Website of the President of Russia: Executive Office

Yelena Yampolskaya held the fourth meeting of the Preschool Education Expert Group under the Interdepartmental Working Group on Education of Children and Youth

2026-10-14T16:09:46+04:00

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Presidential Executive Office, the State Duma, the Ministry of Education, the Russian Academy of Sciences, research and education organisations, public associations, the Russian Centre for Children and Youth, Znaniye Society, and the Russian State Children’s Library.

The Preschool Education Expert Group works on new approaches to preschool education in order to increase the effectiveness of education tasks handled by preschools, according to a respective presidential executive order.

Opening the meeting, Adviser to the President Yelena Yampolskaya noted that the objectives had been set for the expert group by the President. She quoted the President as saying that education and upbringing in Russia constitute the foundation of the achievements across all fields.

The meeting participants reviewed the information that the Ministry of Education provided on the implementation of the action plan to increase the effectiveness of education tasks handled by preschools until 2030, including on the development of an updated federal state education standard of preschool education and a federal preschool education programme.

Among other issues, the expert group discussed speech development in children of preschool age and the development of reading skills in kindergartens. Yelena Yampolskaya noted that speech develops during the preschool period; therefore, special attention should be paid to preparing appropriate teaching materials for preschoolers.

The Presidential Adviser emphasised the importance of modifying the list of literature for read-aloud sessions and suggested including more works by Alexander Pushkin, as well as fairytales traditional for different ethnic groups in Russia as a special category of reading. The foreign literature on the list requires analysis for merit and the values it promotes. The international reading should include a wider variety, without the predominance of Western tales.

The Presidential Adviser also noted the importance of analysing the sufficiently of teaching materials and tools at state and municipal kindergartens, including fiction for listening.

The participants also reviewed information on a national digital platform for preschool education called Children’s Platform. It will be launched in test mode in November 2026. It will contain materials recommended by experts for teachers and parents, including audiovisual literature, educational games, methodological recommendations, and guides.

The participants also reviewed the results of comprehensive scientific research concerning preschoolers healthcare, with specific focus on the improvement of physical education in kindergartens.

The participants also discussed proposals to develop family reading on the basis of the existing family and childhood support infrastructure. The Russian State Children’s Library presented a report on the НЭБ.Дети national children’s e-library.

Meeting of the Council for Interethnic Relations Presidium

2026-10-09T12:46:32+04:00

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Magomedsalam Magomedov chaired a meeting of the Presidium of the Council for Interethnic Relations.

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Magomedsalam Magomedov opened the meeting by noting that the outcome of the elections to the ninth State Duma demonstrated the high level of Russian society’s consolidation and the demand for a consistent implementation of the President’s strategic course, including with respect to state ethnic policy.

Regarding the state of interethnic relations, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office noted that, amidst serious external pressure, Russian society has not reacted to or supported attempts to artificially exacerbate interethnic tensions. On the contrary, according to sociological surveys, relations between representatives of different ethnicities have shown a certain positive dynamic in 2026, while the possibility of a serious ethnic conflict has decreased.

Presidium members discussed the progress in the implementation of certain instructions from the President concerning the targets of the State National Policy Strategy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2036, as well as the selection of candidates for the Russian President’s Prize for Contributions to Strengthening the Unity of the Russian Nation. Furthermore, the participants exchanged views regarding the upcoming meeting of the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations, chaired by the President.

Following the meeting, relevant decisions were adopted.

Meeting of interdepartmental working group on developing ecosystems of the digital economy and digital platforms

2026-10-12T19:35:03+04:00

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin chaired a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on developing ecosystems of the digital economy and digital platforms. The interdepartmental working group received reports from the expert groups on trade and agriculture.

Taking part in the discussion were Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Maksut Shadayev, State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Roman Chekushov, State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Agriculture Maxim Uvaidov, members of the interdepartmental working group, as well as co-chairs and executive secretaries of expert groups on the platformisation of economic sectors and the social sphere.

Following the meeting, a decision was taken to carry on the work on comprehensive reports on the platformisation of said industries. In particular, proposals on further development of the platform model of trade will be updated to consider potential changes in delivery means and the industry’s demand for robotics equipment and other industrial resources that will boost the technological infrastructure of Russian platforms will be determined.

Expert group reports constitute an important expert contribution to the draft national strategy for the development of digital platforms and the implementation of platform solutions in specific economic sectors and other areas until 2036. The strategy is being developed by the Russian Government at the instruction of the President of the Russian Federation, issued following the 29^th St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The results of the expert groups’ work will be discussed on the Platform Economy Day in November 2026.

Meeting of Russia’s Maritime Board

2026-09-30T10:04:46+04:00

At a meeting held in Moscow, the Maritime Board of the Russian Federation approved the concept for establishing Russia’s Maritime Centre, as well as its architecture and key areas of activity.

The Maritime Centre will be comprised of a scientific and technological component designed to bring together and foster collaboration among scientific and technological experts; a maritime industrial cluster; testing and technology proving grounds; a digital component integrating digital infrastructure and a maritime industry AI centre; an educational campus; and a network of maritime design and engineering teams.

It was noted that the establishment of the Centre is driven by the need to consolidate managerial, technological, and scientific capabilities to advance Russia’s maritime activities and potential, as well as accelerate technological development, and promote the creation and implementation of civilian and dual-use technologies.

The Maritime Board members believe that the Maritime Centre should serve not merely as an innovation hub, but also as a key element in ensuring national security and managing critical infrastructure.

The Centre’s primary objectives are to create a unified environment for maritime technology development and establish a full-cycle development process through creating a system that integrates scientific, design, educational, and industrial support for Russia’s maritime activities and potential. Its scope will also include shipbuilding, industry-specific microelectronics, robotics, navigation and communication systems, workforce training, and the implementation of specialised applied projects and large-scale integrated initiatives.

The meeting of the Maritime Board was chaired by Presidential Aide and Chairman of the Maritime Board Nikolai Patrushev. The speakers included First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov; Head of the Presidential Directorate for National Maritime Policy Sergei Vakhrukov; Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov; Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin; Chairman of the Scientific and Technical Council of the Military-Industrial Commission Andrei Tyulin; Vice President of the Kurchatov Institute National Research Centre Oleg Naraikin; Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vladislav Panchenko; and heads of various companies and organisations involved in the maritime sector.

Yelena Yampolskaya took part in the forum The Role of Culture in Russian-Iranian Cooperation

2026-09-30T10:07:12+04:00

On September 28, the forum The Role of Culture in Russian–Iranian Interaction was held at the Russian State University for the Humanities. The event was convened on the initiative of the Iranian side, with the aim of advancing academic and cultural cooperation between Russia and Iran and strengthening humanitarian ties between the two nations.

Among those taking part in the forum were Adviser to the President of Russia Yelena Yampolskaya, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali, Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed Abbas Salehi and other officials and experts.

In her address, the Adviser to the President of Russia emphasised that the promotion of humanitarian ties between Russia and Iran is a matter of priority at the highest level. Cooperation in the cultural, scientific and educational spheres plays a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations.

Yelena Yampolskaya noted sustained interest among Iranians in learning Russian and pursuing their education in Russia; the number of Iranian students in Russia has approached the 10,000 mark for the 2025–2026 academic year.

She also highlighted the successful operation, since 2017, of a Russian Centre for Open Education at the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature at Allameh Tabataba’i University in Tehran. The Centre’s activities are intended to familiarise Iranian citizens with the Russian language, and with Russian science, culture and education. Moreover, the international humanitarian project Russian Teacher Abroad is already producing positive results: under this initiative, Russian teachers deliver lessons in Russian, teaching both the Russian language and general school subjects at Iranian schools.

Yelena Yampolskaya further noted that, under the auspices of the Russkiy Mir Foundation – established by a Presidential Executive Order and chaired by her – two Russian Centres are currently operating in Iran (in Tehran and Mashhad), alongside two Russkiy Mir offices (in Tehran and Rasht). Another Russian Centre is scheduled to open in Isfahan by the end of 2026. She added that the University of Isfahan is one of the country’s foremost centres for Russian studies.

In her concluding remarks, Yelena Yampolskaya recalled the Russian President’s words, noting that he had repeatedly emphasised Russia’s solidarity with the Iranian people in upholding their national interests, and observed that cooperation between the two nations in culture, education and science had a considerable potential for expansion.

Alexei Dyumin took part in a meeting of the State Council Commission on Culture and Traditional Spiritual and Moral Values

2026-09-26T13:54:08+04:00

The State Council Commission on Culture and Traditional Spiritual and Moral Values held an expanded meeting on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International United Cultures Forum. It was another stage in the preparation for the State Council meeting scheduled for December and devoted to the preservation of Russia’s historical and cultural heritage in all its diversity, including tangible and spiritual values, as well as historical and documentary heritage.

The commission meeting was chaired by its chairman, Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhaev. The event was attended by Presidential Aide and Secretary of the State Council Alexei Dyumin (via videoconference), Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, members of the Federation Council, the State Duma, the Presidential Executive Office and the regions, as well as representatives of the restoration industry, archives and libraries, as well as other culture institutions.

The agenda of the meeting included issues related to the development of the restoration industry and archival affairs.

Alexei Dyumin said in his opening remarks that the key topics for the upcoming State Council meeting would be historical memory and traditional spiritual and moral values. The Presidential Aide emphasised that these issues, along with others, had been considered at a meeting of the Security Council on current issues held in August under the chairmanship of the head of state. By protecting its heritage, the state strengthens its national security and sovereignty, and is becoming stronger and more resilient against any challenge, Alexei Dyumin stated.

The Secretary of the State Council also pointed out the need to strengthen the human resources in the restoration industry and archival affairs, as these specialists are tasked with ensuring the continuity of historical memory. They systematise and preserve evidence from different eras. Alexei Dyumin expressed appreciation to representatives of these important professions for their daily painstaking work for the benefit of the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova emphasised that the development of the country as a social state is only possible if investments are made in human capital and if the Russian national civic identity is preserved and enhanced on the basis of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.

According to Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, extensive work is being carried out in the country on the restoration, renovation and conservation of historical and cultural monuments with the support from the Culture Ministry. This involves the joint efforts of thousands of true professionals: architects, archaeologists and restorers. Currently, Russia has over 163,000 cultural heritage sites, the Minister noted.

Chairman of the commission Mikhail Razvozhaev pointed out the significance of intergenerational continuity for the preservation of cultural heritage. “You can restore a building to perfection, digitise thousands of documents, preserve the technology of folk crafts, and yet lose the most important thing if the next generation stops seeing all this as part of their history. Only a human being can keep the meaning alive. We must answer a simple question: what cultural memory will the next generation receive, and will they see that memory as their own? The answer to this question largely determines whether our heritage will truly live on,” Mikhail Razvozhaev said.

Meeting of the Interdepartmental Working Group on the Development of Digital Economy Ecosystems and Digital Platforms

2026-09-30T10:00:27+04:00

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin chaired the latest meeting of the Interdepartmental Working Group on the Development of Digital Economy Ecosystems and Digital Platforms. The working group reviewed reports from expert groups on the Education and Employment tracks.

Taking part in the discussion werre Minister of Labour and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov, and Director General of the Russian Export Centre Veronika Nikishina, along with members of the interdepartmental working group and representatives of expert groups on the platformisation of economic sectors and the social sphere.

Following the meeting, a decision was made to continue developing comprehensive reports regarding the platformisation of these areas. In particular, the plan is to shortly particularise the target visions for platform development and itemise roadmaps for overcoming identified barriers.

The expert group reports represent an important contribution to the preparation of the national strategy for the development of digital platforms and the implementation of platform solutions in individual economic sectors and other spheres of activity through 2036. The strategy is being developed by the Government of the Russian Federation in accordance with the President’s directive following the 29^th St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Yelena Yampolskaya chaired a regular board meeting of the Council for the Development and Promotion of a New Russian Style in Public Spaces

2026-09-28T16:03:33+04:00

Established under the Russia National Centre, pursuant to the instruction issued by the President of Russia, the Council works to shape an environment rooted in national identity.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Presidential Executive Office, federal executive bodies, specialised universities, and professional associations.

The discussion focused on the results of the implementation of the Council’s projects, including a next-generation playground inspired by Dymkovo toys. According to the Council Chair, Presidential Adviser Yelena Yampolskaya, the first playground of this kind opened in Yekaterinburg during the International Youth Festival.

The meeting participants also discussed the development of a domestic colour palette and a national font family, the creation of art installations based on the Cyrillic script, and new designs for standard uniforms for schoolchildren and students representing Russia at international educational and scientific Olympiads.

Ruslan Edelgeriyev held a meeting on improving assessments of forest absorption capacity

2026-09-28T16:05:22+04:00

Aide to the President, Special Presidential Representative for Climate and Water Resources Ruslan Edelgeriyev chaired a meeting on improving assessments of the carbon sequestration capacity of forests and other ecosystem services.

The meeting featured a presentation on the concept of “biocapital” and its relationship to “natural capital.”

Representatives of leading research institutes presented the methodologies developed for an innovative project of national importance aimed at establishing a monitoring system for climate-active substances. The system makes it possible to assess a range of ecosystem services in reference to each other, including biodiversity conservation, greenhouse gas sequestration, and hydrological regulation. Representatives of the forestry sector and Russian regions discussed the practical feasibility of conducting such assessments and their interest in doing so.

Ruslan Edelgeriyev chairs a meeting of biodiversity expert group

2026-09-18T22:30:29+04:00

Aide to the President, Special Presidential Representative for Climate and Water Resources Ruslan Edelgeriyev chaired the sixth meeting of the expert group on biodiversity and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The group was established under the Interdepartmental Working Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, which operates within the Presidential Executive Office.

The meeting addressed the results of the seventh meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation and the 28^th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Negotiation tracks were highlighted that require special attention from federal executive bodies and other organisations, as well as the need for public outreach. The outcomes of the fourth meeting of the Steering Committee for the Multilateral Mechanism for the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits from the Use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, including the Cali Fund, were reviewed under special procedure.

Progress in drafting the updated National Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity of the Russian Federation was also reviewed.

In addition, the meeting addressed preparations for the Russian pavilion at the 17^th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, scheduled to take place in Yerevan in October, as well as other aspects of the Russian delegation’s preparations.

Meeting of the Expert Commission on Teaching Russian Language and Literature

2026-09-08T16:45:48+04:00

Adviser to the President Yelena Yampolskaya chaired a regular meeting, held via videoconference, of the Expert Commission on Teaching the Russian Language and Literature devoted to the final stages of work on high school textbooks.

In her opening remarks, Presidential Adviser and Chair of the Council for State Policy on Promoting the Russian Language and Languages of the Peoples of the Russian Federation Yelena Yampolskaya announced that state textbooks on Russian language and literature for Grades 10 and 11 have been developed and undergone the required review.

The academic supervisors of the author teams who worked on the textbooks spoke at the meeting. It was noted that the textbooks had been developed in accordance with Russian teaching traditions, taking into account the interrelationship between education, enlightenment, and upbringing. Particular attention was paid to aspects that contribute to the development of schoolchildren’s personalities, broaden their cultural horizons, foster patriotic feelings, and cultivate an appreciation of the Russian language and Russian literature. It was also noted that electronic versions of the textbooks, as well as a unified digital resource for teaching Russian language and literature, are being developed to support teachers, parents, and students.

The phased introduction of state textbooks on Russian language and literature for grades 10 and 11 is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2027.

The expert commission comprising 89 language teachers (one representing each region of the country) is operating under the Presidential Council for State Policy on Promoting the Russian Language and Languages of the Peoples of the Russian Federation.

Ruslan Edelgeriyev took part in the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification

2026-08-29T18:26:36+04:00

Aide to the President and Special Presidential Representative for Climate and Water Resources Ruslan Edelgeriyev took part in the events of the 17^th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, which was held from 17 to 28 August in the capital of Mongolia.

In preparation for his visit to Ulan Bator, Ruslan Edelgeriyev held a series of working meetings on environmental issues in the Irkutsk Region. The main attention was focused on the conservation of Lake Baikal’s unique ecosystem, sustainable management of water resources and the cross-border aspects of environmental cooperation. The consultations were taken into account when preparing Russia’s position for negotiations with the Mongolian side.

On the sidelines of the conference, the President’s Aide took part in high-level events on the restoration of degraded land, enhancing resilience to droughts and improving financing mechanisms for environmental projects. He emphasised the need to direct international cooperation towards achieving specific practical results, taking into account the national features of each state.

Ruslan Edelgeriyev also held a number of meetings with representatives of Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Belarus and Turkiye. During his contacts with the leadership of the UNCCD Secretariat, the Russian side confirmed its readiness for further constructive cooperation and for promoting the Convention’s practice-oriented agenda.

For the first time, a pavilion of the Russian Federation was set up at the venue of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. The pavilion showcased Russian approaches, technologies and practices in land restoration, soil conservation, sustainable agriculture, water resource management and ecosystem monitoring.

One of the practical results was the launch of the Russian hub for the international Business4Land initiative, which is intended to increase the involvement of Russian companies in projects for the sustainable management of land and water resources.

The Russian pavilion also hosted a meeting of the UNCCD Interregional Group Central Asia – Russia. Discussions touched on combatting land degradation and droughts, improving monitoring systems, applying modern technologies and further developing scientific cooperation.

Following the meetings, the parties outlined further steps to develop cooperation in the specified areas. The Mongolian side has proposed holding a joint event to mark the 30^th anniversary of Lake Baikal’s entry to the UNESCO World Heritage List, to be held at the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi this December.

Moreover, a number of countries and the UNCCD Secretariat have agreed to take part in the international conference Land Restoration and Drought Resilience: From Strategic Decisions to Practical Results, scheduled for October 30 at the Federal Scientific Centre for Agroecology, Integrated Land Reclamation and Protective Afforestation of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Volgograd.

Meeting of the interdepartmental working group on developing ecosystems of the digital economy and digital platforms

2026-08-27T20:50:43+04:00

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin chaired a regular meeting of the interdepartmental working group on developing ecosystems of the digital economy and digital platforms, held at the Presidential Executive Office.

Taking part in the discussion were Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Maksut Shadayev, Minister of Labour and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, members of the interdepartmental working group, as well as the co-chairs and executive secretaries of the expert groups on introducing platform-based solutions in economic and social sectors.

The meeting focused on reports prepared by the expert groups on Finance and Transport and Logistics. Industry representatives assessed the current level of platformisation, presented models of industry transactions and their vision for the target state of platformisation, and outlined the main barriers to further development along with proposals for overcoming them.

The expert working groups on the platformisation of economic and social sectors were established on June 9, 2026, by decision of the interdepartmental working group. Their work covers 13 industry-specific and four cross-industry areas and brings together representatives of the business community, industry experts, and government officials.

Following the discussions, the expert groups will continue preparing comprehensive reports on platformisation in these areas. In particular, they will further develop target platformisation concepts and draw up roadmaps for addressing the development barriers identified.

The expert groups’ reports provide an important analytical contribution to the preparation of a national strategy for the development of digital platforms and the adoption of platform-based solutions across individual sectors of the economy and other areas through 2036. The strategy is being developed by the Russian Government in accordance with instructions issued by the President following the 29^th St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The results of the expert groups’ work will be presented and discussed at Platform Economy Day in November 2026.

Alexei Dyumin took part in a meeting of the State Council Commission on Culture and Traditional Spiritual and Moral Values

2026-08-26T17:07:07+04:00

The meeting took place at the All-Russian Decorative Art Museum. This event formed part of the preparatory work for the forthcoming State Council meeting, scheduled for December, which will be dedicated to the preservation of Russia’s historical and cultural heritage in all its diversity, encompassing both material and spiritual values, as well as the nation’s historical and documentary heritage.

The Commission’s meeting was presided over by its chair, Governor of the City of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev. Also taking part in the meeting were Presidential Aide, Secretary of the State Council Alexei Dyumin, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture Liliya Gumerova, First Deputy Minister of Culture Sergei Obryvalin, State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Culture Zhanna Alexeyeva, Human Rights Commissioner of the Russian Federation Yana Lantratova, Director of the All-Russian Decorative Art Museum Tatyana Rybkina, Director of the Vasily Polenov State Russian House of Folk Art Tamara Purtova, and Chairman of the Board of the Folk Arts and Crafts of Russia Association Alexander Drozhzhin, among others.

Alexei Dyumin underscored the importance of promoting Russian culture abroad. A significant role in this endeavour is assigned to the “Russian Houses” – Russian centres of science and culture operating in more than 70 countries. At present, these centres are facing significant difficulties in a number of states. In this connection, the Federal Agency for CIS Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo) has been instructed to reset and strengthen the work of the Russian Houses.

Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture Liliya Gumerova noted that Russia’s cultural legacy possesses unique cultural value and great educational significance, and that considerable progress has recently been achieved in preserving sites of cultural heritage, including through legislative measures. In 2022, the Federal Law on Intangible Ethnocultural Heritage was adopted. All regions are contributing to the federal state register of intangible ethnocultural heritage, which presently contains 90 entries. Among these are Tuvan throat singing (khoomei), Bashkir kurai, the technique of making Orenburg downy shawls, Kubachi gold embroidery, Dymkovo toys, and Yelets lace. In essence, they have received state-protected status and will never again be consigned to oblivion.

Deputy Minister of Culture Zhanna Alexeyeva emphasised that the most pressing state task at present is to instil in young people respect for the history of the Fatherland and to provide the younger generation with sound moral guidance.

Presidential Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova spoke about the development of the domestic children’s toy industry in the context of protecting traditional values and ensuring the country’s cultural security.

Ruslan Edelgeriyev held Forum of Best Practices for Combatting Desertification and Land Degradation

2026-08-12T22:13:56+04:00

Presidential Aide, Special Presidential Representative for Climate and Water Resources Ruslan Edelgeriyev held the First Forum of Best Practices for Combatting Desertification and Land Degradation ahead of the 17^th Conference of the Parties under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in countries suffering from severe drought and/or desertification, particularly across Africa.

Held between August 5 and 7, 2026, the event was timed to coincide with the 75^th birthday of the First President of Chechnya, Hero of Russia Akhmat-Khadzhi Kadyrov.

Representatives of federal and regional government institutions, the Russian Academy of Sciences, leading universities and research centres, environmental protection organisations and Russian companies took part in the forum. Participants discussed technology and reviewed performance in combating desertification and land degradation, restoring soil fertility and ecosystems, promoting protective afforestation and sustainable land use. The event included presentations of Russian solutions in satellite and geoinformation monitoring, spatial analytics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and nature-like technology in soil rehabilitation. The opening ceremony included a tree-planting event, which took place with the support of the UN Global Compact National Network.

The forum served as a venue for signing several cooperation agreements between Kadyrov Chechen State University and the Nature and People Foundation, the UN Global Compact National Network, and the Federal Research Centre for Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. These agreements provide for undertaking joint research projects, educational programmes, exchanging scientific data and practices, as well as carrying out projects to monitor and prevent degradation and promote soil rehabilitation.

The forum produced proposals on replicating the most effective homegrown strategies and promoting closer interagency and scientific ties. Practices presented at the forum are expected to be used to define Russia’s position for the 17^th session of the Conference of the Parties under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.

The outcomes of the first forum paved the way for the decision to continue holding events of this kind at Kadyrov Chechen State University, while also establishing a permanent platform for sharing best Russian practices in environmental protection and fighting climate change not only with Russian experts, but also with the international community.

Maria Lvova-Belova continues work to reunite children with their families

2026-08-17T18:26:20+04:00

A five-year-old boy has returned to Russia. In 2020, he remained with his father in Ukraine; for various reasons, his mother was unable to take him. In March 2026, she learned of the boy’s father’s death, and the Office of the Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights facilitated their reunification. Additionally, with the Office’s support, another mother was able to come to Russia to collect her daughter, and three more children were reunited with their relatives in Ukraine and Germany.

In Moscow, Maria Lvova-Belova, Chair of the Children’s Protection Fund, met with the children and accompanying adults. She reiterated that humanitarian efforts to reunite families are carried out at the instruction of the President, based on requests from parents or close relatives who have the necessary legal grounds, and with due consideration for the children’s interests and all the circumstances of each case.

Maria Lvova-Belova offered particular thanks to the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, for her active involvement in reuniting children with their families and also acknowledged the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

In total, with the mediation of the Office of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, 31 children from 23 families have been reunited with relatives in Russia, and 145 children from 118 families have been reunited with relatives in Ukraine and third countries. With the support of Melania Trump, 33 children have been reunited with their families in Russia, Ukraine and third countries.

Ruslan Edelgeriyev visits Azerbaijan

2026-07-29T15:21:51+04:00

Presidential Aide, Special Presidential Representative for Climate and Water Resources Ruslan Edelgeriyev took part in the third Retreat for the chairs of negotiating groups and heads of delegation of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and held several meetings with Azerbaijani officials.

Discussions focused on the architecture of the upcoming international climate change negotiations scheduled to be held in Antalya, Turkiye, in November 2026.

In his remarks at the third Retreat for the chairs of negotiating groups and heads of delegation of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Ruslan Edelgeriyev drew the participants’ attention to the importance of recognising nations’ sovereign pathways towards decarbonisation. This recognition, he stressed, must give due regard to differences in national situations and strictly comply with the principle that obligations cannot be imposed on states in the framework of the climate process without their consent. He emphasised the inadmissibility of unilateral restrictions introduced under the pretext of fighting climate change.

The Presidential Aide also held consultations with the delegation of the Republic of Turkiye on the sidelines of the retreat. The sides discussed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the sphere of low-carbon development, with a focus on mutual recognition mechanisms for carbon credit verification systems to implement joint climate projects.

Ruslan Edelgeriyev also held meetings with members of the Azerbaijani cabinet, including Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov, and Head of the Forest Development Service under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources Ramik Ashrafov.

The discussion focused on current issues of bilateral cooperation in the areas of environmental protection, agriculture, forestry, and the climate agenda.

Key areas highlighted by the participants included the preservation of the Caspian Sea ecosystem, the rational use of water resources in agriculture, the implementation of joint climate projects and the strengthening of scientific and technological cooperation. They also explored prospects for the implementation of joint initiatives, in particular, the restoration of the ecosystem on the transboundary Samur River, the establishment of demonstration fields for crop cultivation using water-saving technologies, and efforts to counteract land degradation and forest pests.

Following the meetings, the sides noted a high level of mutual understanding and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening good-neighbourly relations and strategic Russia-Azerbaijan cooperation across a wide range of fields.

Maria Lvova-Belova visited Sverdlovsk Region

2026-08-07T15:22:39+04:00

Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova made a working trip to the Sverdlovsk Region. The children’s ombudsman met with Regional Governor Denis Pasler and visited the Social Rehabilitation Centre for Minors in Asbest, where she held a personal meeting with families.

During her meeting with Governor of Sverdlovsk Region Denis Pasler, further steps to support families and prevent social orphanhood were outlined. Maria Lvova-Belova noted that, thanks to the implementation of the special project Vyzov (Challenge) in the region, the number of children in orphanages and shelters has decreased by 21 percent over the past two years. The launch of a regional branch of the Children’s Protection Fund, which will, among other things, provide targeted assistance, was also discussed.

Maria Lvova-Belova also visited a family that has been supported by the Vyzov team for seven months. Their three children were placed in institutional care last year because their mother was struggling with alcohol addiction and was unable to manage day-to-day life. The situation was brought to the attention of an interagency council established in the region, which decided to provide comprehensive support to the family.

The regional drug addiction hospital was brought in to provide treatment for the mother, who received the help she needed to overcome her crisis and was able to reunite with her children. With support from the NGO Your Way, the family purchased essential furniture and household appliances, and social support continues to be provided.

Maria Lvova-Belova also learned about the work of a rehabilitation centre that supports mothers with children without separating them, run with the assistance of the Asbest City Charitable Foundation Vozmozhnost (Opportunity).

The Commissioner held individual consultations on the restoration of parental rights and explored possibilities for assisting with housing and other practical needs.

In addition, Maria Lvova-Belova held a personal meeting with families at the Social Rehabilitation Centre for Minors in Asbest. Following the visit, the Commissioner took 13 cases under her personal review.

Meeting of interdepartmental working group to improve the effectiveness of measures to preserve cultural heritage sites in poor condition

2026-07-16T13:56:37+04:00

At the Presidential Executive Office, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin chaired the third meeting of the interdepartmental working group to improve the effectiveness of measures to preserve cultural heritage sites (historical and cultural monuments) of the peoples of the Russian Federation in poor condition.

The interdepartmental working group was established pursuant to the order of the President of the Russian Federation of December 8, 2025, to ensure effective cooperation between federal and regional government agencies, development institutions, and other organisations in the implementation of state policy concerning the preservation, use, and promotion of cultural heritage sites of the peoples of Russia that are in poor condition.

The President has set the goal of bringing, by 2030, with the involvement of DOM.RF, at least one thousand cultural heritage sites to satisfactory condition.

Since 2026, a preferential lending programme for projects to preserve cultural heritage sites in poor condition has been in operation across the entire territory of the Russian Federation.

To facilitate monitoring and inform both potential investors and the public about cultural heritage sites in poor condition, a unified digital resource has been developed that contains information on more than two thousand such sites, including data on their technical condition and forthcoming auctions.

The meeting of the interdepartmental working group examined approaches to improve the terms of the preferential lending programme for such projects, as well as integrating the support and oversight mechanism for investment projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage sites into a unified system.

Report on the activities of the Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights in 2025 published

2026-07-29T15:16:33+04:00

The report of the Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova details the main results of her activities in 2025, interim results of the implementation of strategic programmes, an analysis of amendments to the legislation on children and childhood, and a review of experience of the regional children’s rights commissioners.

The year 2025 was declared the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. The institution of commissioners continued to provide all-round assistance to military personnel and their families, organising humanitarian aid comprising basic necessities, offering comprehensive support for families in difficult life situations, and implementing measures for the social and psychological adaptation of minors who have experienced combat operations.

The key event for the institution of children’s rights commissioners in 2025 was the completion of the Nationwide Inspection of the System for the Prevention of Social Orphanhood, which was held in all 89 regions. The commissioners analysed over 7,000 children’s case files, taking on 3,200 of them. The recommendations issued following the inspection are being implemented in the regions.

In 2025, the number of minors in children’s institutions decreased from 53,415 to 48,315 (down 9.6 percent), the number of terminations of parental rights went down from 21,631 to 17,039 (down 21.2 percent), and the number of restrictions of parental rights decreased from 6,742 to 5,396 (down 20 percent). The number of reinstatements of parental rights increased from 887 to 1,181 (up 33.1 percent), and the number of cases where restrictions of parental rights were removed went up from 793 to 875 (up 10.3 percent).

As per the President’s instructions, an interagency working group on assistance for families with children and social orphanhood prevention has been established under the Children’s Rights Commissioner. The group will coordinate interagency interaction at the federal level, formulate initiatives and proposals on amending legislation, accumulate experience and draft decisions on family and childhood.

In 2025, commissioners received more appeals than in 2024: the federal Commissioner received 23.2 percent more, and regional commissioners received 4.2 percent more appeals. Overall, 107,418 appeals were reviewed during the reporting period. The annual growth in the number of appeals indicates the public’s increasing trust in the institution of commissioners, which they regard as an effective mechanism for protecting children’s rights.

At the same time, the number of appeals from the new regions has decreased by nearly 11 percent compared to 2024. This trend shows that the local authorities promptly settle arising issues, including humanitarian ones.

In 2025, the federal Commissioner held 82 working meetings with members of the authorities, including the President. In addition, Maria Lvova-Belova made 42 working trips to 36 regions of the Russian Federation and one visit to the Republic of Belarus. During these trips, the children’s ombudsman visited over 140 institutions and held 32 meetings with regional heads and 40 meetings that focused on the current issues and challenges of family preservation and recommendations and proposals for addressing them.