people are currently serving at the front. We understand the tasks before us, and all assigned mis

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Tell me, are you, your family, or your friends connected with the coal industry?

Timur Tydykov: Yes, sir.

Vladimir Putin: In that region, almost everyone is connected to the coal industry in one way or another.

Timur Tydykov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

I am a mining engineer by training. Before the partial mobilisation, I worked for ten years as a mine foreman in a coal mine.

Vladimir Putin: Which company?

Timur Tydykov: The Gramoteinskaya mine, Yuzhkuzbassugol, Evraz.

Vladimir Putin: Evraz, I see.

Regarding fixed-wing UAVs, we can see that the enemy is expanding their use for a very specific purpose: to sow fear and confusion within Russian society, to divide it, to inflict moral and psychological damage, and cause economic losses. They will not succeed.

This issue obviously requires special attention, and there are several aspects to address.

First, we must continue strengthening the country’s air-defence system at all levels. I will not go into technical details, but specialists understand what is required: systems capable of operating against different targets at different altitudes and under different conditions. We are doing this and will continue to do so.

Second, regarding the economy. Yes, such attacks are damaging. However, we restore what is affected quickly, and they will not be able to inflict the kind of strategic harm they are aiming for. At the same time, these actions require an appropriate response on our part. We are taking such measures and will continue to increase strikes against infrastructure of the adversary in order to discourage them from attacking our civilian facilities. They will not succeed in dividing our society, nor will they achieve their objective of undermining our economy. Our capabilities are growing, and they will continue to grow as the capacity of Russia’s defence industry expands.

You mentioned several specific systems, such as FPV goggles. The Verba is already in service, and its production will continue to increase. The Minister is aware of this issue, and quite recently, I have mentioned it multiple times, about using this kind of equipment.

As for the FPV goggles, who is the manufacturer? I have seen such systems in operation. But when you speak about production, who exactly manufactures them?

Timur Tydykov: In our case, they are assembled independently at the front.

Andrei Belousov: There is a dedicated thermal-imaging system for the Verba known as Zarnitsa. It is already being produced; I will not discuss production figures while the cameras are rolling, but current output is still insufficient. We are increasing production volumes. We are well aware of the issue and are actively addressing it. Our goal is to supply Zarnitsa systems in amounts corresponding to the number of Verba launchers being delivered to operational units, particularly air-defence formations. It is a proven and effective system, with no issues regarding its performance.

Vitaly Krainyuk: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

I am Senior Sergeant Vitaly Krainyuk, 71^st Motor Rifle Regiment.

An important issue of introducing new technologies on the battlefield has been raised. I would like to propose involving military personnel: specialists who are directly participating in combat operations, serving in assault units. I believe their knowledge and practical experience would be valuable to manufacturers and developers.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: I completely agree. In fact, that is exactly what we are trying to do. Do you have any specific ideas? Have you attempted to pass any proposals through your chain of command? Please do. But since you are here today, please share them directly. A happy coincidence, the Minister of Defence is sitting right here – and this is an area he knows professionally. Even when he served as First Deputy Prime Minister, he was involved in these matters: partly in the space sector and partly in [technological] development. In many ways, it was precisely because of his efforts in these areas as a civilian minister, Minister of Economic Development, and later First Deputy Prime Minister that he ended up becoming Minister of Defence. He was deeply involved in high-tech development, among other areas.

So please pass your suggestions along. I have to move on to another part of my schedule today, but I will ask the Minister to stay and hear all of your proposals personally.

We are trying to organise things this way because many of the achievements of our fighters on the front lines, as I have already mentioned, are genuinely impressive. Perhaps that should not be surprising. You understand what is needed, and you have a clear understanding of what the enemy possesses and what resources are available to you, and obviously, ideas emerge from that experience.

That is excellent. Please share them.

Mr Belousov, I would also ask you to issue corresponding instructions for the armed forces so that commanders remain receptive to such initiatives. Incidentally, many of the solutions we implement originate directly from the troops. We are trying to make full use of those ideas at the Ministry level. As you know, one of the group commanders went on to become a Deputy Minister of Defence. Why? Because he was one of those who effectively organised the work in this regard. Within his area of responsibility, he established a large number of small enterprises and, I would say, even laboratories. He implemented these initiatives skilfully and promptly. Today, he serves as Deputy Minister of Defence and continues working in this area. If there is a need to organise this process even more proactively and with even less bureaucracy, that would certainly be beneficial.

Please look into it. All right?

Andrei Belousov: Absolutely.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

This is how we will proceed. (Addressing Vitaly Krainyuk.) And now, if you have any specific ideas, please share them directly with the Minister while you are here.

Thank you.

Please. Is that all?

Have you had a chance to see Moscow at all? Mr Belousov, do the guys have a programme preplanned?

Andrei Belousov: Yes, we have worked with everyone, and there are certain requests and wishes. We will certainly arrange additional leave for them. In fact, yesterday we discussed granting an extra ten days.

Vladimir Putin: Well, you know, time off is important and absolutely the right thing to do. But beyond that, I do not know whether everyone here has visited Moscow before. Some may never have. While everyone is here, especially during their leave, they should have the opportunity to see the capital. It is a holiday, and the city is beautifully decorated. Please make sure an appropriate programme is organised for them.

Andrei Belousov: Certainly.

Vladimir Putin: Good.

I would like to conclude where I began: at the start of our meeting, I said that you are heroes. Perhaps I did not state it directly at first, although I say it often. But that is exactly what I meant. Not only those present in this hall, but also your comrades, your fellow servicemen, your brothers-in-arms. After all, who advances forward? The assault units. Who ultimately determines the outcome of a combat mission? Obviously, the infantry. It is the assault troops who move forward, secure territory for Russia, and hold it. You are carrying out that task. My deepest respect goes to you and to all your fellow servicemen. I wish you good luck and all the very best. Take care of yourselves.

I would like to reiterate once again: I invited you to meet here, in the Kremlin, today, on Russia Day, specifically to emphasise, through this meeting and our conversation, the importance of the combat duties you are carrying out.

God bless you. Thank you very much.

Presenting Hero of Labour medals and Russian Federation National Awards

2026-06-12T19:42:11+04:00

By tradition, on Russia Day, the President presented the gold medals of the Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation and the 2025 Russian Federation National Awards in science and technology, literature and the arts, for outstanding achievements in human rights and charity work, in the Grand Kremlin Palace’s St George’s Hall.

Following the ceremony, the President had brief conversation with winners of the National Awards and Heroes of Labour of the Russian Federation.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends, colleagues, congratulations on Russia Day!

We are celebrating this holiday with warmth and affection for our Motherland, with pride for grand achievements in industry and military service by many generations of our ancestors, with respect for key events in Russian history and, of course, with understanding that all stages in our state’s evolution over 1,000 years form a single journey.

A deep, personal feeling for Russia is part of our mentality. For Russian people, solidarity and patriotism have always been the greatest values that helped us overcome any difficulties, defeat enemies, build our country, and preserve our historical and cultural legacy.

Friends,

A sincere sense of responsibility for our Fatherland is a feeling known to every one of us. And for participants in the special military operation, this is a solid spiritual support, much like the support our heroes receive from the entire Russian nation and our entire society.

We all share the same goals. Courage and perseverance in achieving these goals are qualities possessed by everyone receiving high honours today.

First, let me name the recipients of the Hero of Labour title.

Alexander Batalin has been the director of the well-known Fiolent plant in Simferopol for 40 years. Under his management, this enterprise has been upholding high standards of its own research and design traditions, producing sought-after civilian and dual-use goods, as well as goods for state defence orders.

For Leonid Bobe, developing reliable life support systems for manned spacecraft is a life’s work. Successfully deployed at the International Space Station, his designs affirm the leading positions of Russian science.

Reliability and responsibility are the hallmarks of Vladimir Danilov, a mining works operator at Uralkali. He generously shares a wealth of experience he has gained with young professionals.

Alexander Kolesnichenko has achieved significant results in agriculture. Through his many years of hard work and willingness to embrace new solutions, he demonstrates what a modern agricultural enterprise can achieve.

Marina Neyolova’s talent, vibrant personality, and ability to transform herself on stage have captivated audiences of all generations. Her work in both theatre and film has become iconic, while her skill and dedication set a benchmark for the entire theatrical community.

Nikolai Russu rose from a foreman at grass roots level to the head of one of the country’s leading bridge construction companies. He pours all his energy, knowledge, and strength into engineering projects that reshape Russian regions, unlock their economic potential, and advance Russia’s strategic development.

Anatoly Sviridov sets an exceptional example of devotion to his craft. A highly accomplished all-round turner, he continues the longstanding traditions of hand craftsmanship, skilfully combining them with the demands of modern manufacturing.

Among those receiving the Hero of Labour medal today is the legendary weapon designer Pyotr Serdyukov. Over the course of his long career, he has developed a number of unique small arms and specialised technical equipment that have enhanced the effectiveness of both the army and special forces.

The National Award for outstanding achievements in humanitarian activities is presented to Lomonosov Moscow State University Rector Viktor Sadovnichy. A man of broad scientific knowledge and global mindset, a man capable of foreseeing opportunities and quickly turning concepts into reality, he has been at the helm of Russia’s flagship university for over 30 years, making an immense contribution to preserving the best traditions of fundamental and classical education, and to strengthening Moscow University’s position as Russia’s leading centre of education, intellectual and spiritual development, and more broadly, to shaping strategic areas of Russian higher education. Several significant initiatives aimed at advancing and promoting mathematical knowledge have been carried out under Mr Sadovnichy’s leadership. Of course, his many years of work as Chairman of the Russian Union of Rectors deserve particular respect.

Today, we are also honouring representatives from various research fields.

Russia’s leading Orientalist and Africanist Alexei Vasilyev has combined his vast experience as an international journalist with deep scientific analysis in his fundamental and comprehensive research, reflecting the essence of complex and multifaceted processes in the Middle East. Alexei Vasilyev’s books and articles, and his unique knowledge are in high demand and highly relevant, especially for strengthening mutual understanding between our peoples.

Neurosurgeons Nikolai Konovalov, Vladimir Krylov and Dmitry Usachev have developed and widely implemented high-precision surgery on the brain and spinal cord. They have essentially shaped the modern Russian school of neurosurgery, which already produces highly skilled surgeons. Most importantly, the number of life-saving operations is growing.

Thanks to our scientists’ hard work, the Russian oil and gas sector has undergone some serious transformation. Russia’s first system to increase production efficiency using hydraulic fracturing technology has been developed. This domestic project, a vitally important piece of equipment is the fruit of labour by Oleg Zhdaneyev, Igor Kovshov and Yelena Korsa-Vavilova.

Friends,

The work of this year’s laureates in literature and the arts is united by a common theme: the history of the Russian state and pride in its achievements, and the understanding that the strength of our Fatherland lies in the continuity of traditions, respect for its heritage, and its great culture.

Yekaterina Zhukova, producer at the Moskino film studio, and Maria Ushakova, producer at the Rossiya TV channel, have spent more than a decade creating documentary projects about the most important periods in our country’s history, its heroes, and its creators. Each of their works is grounded in fact and features a dynamic, compelling plot. Through their work, they prove that film can and should serve as a vehicle for public awareness.

The continuity of the past, the present, and the future is reflected in the work of the brilliant director and screenwriter Andrei Mikhalkov-Konchalovsky. Through characters from Russian classics and reflections on modern times, through the lives of individuals and sweeping film epics, he reveals to the world the values of our culture, its character, its memory, its spiritual strength, inspiring us to stay true to our roots.

The award for charity work has been presented to Alexei Zarov, chief physician of the Hospital of St Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow. In recent years, one of the specialities of this church hospital has been the care for the seriously ill. That experience proved invaluable during the special military operation. Alexei Zarov and his colleagues organised two mobile hospitals. At one of them, surgeons and general practitioners treated more than 5,000 patients. The second played a vital role in overcoming the humanitarian disaster following the destruction of the Kakhovskaya HPP in the Kherson Region. The training centres established by Alexei Zarov in Simferopol and Sevastopol have trained 8,000 nursing assistants, while nursing communities in Gorlovka, Makeyevka, Lugansk, Donetsk, and other cities provide assistance to residents of our historical regions. Alexei Zarov organises nursing teams not only for professional care but also, as he himself puts it, for service to the sick and wounded. He is, without doubt, a man of deep dedication.

Being there where it is difficult, staying close to those who are struggling, standing up for justice, and taking responsibility – these are the hallmarks of Tatyana Moskalkova, this year’s recipient of the Award for human rights work. Her work as Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner is an example of dedicated service to the people and the Fatherland. From the very beginning of the special military operation, her priority was supporting the military personnel, their families, and civilians affected by the fighting. She has worked – quite successfully – to uphold the constitutional guarantees for the citizens of Russia.

Friends,

The heights you have reached are within the grasp of extraordinary, strong, and generous people, those for whom their work and profession become the very meaning of life.

I sincerely thank every one of you. My heartfelt congratulations on these high state awards.

Thank you very much.

<…>

Vladimir Putin: Friends,

To close our ceremony, I would like to add a few words, building on what has just been said here.

One of the awardees remarked that she had spent her whole life doing what she loved and never imagined she would be recognised for it. And that, I think, is precisely the point.

Today is Russia Day. As we honour outstanding citizens of our country, we are, of course, thinking about young people – about future generations. The task of society and the state is to help them find their calling, so that each of them can discover something they truly enjoy and achieve remarkable success. Just like our award recipients today.

Another recipient said: “We had a dream.” So, may we all have a dream – one we can turn into reality and work towards.

It was also said that Saint Luke endured severe trials because he was with God. Today, on Russia Day, the Almighty, the Lord, is always with our country.

Happy Russia Day.

On June 12, a ceremony to present the 2025 National Awards and Hero of Labour gold medals will take place at the Kremlin

2026-06-11T17:04:42+04:00

On Russia Day, an official ceremony to present the 2025 Russian Federation National Awards for achievements in science and technology, literature and the arts, human rights, charity work, and humanitarian activity will be held in the Grand Kremlin Palace.

The President will also present Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation gold medals to Russians awarded the title.

Winners of the 2025 National Awards of the Russian Federation announced

2026-06-11T17:07:38+04:00

The winners of the 2025 National Awards of the Russian Federation in science and technology, literature and art, for outstanding achievements in humanitarian, human rights and charity work have been announced.

The winners were announced at a special briefing by Presidential Aide Andrei Fursenko, Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky and Presidential Adviser and Chairman of the Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights Valery Fadeyev.

Executive orders signed on the presentation of the 2025 National Awards of the Russian Federation

2026-06-11T17:07:16+04:00

The President has signed executive orders on the presentation of the 2025 National Awards of the Russian Federation in science and technology, literature and art, and for outstanding achievements in human rights and charity work.

Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council

2026-06-11T12:50:06+04:00

Vladimir Putin held via videoconference a briefing session with permanent members of the Security Council.

Steps needed to ensure public safety ahead and during the upcoming State Duma elections, which will be held in September, were on the agenda.

Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev delivered a report on the topic.

Taking part in the meeting were Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu, Presidential Aide Nikolai Patrushev, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Minister of the Interior Vladimir Kolokoltsev, and Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin.

Seminar meeting on implementing State National Policy Strategy by regional executive authorities

2026-06-12T23:13:52+04:00

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Magomedsalam Magomedov and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Siberian Federal District Anatoly Seryshev held the annual district seminar meeting in Kyzyl on the tasks and progress of regional executive authorities in implementing the State National Policy Strategy. Seminar meetings are held in every federal district as per Vladimir Putin’s instruction.

The meeting was attended by Head of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs Igor Barinov, Head of the Republic of Tyva Vladislav Khovalyg, deputy governors and representatives of federal and regional government bodies, and experts.

Magomedsalam Magomedov stressed in his remarks that the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia announced by the President has strategic significance for the country’s progress, and for the strengthening of the Russian nation.

“It is important that the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia aligns with the launch of the new State National Policy Strategy of the Russian Federation until 2036. In this context, we must emphasise everything meaningful that unites us: the unity of the front and the home front during the special military operation; the unity in preserving and strengthening traditional Russian spiritual and moral values like patriotism, service to the Fatherland, and family values; and, of course, the unity of the peoples of Russia.” It is important to focus primarily on the peoples who have historically resided on Russian territory, and on the unifying role of the Russian people and Russian culture in the life of our country, Magomedsalam Magomedov noted.

The meeting participants discussed topical matters concerning inter-ethnic relations and the situation in each region of the federal district. As Mr Magomedov pointed out, the situation in the Siberian Federal District remains stable and manageable, with some performance indicators above the national average.

The participants also discussed tasks pertaining to the State National Policy Strategy of the Russian Federation and gave corresponding recommendations.

A number of decisions were adopted following the meeting.

During this working trip, Magomedsalam Magomedov and Anatoly Seryshev held a working meeting with Head of the Republic of Tyva Vladislav Khovalyg, during which they discussed the republic’s socioeconomic development and inter-ethnic relations.

Specifying regulations for imposing administrative penalties for offences outside the Russian Federation

2026-06-11T15:37:13+04:00

The President signed Federal Law On Amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation.

The federal law sets forth specific procedures for cases dealing with certain categories of administrative offences committed outside the Russian Federation.

In particular, it specifies the damages resulting from administrative offences committed outside the Russian Federation, procedures for the participation of defence lawyers in the corresponding proceedings, methods for seizing materials and documents, as well as procedures governing the seizing of property to ensure the enforcement of the ruling on an administrative punishment.

In addition, the federal law sets forth specific procedures for the consideration of cases of administrative offences by individuals located outside the Russian Federation.

Meeting with Government Members

2026-06-11T10:27:29+04:00

Vladimir Putin held a videoconference with members of the government.

The discussion focused on measures to boost investment activity. At the start of the meeting, Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov reported on the opening of new and refurbished children’s recreation facilities in the regions. Several other current issues were also discussed.

Held via videoconference, the meeting included the unveiling of new youth recreational facilities: an educational technology centre at the Orlyonok National Children’s Centre, Krasnodar; a new building at the Prometheus recreation centre, Lipetsk Region; and a new building at the Aurora private recreation centre, Anapa.

Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov presented the keynote report on measures to revive investment. President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin, Head of the Delovaya Rossiya National Public Organisation Alexei Repik and Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov shared their comments on the topic.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon.

Today our agenda includes several important issues that affect millions of citizens.

First and foremost, we are looking at ways to strengthen the wellbeing of families with children. Let me stress: we are not only fully meeting all previously undertaken social commitments, but we are also introducing new support measures.

For example, for working parents raising two or more children and have a low per-capita income, the income tax will be reduced to 6 percent. I believe this is an entirely fair decision. It is fully in line with the logic and spirit of our entire demographic and social policy.

From June 1 this year, these citizens can apply to the Social Fund for a refund of most of the income tax they paid in the previous year. Both parents will be eligible for the corresponding family payment, provided each is in formal employment.

To date, around 1.5 million people have applied for a personal income tax refund for last year. Payments have already begun, and the money is being credited to parents’ bank cards.

I would like to ask Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova to explain, during our meeting today, how this work is being organised. It is important that families can receive this extra state support quickly and easily. Now, in the summer, such funds can be a valuable resource for planning children’s leisure activities.

Organising recreation and summer holiday programmes for children will also be a topic of today’s discussion. That includes the opening of several new facilities – children’s camps in the Krasnodar Territory and the Lipetsk Region.

Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov and his colleagues will give a detailed report on the summer recreation campaign.

In this regard, I should note that we consistently and systematically develop children’s recreation infrastructure across the country. Since 2022, this work has also been carried out within the framework of a dedicated federal project of upgrading existing children's camps and building new facilities.

This summer, more than 5.75 million children will be able to spend their holidays in children’s recreation and health centres. Our goal is to increase, year by year, the number of children who have the opportunity to spend their summer in camps and health resorts, enjoying full rest, recovery, and meaningful activities. Allow me to share a few figures. Since 2023, 136 children’s recreation facilities have been renovated and 336 new facilities have been built with budgetary support. These projects include dormitories, sports grounds and gyms, spaces for educational and creative activities, health units, and dining facilities. As a result of this work, 160,000 new places for recreation, learning, and meaningful leisure activities have been created.

The large-scale modernisation of this infrastructure will continue. In addition to the comprehensive renewal of the existing network, plans envisage the creation of more than 200,000 additional places for children’s recreation and health improvement by 2030.

We must create conditions not only for government investment in the development and upgrade of children’s camps and health centres, but also for businesses, enterprises, and companies to invest in these socially significant and nationally important projects. Such examples are becoming increasingly common.

Improving children’s health and wellbeing remains one of our national priorities. We remain firmly committed to this objective despite all external challenges. These challenges are temporary, but children and young people represent the future of Russia and the continuation of our nation.

At the same time, we must unfortunately acknowledge that our adversaries continue to resort to terrorist methods, including the attack on the student dormitory of the pedagogic college in Starobelsk.

I would once again draw the attention of the heads of the special services and all law enforcement agencies to the need to strengthen both counter-terrorism and overall security across the entire educational and social systems and infrastructure. I ask you to carry out the relevant work without delay. During the summer holidays, we must ensure reliable protection of children’s centres, camps, and health resorts. This must be done with the utmost sense of responsibility.

Every year, every summer, we turn our attention to these issues – namely, the issue of ensuring children’s safety. This is a multifaceted endeavour, and I ask you to pay particular attention to all aspects of this work.

Let me add that – and I regret having to draw attention to this as well – the sponsors of the Kiev regime, the European ruling elites, have likewise devised measures that, in all likelihood, never occurred to anyone before: they are imposing sanctions against organisations where our children spend the summer and regain their strength. This is utter nonsense and sheer absurdity. Yet this is precisely what is being done. One can only guess what effect they expect to achieve. Do they intend to restrict the work of children’s centres? I do not understand what they are trying to achieve, but it is happening nonetheless, and those figures in Europe who are engaging in this are, I believe, bringing disgrace upon themselves. From the standpoint of common sense and ordinary people – in Russia, in Europe, and across the world – this is a manifestation of sheer feeble-mindedness, an attempt to perpetrate yet another petty act of spite. It is astonishing that people should sink to such absurdity.

Meanwhile, children from all constituent entities of the Federation and from foreign countries come to our children’s centres with great pleasure – and quite a number of children visit us from abroad – spending their time there in an interesting and vibrant manner, which is of great benefit to their development.

If European figures – preoccupied with gender issues and the protection of various kinds of sexual minorities – are irritated by the sight of happy children who are passionate about what they do and love Russia, then it means that you and I are doing everything correctly and justly, and we are promoting the right values. We will continue to act in this manner.

I would ask the Minister of Education, Sergei Kravtsov, to take the floor and report on the new facilities

<…>

Vladimir Putin: I would like to make the following point in this regard.

Of course, we were aware, just as we have been saying all along – and I think I raised this point at the economic forum in St Petersburg – it was quite apparent that by taking measures to ease and curb inflation, we proceeded from an understanding that this would affect economic growth rates and investment.

But one of our colleagues was right to note that we must prevent this pause in investment from bringing the entire economy to a halt. We had this understanding from the outset and this is what we meant. That said, I believe it would be fair to say that investment has not been paused. In fact, investment has continued. To an extent, I believe we could describe this as investment restraint, which, in itself, is quite understandable, since this is attributable to macroeconomic factors and the measures taken by the economic and financial agencies, including regarding the exchange rate of the national currency and the key interest rate.

Overall, the situation is under control – that much is quite obvious. And the measures we have taken are yielding the expected results. In fact, the inflation rate has declined. Where are we at this point? It is slightly over five percent. Therefore, I believe that we can expect a lower key interest rate and to be able to achieve other key indicators.

Mr Siluanov talked about the budget. When the interest rate changes, this will have a direct bearing on the exchange rate. We are not skewing any parameters or indicators, and I think that specialists, including investors, must appreciate this fact.

But apart from macroeconomic policy matters and efforts to ensure overall macroeconomic stability there is, of course, the fact that when major investment projects come to an end, including in the Far East, by the way, this affects the overall investment landscape. It goes without saying that we must launch a new investment cycle taking into consideration present-day reality, as well as the proposals we have just heard from the business community. I think that this much is obvious.

Many proposals definitely deserve more than just taking them into consideration or carefully studying them. I think that they must be carried out. They may have to be fine-tuned, but from a more general perspective it would be advisable to follow the steps and move towards implementing the policy as it has been outlined.

I ask Maxim Oreshkin to work on all these matters as we prepare the next meeting on economic matters, and report to the Prime Minister, so that we bring about solutions that could and should be implemented, including as part of the relevant instructions, which must be drafted in a timely manner.

I would like to thank all of you for working together today in this format. Thank you. As I said, I suggest that we start preparing the next meeting on economic matters.

Thank you very much. All the best.

Agreement between Russia and South Ossetia on the pension system for customs officers has been ratified

2026-06-11T14:47:52+04:00

The President signed Federal Law On Ratifying the Agreement Between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Ossetia on the Pension System for Customs Officers and Their Family Members.

The agreement was signed in Tskhinval on November 7, 2025.

It concerns the pension arrangements for customs officers of both parties, as well as for their family members.

Under the agreement, an employee’s pension is to be determined by the competent authorities of the party in whose territory the employee was discharged with the right to a pension, in line with that party’s legislation. The calculation and payment of the employee’s pension are to be handled by the competent authorities of the party in whose territory the employee permanently resides, also in accordance with that party’s legislation.

The agreement further stipulates that the granting and payment of survivor’s pensions to family members of a deceased employee are to be carried out by the competent authorities of the party in whose territory the family members permanently reside, in accordance with that party’s legislation.

Amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences on violating migrant registration rules

2026-06-11T14:47:07+04:00

The President signed Federal Law On Amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation.

The federal law establishes administrative liability for failure to comply with migrant registration requirements for foreign nationals and stateless persons at their place of stay by accommodation providers in facilities governed by the laws of the Russian Federation on tourism-related activities.

System of medical examination for foreign nationals in Russia enhanced

2026-06-11T14:45:55+04:00

The President signed Federal Law On Amendments to the Federal Law On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation and to Article 34 of the Federal Law On the Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare of the Population.

The Federal Law is aimed at refining the legal framework governing relations pertaining to the medical examination of foreign citizens and stateless persons staying or residing in the Russian Federation, and at strengthening the efficiency of state migration oversight. To achieve these objectives, the Federal Law establishes a unified legal mechanism for foreign citizens and stateless persons to undergo medical examination for the detection of the use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances without a doctor’s prescription, for infectious diseases posing a threat to others, and for HIV infection.

This examination shall be carried out by medical organisations authorised by the highest-ranking officials of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and shall take place within 30 days of the entry of foreign citizens and stateless persons into the Russian Federation.

In addition, the Federal Law sets out the procedure for the exchange of information between the Ministry of Healthcare, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare. This includes the sharing of information on the results of the medical examination of foreign citizens and stateless persons, as well as on the identification, when seeking medical assistance, of the use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances without a doctor’s prescription, the presence of infectious diseases that pose a threat to others, and HIV infection.