Website of the President of Russia: All Publications

Meeting of the State Council Presidium on the development of public transport

2026-08-10T21:43:17+04:00

Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the State Council Presidium on the development of public transport in the Russian Federation held in Ulan-Ude.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon,

Today, we are discussing a matter of paramount importance for millions of our fellow citizens: the development of public transport. Three years ago, we considered these issues and adopted a series of targeted decisions. Since then, we have seen certain positive developments; nevertheless, a considerable number of challenges persist in this sphere.

Public transport is about the ability to reach one’s workplace, kindergarten, school, university, or outpatient clinic quickly and in comfort. Let me recall that we have set ourselves the objective that, by 2030, in agglomerations and cities, the share of rolling stock whose service life does not exceed the prescribed standard should reach at least 85 percent. This requirement encompasses all forms of public transport and, I would underscore, also applies to towns with populations below 50,000. I would ask you to report today on how this task is being fulfilled.

At the same time, it is evident that the mere renewal of the fleet does not in itself guarantee convenient and high-quality transport services. It is essential that trolleybuses, trams, buses, and commuter trains adhere to their schedules, that passengers travel safely, and that fares remain accessible. This must be the case in our major metropolitan centres, in small towns, in rural areas, and indeed in remote localities – and, of course, in core communities.

Mobility is one of the fundamental factors of modern life. People must be confident that transport issues will in no way impede their plans or daily concerns, and that all the circumstances of Russian families’ lives will be duly taken into account. Accordingly, when organising transport services, we must respond to the requests of local residents and address the needs of large families. For instance, according to surveys conducted by the Russian Popular Front, the largest number of complaints concern violations of route schedules: sometimes – as is well known – buses arrive one after another in a convoy, while at other times people are left waiting for them for hours.

Colleagues,

Modernising public transport, alongside healthcare and housing and utilities, is a key priority for regional and municipal authorities. Our country already has examples of comprehensive, genuinely breakthrough public transport reforms that are genuinely focused on residents’ needs. Major cities such as Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, and Chelyabinsk are leading the way. The Omsk Region is a leader in digital integration, and the Kemerovo Region was among the first to introduce a contract-based system for public transport. Rapid modernisation is underway in Primorye and here, in Buryatia. In the Murmansk Region, transport is being improved with the northern Arctic environment in mind, and in the Ivanovo Region, a ground-level metro system recently opened.

These achievements are not only the result of budget funding and other investment instruments. Smart, forward-looking management approaches play a huge role – above all, the close alignment of transport systems with urban development policy, including consideration for the growth of core communities.

It is also important to make greater use of artificial intelligence capabilities to forecast demand and streamline schedules and route networks. Such technologies can dramatically improve the efficiency of public transport.

I would also ask you to bear in mind the need to implement quality standards for public transport, as required by current legislation. At present, only 34 Russian regions have adopted them. The Government, together with the State Council, should therefore assist the regions by developing a set of indicators that characterise the quality of public transport services.

Subsequently, it will be necessary to amend the Infrastructure for Life national project to include specific benchmarks. These will provide a basis for evaluating regional performance in this area.

Colleagues,

Upgrading public transport requires considerable financial investment. Overall, there is a clear trend towards modernisation across the country: modern buses, trams, and electric buses have appeared on our streets as a result of federal programmes, regional procurement, and leasing arrangements. Since 2020, over 20,000 vehicles have been replaced as part of this fleet renewal.

However, given the heavy burden on regional and municipal budgets, passenger transport remains one of the most vulnerable sectors. For most regions, addressing these challenges continues to be a challenge.

The relevant commission of the State Council has put forward proposals for additional funding sources. First and foremost, it proposes channelling a portion of road funds towards the modernisation of public transport and improving transport services. According to the authors, formalising such expenditure as a separate budget line would strengthen the guarantees and reliability of the state’s social obligations – since access to public transport is a fundamental condition for the realisation of citizens’ constitutional rights to work, education, healthcare, and so on. State Council representatives also have proposals for identifying sources to replenish road funds. Let us discuss all of this today.

Futhermore, the rules governing the provision of targeted subsidies for public transport development should allow for a broader range of uses, giving regions greater flexibility in deciding how to spend the allocated funds. This should include the development of public transport infrastructure, including passenger stops.

I repeat: regions have different financial potetials, and the terms of federal co-funding for transport purchases should take this into account.

Transport safety is extremely important. Public transport still includes many unscrupulous and even semi-criminal operators that violate transportation regulations and profit at the expense of safety. This situation must be brought under control.

I would also like to add that I am aware of the discussion surrounding the so-called “guaranteed carrier.” This would involve assigning certain transport companies responsibility for ensuring uninterrupted transport services in a particular region.

The law does not have a definition of this concept yet but clearly, it could be a promising approach. I ask the government and the relevant State Council commission to submit proposals on this issue, taking into account the development of financial and economic models for such carriers and, of course, the specifics of different regions.

The issue of monopolisation may arise here. Monopolies can have negative consequences, and this must certainly be taken into consideration. However, introducing this type of carrier would undoubtedly facilitate the systematic procurement of vehicles, which is also important, as it would provide, or at least increase, guaranteed demand for our industrial enterprises. We need to ensure a consistent pace of procurement. The government has already been instructed to address this issue, but it has not yet been fully resolved. It is also time to actively advance toward concluding long-term contracts covering several years. This would significantly facilitate production planning for vehicle manufacturers. I would like to ask my colleagues to take respective decisions on this matter.

Another important issue is the operation of public transport in our historical territories. We must pay close attention to restoring transport services, modernising the infrastructure, and expanding route networks.

A few words about commuter rail services. This is a complex issue, but it is of great, if not overwhelming importance to our citizens. I know that work is already underway. Moscow and the Moscow Region have jointly implemented a project to transform the traditional commuter rail system into an above-ground metro. Four Moscow Central Diameters have connected the capital with the Moscow Region, improving transport services for millions of people. I hope that all the necessary decisions on commuter rail services will be duly made.

Today, I focused on the most significant issues. The relevant State Council commission has examined this entire range of issues comprehensively and in detail, so I would like to ask you to speak briefly and to the point.

Let us get down to the discussion. I will give the floor to Chairman of the commission Alexei Tsydenov, Head of the Republic of Buryatia, where we are now.

To be continued.

Meeting with urban environment and spatial development planners

2026-08-10T19:12:20+04:00

As part of his trip to Buryatia, Vladimir Putin had a meeting with leading representatives of urban planning and spatial development at the Dorzhi Banzarov Buryat State University in Ulan-Ude, which also hosted an exhibition titled Far East – From a People-Friendly Urban Environment to a Master Plan. The agenda included matters dealing with urban development and improving public spaces in Russian regions.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends, good afternoon.

First, I would like to congratulate all of you, since yesterday’s Builder’s Day is relevant for all of you, in one way or another. Please accept my heartfelt greetings on this occasion. What does it mean to be a construction worker, a builder? The notion itself tells it all. It describes someone who creates. Instead of deconstructing things and taking them apart down to a molecular level, these people do the opposite by creating something. For builders, this is more than a simple act of creation, since what they do consists of creating something that people need, such as housing, infrastructure, manufacturing sites, healthcare and cultural institutions.

Construction workers do the building, but in doing so they rely on plans drafted by specialists who have a creative profession and much in common with artists. Quite often, our country can pride itself on what they produce. Their creations can last centuries while reflecting a specific stage in the history of a specific country or state. This is more than a mere reflection since these creations embody and demonstrate the way people lived during a specific era, serving as an additional stepping stone for generating greater development momentum and moving forward.

As many of you know, I was born and raised in Leningrad. And I remember going to a competition as a teenager – I will not name the city – in a fairly large city. I had barely left Leningrad before that. I arrived, stepped out onto the station square, and was absolutely speechless.

I could never have imagined cities like that. They had plenty of buildings, but there was no real city – just a chaotic sprawl of development. It took me a while to work out why it was so. The thing is, I simply grew up in Leningrad, in the city centre, and I had absorbed that harmony since childhood. I assumed all cities were like that. Only later did I realise how important that harmony, etched in stone, really is. It shapes a person’s way of thinking, even their cultural DNA. That’s how significant your work is.

We are pushing ahead with the country’s spatial development on many fronts. A list of 2,160 anchor communities has been identified, as you know, which are home to 75 percent of Russia’s population. A development programme has been drawn up for these cities and towns, designed to strengthen the country’s economic, social, and infrastructural backbone, and to significantly improve the quality of life and living standards for millions of people. Crucially, it is also meant to support young people’s choice to stay in their hometowns or villages and build their futures there.

I would like to emphasise that active, systematic work is underway across all of these projects and programmes, and promising infrastructure initiatives are being delivered – and the credit for that goes directly to the specialists in the construction industry.

We are here now in the Trans-Baikal Territory, and we are paying particular attention to these areas – especially the Far East. Much has been achieved recently in terms of economic, industrial, and infrastructure development. But if we do not create vibrant public spaces, if we do not create the conditions for people to actually live well, we will not succeed. People will stay here only temporarily, and we will never build a stable environment where people want to put down roots and raise their children.

We have just reviewed the progress of the master plans in the Far Eastern regions. Overall, the pace is steady. I should note that the master plans are designed and implemented with the direct involvement of architects, urbanists, demographers, sociologists, and many other specialists. Of course, this approach is justified, correct and fruitful.

What is really important is that more members of the public should be involved in discussions of such projects. We are doing that, especially with respect to public spaces. The start was small, but the scale is growing. Our colleague Alexander Panin said that, the bigger the town or city, the lower the civic engagement in project selection; conversely, the smaller the town, the higher the percentage of participants. I can understand why: in large residential areas, most decisions are made by local officials. It may even be difficult sometimes to follow public opinion there, although, in my view, spaces like courtyards are also important and should be discussed with residents, especially since this certainly cultivates the feeling of engagement in these changes and builds trust in all levels of power.

I would like to stress a further aspect. When changing and rebuilding cities based on modern trends and using digital technology, we should try to preserve their original appearance and integrate new objects into the existing space wisely. This will maintain the historical feel of Russian cities and towns, their uniqueness, while also continuing and prolonging the life of cultural heritage sites. This multifaceted palette of diverse cities and regions is, without doubt, our legacy.

I thought about my own home town, St Petersburg. Bu t it concerns not only St Petersburg. There are many sites that require special attention from the state. I am confident that as one team, we can maximise the outcome of improving big and small cities, towns, villages and historical settlements here, in the Far East, Siberia, the Arctic, Donbass and Novorossiya – throughout the entire country.

This is essentially what I wanted to say at the beginning. I am at your disposal. Please.

To be continued.

Visit to the exhibition Far East: From a Comfortable Urban Environment to a Master Plan

2026-08-10T17:47:03+04:00

Vladimir Putin visited an exhibition dedicated to the development of Far Eastern cities at the Buryat State University.

The head of state was shown an exhibition dedicated to the implementation of master plans for cities in the Far East and the Ulan-Ude agglomeration by Minister for the Development of the Far East and Arctic Alexei Chekunkov and Head of Buryatia Alexei Tsydenov. Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Fayzullin presented the key regional support measures.

The master plans are designed to unlock the economic potential of cities and towns in the Arctic and Far East, creating more comfortable living conditions through the construction of modern housing and social and cultural facilities, the development of roads, the modernisation of utilities and engineering infrastructure, and the improvement of public spaces.

During the tour, Vladimir Putin met 13-year-old Vyacheslav Kazekin, a finalist in the seventh season of the Bolshaya Peremena national competition. Vyacheslav had previously invited the President to visit Buryatia during a personal meeting in Krasnoyarsk. The school student shared his dream of becoming a pilot and flying a supersonic fighter jet, and asked the President for assistance in enrolling in the Irkutsk Suvorov Military School.

The President also spoke with Lieutenant Colonel Dashibal Munkozhargalov, a participant in The Time of Heroes programme, who proposed amending a government resolution to allow municipalities to develop military camps currently under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence.

Greetings to participants and guests of the Mashuk National Youth Forum

2026-08-08T13:50:57+04:00

Vladimir Putin sent greetings to participants and guests of the 17th Mashuk National Youth Forum in Pyatigorsk.

The message reads, in part:

“Your project has come a long way, substantially boosting its respect and consolidating potential. It has proved out that young people, with their activism, zeal, fresh perspective on current problems, and aspiration to serve the country and the nation, constitute a significant creative power that is needed to address issues in education, rearing the rising generation, preservation of our abundant cultural legacy, and enhancing inter-ethnic accord in society.

I strongly believe that beginning teachers and students of specialised education institutions, as well as young talents will be most actively engaged in this forum’s eventful programme, and will gain new knowledge, broaden their professional outlook while the forum’s traditional atmosphere of friendship and creativity will produce stimulating ideas and promising initiatives.”

Builder’s Day greetings

2026-08-08T14:56:06+04:00

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,

I extend my warmest greetings to current and former workers of Russia’s construction industry on their professional holiday – Builder’s Day.

Your work, experience, skill, and sense of responsibility are of paramount importance to the country’s development and to the realisation of its economic and industrial potential. This has always been the case. We take pride in the legacy created by previous generations: the distinctive character of our cities, and the bold design and engineering solutions they brought to life, not least during the Soviet era.

Today’s builders are the true heirs to the finest national traditions, and the construction industry stands as one of the most progressive and dynamic sectors – a reliable foundation for our continued progress.

This momentum is sustained by new factories, bridges, roads, and high-tech manufacturing and logistics complexes. World-class university campuses and advanced medical centres are taking shape in regions across the country. Each such project contributes to our national goals and to strengthening Russia’s leading position in a wide array of fields.

Above all, it is through your hard work that people’s quality of life is being transformed.

I would note that over the past decade, more than 955 million square metres of housing have been built across the country, and some 1.3 million people have received new apartments through programmes for relocation from dilapidated housing.

Alongside housing construction, the necessary infrastructure is also developing – and this is happening in every corner of the nation. For instance, through the National Competition for Projects to Create a Comfortable Urban Environment, modern, convenient, and yet distinct public spaces are emerging in small towns, historical villages, and key communities.

I would like to offer particular thanks to the construction workers labouring in our reunited territories and in regions affected by terrorist attacks. In very difficult conditions, sometimes under extremely tight deadlines, you are doing everything necessary to restore normal life, demonstrating both courage and dedication.

The work of everyone in this vital sector deserves the most sincere recognition.

Once again, I wish all the very best to all Russian builders, and wish you continued success and achievement, as well as health and prosperity for you and your loved ones.

Happy Builder’s Day!

Greetings on Sports and Fitness Day

2026-08-08T11:47:24+04:00

Vladimir Putin sent greetings to professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and sports and fitness industry workers on Sports and Fitness Day.

The message reads, in part:

“Your professional holiday is a tribute to generations of renowned athletes, coaches, trainers and fitness enthusiasts who laid the foundation and developed Russian elite sports as well as the mass sports and fitness movement. Building upon these wonderful traditions and experience of your predecessors and sports veterans, you cherish and augment Russia’s rich athletic heritage, revive and improve the national GTO physical fitness testing programme. These massive and multidimensional activities directly promote the values of active and healthy life and contribute to the country’s steadfast progress. Therefore, we will keep upgrading and building modern high-quality and accessible infrastructure – stadiums, training bases, health and fitness centres, and sports grounds.

I should specially note that the Spartakiad of the Peoples of Russia is opening this year on Sports and Fitness Day. I believe that this major eventful tournament will draw fans from all of the country’s regions into its orbit, encouraging young people to take up sports. It will certainly complement the busy programme of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and will clearly demonstrate the immense uniting and creative power of sports.”

Meeting with members of the Security Council

2026-08-07T15:51:25+04:00

Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting on current issues with members of the Security Council.

The discussion focused on additional measures to enhance the anti-terrorist protection of infrastructure facilities. Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov delivered a report on the matter.

Attending the meeting were State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

Telephone conversation with President of the UAE Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

2026-08-07T15:37:47+04:00

During the phone call, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and President of the United Arab Emirates Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had a thorough discussion of the current situation in the Persian Gulf region. They emphasised the importance of reaching agreements to normalise the situation as soon as possible while taking into account the legitimate interests of the regional states.

While exchanging views on the situation surrounding Ukraine, Vladimir Putin informed his counterpart on the status of the special military operation. Particular emphasis was placed on the Kiev regime's decision to intensify acts of terrorism against civilians and civilian infrastructure. The President of Russia expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates leadership for their assistance in conducting exchanges of prisoners of war and detained persons between Russia and Ukraine.

Friendly and constructive in tone, the conversation confirmed mutual interest in developing the multifaceted cooperation between Russia and the UAE further.

Telephone conversation with Guards Colonel Abdulaziz Shikhabidov, Commander of the 76th Guards Airborne Assault Division

2026-08-07T10:51:47+04:00

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Guards Colonel Abdulaziz Shikhabidov, Commander of the 76^th Guards Air Assault Division.

The Supreme Commander-in-Chief heard a report on the combat situation along the line of contact in the Dobropolye tactical sector within the division’s area of responsibility and thanked the division’s personnel for their service in combat.

* * *

Abdulaziz Shikhabidov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief, good evening.

Colonel Shikhabidov, Commander of the 76^th Guards Air Assault Division, reporting.

Following the full liberation of the Kursk Region and the establishment of a buffer zone in the Sumy Region, the division, acting on the instructions of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, is carrying out combat missions as part of the Tsentr Group in the Dobropolye tactical sector.

Units of the division took part in completing the capture of Krasnoarmeysk and liberated Grishino, Novoalexandrovka, Vasilyevka, and Shevchenko. The division’s formations and units continue to take part in the liberation of the Donetsk People’s Republic.

Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

Combat operations are being conducted virtually without interruption through the active use of new tactics and methods of warfare and the continued improvement of unmanned systems capabilities and assets. To maintain the ability to conduct active combat operations, combat training activities are continuously held at the division’s training ranges for battalions undergoing restoration of their combat readiness.

In the course of combat operations in the Dobropolye tactical sector, enemy losses amounted to more than 6,000 personnel. Fourteen tanks, 140 armoured combat vehicles, 54 artillery pieces and mortars, and 210 motor vehicles were destroyed. Nineteen enemy personnel were taken prisoner, and more than 71 counterattacks were repelled.

There are no issues requiring attention. This concludes my report.

Vladimir Putin: How would you assess the overall morale of the troops? How are the men doing?

Abdulaziz Shikhabidov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief, morale is high and confident. We are ready to carry out all the tasks assigned to us.

Vladimir Putin: Good. And what do you think needs to be provided? Is there perhaps anything you are lacking?

Abdulaziz Shikhabidov: At present, as part of the group, if I may put it that way, we are keeping pace with the times and improving all our tactics and methods of operation, including practical operations on the front line and the use of modern technologies. We are not standing still; we are constantly improving.

Vladimir Putin: Are the tasks being assigned achievable within the specified timeframes?

Abdulaziz Shikhabidov: Yes, absolutely. All the deadlines being set are realistic.

Vladimir Putin: Good.

It was very important for me to hear that from you, as the commander of the 76th Division. It is a legendary division. I wish you every success.

Moreover, your division is operating at a good pace in the Dobropolye sector, at a faster pace than the other units operating alongside you. So I would like to thank you, your subordinates, and all the soldiers and commanders. Please convey my very best wishes and words of gratitude to them.

Abdulaziz Shikhabidov: Understood. I have received the task.

Executive Order on development of Russian diamond cutting industry

2026-08-07T15:17:41+04:00

Vladimir Putin signed Executive Order On the Development of the Diamond Cutting Industry in Russia.

In order to promote the development of the diamond cutting industry in the Russian Federation, the President ordered the establishment of a diamond cutting cluster in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and the Smolensk Region.

The Executive Order stipulates that the cluster will comprise legal entities and individual entrepreneurs included in the relevant register.

Almazyuvelirexport Foreign Economic Association has been designated as the operator responsible for maintaining the register and coordinating interaction between cluster participants and entities engaged in natural diamond mining.

Upon satisfying the requirements established by Federal Law On Precious Metals and Precious Stones, natural diamond mining companies shall offer rough and partially polished natural diamonds to cluster participants before placing them into circulation.

The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation has been instructed to establish the eligibility criteria and procedure for the inclusion of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs in the register; the grounds and procedure for their removal from the register; the procedure for supplying cluster participants with rough and partially polished natural diamonds; and the procedures governing interaction between the operator, cluster participants, and natural diamond mining companies.

The 76th Air Defence division is awarded honorary Guards designation

2026-08-06T19:33:16+04:00

The President signed Executive Order On Awarding an Honorary Designation to the 76th Air Defence Division.

For mass heroism and bravery, fortitude and courage displayed by the 76^th Air Defence Division personnel during combat operations to defend the Fatherland and state interests in armed conflicts, the President resolved to award the honorary Guards designation to the 76^th Air Defence Division, which shall henceforth be referred to as the 76^th Guards Air Defence Division.

Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister – Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev

2026-08-06T18:34:45+04:00

Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Deputy Prime Minister – Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev.

In his report, Yury Trutnev highlighted the high level of investment in the region and the increasing pace of industrial production, driven in part by the preferential business regimes introduced in the Far Eastern Federal District.

The meeting also covered the implementation of major infrastructure projects in Far Eastern cities, the construction of an innovation science and technology centre on Russky Island in Vladivostok, preparations for the 11^th Eastern Economic Forum, and the region’s contribution to the special military operation.

* * *

Deputy Prime Minister – Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev: Mr President, in line with your instructions, we continue our work to develop the Russian Far East. September is approaching, and preparations for the 11^th Eastern Economic Forum are already underway. The previous forum – the tenth – was held in 2025 and made a significant contribution to the development of the Russian Far East. More than 300 agreements worth over six trillion rubles were signed. Representatives of 75 countries took part, and the forum brought together more than 8,000 participants.

Mr President, you set us the target of attracting 12 trillion rubles in investment by 2030. I am pleased to report that we remain on track to achieve this goal. We had planned to reach 5.8 trillion rubles this year.

Vladimir Putin: You exceeded that target, right?

Yury Trutnev: We did. The current figure stands at 6.5 trillion rubles. So, we will keep working.

Vladimir Putin: You exceeded the targets in previous years as well.

Yury Trutnev: We did our best.

Vladimir Putin: And it paid off.

Yury Trutnev: Thanks to the decisions you have taken, the Far East’s key development indicators now surpass the Russian average.

Investment has increased by 50 percent, industrial production is up 20 per cent, manufacturing has grown by 80 percent, and construction volumes are 50 percent higher.

Vladimir Putin: This is precisely the outcome we were aiming for.

Yury Trutnev: Mr President, this has been made possible by your decisions to establish a preferential regime.

Vladimir Putin: This was our joint effort. Very good.

Yury Trutnev: Thank you very much.

The 10th Eastern Economic Forum, as I mentioned, attracted 6.1 trillion rubles in investment commitments. A number of projects are already underway, including the Milkansky Mining and Processing Plant, the Nakhodka Fertiliser Plant, and the PoliDeKastri Oil Refinery. For 2026, we aim to sign an even larger portfolio of agreements – 380 in total, worth 6.5 trillion rubles.

We would like to invite you to take part in the launch of several new enterprises. These include the Amur Gas Chemical Complex, created on your direct instructions, and Udokan Copper, which is commissioning a copper cathode production facility. The first stage of the Nakhodka Mineral Fertiliser Plant is also coming on stream. Work has begun on the Severomuysky Tunnel, with tunnelling now underway, alongside a number of other significant projects.

Vladimir Putin: With pleasure.

Yury Trutnev: Thank you very much.

We regard the implementation of master plans for Far Eastern cities as a most important task. In line with your decision, master plans have been developed for 25 cities, covering 4.2 million residents of the Far East – more than half the region’s population. The total estimated cost stands at 3.6 trillion rubles. Investment on this scale has never before been made in the Far East. To date, 48 percent of the programme has been funded, with 233 projects worth 83 billion rubles already completed and a further 384 currently under construction.

These include transport facilities, such as airports in Ulan-Ude, Magadan, Yelizovo, and Blagoveshchensk. There are also a number of educational facilities, including the SakhalinTech campus, a kindergarten in Khabarovsk, and a school in Magadan. In addition, numerous public spaces have been developed, such as Mayak Park in Magadan, Bagulnik Park in Tynda, and Lenin Square in Yakutsk.

Several healthcare facilities have been built, including polyclinics in Ulan-Ude and Vladivostok and a central district hospital in Neryungri. We are also continuing to build housing, sports facilities and cultural venues.

We attach great importance to the development of science and technology. In line with your instructions, an Innovation Science and Technology Centre is being established on Russky Island. Construction is already underway there, and 16 resident companies have been registered. They are working in such fields as biotechnology, biomedicine, and pharmaceuticals.

In addition, together with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, we are working to launch two microelectronics manufacturing facilities.

Vladimir Putin: Are the research and education centres already operating?

Yury Trutnev: Yes, they are.

Mr President, a number of Russian scientists are returning to Russia. They are ready to continue their work at the innovation science and technology centre. If you have the time and opportunity to meet with them, we would greatly appreciate it.

Vladimir Putin: With pleasure. In that case, please include such a meeting in the schedule.

Yury Trutnev: Thank you.

I would also like to mention the special administrative district on Russky Island. It has enabled the repatriation of 6.2 trillion rubles’ worth of assets to the Russian jurisdiction. A total of 138 companies have registered there, and they have paid 86 billion rubles.

Vladimir Putin: In taxes?

Yury Trutnev: Exactly. We are currently building a new business centre on Russky Island for companies registered in the special administrative district.

We also attach great importance to supporting the special military operation. The Patrioticheskaya Advanced Special Economic Zone is now operating in the Far East. Through this mechanism, more than 600,000 items have been delivered to the combat zone.

I also believe it is important that 3,600 state and municipal employees, as well as staff of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic and the Office of the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy, have also gone through the school of combat training. I believe this has strengthened their motivation and made them better prepared to carry out important assignments.

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Greetings to 10th Russian Forum of Medical Volunteers and Young Medical Professionals

2026-08-06T19:23:00+04:00

Vladimir Putin extended his greetings to the participants and guests of the 10^th Russian Forum of Medical Volunteers and Young Medical Professionals, and congratulated them on the 10^th anniversary of the Medical Volunteers public healthcare volunteer movement.

The message reads, in part:

“Over the years, your movement has evolved from the Sklif Volunteers initiative into a close-knit and supportive community, bringing together more than 200,000 volunteers and supporters across the country. You play an active role in addressing pressing challenges facing the national healthcare system, helping medical professionals cope with a wide range of difficulties in their work, while also providing support to participants and veterans of the special military operation during their treatment and rehabilitation. And, of course, your large-scale educational initiatives, as well as your significant contribution to promoting healthy lifestyles and voluntary blood donation, deserve particular recognition. Such wide-ranging and much-needed work, together with your compassion and care for those in need, deserves the deepest respect.”

Message to the participants in the 8th Russia-Kyrgyzstan Economic Forum and the 12th Russia-Kyrgyzstan Inter-Regional Conference

2026-08-06T10:57:53+04:00

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,

I extend my heartfelt greetings to all participants, organisers and guests of two major events held by Russia and Kyrgyzstan – the economic forum and the inter-regional conference, both commencing today. Of course, I would like to thank President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov for supporting these instrumental undertakings and for his personal commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries.

More than 1,000 participants representing Russia and Kyrgyzstan have gathered at Lake Issyk-Kul, including heads of regions, senior officials from government institutions, business leaders, prominent academics, civil society leaders, and executives from development institutions. These are the very people whose actions on the ground help expand and promote the strategic partnership and alliance between Russia and Kyrgyzstan in all their aspects, with a primary focus on the economic dimension.

The agenda for the forum and the conference covers a wide range of diverse topics, including strengthening cooperation in trade, investment and manufacturing, as well as in agriculture, transport, digital transformation and tourism. In addition, the Russia-Kyrgyzstan and Kyrgyzstan-Russia business councils are scheduled to hold their respective meetings, along with an offsite session of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

It has been a source of great satisfaction that Russian and Kyrgyz governments and agencies, businesses and regional governments have been so effective in coordinating their efforts, which has helped build a solid economic foundation for promoting bilateral cooperation. Mutual trade has become increasingly diversified. It expanded by 26 percent in 2025 and exceeded $5 billion.

The Russia-Kyrgyzstan Development Fund has been very effective and has already provided funding for about four thousand joint projects in various sectors of the Kyrgyz economy, worth over $1 billion. This funding went towards creating and upgrading several plants and enterprises, creating new manufacturing capabilities and jobs, while increasing Kyrgyzstan’s export potential.

There are over 2,000 companies with Russian participation in Kyrgyzstan. Moreover, they include not only major corporations but also SMEs, which have been proactively involved in import substitution programmes and making competitive products with high added value. Russia’s Federal Corporation for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises has been offering practical assistance to programmes of this kind, which are carried out by Russia and Kyrgyzstan.

Energy has always been one of the key sectors in terms of our bilateral cooperation. Russia has been making a meaningful contribution to developing Kyrgyzstan’s energy infrastructure and creating new generating capacity. This year, we have plans to launch a 300-megawatt photovoltaic power station in the country’s east. Preparations for building a state-of-the-art wind farm are underway in the same region.

Russia and Kyrgyzstan have been closely working together in the humanitarian sector, including education, science, culture and sport through civil society and youth organisations. People-to-people ties between our two countries also enjoy positive momentum.

We are continuing to build nine schools with a curriculum in the Russian language and a campus for the Slavic University in Bishkek. Russia regularly sends textbooks and excellent teachers to schools and higher education institutions in Kyrgyzstan. The agenda in this domain includes the upcoming inauguration of a joint educational centre on IT and cybersecurity in Nizhny Novgorod.

In all, there is a lot of potential for promoting mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Kyrgyzstan. I am convinced that by continuing to work together as partners, Russian and Kyrgyz businesses and regions will make an integral contribution to fuelling economic growth and improving the wellbeing of our people.

I wish all participants in the economic forum and the inter-regional conference fruitful work, constructive networking, every success in their undertakings and all the best.

Thank you for your attention.

Meeting with Chairman of the Russian Union of Theatre Workers Vladimir Mashkov

2026-08-06T14:24:00+04:00

The President held a meeting with Chairman of the Russian Union of Theatre Workers, theatre and film actor and director Vladimir Mashkov.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Mashkov, the Union of Theatre Workers is marking its 150^th anniversary. Please tell me about the events programme.

Chairman of the Russian Union of Theatre Workers Vladimir Mashkov: Thank you very much for this meeting and the opportunity to tell you in person about the 150th anniversary. Thanks to your executive order and the well-coordinated creative work of the Organising Committee, the celebration programme is quite remarkable.

Allow me to tell you briefly about our organisation. The Union of Theatre Workers is the largest creative association in Russia.

Vladimir Putin: It has 30,000 members.

Vladimir Mashkov: Yes, almost 30,000 theatre workers and the number is growing. We have 82 regional branches. In the past two years, we have opened regional branches in the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.

We are currently preparing for the opening of our representative office in Abkhazia and setting up a youth council. Naturally, a large number of young people are closely involved in our common cause. Our entire large creative team has organised this anniversary. It was launched on January 17 with our new professional holiday, Performing Artist’s Day, supported by the Government. This holiday is for artists of all genres and forms of art – theatre, variety entertainment, film, circus, and even athletes, because artistic performance is an important part of assessment in some sports.

You know, Denis Fonvizin once offered a very accurate distinction between an actor and an artist. His witty remark goes something like this: an actor is a talented performer, and an artist is a creator. It is with the understanding of this mission that we came together for the first time. And I hope these meetings will continue. I think they are very important for our consolidation.

One of the key projects of this anniversary year, created with Russian Railways, is Theatre Train. Two beautiful modern trains, beautifully decorated. One departed from Vladivostok for Moscow and the other from Sevastopol to Moscow. Five thousand performers rotated during the trip through 43 cities, with Moscow being the 44th city. Thousands of people greeted them at Kievsky Railway Station. Two-day festivals took place in every city, bringing them to life with busy creative programmes.

I’d like to tell you one moving story. The train called at a small station called Sosnovye Rodniki for maintenance. It is near the town of Oktyabrsky in the Irkutsk Region. People from the town came out to look at the train. What is it? Actors were standing outside. The people asked them to recite something. The actors started reciting poems and singing. Children gathered. There is one unique carriage called the Puppet Theatre, with seats for the audience. The actors performed a play for the children. Then, the train departed. The locals pleaded for them to come back again, even if only for a pit stop. We have a preliminary agreement with Russian Railways to continue this project next year. It has united our entire creative country. This is very important.

Vladimir Putin: In total, 280 performances, correct?

Vladimir Mashkov: More than 280 performances, meet-the-artist events and workshops. It was popular in every city. I believe about 6,000 people greeted the train in Tomsk. There was a city march. Filling cities with art was fascinating. The train is incredibly beautiful.

The Russia National Exhibition Centre is hosting an exhibition called Theatre Legacy: The Masters. More than 100 teams organised this exhibition, which includes 600 exhibits. We show the backstage life, mainly for the youngest generation. The exhibition offers 17 themed interactive experiences where kids can try their hand at prop design, art, and stage lighting. Visitors come out quite emotional. Stanislavsky once said very accurately about young people: “To do something successfully, one needs passion, feeling, and desire.” If we can spark this passion, young people may want to choose a theatre job or fall in love with theatre as viewers. One can’t live without theatre.

The central event of our anniversary year is the Russia – Theatre – Society National Marathon Festival. It is currently taking place at Zaryadye from August 1 to 9. All federal districts have presented their performances and excerpts from them. Events are being held outdoors, with artists actively participating.

Vladimir Putin: The companies have come from the regions, right?

Vladimir Mashkov: The companies have indeed arrived. Each day, a different federal district presents its performances.

The opening took place on August 1, and more than 5,000 people came to watch the entire spectacle.

Vladimir Putin: And where are the audience seated?

Vladimir Mashkov: An improvised stage has been constructed within the amphitheatre, with the Kremlin as its backdrop. It is, without doubt, a remarkable and picturesque venue. From morning until late evening, activities are held there for children and teenagers, and in the evening a performance is staged.

This format – of theatres taking to the streets during the summer – is gaining momentum. Theatre Boulevard has now been operating in Moscow for a second year, with the support of the Government. This year, it has already attracted more than one million visitors. On every boulevard, people are drawn into the event in one way or another, which, to my mind, embodies a certain social optimism. Suddenly, people can bring their children, or simply come themselves to watch, and there are open-air cinemas as well. I believe this makes every city an even better place in which to live: it is uplifting to go out, to engage in conversation, to support a cause, or even to debate a point.

Another key area is the development of a concept for the development of theatrical art until 2035. We have held theatre forums in all federal districts, with more than 1,300 participants, including representatives and heads of leading theatres, directors and artists. In a sense, this serves as our roadmap. Why has everyone engaged in this work with such enthusiasm? Because this concept has not been imposed from above – we have devised it ourselves. There are many challenges, yet the goal remains singular: we must, no matter what, develop and preserve our great multinational culture. We intend to present this concept at the St Petersburg Forum of United Cultures, and perhaps it will provide the foundation for our subsequent steps.

Vladimir Putin: This will take place in the autumn, will it not?

Vladimir Mashkov: It will indeed be in the autumn, so we are already preparing for it. The concept is currently undergoing coordination ahead of approval by a Government order. Ultimately, we will present it at the forum.

We have developed a new concept and format for the country’s main theatre award, the Golden Mask. It is already 33 years old. It was on the brink and almost died three years ago but we managed to keep it alive. Today, we are seeking to rebuild trust within the professional community and among theatre fans. The Golden Mask innovated by leaving Moscow for the first time.

Last year, we held the award ceremony in Kazan, in the newly opened Galiaskar Kamal Tatar Academic Theatre. We spent several wonderful days there, full of creative undertakings, attended by both masters of theatre and the younger generation.

In 2026, we held the ceremony in Omsk, which is this year’s cultural capital. Once again, we spent several days celebrating theatre, which was probably one of the main events on Omsk’s cultural agenda.

We have been paying special attention to ethnic theatres. The Federation festival in Grozny has been one of our flagship projects. It used to take place once every two years, but has since evolved into an annual event. The Government of the Chechen Republic has been supporting us. Grozny is certainly a beautiful city. We innovated by including Russian theatre in the ethnic theatre programme. We will present a Cossack Theatre since this year was designated as the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia.

If you look at the acronym of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia [in Russian], you get GEN, i.e. genome, of Russia. This demonstrates that unity is part of our DNA. The festival offers a spectacular experience with all the participating theatres, workshops and youth outreach initiatives. This year, it will take place from September 29 to October 6. We are looking forward to this encounter.

We want to bring our entire community together, and therefore we have introduced a new tradition. For the second year, we have laid flowers at our sacred site – by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. All theatre directors and heads of theatres stood together to pay tribute to our great ancestors. Our regional branches have joined this initiative as well, and now every year artists come out to honour their memory.

You know, we are standing there, with many veterans in the line, and I am standing next to our great actor Stanislav Lyubshin, whom you know very well. We are standing, there is a minute of silence, and I ask him: “Mr Lyubshin, where did you celebrate Victory Day?” He is 93 years old, in excellent creative form, still performing on stage and engaged in public work. He said: “Vladimir, I was 12 years old, and at six in the morning, as always, I was standing in line for milk. We stood there for about five hours. We stood and stood, but there was nothing. And then suddenly doors and windows started opening. People ran out, shouting something, but we were standing in the queue and did not understand what was happening. Then suddenly the door opened, a happy shop assistant came out and said: “Comrades, victory! There will be no milk.” He says: “We ran home, happy.”

These are the moments when our society comes together. Theatre, moreover, has always preserved and will continue to preserve memory, just as ethnic theatres preserve languages. It is the only place where national language, as well as the Russian language, will be preserved: on stage. In this sense, these efforts are extremely important for everyone. Even small ethnic theatres say: Suddenly, we are losing native speakers. They have to go to villages to find actors. But I believe it is very important to preserve our great Russian language.

We pay much attention to our veterans. We have established a departmental medal, Saving the Faith and the Fatherland, for veterans of the special military operation. It is awarded both to servicemen and to performers who travel to the war zone to support the soldiers. And now, within the Union of Theatre Workers, we have opened a separate branch where we will talk with them about drama, help them enter a new, peaceful life. It is a major effort.

You know, at the Sovremennik Theatre we have a wonderful actor Yevgeny Pavlov. He has been serving in the special military operation zone for more than three years. He is now part of the first frontline creative brigade. And when we have people like this – and there are many of them, both on the line of contact and in theatres, as well as among young people – then, of course, there is no doubt that victory will be ours. We will preserve both our country and our great culture.

Vladimir Putin: And there will be milk, too.

Vladimir Mashkov: And there will be milk. So thank you very much for your support of our creative community.

We will review the results of this anniversary year at our congress, which is held once every five years, on October 23. If you have the opportunity to meet with the entire Russian theatre community, we would like to invite you.

Vladimir Putin: I will certainly do my best to make it happen.

Vladimir Mashkov: Thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

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Meeting with Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova

2026-08-05T21:03:51+04:00

Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova in the Kremlin to discuss preparations for the single voting day, with a focus on election security.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ms Pamfilova, preparations for elections are in full swing, as I see it. How many election campaigns are being held this year? Around 2,200?

Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova: I have prepared a report for you with all the relevant statistics.

But, Mr President, I would like to begin with something else. I know how much attention you have devoted to ensuring the security of the upcoming elections and how many instructions you have issued on this matter. Later, I would like to discuss that aspect in greater detail and thank you for everything that has already been done.

Let me first share some statistics. We held the draw today. Of the 17 political parties eligible to participate in federal elections, 11 indicated their intention to do so, and all 11 have been registered. The draw took place earlier today, determining the order in which the parties will appear on the ballot. A total of 3,103 candidates have been registered.

Vladimir Putin: How did the draw turn out? Who came first, second, third?

Ella Pamfilova: Everything was conducted fairly, using a transparent lottery drum. United Russia drew the first position.

Vladimir Putin: Who drew the lot?

Ella Pamfilova: Alexander Karelin. Although, to be honest, his hand wouldn’t fit into the drum, so a young woman had to help him.

Vladimir Putin: Well, he is a champion, he is used to coming first.

Ella Pamfilova: You know, this is actually a first for United Russia. Previously, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation drew the first position twice in a row.

Among the 3,103 registered party-list candidates, roughly one-third are women and two-thirds are men. There is also a significant number of young candidates: 21 percent are under the age of 35, while about 70 percent are between 35 and 65, and nine percent are over 65. Overall, the parties’ candidate lists have become noticeably younger – I would even say substantially younger than in previous elections.

At present, 110 candidates on federal party lists are participants or veterans of the special military operation. Of those, United Russia has registered 52, Rodina has 12, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia has 11, A Just Russia has 11, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation has nine, the Russian Party of Pensioners for Social Justice has seven, Communists of Russia has three, The Greens has three, New People has two, while Yabloko and the Direct Democracy Party have not nominated any. So, participants in the special military operation are well represented among the candidates, and naturally, we are paying particular attention to them.

Of course, as for security, I want to say the following, Mr President. Certainly, the main difference of this campaign from the one to elect State Duma deputies in 2021, is that we are to solve a most difficult task because we will hold the elections in an extreme situation since, I would say, we can expect now absolutely anything from the Kiev gang of child killers. We are aware of this, and we are taking unprecedented security measures. Meanwhile – and this is the difference of this campaign – we will provide for the previously achieved high level of openness and transparency; security combined nevertheless with openness and transparency. Naturally, we are taking all security measures.

Thank you for having this issue considered at the Security Council, for instructing to do it. Very much has been done for the elections to be held normally and for us to cope with all these threats.

Of course, we have prepared both alternative spaces and alternative energy sources. We had joint drills with the Emergencies Ministry and the Interior Ministry as well as other relevant agencies, we have assigned commission members responsible for security in emergency situations. We hope for the better but are getting ready for the worst. In this case, everything will be all right. We also need to have those in charge of evacuation, fire security, assistance to law enforcement officers on site for preventing provocations. Actually, we have to be ready for anything.

I think, I hope and I am even sure, given that we will do the necessary work, that we will be prepared.

Vladimir Putin: Ms Pamfilova, those who wish to participate in the democratic procedures for the formation of government do so in spite of any threats whatsoever. Those who do not wish to will inevitably find a pretext for refraining from doing so.

Ella Pamfilova: Yet they do fight, and they kill our children. That is what they capable of doing. You know, it makes one’s fists clench.

Today, both strength of will and determination are growing – not merely to withstand this evil, but to overcome it. The elections – properly conducted elections – and those who will attend… Our soldiers are fighting heroically there, fighting on our behalf. Yet, forgive me, for us here, leading peaceful lives, to unite, to go to the polls, to cast our votes and thereby make even a modest contribution to our victory – that, I believe, is nothing less than our duty.

Vladimir Putin: This demands courage and a responsible approach to the formation of government from all those involved in this process and, above all, from those who organise these elections. The unity of our society hinges upon the legitimacy of this government. And it is chiefly women who carry out this work – predominantly women, am I correct?

Ella Pamfilova: Yes, 80 percent.

Vladimir Putin: Incidentally, among the candidates – as I have observed personally and as you have just mentioned – there are not so very many women: 26 percent, whilst men account for 74 percent.

Ella Pamfilova: Even so, the process is advancing. Within our system, an ever-increasing number of women are assuming senior positions. At present, we have provided for nine forms of voting. In order to keep the public as fully informed as possible, this time – and we have 36 regions with hard-to-reach areas – we are actively seeking to employ, among other means, unmanned vehicles – both airborne and waterborne – to deliver ballots and documentation, thereby easing the burden, naturally, for our women, who reach every voter there by dog sledge and reindeer sledge.

Credit where it is due: the InformUIK project is now being implemented. You have before you the leaflets containing the appeal – they will be delivered personally to every family; our people will reach every voter, for this is a mark of respect – we value every individual, every vote.

At present, we are informing the public: a metro train has been launched, Russian Railways will have one as well, and so will the funiculars – everywhere, information will be available that the elections are under way. We are employing every method and form to inform the public. It now rests with the people, our voters – armed with this information and weighing it carefully – to come to the polls and make their choice.

Vladimir Putin: I am confident that the people understand this and will respond accordingly. Thank you.

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Meeting with Belgorod Region Acting Governor Alexander Shuvayev

2026-08-05T18:39:18+04:00

Alexander Shuvayev reported to the President on his current performance as acting governor of the region.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Shuvayev, how are you doing?

I understand you are getting up to speed.

Acting Governor of the Belgorod Region Alexander Shuvayev: Yes, Mr President. I visit the municipalities every day. Over the past two and a half months, I have visited every one of them. I meet with residents, identify the problems they raise, and then, based on the list of assignments we have compiled, we address each issue, whether it is a proposal from local residents or a problem that needs to be fixed.

I also pay attention to security elements, which remain our top priority. Over the past two weeks, the number of attacks and shelling incidents has increased. Working together with the Ministry of Defence and the BARS-Belgorod volunteer unit, we have established a system under which we are now intercepting more than 50 percent of fixed-wing drones using systems currently undergoing field testing here. [Moscow Mayor] Sergei Sobyanin has also pledged further support for the development of this system. He continues to assist us by providing security equipment, and we are working together to further improve these capabilities.

Vladimir Putin: I understand that ensuring people’s safety and protecting their lives and health is the key priority today. At the same time, we must not lose sight of social issues or the region’s economic development. When it comes to social policy, one of the key challenges is increasing the number of doctors and other medical professionals per capita. There are other issues as well, and we will get down to them all shortly.

I am pleased to see that you have become completely involved in the work, and you are getting a feel for the situation in the region, and, most importantly, for the people’s needs.

I know you have prepared a number of documents and proposals. We will go over everything carefully and in detail now. It is good to see you.

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Executive Order appointing military personnel of the Armed Forces

2026-08-05T15:29:02+04:00

Vladimir Putin signed Executive Order On the Appointment of the Military Personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

The Executive Order appoints:

Colonel General Andrei Ivanayev as Commander of the Central Military District, relieving him of his previous duties;

Colonel General Valery Solodchuk as Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, relieving him of his previous duties.

Meeting with Defence Ministry leadership

2026-08-05T15:29:33+04:00

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Defence, the Chief of the General Staff, and the commanders and chiefs of staff of the Tsentr and Vostok groups of forces.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades, good afternoon.

As you are aware, we continue to refine the structure of the Defence Ministry in response to the demands and lessons of the special military operation.

You will also be aware that a decision was recently taken to consolidate all arms-related matters – including the functions of both procurement and supply agencies – under a single post. This work within the Ministry is being led by Deputy Minister Alexander Sanchik, who until recently served with distinction as commander of one of our groups of forces.

At the suggestion of the Defence Minister, a further decision has been made to consolidate all logistics services under a single position. I would emphasise that, in today’s environment, this is very much a combat assignment. I have appointed Valery Solodchuk to this role, and that is my decision.

Mr Solodchuk, I mentioned at the outset that Alexander Sanchik was only recently appointed to the post of Deputy Minister. He is a combat officer, much like yourself, with a solid record as a commander who skilfully led troops on the ground. Now he is taking on a different set of responsibilities.

But I would also like to address you, Mr Solodchuk. We know each other well, and you are without question one of the most talented commanders serving today. I described leading logistics services as a combat role for a reason. I have every confidence that you will bring your best organisational abilities to bear here. Moreover, no one knows better than the commanders on the ground, district and group commanders like yourself, what our troops, our soldiers, and our officers actually need at this moment. We will discuss that separately.

Of course, the Tsentr group of forces is one of our principal formations, entrusted with the most critical and responsible missions aimed at liberating the Donetsk People’s Republic. The question of who should lead this group and assume command is by no means straightforward. I would like to invite Andrei Ivanayev to take up this assignment.

Mr Ivanayev possesses an in-depth understanding not only of his own area of responsibility, but also of that of the Tsentr group of forces, as the two commanders have worked closely together and continue to do so. It is of paramount importance that the effectiveness of combat operations in this sector is maintained. I am confident that Mr Ivanayev will successfully carry out this task.

With regard to the next matter – the question addressed to Mr Ivanayev himself as to who, in his judgement, should take command of the Vostok group of forces, which is conducting operations with vigour, energy and a tempo that deserves the highest praise. On Mr Ivanayev’s recommendation, the group’s Chief of Staff, Pyotr Bolgarev, is appointed Acting Commander of the Eastern Military District and, accordingly, Commander of the Vostok group of forces.

Mr Bolgarev, you have worked in close coordination with Andrei Ivanayev. I hope that you will continue to carry out joint tasks together, and that your efforts will be just as effective as they have been under Mr Ivanayev’s command.

Finally, as you all know, we have decided to establish a new branch within the Armed Forces – the Unmanned Systems Forces. The task before us was to identify an individual who has demonstrated excellence in this sphere. We consider Denis Lyamin, who has until now served as Chief of Staff of the Tsentr group of forces, to be one of the most highly qualified specialists in this field.

Mr Lyamin, this new branch of the Armed Forces is only beginning to take shape. I hope that you – and the Defence Minister and the Chief of the General Staff share this view – will, as one of our most qualified specialists, complete the establishment of the Unmanned Systems Forces and assume command of them in the near future.

Comrades officers, I would like to thank you for your service in your previous posts and to express my confidence that your combat experience, your personal and professional qualities, and your organisational skills will serve you well in addressing new tasks. Thank you for everything you have accomplished so far. Please convey my sincere gratitude to all your soldiers and commanders.

And, of course, I would like to hear your assessment of the current situation along the line of contact, as well as reports from the Defence Minister and the Chief of the General Staff on the overall situation and on the areas of responsibility of the groups of forces you have commanded until now.

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Amendment to Executive Order on temporary procedure for meeting obligations to certain foreign creditors

2026-08-05T13:51:42+04:00

The President signed Executive Order On Amendments to Presidential Executive Order No.95 of March 5, 2022, On a Temporary Procedure for Meeting Obligations to Certain Foreign Creditors.

The amendments establish, in particular, that the procedure for fulfilling obligations set out in Executive Order No. 95 of March 5, 2022, insofar as it concerns the fulfilment of obligations relating to bank deposits, shall not apply to bank deposits made by individuals who are foreign creditors; and bank deposits made by branches, representative offices and other separate or independent structural subdivisions of organisations that are foreign creditors, provided that these entities’ place of registration is the Russian Federation.