At the beginning of the conversation, Vladimir Putin said that he had already read the relevant documents ahead of the meeting. First of all, the President drew attention to the problems linked with coal shipments, the completion of the cultural cluster and the expansion of the cadet corps. He also suggested discussing several other issues.
Sergei Tsivilev started his report by talking about support for the families of servicemen mobilised for the special military operation. According to Mr Tsivilev, payments have been made, a social worker has been assigned to each family, and all problems are being resolved as they arise. This concerns even such minor household tasks as removing snow, reloading coal, etc. Various events are organised for children from these families. They have visited a memorial to the Soviet soldier-liberator honouring Siberian Guards soldiers who defeated Nazism during the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, been to see an ice show and a circus performance.
The programme for the socioeconomic development of the Kemerovo Region has been drafted, and the Government of the Russian Federation has approved it. The programme is being fulfilled as scheduled, and with good results, the Governor noted. The people of the Kemerovo Region can already see real changes.
Mr Tsivilev added that the region had successfully hosted the Russia is a Sports Power forum and noted that there were plans to hold numerous sports events in the region.
The President inquired about the creation of a mountain skiing cluster in Sheregesh. An agreement with Gazprom on Sheregesh has been signed, Mr Tsivilev said and noted that it was important not to damage the local environment. He also expressed confidence that in five years from now Sheregesh will rank among the world’s top ski resorts. However, this will only become possible if the project receives support and if there are benefits for the construction sector. He asked the President to consider providing such benefits.
The Governor also emphasised the importance of building an airport there. The federal Government has helped formalise land ownership rights, and experts are currently designing a runway. The airport will be located about seven kilometres from the mountain; so it will be a 4-hour flight and a 7-km drive to the resort. Then, according to the Governor, it will be possible to compete with other international resorts. Many people are already coming here on holiday from all over Russia, from St Petersburg to Vladivostok.