Website of the President of Russia: President: Transcripts

Meeting with Norilsk Nickel CEO Vladimir Potanin

2026-07-15T19:53:14+04:00

The discussion focused on the projects being implemented by the metals and mining company, in particular, in the IT and import substitution, environment, and development of new materials. Separately, the Norilsk Nickel CEO briefed the President on social support measures for the company’s staff.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Potanin, you are working in many spheres, but how is the parent company doing?

Norilsk Nickel CEO Vladimir Potanin: Norilsk Nickel is our top priority today, of course. The company has been working in difficult conditions for a long time, at least for the past five years, but we have acquired many useful skills over that period. We have learned how to enter new markets and build a new payment architecture and logistics chains. We have replaced almost all foreign-made software with domestic alternatives and no longer depend on our former Western partners.

Vladimir Putin: Which Russian company developed software for you?

Vladimir Potanin: As you know, the Metallurgy Industrial Competence Centre (ICC) is operating in the sphere of import substitution to connect us with software developers, and we have paid our own money to substitute many software programmes. They are also available to our industry colleagues, just as the products of other competence centres are available to us.

Vladimir Putin: In other words, you have done this not only for your company but also for your colleagues, right?

Vladimir Potanin: Yes, we have done this not only for ourselves but also for our colleagues. They were also involved in this project because they need these products, too. As I have said, we also use the products created for our colleagues; it is a healthy exchange that benefits all sides.

You know that we do this while maintaining high social standards and meeting our environmental commitments. Over 10,000 families have recently improved their living conditions in the Norilsk Industrial District alone.

As for ecology, last year, we exceeded our commitments under the Clean Air project by approximately 50 percent, and this year we will exceed them twofold.

Vladimir Putin: In all the 12 cities?

Vladimir Potanin: Yes, and we have made a very substantial contribution to this programme. Norilsk Nickel accounts for over one third of it, and we intend to continue doing this.

We are now working to eliminate our remaining dependence on technologies from countries with which cooperation has become increasingly difficult. Our teams have all but performed a feat in completing this sulphur programme, which is now yielding such impressive results. We therefore intend to complete the remaining stages of the programme using exclusively Russian technologies, or, where necessary, in cooperation with partners from friendly jurisdictions.

Our performance in 2025 and this year shows that we have almost completely adapted to the challenging conditions in which we operate. This is reflected, among other things, in record ore production: this year we expect to mine more than 17 million tonnes of ore in the Norilsk Industrial District. We have also managed to reverse the decline in labour productivity and return to productivity growth. We intend to make further gains in productivity one of our key priorities.

Vladimir Putin: I know you are achieving this by using the most advanced technologies.

Vladimir Potanin: Absolutely. The scope for raising labour productivity through traditional methods is largely exhausted, which is why we are relying on automation and have even begun introducing robotics into mining processes. All of this is being implemented with the help of artificial intelligence.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, I have been briefed on that.

Vladimir Potanin: Indeed. We attach great importance to the adoption of artificial intelligence. Last year alone, the economic effect of introducing these technologies amounted to around 10 billion rubles. By 2030, we expect that figure to increase to 30 billion rubles.

These are not merely aspirations or unfounded plans. We already have concrete projects underway with our partners, including our Belarusian partners at BELAZ. In addition to the long-established supply and servicing of mining equipment for Norilsk, we have now begun…

Vladimir Putin: From Belarus?

Vladimir Potanin: We import conventional equipment from Belarus, while maintenance and repair works are carried out locally at Russian facilities.

But we have now also embarked on a programme for the development of mining machinery, specifically next-generation units capable of operating underground in an autonomous, unmanned mode. The results of the initial testing of such technologies are encouraging. Should these developments prove successful, we intend to share these advancements with our colleagues. Indeed, in essence, we are now only a few steps away from deploying such units underground and realising a fully unmanned mine.

Vladimir Putin: Excellent. How is the current situation on global markets shaping up?

Vladimir Potanin: Mr President, the market environment is indeed challenging. On the one hand, demand for our metals remains stable; on the other, the refusal of numerous countries to purchase our goods has made logistics and sales challenging.

How are we addressing this challenge? Not solely through the conventional and traditional means of cooperating with partners and seeking new markets, but also through the utilisation of new technologies. In particular, here we are being assisted by artificial intelligence technologies. Drawing upon the rich Russian and Soviet tradition in materials science, we have commenced research into the properties of palladium. We started with palladium, with creating a dedicated palladium laboratory.

Examining its properties and crystal lattice enables us to create materials with new areas of application – not merely for traditional uses, such as catalytic converters for motor vehicles, but, through the acquisition of novel material properties, to open up new technology markets. We have already achieved initial successes in this regard.

Vladimir Putin: This should be in demand in our country as well.

Vladimir Potanin: Mr President, we are keeping a very close eye on the domestic market. Sales of most of our metals are rising here at home. We are also looking into introducing new materials within the country – but that goes hand in hand with automation and the adoption of modern technologies in the sectors where they are most needed.

I should say that we absolutely have to focus on this – and we will – because we can clearly see how countries with high levels of automation are reaping the benefits of artificial intelligence, new materials and other innovations.

Vladimir Putin: How many people do you employ at the moment?

Vladimir Potanin: Around 85,000 across the group.

Vladimir Putin: And what is the average salary?

Vladimir Potanin: It is 217,000 roubles, which is quite high – roughly double the national average, for example.

But then, conditions up North are different. So it would not be much of an achievement just to pay well if we did not back it up with a substantial benefits package. Our staff get free travel to and from their holidays, for instance. We run extensive health insurance programmes, with very good voluntary health cover for our employees.

By the way, I mentioned those who had their housing conditions improved – but that does not include the people who benefited from the relocation programme you initiated back in 2010, when you visited Norilsk (co‑financed by Norilsk Nickel, with government money as well). That is another 10,000 families who moved, as Norilsk residents say, to the ‘mainland,’ to a more comfortable environment.

On top of that, one of the biggest milestones was getting the internet to Norilsk ten years ago. It does not bear thinking about what would have happened if we had been penny‑pinching back then and had not laid that fibre‑optic cable. It was quite a feat, actually – a thousand kilometres across the tundra, through very difficult terrain. But it all works, thank goodness.

Vladimir Putin: Good. Thank you.

Popular Front’s Everything for Victory! forum

2026-07-13T21:56:46+04:00

Vladimir Putin attended the Everything for Victory! forum organised by the Russian Popular Front public movement, and presented awards to the winners of the Popular Front’s prize.

The President presented awards to security guards Anatoly Vasilchenko and Viktor Taraskin for assisting students in Starobelsk following a terrorist attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He also awarded Shamil Ustarbekov for saving people during a flash flood in Daghestan and the Pojiarskas family from the Amur Region for establishing a group of volunteers to assist service personnel taking part in the special military operation.

Ahead of the awards ceremony, held on the territory of the Rossiya National Centre, Vladimir Putin viewed an exhibition of projects of the Russian Popular Front. Head of the Front’s Executive Committee Mikhail Kuznetsov acted as guide.

The President was shown inventions of the Kulibin Club, an association of enterprises of the people’s defence industry, briefed on the Front’s assistance to people in Russian border regions and liberated territories. The President also inspected stands showcasing the rehabilitation of veterans of the special military operation, as well as other exhibits highlighting mobile medicine and programmes for training drone operators.

First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, and Deputy Defence Minister Alexei Krivoruchko attended the forum along with the President.

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Address at the Everything for Victory! awards ceremony

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much for such a warm welcome.

For my part, I would like to say that when the Russian Popular Front was established 15 years ago, it was by no means a spontaneous decision. Today, as we mark its 15^th anniversary, I can say with confidence that it has fully justified its creation. First and foremost, it has brought together people like you. I want to express my deepest gratitude for everything you do.

Over the past 15 years – not just during the years of the special military operation, which is highly important, and I will certainly mention it as well – you have always been at the forefront of addressing the country’s challenges. You have always been able to identify where attention should be focused in order to help specific people. Ultimately, that means helping the entire country and the Russian state as a whole.

This direct feedback from people is invaluable for every level of government and for the country. As I understand it, you are currently monitoring the implementation of 552 presidential instructions. These are not abstract discussions. Where do presidential instructions come from? They emerge from the Direct Line with citizens. Of course, these direct lines are carefully prepared and supported by large teams, but they nevertheless represent a live dialogue with the people.

These instructions do not appear out of nowhere. They arise directly from people’s concerns – from the problems they face in their daily lives and the challenges they are striving to overcome. That is where they come from. And what are you doing? You are working to help people directly.

Even their requests that later become instructions issued by the head of state are not always easy to implement within such a vast administrative system. As you know, this problem is not unique to Russia – it is a challenge faced by governments everywhere in the world. But nowhere else is there an organisation like yours – the Russian Popular Front.

You are working in all the most important areas. Let us take healthcare, for example: thanks to your efforts, solutions are being found to the problems faced by children suffering from diabetes. In education, you are drawing attention to important aspects of this extremely important field – and I apologise for the repetition.

What could be more important than a child’s soul? What could be more important than shaping a child’s outlook on life, their attitude towards society and towards other people? What could be more important than fostering respect among the younger generation for their parents and grandparents, and for everything they have done throughout their lives – for them, for their future children and for their grandchildren?

What could be more important than all of this for preserving, strengthening and further developing the Russian state? Nothing. And this is what you are doing.

Finally, during the special military operation, you are working directly with people – with our service members and with their families. What could be more important than this? Nothing. Today, there is nothing more important. And this is what you are doing.

You know, people often ask: how is it that the entire Russophobic, aggressive part of the so-called collective West is fighting against us, while we are developing our economy, strengthening our financial system, improving our Armed Forces, achieving new results in our defence industry, and moving forward – with our service members moving forward? How is this possible?

It is possible, among other things, thanks to your efforts. You have brought together more than 20 million people, citizens of the Russian Federation, around your work, and you have collected – not from the state, but from citizens who voluntarily contributed because they trust you – almost 70 billion rubles for the special military operation. That is how it is possible. That is why victory will undoubtedly be ours.

I thank you and I will be pleased to take part in the ceremony honouring the awardees of the Russian Popular Front.

Thank you.

Meeting with President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergei Katyrin

2026-07-09T19:46:39+04:00

Sergei Katyrin informed the President about the work of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including in the spheres of legislation, commercial courts of arbitration, international cooperation, certification, support for family businesses and anti-corruption measures.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Katyrin, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry system brings together 130 regional chambers across Russia, correct?

President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergei Katyrin: Yes, that is correct.

Vladimir Putin: That represents around 57,000 organisations?

Sergei Katyrin: Absolutely.

Vladimir Putin: That is a very large organisation.

Sergei Katyrin: Mr President, you previously expressed the wish at our congress that we continue developing the chamber system and ensure that we are as close as possible to entrepreneurs. Taking this guidance into account, as well as the provisions of the law on chambers of commerce and industry – which also assigns us the function of providing services – we have worked to implement these objectives.

We have established branches in a number of municipalities across Russia’s regions, and today we operate in 350 locations throughout the country.

The system currently includes federal and regional unions and associations: around 270 at the federal level and approximately 800 at the regional level. This is a substantial expert community that enables us to involve businesses as experts in regulatory impact assessments when drafting regulations, bills, etc.

Today, the entire system is working to support the special military operation. All our colleagues are involved in providing assistance to people from their regions who are participating on the ground. They help organise convoys sent from Russia’s regions and work directly with local communities to address requests for specific equipment, uniforms and other supplies.

Another important area is support for children. The Yevgeny Primakov Foundation for Assistance to Children was established by Yevgeny Primakov himself. We gave it his name after his passing. The foundation focuses entirely on helping children, children’s institutions and orphanages. The main figures are shown on the slide. Over the past year – and perhaps for a longer period – our efforts have been focused primarily on providing assistance to the Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk regions.

Of course, it is not only the foundation that provides this support. Funds were collected from companies, individual entrepreneurs, and even employees of chambers of commerce and industry – colleagues who contributed personally so that we could organise this assistance. The support covered a wide range of needs, from furniture and equipment for children’s homes to assistance for individual children requiring complex surgeries and other medical care.

We will continue this work.

Regarding our legislative work, as I mentioned earlier, we bring together not only businesses but also industry unions and professional associations. This enables us to provide expert opinions based on the practical experience of companies operating across virtually every sector of the economy. We review around 1,200 draft laws and regulations per year, assessing whether they create a favourable business environment, support business activity, or contain provisions that could have adverse effects.

We also support the development of approximately 100 bills annually as they move through the State Duma, participating at every stage, from the initial concept to final adoption. Each year, we submit around 30 packages of amendments and independently develop 15 to 20 bills, which we then work on with members of parliament to secure their passage. Naturally, our primary objective is to advance the interests of the business community.

There is also another matter: the instruction you gave us, and I would like to report on its implementation. You may recall that, at the meeting of the State Council, we discussed international arbitration and the way courts in London and Stockholm have been handling cases involving Russian businesses – or rather, the way they have been ruling against them.

Vladimir Putin: They issue unlawful decisions.

Sergei Katyrin: Yes, they are politically motivated.

Today, we have 27 regional branches operating across the Russian Federation. Our International Commercial Arbitration Court was established in 1932, while the Maritime Arbitration Commission dates back even further, having been founded in 1930. We continue to develop both institutions. We have already opened branches in St Petersburg, Vladivostok, and Novorossiysk.

As the Northern Sea Route continues to develop, we expect that, when the need arises, we will also establish a branch in Murmansk specifically to serve disputes related to shipping along the Northern Sea Route.

The Maritime Arbitration Commission handles a relatively modest caseload. It has about 40 arbitrators, including representatives from seven foreign countries, I believe.

The International Commercial Arbitration Court has more than 200 arbitrators, of whom roughly 60 are foreign nationals. We maintain active cooperation with countries such as China and India, exchanging lists of arbitrators and expanding our international partnerships.

I would also like to draw your attention to the number of cases we work with. Last year, we handled a total of 923 arbitration cases, including 337 international arbitration cases. I would like to emphasise something that is a particular source of pride for our arbitrators: 10 percent of those international cases involved disputes between foreign parties that chose our arbitration court to resolve their disagreements, rather than cases originating in Russia.

In terms of caseload, we are now the largest national arbitration institution in Europe. At the supranational level, only the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) handles more cases, but it operates on a global scale. Naturally, its caseload is larger.

As for the arbitration institutions in Stockholm and London, we now handle twice as many cases. Even combined, their caseload is almost half of ours.

I cannot comment on the value of the disputes – perhaps oligarchs from around the world still try to take their largest cases there. However, what is encouraging is that more than 350 cases have already been heard by the regional branches we have established across the regions of the Russian Federation. We are making steady progress in this area.

I would also like to mention our international cooperation. We have established business councils with 76 countries. With the exception of European countries, all of these councils remain active. In particular, our cooperation with countries of the Global South has intensified. Our representative offices also continue to operate successfully. We maintain a presence in more than 40 countries through both permanent and honorary representatives. Our honorary representatives work on essentially the same basis as full-time representatives: they maintain their own offices and cover their own operating expenses. We simply authorise them to represent the interests of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We, therefore, support their activities and seek to make the fullest possible use of this network.

We are actively engaged in all major business councils and associations, including those of the EAEU, CIS, SCO, BRICS, and the Asia-Pacific region. We also organise a wide range of business forums and, as a rule, chair the business councils within these integration frameworks.

Another important area of our work involves functions delegated to us by the Government, such as the issuance of certificates of origin. Across our entire system, we issue around half a million certificates each year. We carry out work under Government Resolution No. 719, verifying that products qualify as Russian-made before they are entered into the State Information System of Industrial Products. This is one of the key indicators of our activity.

At present, we issue eight different types of certificates, reflecting Russia’s various free trade agreements, each of which requires its own certificate. We also train our experts, who undergo retraining and recertification every three years.

Perhaps the most demanding aspect of our work is implementing Resolution No. 719, because every company wants to qualify for government procurement, making competition intense. We continue to perform this work, and so far, we have received no major complaints. In 2025, we have already issued around 10,000 – even more than 10,000 – certificates under Resolution No. 719, confirming Russian origin. Demand continues to grow because, in addition to Federal Law No. 44, procurements conducted by state-owned companies under Federal Law No. 223 also require suppliers to demonstrate that certain products are of Russian origin.

Another project we have been developing for several years is the promotion of family entrepreneurship in Russia. I reported to you when we first launched the project, and it has since grown significantly. Today, 24 regions of the Russian Federation have adopted legislation supporting family businesses. We have not yet reached agreement with the Ministry of Economic Development on the adoption of a respective federal law, but I believe we will eventually succeed.

Vladimir Putin (looking at the presentation): More than 800 children from family-owned businesses have completed training in the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.

Sergei Katyrin: As part of the family business initiative, we run a programme called Business Hope. We work closely with children throughout the year: they complete a range of assignments developed by our experts, and we have a dedicated department that oversees the programme. The children genuinely enjoy taking part, and, importantly, their parents are eager to involve them. It is not just the children’s enthusiasm –parental support is essential, too. Without it, this kind of work would be much more difficult.

At our production facilities, we often look for mentors, including for those returning from the special military operation. Having someone nearby to provide guidance, not only in business but also in life, is extremely important. But in the case of family businesses, that mentor is already there, within the family, the parent who guides you through life, who offers support and passes on experience.

As for our exhibition, trade fair, and congress activities, the main performance indicators are reflected in the presentation. Nearly our entire system is involved in organising these events.

Vladimir Putin: I see.

How does the Chamber contribute to combating corruption?

Sergei Katyrin: There is a nationwide survey called the Business Barometer of Corruption that we conduct every year. In fact, it is one of the initiatives we carry out pursuant to your instruction. Around 40,000 respondents take part in this survey annually. We then distribute the findings to all relevant authorities, to the State Duma deputies, senators of the Federation Council, government ministers, and to your Executive Office. In my view, this is a very serious and highly important survey because it provides a clear picture of the sectors and areas where businesses see the greatest risks and opportunities for corruption.

The top areas of concern change over time. Years ago, it was tax inspections, but that is no longer the case. In fact, respondents now never mention the Federal Tax Service in this respect. The way it operates today is impeccable, so there is no complains. At one point, solid municipal waste management was another major concern, but that issue was also addressed relatively quickly. The survey gives public authorities an opportunity to see the situation through the eyes of the business community: to identify where corrupt practices are most prevalent and where businesses face the greatest difficulties.

We have been conducting this project for many years, and we intend to continue doing so.

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Meeting with Government members

2026-07-09T18:20:01+04:00

The President held a videoconference with Government members, which focused on the operation of the fuel and transport complex in the current situation. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin delivered reports.

At the beginning, the meeting also addressed the current agenda. Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov reported on the results of the Unified State Exam and the admissions campaign to secondary vocational schools. Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko spoke about the new digital services available on the Gosuslugi (public services) website.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon.

Todayб we will address two issues, or perhaps one issue in two dimensions, covering two key sectors of the economy: how Russia’s fuel and transport sectors are operating under current conditions and how they are developing.

However, before we turn to that, as is customary, I would like to address a couple of current matters.

First, I have a question for Mr Kravtsov regarding the results of the Unified State Exam (USE) and the ongoing enrollment campaigns at secondary vocational education institutions.

(Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov reported that this year 750,000 people sat the National Final School Exam (EGE). The average EGE score is growing, especially in the natural sciences. Almost 50 percent of students have scored 70 points or more. The number of students who scored 100 points is growing as well. An outstanding result has been reported this year: for the first time since the EGE was introduced 25 years ago, a schoolgirl from Moscow, Yelena Malkova, scored 500 points in the five subjects she chose for the exam – Russian, advanced mathematics, chemistry, physics and information science. The Minister noted an important trend: an increasing number of students are choosing natural sciences. This year, 24 percent more students chose physics than last year, 10 percent more chose mathematics, and 7.5 percent more chose biology.

As for secondary vocational colleges, 880,000 state-funded places are available this year, with over half of them in technical professions. Overall, more than 1.4 million students will enrol at colleges this year. More young people are choosing programming, mechanical engineering, medicine and construction. The new curriculum includes artificial intelligence skills. According to the Minister, the level of employment for college graduates has increased from 58 percent to 80 percent over the past five years.

Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko spoke about the digitalisation of public services. He stated that Russia is one of the world’s leaders in this sphere. The Public Services portal is one of the main digital services. As of now, over 120 million people, or over 95 percent of the population aged over 14, are registered and have a personal account on that portal. Over 14 million people visit it every day, and more than 80 percent of them access it via mobile devices.

The Deputy Prime Minister reported that a new service, Digital Profiler of a Foreign Citizen, became available on the Public Services portal on June 30. Since then, nearly 5 million people have registered for it. The service is a unified database of information about migrants provided by 16 agencies. The profile includes personal data, information about immovable property and vehicles, education, medical insurance, employment, etc. This has simplified many procedures for foreigners, such as registration, the processing of applications for work permits or temporary residence, employment authorisation, etc. At the same time, the government has comprehensive and regularly updated migration information.

Replying to a question from the President, Dmitry Grigorenko reported on technological and legislative fraud prevention measures. The Government has established an interdepartmental task force, which includes representatives of law enforcement agencies. It analyses the statistics and offers protection measures. According to official statistics from the Interior Ministry, the number of fraudulent actions against citizens has decreased by one third over the first six months of 2026.)

Vladimir Putin: Let’s move to the main issues on our agenda. Please, Mr Novak.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak: Thank you.

Mr President,

Colleagues,

Continued attacks on our civilian infrastructure, including civilian fuel and energy facilities, have resulted in damage to several refineries. This has led to a temporary decline in the production of petroleum and diesel fuel.

Mr President, the Government, acting on your instructions, has taken the following measures to stabilise the domestic market.

First, production at operating plants has been maximised, all available fuel reserves have been sent to the market, the duration of current maintenance and repair operations has been cut, planned repairs have been postponed, a total ban on the export of petroleum and aviation fuel has been adopted, and the capabilities of medium-sized and small refineries have been put to use.

I would like to note that the situation remains complicated despite these measures, which have partially stabilised the market. In particular, forced cuts in fuel production caused changes in the routes of fuel delivery to end users. The demand for motor fuel has increased by about one third. This is a considerable amount; it is one third larger than in the same period last year.

Taken together, this has increased pressure on filling stations, increased the number of vehicles per pump, and consequently, refuelling time.

It is obvious that this situation at filling stations is a cause of concern for the people. The Government is taking additional measures to deal with this problem and stabilise the situation. Today, we have adopted a ban on the export of diesel fuel, which will help us increase deliveries to the domestic market. In July, we will also import petroleum products and increase production by turning out lower environmental class petroleum products. We have extended the zero duty for imported petroleum products and additives for another year. We have also coordinated with Russian Railways the possibility of rail ticket discounts to create economic conditions for imported fuel.

To increase fuel supplies to the domestic market, amendments to the Tax Code were promptly adopted. Mr President, I would like to thank you for supporting and signing the relevant law.

The mandatory share of motor gasoline sold through commodity exchanges was also reduced from 15 percent to 10 percent. In addition, we refined the exchange trading mechanism to eliminate intermediaries, ensuring that fuel is supplied directly to end consumers. We also introduced limits on price increases during exchange trading, a measure that will further help stabilise prices.

I would also like to note that Russia’s major oil companies have begun prioritising the direct supply of fuel to consumers through their own retail filling station networks, as well as to regions where independent fuel retailers account for the majority of sales.

This is largely because, of the approximately 29,000 petrol stations operating in Russia, just over 9,000 are owned by vertically integrated oil companies such as Rosneft, Gazprom Neft, Lukoil, Tatneft, and Surgutneftegaz. The remainder are operated by independent retailers, which have traditionally purchased most of their fuel through commodity exchanges or intermediaries. They are now transitioning to direct supply agreements with oil companies and regional operators, as has recently been implemented in the Irkutsk Region and the Trans-Baikal Territory.

Mr President, we are also paying particular attention to ensuring stable fuel supplies to the Kaliningrad Region, the Republic of Crimea, Sevastopol, and the border regions, as I have previously reported to you. In addition, we have prioritised seasonal fuel deliveries for agricultural producers, are overseeing fuel shipments to the northern regions, and continue to monitor fuel prices in cooperation with the Federal Antimonopoly Service.

We continue to work closely with the Energy Ministry through a dedicated operational headquarters involving regional authorities, producers, and consumers. Regional task forces have also been established to coordinate fuel distribution and prioritise supplies to specific categories of consumers, particularly providers of essential services.

To help balance domestic demand and prevent speculation, a number of regions have introduced temporary restrictions on the sale of petroleum products.

Together with the Ministry of Transport, we are also paying particular attention to ensuring a stable supply of petroleum products to the country’s transport sector.

Mr President, I will continue to keep you promptly informed of the situation and any additional measures that may be required.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

Mr Nikitin, please.

Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin: Mr President,

The transport sector has been working smoothly in this difficult situation, ensuring the delivery of cargo and passengers.

The key hubs – airports, railway terminals, ports, municipal transport and motorways – are operating normally.

We are doing everything possible to deliver fuel to the Crimean Peninsula, working in close coordination with Sergei Aksyonov and Mikhail Razvozhayev.

Allow me to report on specific areas.

Aviation. The situation in civil aviation is manageable despite a decrease in the usual amount of fuel. The demand for transportation remains stable. Over the first five months of 2026, the passenger load factor has been around 90 percent. Passenger turnover exceeded last year’s figures and amounted to 106.57 billion passenger kilometres. Overall, Russian airlines transported 39.54 million passengers from January to May. Airports served 77.82 million passengers, including nearly 20 million on international flights. This is 6 percent more than in the same period last year.

We have registered an increase in transportation by subsidised regional flights. Over the first five months of 2026, 2.2 million passengers used subsidised flights.

The Far East and the Republic of Altai have reported good figures. The flight network to and from Abkhazia has been expanded. Thirteen Russian cities now offer flights to Sukhum, including new destinations from Yekaterinburg, Mineralnye Vody and Ufa. These flights are operated by five airlines.

As per your instructions, we introduced a 50 percent discount for children aged up to 12 years in 2025. Our air carriers have sold over 2.1 million such tickets in the first six months of this year, and over 6.1 million since the launch of that programme.

Long-distance and commuter trains provide reliable passenger services. About 62 million tickets have been available for the summer tourism season, which is roughly the same as last year.

The main tourist destinations – the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory and Mineralnye Vody – are served by 150 pairs of trains. In June, they transported 115.2 million passengers, or 4 percent more than last year. In the first half of 2026, 625 million people used trains for transportation, which is also more than last year.

We have temporarily adjusted transportation to Crimea for security reasons. Seven pairs of trains currently travel to the peninsula along eight routes. We are working to improve passenger comfort in light of increased load on the rail terminal in Kerch.

The situation in the water transport sector remains stable. Cargo transshipment through seaports exceeded last year’s level by five percent over the first five months of the year, reaching more than 360 million tonnes. River passenger traffic is also on the rise, with 2.7 million passengers transported – an 11 percent increase year-on-year. Particularly strong growth has been recorded on sightseeing and leisure routes, 63.5 percent. The River Mainlines project is contributing to this trend: eight high-speed routes operated in 2025, and this year the network is expanding to 27.

Public bus services are operating on schedule. Despite enemy attacks, there have been no widespread disruptions. We continue to modernise public transport fleets in the regions. Passenger flows on public transport during the first five months of this year have remained broadly in line with last year’s figures.

We are also seeing growth in domestic tourism. In June, travel to the cities of the Golden Ring increased by 14 percent, to resorts in the North Caucasus by 22 percent, and to resorts in the Krasnodar Territory by 36 percent.

We are expanding the unified ticket system, which connects trains, planes and buses with convenient transfers. Together with the heads of 21 regions, we have already launched 64 such routes. This allows passengers to travel more easily to destinations including the resorts of the North Caucasus, Sheregesh, Abkhazia, the Baltic coast, Suzdal, and Altai. More than 2.9 million people have already used the service.

Road construction continues at a steady pace. Major projects are underway, including the Yekaterinburg–Tyumen motorway, the Saratov bypass with a bridge across the Volga River, transport infrastructure in Kaliningrad, and the bridge across the Tumannaya River. Altogether, 27,000 kilometres of roads are under construction this year.

Special attention is being paid to access roads serving socially significant facilities. We are maintaining the capacity of the motorway network despite ongoing construction work and increased tourist traffic. From April through September, large families receive toll discounts on federal toll roads. All 314 border checkpoints are operating normally. To facilitate deliveries of fuel and lubricants, vehicles transporting petroleum products are being processed through checkpoints via a dedicated green corridor. Last week, traffic resumed at the Pogranichny road checkpoint, a major gateway for the Russian Far East, whose capacity has been increased by 50 percent, reaching 500 trucks per day.

Mr President,

Russia’s transport system is successfully handling peak demand and remains resilient. We will continue to fulfil all assigned tasks in full.

That concludes my report.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

(The President then gave the floor to the heads of several regions attending the meeting. Comments on the main issue were provided by Governor of the Trans-Baikal Territory Alexander Osipov, Governor of the Federal City of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev, Governor of the Irkutsk Region Igor Kobzev, and Head of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov. In particular, proposals were voiced on optimising fuel supplies, attracting small and medium-sized businesses to this task, and pricing policy, including addressing the problem of rising fuel prices and potential price subsidies.)

Vladimir Putin: Of course, it is necessary to meet the relevant requirements of government agencies, law enforcement and security structures. This is obvious. However, a decision on price subsidies should be taken without delay so that our citizens do not feel excessive pressure.

(Addressing Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak) Mr Novak, please discuss this issue with the Finance Ministry. I will provide support if you need it, although I think the Finance Ministry is fully aware of the situation, which will not last long. This obvious issue is also connected with efforts to disrupt the holiday season for our people in the south, including Crimea. However, steps must be taken immediately to support local residents and those who come there on holiday. Decisions must be taken as soon as possible. Please review the matter with your colleagues in the region and act on it.

There is no doubt that the opponent is trying to damage our economy, but it is even more important that it wants to foster public unease. We know that it is an impossible mission. The capacity margin of the Russian energy system is very large, one of the largest in the world. We simply must organise its proper operation together with the vertically integrated companies, coordinating issues fast so that they do not keep their products within their distribution grids and their refuelling stations but also provide them to independent fuel stations.

We should also take the proposals of Mr Kobzev into consideration, helping small and medium-sized companies contribute to the production of petroleum products without delay, and creating conditions for our normal operation.

According to the Agriculture Ministry, there is no problem with fuel supplies to farms, which have enough now. I hope that will be the case in the future too.

I ask you to take decisions more quickly. I also ask Mr Novak and Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin to promptly report to me and to the Prime Minister, of course.

That will be all for today. I wish you all successful, well-coordinated, and results-driven teamwork.

Meeting with Director General of the Russian Export Centre Veronika Nikishina

2026-07-07T18:29:27+04:00

The President held a working meeting with Director General of the Russian Export Centre (REC, VEB.RF Group). Veronika Nikishina reported on the increase of Russia's non-commodity non-energy exports, the establishment of regional export support centres, and the development of stable partnerships with friendly nations.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ms Nikishina, we are aware of all the subjective and objective difficulties facing our exporters. Nevertheless, the volume of non-resource non-energy exports increased by 9 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, thanks to support from the Export Centre, the entire group of the Export Centre. Overall, it reached 1.7 trillion rubles.

Director General of the Russian Export Centre Veronika Nikishina: Yes, 1.7 trillion rubles.

Vladimir Putin: This is a considerable amount.

Overall, how do you assess the work?

Veronika Nikishina: Mr President, it has been said recently at some platforms that we do not need export because it allegedly moves the commodities we need at home to foreign markets, excessively strengthening the ruble. We think this view is fundamentally wrong.

First, no country can be successful on the international stage without maintaining a strong position in the sphere of non-resource export. We can see that a tough competition is unfolding for economic influence and leadership, and non-resource export is an instrument of international cooperation and a means of creating stable partnerships and alliances.

Second, export – both resource and non-resource – amid slowing economic growth is also a means of stabilising the situation and resuming economic growth, because this implies additional markets that bring revenues and tax deductions, prevent lay-offs and help preserve jobs and even create new ones.

Incidentally, our geopolitical opponents, who have been imposing sanctions against Russian exports since 2022, trying to push us from foreign markets as much as possible and hence weaken us economically, are also aware of that.

But we have fundamentally achieved our key goal, which is to quickly shift our focus towards the friendly markets. We have maintained our export volumes and reached a stage of sustainable growth, as you have absolutely correctly noted. Last year, our non-resource exports increased by 11 percent, mechanical engineering exports by 28 percent, and the share of friendly countries in our structure has reached 86 percent.

Our current priority is to attain national development goals which you have set for the Government, that is, to increase exports by two-thirds by 2030 compared to 2023.

Vladimir Putin (Looking at the presentation.): I see that the development of stable partnerships with friendly countries is proceeding apace.

Veronika Nikishina: Yes, we believe we have completed the process of switching to foreign markets. We have restored the pre-sanction export volumes and have started to increase exports by forming stable partnerships and alliances with friendly countries, because our non-resource export constitutes the basis of our partnerships, including technological ones. We are also a reliable supplier of food and commodities that form value chains. We sincerely believe that the trend outlined at the third stage is not only realistic but that we are also perfectly on schedule.

How do we at the Russian Export Centre address the challenge you have set for the Government?

First, we provide targeted financial and non-financial support to specific exporters. We have around 150 support instruments at our disposal, ranging from helping companies find buyers to providing loans and insuring exporter non-payment risks. As you have already noted, last year the exports supported through our instruments reached 1.7 trillion rubles, representing a nine percent increase over the previous year. These exports reached 160 countries, up from 137 the year before. Tax revenues to the budget generated by these exports, together with contributions from the Russian Export Centre group, totalled 750 billion rubles last year. In addition to supporting existing exporters, another systemic task that we see for ourselves is identifying companies with export potential, helping them become exporters, and thereby expanding what we call new exports.

The second area of our work is promoting Russian products on foreign markets. More than half of exporters attribute their success abroad to strong demand for their products. This is precisely the objective of our “Made in Russia” programme: a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at building a strong demand for Russian-made goods.

First, we establish a permanent presence for Russian products on foreign markets by promoting them through wholesale distribution channels, concluding export agreements with distributors, and developing a network of “Made in Russia” retail stores offering Russian products. This retail network is most extensively developed in China.

Second, we promote Russian products through e-commerce channels, including with the support of local bloggers. We have launched 50 online stores of Russian products under the “Made in Russia” umbrella brand on 21 major international e-commerce platforms.

Vladimir Putin: Is this primarily through our own e-commerce platforms?

Veronika Nikishina: We do use our own online platforms as well, but in many markets consumers primarily shop through their established local e-commerce marketplaces. In order to promote Russian products effectively, we therefore place them on the virtual shelves of those international platforms. This allows local consumers to purchase Russian goods in online stores they are already used to and gradually develop the habit of choosing Russian products.

International trade fairs and business missions are also highly effective tools for generating demand for our products and building long-term commercial partnerships. We organise national stands and pavilions for Russian exporters at major international exhibitions and arrange business meetings for them.

Last year, we organised 32 major exhibition events in 18 countries for around 1,000 Russian exporters. This year, we are maintaining the same pace, having already held 12 such events. These initiatives speed up the establishment of business ties and the conclusion of export contracts for our companies.

Another relatively new instrument under the programme, which we came up with just a few years ago, is the “Made in Russia” festivals and fairs held on foreign markets. In addition to their economic benefit and their role in facilitating export contracts, these events help foster a positive perception of Russian products among international consumers while also promoting a favourable image of Russia through its culture, sports, and tourism.

The third area of our work includes stepping up cooperation with the regions and ensuring systematic complementarity of regional and federal support measures, so that we can achieve our national goals as a team.

The State Council has a key role to play in this regard. The State Council Presidium meeting, which was for the first time devoted to non-resource exports, gave a very strong boost to this work. Last year, 84 regions aligned their regional export strategies with federal strategic planning documents, such as the Foreign Economic Activity Strategy.

We are working with the regions on the basis of a standardised set of tools, known as the Regional Export Standard, which we updated last year based on the best practices of leading regions such as Moscow, St Petersburg, Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, the Amur Region, the Khabarovsk Territory, and the Moscow Region. Many regions are pro-actively becoming mentors for their counterparts in other regions.

We consider that preserving in the regions infrastructure to support exports by small and medium-sized enterprises is one of last year’s significant results following the State Council meeting. It had been at risk of being shut down, but export support centres are now operating in 85 regions, 67 of which receive federal co-financing.

Vladimir Putin: The regional authorities should also have an interest in this, shouldn’t they?

Veronika Nikishina: Yes, but there was a period of uncertainty regarding this matter. I should say, however, that the situation has now reached a completely stable understanding that this infrastructure is a very important addition…

Vladimir Putin: What does this infrastructure include?

Veronika Nikishina: It includes regional export support centres that have their own set of various tools needed by small and medium-sized enterprises. For example, they help companies develop websites, which is extremely important, particularly websites in foreign languages, without which, for instance, a foreign buyer would not even be able to understand…

Vladimir Putin: They would not understand what is being offered.

Veronika Nikishina: That’s right. They help organise various business missions and provide subsidies. Many regions have their own regional programmes to support exporters. The regions exchange these best practices with each other, for example through regional export cashback programmes and so on. As a result, this synergy of cooperation between the regions is producing an excellent effect. Last year, the number of regions making the greatest contribution to non-resource exports increased by four

I would like to emphasise that many governors personally and consistently work to promote the export potential of their regions. I would like to sincerely thank the governors and the teams in all the regions. We have developed a very creative and highly informal form of cooperation, because everyone truly understands how important it is for the regional economy, for businesses, and ultimately for the national economy to support non-resource exports. The strong impetus provided by the State Council for this kind of teamwork has indeed produced excellent results.

In particular, we use digitalisation to ensure that exporters have access to federal and regional support measures. Last year, 16 regions – 14 as part of the planned programme and two, namely the Omsk and Smolensk regions, on their own initiative – digitised their regional support measures and integrated them into the One-Stop-Shop digital platform which cut at least in half the time the exporters require to get support measures.

Human resources for foreign economic activity. This issue was also raised at the State Council meeting. Following your instructions, a consortium was established last year to create an environment to train specialists in foreign trade according to unified standards. Thirty-four universities from 20 regions launched the programmes last year.

The fourth area of our work includes creating and maintaining exporters’ motivation to engage in exports. “Made in Russia” begins in Russia. This is our own proactive mission. We use clear and simple language to tell the people in our country about our hero exporters. We believe it is truly important for the public to understand the impact the exports have on their city, their district, and the country as a whole and to take pride in this and to remain aware of the range of products we have to offer.

For example, we have teamed up with the federal TV channel Rossiya 24 and for three years now have been producing a series of films featuring 300 hero exporters representing major, medium-sized, and small businesses. We highlight their achievements and performance results.

This year, we launched a project with Channel One called “Our Everything. Made in Russia.” We have the Exporter of the Year award, and we have agreed with Channel One that this year’s federal stage finals will be broadcast on Channel One.

Mr President, it is truly important for exporters to understand, especially in the current environment, that their extremely challenging export activities are needed not only by their employees, that they also remain within the scope of the state’s priorities whereas we, as the Russian Export Centre Group of Companies, will continue to support our exporters and help them reach new heights, which will contribute to the economic prosperity of our country.

Vladimir Putin: That is how it will be. This is one of our priorities.

Is the online store chain growing in our country?

Veronika Nikishina: Yes, we currently have 50 stores on foreign marketplaces, and we are also widely cooperating with Russian e-commerce platforms. We have a project with Wildberries to promote an online product shelf featuring Made in Russia goods for export markets.

This year, we conducted a pilot project with Uzbekistan, where in addition to foods, the project included cosmetics (although mainly goods intended for retail sale). We are promoting and expanding our exports in conjunction with our marketplaces. We have big plans to promote products in the markets of other countries together with Wildberries and Ozon. Thus, we are promoting both Russian products and Russian e-commerce platforms. Indeed, we are fully experiencing the benefits of digital platforms and all the effects they create for exporters.

Vladimir Putin: Very good. Thank you.

Veronika Nikishina: Thank you.

<…>

Visit to the Joint Force auxiliary command post

2026-07-09T12:59:24+04:00

The Supreme Commander-in-Chief visited an auxiliary command post of the Joint Force, where he chaired a meeting with the General Staff leadership and the commanders of the groups of forces.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, comrades.

Today we are holding a regular working meeting to assess the current situation in the special military operation zone, as well as to review and evaluate the latest combat results.

The Chief of the General Staff provides reports on the situation on a nearly daily basis. In this regard, I would like to note that the formations and military units of the Joint Force are carrying out their assigned tasks in accordance with the plans of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.

The liberation of the Lugansk People’s Republic has recently been completed in full. Meanwhile, operations to eliminate formations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Donetsk People’s Republic, as well as in the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, are underway. The establishment of a security zone in the border areas of the Kharkov, Sumy, and Dnepropetrovsk regions of Ukraine is also progressing according to plan.

Enemy forces are attempting to maintain their positions, but under the pressure of our troops they are sustaining heavy losses and are being forced to withdraw.

Since the beginning of this year, Russian forces have liberated 133 settlements and established control over more than 3,000 square kilometres of our territory in Donbass and Novorossiya.

Today’s discussion will focus on developments in the areas of responsibility of the North and South groups of forces. We will also review the results of combat missions carried out by other formations and military units.

In addition, during a restricted attendance meeting, as previously agreed with the Chief of the General Staff, we will examine the tasks assigned to the Joint Force for the summer period and discuss the most pressing issues related to supporting ongoing offensive operations.

But first, before we proceed to the commanders’ reports, I ask the Chief of the General Staff, in accordance with established procedure, to provide an overview of the general situation in the special military operation zone.

Please begin, Mr Gerasimov.

Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and First Deputy Minister of Defence Valery Gerasimov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

The troops of the Joint Force continue carrying out their mission during the special military operation to liberate the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.

In June, 29 settlements and a total of 636 square kilometres of territory were liberated.

Unable to achieve results on the battlefield, the Kiev regime is making attempts to persuade its Western sponsors that it has regained the initiative and made significant advances. To achieve this goal, the Kiev regime is conducting an information campaign highlighting the alleged successes of AFU formations while concealing territories liberated by Russian troops by describing them in neutral terms as “moved into the grey zone.”

At the same time, units and formations of the Joint Force continue advancing in every operational direction. The fastest rates of advance have been recorded in the areas of responsibility of the North and East groups of forces.

The North group of forces, advancing simultaneously along several axes, continues expanding the security zone in Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkov regions bordering the Russian Federation. Progress is being made toward Sumy and in the vicinity of the village of Bely Kolodez in the Kharkov Region. In June, eight settlements came under Russian control.

The West group of forces continues advancing along a broad front within its area of responsibility in the Kharkov Region and the northern part of the Donetsk People’s Republic.

In the Kupyansk direction, the enemy continues efforts to retake previously lost positions. To support this objective, it has redeployed 11 additional battalions to the area, including units from two marine brigades. These forces have repeatedly attempted to break into Kupyansk and push our units back across the eastern bank of the Oskol River, but without success. Ukrainian forces have suffered substantial losses: since May 10, some 2,500 Ukrainian servicemen, including more than 550 marines, as well as 772 pieces of weapons and military equipment have been destroyed in this sector.

Operations to eliminate enemy formations on the eastern bank of the Oskol River south of Borovaya are continuing. Four settlements – Sheykovka, Novy Mir, Cherneshchina, and Druzhelyubovka – have come under our control. Street-to-street fighting is ongoing in Podliman. The liberation of Krasny Liman, a key administrative centre and major railway hub, is approaching completion. Its capture is of significant logistical and operational importance for the continued offensive in this direction.

The South group of forces continues offensive operations aimed at liberating the Donetsk People’s Republic. Units of the group liberated the town of Konstantinovka, one of the enemy’s principal defensive strongholds within the Slavyansk–Kramatorsk–Konstantinovka fortified area.

In addition, in June, elements of the 3rd Army, advancing toward Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, took control of four more settlements.

Heavy fighting continues in the Centre group of forces’ area of responsibility. Its formations and units are advancing north of Krasnoarmeysk, with the front line now approximately 8.5 kilometres from the city’s outskirts.

Kutuzovka, Vasilyevka, and Novy Donbass were liberated in June. Forward units of the Centre group entered Dobropolye and Annovka. Fighting continues in Belitskoye, Shevchenko, Sergeyevka, and Krasnoyarskoye. Meanwhile, part of the group continues operations to establish a security zone in the Dnepropetrovsk Region, while combat is underway to capture Novopavlovka.

Troops of the East group of forces continue to maintain the initiative across their offense sector and are advancing in the Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk regions.

On the northern right flank of the group’s area of responsibility, formations and units of the 29th Army repelled attempts by Ukrainian assault units to penetrate Russian defensive positions. After thwarting the enemy’s effort to halt our offensive in this sector, the group resumed its advance in the southern part of the Dnepropetrovsk Region, expanding the security zone. In June, Bogodarovka and Novoskelevatoye were captured in this direction, and on July 2, Alexandrovka was liberated. Fighting continues in the large settlement of Velikomikhailovka.

Along the group’s main axis of advance, troops of the East group continue to push westward on a broad front in eastern Zaporozhye Region. Approximately 115 square kilometres of territory came under Russian control in June. The settlements of Komsomolskoye, Novoselovka, Lesnoye, Rovnoye, and Kopani were liberated. Fighting continues in the village of Lyubitskoye.

Units of the Dnepr group of forces are conducting offensive operations in the Zaporozhye direction. The command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces sought nothing less than to halt Russia’s advance by regaining control of territory around the villages of Primorskoye and Stepnogorsk. For this purpose, some of Ukraine’s best-trained and most motivated special operations forces of the main intelligence directorate, together with foreign mercenaries, were dispatched. All enemy attacks were repelled.

Assault units of the Dnepr group of forces continue to increase the pace of their offensive. Advance groups have now pushed forward to within nine kilometres from the southern outskirts of Zaporozhye, engaging Ukrainian positions within the city limits. Fighting is also ongoing in Orekhovo and Preobrazhenka.

In addition, in accordance with the General Staff’s operational plan, Russian forces have continued to carry out large-scale and coordinated strikes against Ukraine’s military-industrial complex and the energy infrastructure supporting it. In June, five large-scale strike operations were conducted, targeting 55 facilities across Ukraine, including 34 military-industrial enterprises involved in producing Flamingo cruise missiles, long- and medium-range unmanned aerial vehicles, robotic systems, and electronic warfare equipment; as well as 10 airfields used to base Ukrainian combat aircraft; and five fuel and energy infrastructure facilities.

During the night of July 1–2, the Russian Armed Forces carried out another large-scale strike using long-range precision-guided weapons and attack drones against military-industrial facilities in Kiev. The strike damaged five key Ukrainian aviation and electronics enterprises manufacturing long-range UAVs, cruise missiles, and related components.

In addition to this, the strike damaged a logistics centre; four fuel and energy facilities; and infrastructure at five military airfields. As a result, the strike has substantially reduced Ukraine’s industrial capacity to manufacture long-range weapons, including cruise and ballistic missiles, which has also increased the Kiev regime’s dependence on Western supplies of components, explosives, and fuel.

Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

The formations and military units of the Joint Force will continue carrying out their assigned missions to liberate Donbass and Novorossiya in accordance with the approved operational plan.

The report is over.

Vladimir Putin: Good, thank you very much.

Let us continue. I would like to note the positive momentum in the actions of our troops, as well as the increasing pace of the advance by units and formations of the Russian Armed Forces along the entire front line. I can see this on a daily basis, both in your reports and in those submitted by other commanders.

In recent months, the security zone along our border with Ukraine has also expanded considerably. Troops of the East and Dnepr groups of forces are advancing successfully in the Zaporozhye Region, the liberation of the Donetsk People’s Republic is continuing, and, as you have reported, the South and Centre groups of forces are continuing their westward advance while inflicting defeats on the enemy.

In June, Ukrainian Armed Forces units were forced out of six settlements, including the city of Konstantinovka, which has been brought back under Russian control.

I would like to emphasise that the capture of Konstantinovka represents only the first, but a highly significant, step toward defeating the Ukrainian Armed Forces units currently holding what you referred to as the Slavyansk–Kramatorsk–Konstantinovka fortified area. There, the enemy has built a deep, layered system of defensive fortifications, effectively turning the cities of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkovka, and Konstantinovka into a single defensive stronghold. With Konstantinovka now under our control, I believe it is no longer appropriate to refer to the Slavyansk–Kramatorsk– Konstantinovka line. Instead, it should simply be called the Slavyansk–Kramatorsk line, while also taking into account Druzhkovka – a smaller, though likewise fortified, settlement.

(Commander of the South group of forces Lieutenant General Sergei Medvedev, Commander of the 4^th Motor Rifle Brigade Major General Anton Grunis, and Commander of the 6^th Motor Rifle Division Colonel Alexander Kartavkin reported on the liberation progress in the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, and, in particular, the liberation of Konstantinovka. Commander of the North group of forces Yevgeny Nikiforov reported on the progress in expanding the security zone in Sumy and Kharkov regions, as well as in ensuring security in the border areas of the Bryansk, Kursk and Belgorod regions.)

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

Here’s what I would like to emphasise. The more strikes the enemy attempts against our civilian infrastructure – and, of course, our foremost priority is to do everything necessary to protect these facilities and the civilian population – the more such attempts they make, the larger the security zone we will be compelled to establish in the adjacent territory. Especially since this area, like the other territories we have discussed today, is historically Russian land.

We will wrap up this part now and proceed to discussing a number of separate issues. But first, I would like to stress the following.

The Russian Armed Forces continue to firmly maintain the strategic initiative in the special military operation zone, and the liberation of Konstantinovka is of major strategic significance.

As you know, the city is a key transportation hub and a major industrial centre in Donbass. It has around 20,500 homes, while Sumy – the regional capital – has just over 30,000, making them comparable in size. The capture of Konstantinovka by the South group of forces opens a direct route for further advances toward Kramatorsk and Slavyansk, as well as other fortified areas in Donbass. It is undoubtedly a key step toward the liberation of the entire Donetsk People’s Republic.

As for the establishment of the security zone, I would like to reiterate that it is also an important component of achieving our overall objectives. The formations and units of the North group of forces are successfully carrying out this mission and continue to push enemy forces farther away from Russia’s border.

A decisive role in these achievements undoubtedly belongs to our soldiers and officers, who, in the course of combat operations, continue to demonstrate the finest qualities of the Russian warrior – selfless devotion and love for the Motherland, military camaraderie, and brotherhood in arms.

Please convey my sincere gratitude to all personnel for the courage and heroism they display every day. And, as I have already said, I ask that all those who have most distinguished themselves be presented for state awards.

Now a few words about the enemy’s information and propaganda operation with the results the Kiev regime allegedly obtained on the battlefield. I would like to note that both the Kiev regime and the purported European so-called peace makers, whose genuine objective is not peace but continuing the war with Russia to the last Ukrainian, reaffirm our assumption regarding their true intentions by their statements and practical actions.

I want to stress that the June 7, 2026, joint statement by some of the EU leaders welcomed the innovative, as they put it, use of pilotless technologies by the Kiev regime.

I have already spoken publicly about it. I asked a purely rhetorical question whether they meant strikes at our civilian facilities, transport with civilians and children and students dorms? Does this mean encouragement to further such strikes?

In this respect I should say that massive group strikes must continue at Ukraine’s military industrial complex infrastructure and the facilities ensuring its operation, because those ideas are in the air and being pursued, therefore we must respond correspondingly. Please offer your relevant proposals.

Valery Gerasimov: Yes, Sir.

Vladimir Putin: We must also continue analysing the involvement of each instigator of the continuation of the war in Ukraine, the analysis of the involvement of each of them in real combat actions. We need this analysis for taking responsible decisions in the future. We will need it anyway.

Now, as for the enemy’s alleged success on the battlefield, then we should, first of all, keep in mind that for supporting their legends and lies, and false statements, the enemy can take certain actions of a sabotage and terrorist nature, launch raids, albeit involving small task forces but with great propaganda fanfare, in order to confirm their arguments about imaginary achievements. We have to be prepared for such possible raids.

And, second, the audacious claims made by the ringleaders of the Kiev regime about successes which, as we know, do not actually exist, are generally to our advantage, since these play-actors—and they are incapable of doing anything else, as they have never been taught to — undoubtedly discombobulate both themselves and their sponsors by their actions and statements. I reiterate: it works for our benefit. Meanwhile, commanders of the Russian Armed Forces groups should act rhythmically, rationally and consistently, overcome hardships which naturally emerge in such conditions, do everything necessary and possible to secure unconditional fulfilment of their tasks in strict compliance with the objective of the special military operation worked out by the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

<…>

Meeting with VTB Bank CEO Andrei Kostin

2026-07-03T16:22:54+04:00

Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with President and Chairman of VTB Bank Management Board Andrei Kostin.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon. Mr Kostin, the bank’s performance looks positive across all the main indicators. What would you like to highlight?

VTB CEO Andrei Kostin: Yes, Mr President, the performance looks positive. This year, we expect our profit to increase. Last year, it amounted to just over 500 billion rubles, and this year we are targeting more than 600 billion.

One area we are particularly proud of is that the bank remains focused on financing major industrial projects. These projects are moving forward, and there are quite a number of them.

I will begin with the largest one. We are the lead lender for the development of the Baimsky copper deposit in Chukotka. The project is estimated at 1.3 trillion rubles.

Vladimir Putin: Are we implementing this together with our Kazakhstani friends?

Andrei Kostin: Yes. An important point is that once the project reaches full capacity, Chukotka will no longer be a subsidised region but will become self-sufficient.

There are also other major projects. Construction of the Chernogorsk Mining and Processing Plant in Norilsk is nearing completion. There are also projects such as the Moscow–St Petersburg High-Speed Railway, as well as Gazprom’s Amur Gas Processing Plant, among others. So, despite the relatively high interest rates, these projects are continuing to move ahead and develop.

Of course, if we succeed in countering inflation and lowering the key interest rate, that will further accelerate these projects and make their implementation easier.

Overall, therefore, our outlook is positive. We continue to work actively with small and medium-sized businesses. We can see that, despite relatively modest growth rates, our economy remains stable and, overall, continues to develop.

Vladimir Putin: Good. Let us discuss this in more detail.

<…>

Meeting with Kaliningrad Region Governor Alexei Besprozvannykh

2026-07-02T17:25:44+04:00

Ahead of the 80^th anniversary of the founding of the Kaliningrad Region, the President held a working meeting with the region’s Governor, Alexei Besprozvannykh.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Besprozvannykh, we had a meeting just recently and discussed matters dealing with the socioeconomic development of the Kaliningrad Region at a Security Council meeting. Today’s meeting is taking place as we are preparing to celebrate the Kaliningrad Region’s 80^th anniversary. I would like to congratulate you and all residents of the region on this anniversary.

Let me note that by demonstrating hard work, talent, and dedication to serving their home region and our vast Russia, the people of the Kaliningrad Region have achieved serious and tangible results in promoting socioeconomic development in all its aspects. This includes science, manufacturing, education, and agriculture.

I would like to wish you and all residents of the region prosperity and further success. Of course, we will do everything we can to implement all the development plans for the Kaliningrad Region, including the ones discussed and agreed upon during the latest Security Council meeting.

Governor of the Kaliningrad Region Alexei Besprozvannykh: Mr President, thank you very much. I will make sure to convey your congratulations to the people of the Kaliningrad Region.

You have our deepest gratitude for the support the Kaliningrad Region has been receiving from you and the Government. Thank you for finding the time to have this meeting ahead of our main holiday which will take place on July 4 in our region. It is thanks to the victory forged by our grandfathers and great grandfathers, and the work of people who moved to this region and veterans who made the first steps in developing it, as well as today’s generation, of course, that the Kaliningrad Region is currently one of the most vibrant regions, and the numbers are there to prove this.

In keeping with my March report, we can see the positive trend continue. The region is also attractive for investors, both domestic and foreign. The region’s first budget was drafted in 1946, exactly 80 years ago. It provided for 88.5 million rubles in budget revenue and budget subsidies of 56 million while the total spending was 69 million. At the time, it was noted that the region underperformed in terms of its expenditure despite the fact that there were available budget funds for that. They did not have enough time to use these funds.

I would like to point out that the situation has radically changed. Today, the Kaliningrad Region has a consolidated budget exceeding 180 billion rubles, and we can see that all these funds are engaged. At the same time, federal budget subsidies have been declining. We aim to have this indicator at around 1.8 billion rubles by the end of 2026. In 2027, we plan it around 700 million rubles and strive to become an unsubsidised region by 2028.

We have made great strides in reducing public debt in recent years. This has been facilitated by a programme for socioeconomic development of the Kaliningrad Region that we’ve been actively implementing since 2014. The region has already invested 415 billion rubles in this programme to carry out 220 projects, including major ones under your supervision. This is a very important programme as it provides a clear and systemic blueprint for promoting regional development across all sectors.

For this reason, I would like to ask you to support the extension of this programme until 2036 so that we can work with the Government on preparing its key projects and initiatives.

Vladimir Putin: This does sound reasonable. I suggest that we dive into the details of this matter.

Alexei Besprozvannykh: Very well. Thank you.

<…>

Meeting with Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova

2026-06-29T18:32:41+04:00

The President had a working meeting with Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: You have recently assumed your duties as Human Rights Commissioner of Russia. I see that you have already fully immersed yourself in the work. What are your first impressions?

Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova: Mr President, first of all, I would like to thank you for the great trust you have placed in me. For me, this is, of course, an advance of confidence, and I will do everything in my power to justify it.

Naturally, I still have much to learn, but some work has already been accomplished. In fact, my entire life and professional career have been devoted to human rights protection. I won't say much, but I'll mention a few figures.

In St Petersburg, I encountered a case of injustice when fraudsters attempted to deprive orphans of their apartments. We managed to stop them and return 37 apartments to the children.

Next, my team and I established the Union of Volunteers of Russia, a nationwide youth volunteer organisation. When the events of 2014 began, Dr Lisa – Yelizaveta Glinka – and I organised the evacuation of children from the conflict zone. We succeeded in evacuating 2,700 mothers and children, as well as 128 sick and wounded children, to Russia, where they received assistance, medical treatment, and rehabilitation.

Supporting participants in the special military operation has always been – and will remain – my absolute priority. I have travelled to Donbass, to our historical liberated territories numerous times. Last year, when I was still serving as a State Duma deputy, I visited 46 regions of the country, travelling to remote towns and villages to meet with people. Many of those who came to see me were family members of participants in the special military operation. At times, I would spend up to eight hours speaking with them, and it was through these direct conversations that the legislative process began. Based on this work, I submitted 102 legislative initiatives related to the special military operation, many of which have since become federal laws.

Since assuming the office of Human Rights Commissioner on May 14, our office has received 14,752 appeals, 52 percent of which concern issues related to the special military operation. Behind every one of these figures lies more than just statistics, but a real human story.

The most important issue I would like to highlight is the exchange of prisoners of war. As shown on the next slide, when I took up this position, I was able to establish communication with my Ukrainian counterpart, Dmitry Lubinets, and we reached an agreement on the key issues. In addition to prisoner exchanges, which over the past month alone have enabled 550 of our servicemen to return home, the most significant achievement of our humanitarian efforts has been the reunification of civilian families. This was achieved through close cooperation with the Defence Ministry, the relevant security agencies, the Federal Penitentiary Service and our colleagues in the Republic of Belarus. As the next slide shows, we were also able to persuade the Ukrainian side to return all residents of the Kursk Region who had been unlawfully held in Ukraine. They are all back home now. One of them, a young man whose birthday coincided with his return, told me: “This is my second birthday.”

I also cannot fail to mention the tragedy in Starobelsk. What happened there can only be described as a war crime. I travelled to the site immediately after the incident. I would like to thank the Foreign Ministry and the Defence Ministry for arranging a visit by 50 journalists from countries around the world. Together we went through every room of that college. I had been there several times before and had taken part in a patriotic event with those children just six months earlier. The journalists saw no military base there. What they saw were bloodstained blankets, personal photos and children’s toys. We spoke with the children. Afterwards, I met with the parents of those who had been killed, visited the injured children in hospital, and upon returning to Moscow, I also visited them there, thanks to the Ministry of Health. I remain in regular contact with them.

I also wrote to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Human Rights Council and the OSCE. The High Commissioner has replied to my letter.

We continue, of course, to provide humanitarian assistance on a regular basis.

As for our international activities, we have succeeded in establishing strong international contacts. I travelled to Bishkek for a meeting of ombudsmen from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states, where I held six bilateral meetings, primarily with colleagues from the CIS countries. Upon my return, we also signed a cooperation agreement with Lebanon.

On June 17, I chaired a major nationwide meeting of our Coordinating Council, attended by representatives from all 89 Russian regions. We have an exceptionally strong team of regional human rights commissioners, who are closest to the everyday concerns of our citizens. Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova also took part in the meeting and expressed her strong support. We signed a memorandum of cooperation and agreed to work together to protect citizens’ voting rights, with particular attention to people with limited mobility, including home voting and voting in remote areas.

Overall, I intend to place particular emphasis in my next annual report on the work being done in the regions, to present the full scope of our human rights protection system. There is much more I could say, Mr President, but these are the main points.

Vladimir Putin: Good. Thank you very much.

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Answers to questions from a Russian journalist

2026-06-29T14:51:14+04:00

Question: Mr President, you have held a meeting with the heads of Russia’s largest oil companies to discuss the situation on the fuel market. In your assessment, how much damage are the enemy’s strikes on our energy infrastructure and industrial facilities causing?

And another very important issue: what is the situation with energy supplies to Crimea and Sevastopol?

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: As for the attacks on critical infrastructure in general, and energy infrastructure in particular, they are, of course, creating problems. That is obvious. We are currently seeing certain shortages, although they are not critical, as I will explain. There are several tasks we need to address, and we have just discussed them.

The first is to rapidly and significantly increase production of the air defence systems that are most in demand. We must also continue improving them in line with the requirements of combat operations and the protection of key facilities, taking into account the capabilities the enemy is deploying, including the new unmanned aerial vehicles with advanced technologies being supplied from Europe. We already have these defensive systems. The challenge is to accelerate their production and delivery, whether to the armed forces or for the protection of critical infrastructure.

It is also clear what needs to be done to ensure stable fuel supplies and eliminate the temporary shortages that have arisen. Repairs must be completed more quickly, the necessary level of imports must be secured and, as I have already said, these facilities must be reliably protected.

We also need closer coordination among all the agencies and levels of government involved in repelling drone and missile attacks on our infrastructure and, above all, in protecting people. The top priority is safeguarding civilians and minimising damage to the economy, individual industries and industrial production. As I have said, there has been damage, but all affected facilities are being quickly restored, and the problems that arise are not critical. Everything is operating steadily and with a substantial margin of resilience.

As for energy supplies to Crimea, the Minister has informed me that the region's monthly requirement is 70,000 tonnes. Current reserves in Crimea are sufficient for several days, but all demand will be met. We will continue increasing deliveries both overland and by sea. I am confident this task will be accomplished.

More broadly, I would like to stress that the strikes on our civilian infrastructure are intended not only to inflict damage on us – although I believe that is certainly one of the enemy’s objectives – but also to fuel an information campaign, or perhaps more accurately, an information operation as part of the broader confrontation with Russia. At a minimum, its purpose is to undermine our confidence in ourselves and our capabilities and, ideally, to create divisions within Russian society, force Russia to suspend, even temporarily, the advance of our forces along the line of contact and create conditions for launching negotiations on terms favourable to our adversary.

We will not give them that opportunity. It is all the more important to understand that these terrorist attacks have no impact whatsoever on the situation at the front. That is the key point. No matter where these strikes are carried out against our infrastructure, they have absolutely no effect on the situation on the frontline, along the line of contact.

Question: At the same time, we can all see that the talks with Ukraine and about Ukraine have come to a complete halt. However, at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, you indicated that contacts continue through other channels. If those contacts are ongoing, have there been any new requests, ideas or proposals from the other side? Have there been any new signals?

Vladimir Putin: Yes, contacts do continue. They have been established through several channels and along several lines. There is no secret about that.

There have also been new proposals. The suggestion of a meeting with the head of the Kiev regime is common knowledge. The request for at least a temporary ceasefire along the line of contact is no news either.

There have, however, been some new proposals, and I am prepared to mention a few of them. One is that both sides should stop carrying out long-range strikes deep inside each other’s territory. The reason for this proposal is obvious. Our retaliatory strikes deep inside Ukrainian territory are far more powerful, more effective and, frankly, more destructive, resulting in genuinely serious consequences for the Kiev regime.

Another proposal is to limit military operations – please note this carefully – to just four territories: the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions and the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics, while halting hostilities everywhere else. The reasoning here is equally clear. If we were to agree, it would allow the Ukrainian armed forces to redeploy troops from the Nikolayev, Dnepropetrovsk, Kharkov and Sumy regions, as well as from certain sections of the state border, to reinforce those four regions.

Given the Ukrainian armed forces’ catastrophic manpower shortage, they apparently believe this could provide them with a lifeline. But rescuing the Kiev regime is not part of our plans. That said, and I say this without the slightest irony, we consider every proposal coming from the other side with due attention.

At the same time, in the current circumstances, we cannot rule out attempts by the Ukrainian armed forces to carry out what they believe would be surprise diversionary attacks pursuing limited objectives by special forces units. Their aim would be to divert our attention and resources away from our primary objective: the final liberation of Donbass and Novorossiya.

Question: How would you assess the current situation along the line of contact? What do you see as the most important developments at this stage?

Vladimir Putin: We speak about this regularly. Incidentally, our military correspondents provide very comprehensive and, I would say, highly objective reporting on the situation in the media and online.

Let us begin in the north, with the North group of forces. As a reminder, the objective of Russian forces in the Sumy and Volchansk sectors is to establish a security zone along our border. This task was set following the Ukrainian armed forces’ incursion into the Kursk Region and the continuing attacks on our border areas.

The Ukrainian regime will pay for its crimes on Kursk soil by losing territory needed to create this border security zone.

Incidentally, our forces are now approximately 10.5 kilometres from the city of Sumy. It is the regional administrative centre, with more than 30,000 buildings, if I remember correctly. We have no political plans regarding either the city or the region as a whole. We will be guided by the recommendations of the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff. Our troops in this sector are operating actively and decisively and are advancing at a rapid pace.

Moving from north to south, we come to the West group of forces, which has a large area of responsibility. I will begin with the city of Kupyansk, where representatives of the Kiev regime like to stage photo opportunities against the city’s entrance sign. Our forces are now between 2.5 and 4–5 kilometres from the city’s western outskirts. The enemy has launched several counterattacks but has achieved no success.

Next is the Rubtsy sector. On the left bank of the Oskol River, we have effectively trapped a mixed enemy force of around 5,000 personnel. It has been pinned against the river. The Russian Armed Forces’ 1st Tank Army is pressing from the north, the 3rd Motor Rifle Division from the east, and the 144th Division from the south. The entire area is already under our fire control, and only about two kilometres remain before the encirclement is fully completed. The 144th Division is carrying out that task, and I believe it will do so successfully.

The fate of this enemy grouping will then resemble that of the force previously encircled near Kupyansk-Uzlovoye. If you recall, it found itself in much the same situation and was completely destroyed.

Next is the Krasny Liman sector. Krasny Liman is a fairly large town with around 11,000 buildings. More importantly, however, it is home to one of the largest railway marshalling yards in the former Soviet Union and is a key logistics hub in the Donetsk People’s Republic. Of its approximately 11,000 buildings, only 149 remain to be liberated.

Let me also recall another point. I would like to remind you that a key fortified area was developed by the Ukrainian armed forces over a period of almost ten years as a strategic defensive line in the agglomeration that includes the cities of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkovka, Alexeyevo-Druzhkovka and Konstantinovka, as well as slightly to the south-west, the towns of Dobropolye and Ocheretino. All of this falls within the areas of responsibility of the South and Centre groups of forces.

The 3rd Army of the South group of forces is advancing at a good pace towards Slavyansk and has entered Nikolayevka. The distance to Slavyansk itself is now approximately 8–9 kilometres. The offensive is proceeding successfully on 15 axes, and our forces are advancing in this direction on a daily basis.

Important developments have taken place in the area of responsibility of the Centre group of forces. Here, our troops have broken through a three-tier line of engineering fortifications, approximately 400 metres deep, on four sectors, and are engaged in combat to seize the defensive line.

Very significant events have also occurred in the Dobropolye sector. There, our units have breached a well-prepared, previously considered impregnable, three-tiered line of engineering barriers, entered the settlement of Annovka adjacent to Dobropolye, and reached the outskirts of Dobropolye itself. It is important to note that the Ukrainian armed forces have no prepared defensive lines to the north of Dobropolye. They are now hastily attempting to establish local strongpoints. And it is 35 kilometres from Dobropolye to the state border.

We can also return to the operations of the Southern Grouping of Forces, which is engaged in combat to liberate one of the key strongpoints of the Ukrainian strategic line of defence – the city of Konstantinovka. Currently, 96 percent of the city is already under our control. The 4^th Brigade is conducting clearance operations within the city, while the 6th Division of the South group of forces has already bypassed Konstantinovka and approached Alexeyevo-Druzhkovka. It has entered the settlement, taken Tukhachevsky Street, and is continuing to advance. Neighbouring units on the left flank have also approached Alexeyevo-Druzhkovka, after which Druzhkovka itself will follow – a fairly large settlement of around 12,000 houses, adjoining Alexeyevo-Druzhkovka. From Druzhkovka to Kramatorsk, which is considered by the current [Ukrainian] authorities to be a temporary capital of the Donetsk Region, there are only four kilometres, and there are no significant fortifications there either.

As far as we know – and this has already been reported in the media – the enemy has begun evacuating industrial enterprises from this agglomeration.

I would also like to note in particular the operations conducted by the East group of forces. Despite the enemy’s strengthened defences and the redeployment of well-prepared troops from the Donetsk People’s Republic to the Zaporozhye direction, our forces under the command of Colonel-General Andrei Ivanayev are carrying out combat missions to liberate the Zaporozhye Region, advancing across a broad front at a rate of between one and 1.3 kilometres per day.

The Dnepr group of Forces also has a significant area of responsibility. It is successfully operating in the Orekhov direction and along the shores of the Kakhovka Reservoir, advancing overall towards Zaporozhye.

Question: The sponsors of the Kiev regime, the leaders of the European Union, recently went so far as to say that they welcome, and I quote, “the innovative use of drones and the successes of the Ukrainian armed forces on the battlefield,” including what they describe as the liberation of territories. What do you make of that?

Vladimir Putin: I have seen that statement. It does indeed say that European leaders welcome the innovative use of drones. To be honest, I read it with some surprise. My immediate question was this: does the strike on the student dormitory in Starobelsk also qualify as an innovative use of drones? Do Western leaders welcome that as well? I have not seen a single word about it anywhere. I have heard nothing.

The statement also speaks of the Ukrainian armed forces’ successes on the battlefield in liberating territory. That raises an obvious question: where exactly, and what territory are they talking about? From time to time, enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups do infiltrate areas under our control – sometimes even wearing our military uniforms. They are usually eliminated fairly quickly, but that is something that happens in a combat zone. As for the claim that they are liberating territory, I am not aware of any such developments.

What we do know is something else entirely. We know that the West continues to pursue Russia’s strategic defeat. There have been occasional suggestions that this is no longer the case, but officially no one has abandoned that objective. The goal remains Russia’s strategic defeat.

If that is so, then why are they calling for a ceasefire and peace negotiations, and increasingly expressing a desire to take part in them? If Ukraine is, as they claim, capturing more and more territory and liberating it – in other words, if it is winning – then Western leaders simply need to wait. Russia’s strategic defeat would, it would seem, come about of its own accord. So let them wait. Meanwhile, our troops will continue doing their job and will do everything necessary to achieve the objectives of the special military operation.

Meeting on fuel supply to the domestic market

2026-06-28T21:41:59+04:00

Vladimir Putin held a meeting in the Kremlin on supplying fuel to Russian regions.

Measures to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply to car owners, businesses, enterprises, and socially significant organisations were discussed at the meeting.

The meeting was attended by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Minister of Defence Andrei Belousov, Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, LUKOIL shareholder Vagit Alekperov, Surgutneftegaz CEO Vladimir Bogdanov, Gazprom Neft Chairman of the Management Board and CEO Alexander Dyukov, Gazprom Chairman of the Management Board Alexei Miller, Rosneft Chairman of the Management Board and Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission on the Development Strategy for the Fuel and Energy Sector and Environmental Safety Igor Sechin, and Transneft Chairman of the Management Board and President Nikolai Tokarev.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues.

A few days ago, we thoroughly discussed the situation on the domestic market of petroleum products at a meeting with members of the Government. I would like to reiterate myself that we need to minimise the consequences of terrorist attacks on our civilian facilities and infrastructure.

Today, with the meeting held in an extended format and the heads of our leading energy companies taking part, I propose to consider additional steps to ensure uninterrupted and stable fuel supply to car owners, businesses, enterprises, and socially significant organisations, as well as to discuss the progress made in implementing past decisions in this area.

We are in constant touch with some of our colleagues, but I have asked everyone to come and share their thoughts on how to build this work together.

The largest oil refineries are employing their full capacities. We have also tapped into the potential offered by SMEs. Additionally, current maintenance has been shortened while scheduled maintenance has been postponed. It is estimated that the production of primary fuels will exceed the June levels as early as July.

I should note in particular that, considering the circumstances, major companies, including private ones, are proving themselves as reliable partners of the state. Emerging non-conventional tasks are being solved accurately, promptly, professionally and in the interests of our country and citizens.

I should add that earlier accumulated fuels have been supplied to the domestic market. Despite the fact that we are using reserves now, Russia’s petrol reserves are currently almost equal to the volume recorded in the same period of 2025. By all means, we must proceed reasonably and carefully.

According to the data provided by the Energy Ministry, the petrol reserves currently stand at 1.7 million tonnes, which is practically equal to the level recorded in the same period last year. There is but a slight decrease, only 4 percent.

Furthermore, in the interests of domestic consumers, we have imposed a temporary ban on exports of petrol and kerosene-based aviation fuel. We are considering a full ban on exports of diesel fuels. I know that during our discussion, the issue of potential oversupply may be raised. This is why we are here today – to prevent any unnecessary steps. We shouldn’t create any additional problems for ourselves. We will talk about this.

At the same time, you are well aware that problems for car owners and businesses persist: unfortunately, there are still queues at petrol stations, and some highly demanded fuel brands may be hard to find. Of course, we are aware of the difficulties agricultural producers and farms face in summer. We need to do our best to ensure that the seasonal fuel supply schedules are strictly met for agricultural enterprises, as harvests depend on these supplies.

Overall, to stabilise the fuel market, systemic steps must be taken that are consistent with the scale of current challenges. These steps include increasing supply and maintaining economically justified fuel prices.

The Government has established a 24/7 situations centre to monitor the developments. In cooperation with oil companies, additional proposals have been put forward to ensure domestic supplies. Let’s discuss all these issues in detail.

I’m giving the floor to Mr Novak.

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United Russia Party Congress

2026-06-28T20:23:36+04:00

Vladimir Putin took part in the 23^rd congress of the United Russia party.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Medvedev, delegates, guests of the congress, friends.

The congress of United Russia, our leading political party, is taking place at a difficult time – it would be safe to say that it is a pivotal moment for our country and a period of radical and systemic transformation of the entire world.

We see that regional conflicts are multiplying, and new artificial obstacles for normal, mutually beneficial cooperation between states and peoples are emerging: this applies to the economy, technology, science, and even culture and sports, and humanitarian cooperation, in general.

At the same time, without exaggeration, Russia is experiencing unprecedented pressure from the Western elites. They are unable to inflict a strategic defeat on us or win a victory on the battlefield; their attempts to destabilise the political situation and sow internal unrest are failing too. Consequently, they keep encouraging the Kiev regime, which they have chosen as a battering ram in their struggle against Russia, without any sympathy for the Ukrainian people. The regime is retreating along the entire contact line hence its recent terrorist activities. How else can one describe targeted attacks on civilians and civilian facilities, and practically open recruitment of renegades within our country to carry out sabotage and terrorist attacks?

The West prefers to turn a blind eye and ignore this while imposing new unlawful – I want to stress this – sanctions against us.

Once again, Russia is confidently repelling any attempts to deter our progress. We have sufficient resources, means, and political will, and nobody should doubt that. (Applause.)

Yes, we see and realise our problems – we also respond to them. We will absolutely ensure the security of our country and our citizens, and the inviolability of Russia’s borders for decades ahead. This is our ultimate goal. We will certainly handle all the challenges we are facing today, including terrorist attacks on our territory and our infrastructure.

We will also solve any domestic development issues – primarily demographic issues, the preservation of our traditional values, and improving the quality of life and living standards in all the regions of our immense country.

We will elevate the Russian economy to a completely new technological level for all the essential industries.

We will continue building housing and roads, create new modern workplaces with high wages, support national businesses and advanced industries that guarantee Russia’s sovereignty and leadership.

Of course, we are adjusting some of these plans based on the current situation. All strategically significant development programmes will be fulfilled completely. The state will fulfill all social obligations without fail. (Applause.)

We are going through a challenging stage but it is teaching us a great lesson. We have fully realised what it means to be a Russian citizen and the significance of true patriotism.

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to our soldiers, officers and volunteers, doctors and teachers, first responders, drivers, engineers, and manual workers. (Applause.) To every person who, despite the risks, continues to perform their duty courageously and honestly, serving the Motherland.

It is thanks to these people and the entire nation that Russia stands firmly on its feet, as the saying goes, claims its fundamental, core interests, and is willing to fight for them, for our future, lifestyle, our sovereign beliefs, customs and traditions.

Russia has always been strong and has always won thanks to the unity of its people. It is this internal unity that haunts some of our foes. As I have already mentioned, they would like to shake, undermine, and question it. They have never succeeded in doing this. They will not succeed now. (Applause.)

Today, the entire nation supports our heroes on the front lines, believes in our Army and Navy, and it is the duty of United Russia to do everything it takes for the victory.

The party keeps in touch with combat units of the Armed Forces, defence factories, and with the mass volunteer movement. You help the residents of Donbass and Novorossiya, Crimea, Sevastopol and our border regions; you support the families of our defenders and, of course, the veterans themselves.

We definitely need to continue to create all necessary conditions so that such people – and they are, as I have said on numerous occassions, the true elite of Russia – can continue to serve the country in the civil sphere, politics, the economy, and in state and municipal administration. As we agreed at the previous congress, extensive work is already underway.

Many party members, including those who have held high posts in government and business structures, have volunteered to go to the front, and frontline heroes are joining your ranks, winning preliminary elections and running for office at all levels. I see that they are here, so let’s give them a round of applause once again. (Applause.)

Colleagues.

In September, the ninth convocation of the State Duma will be formed. In many regions, large-scale election campaigns for legislative and representative authorities will also take place, and their composition will be updated.

The elections will be held within the established timeframe, in strict correspondence with the law, and all measures will be taken to ensure the safety of election commission members, candidates, observers, and electors, as well as to protect the results of the people’s vote from any attempts at external influence or manipulation. The necessary instructions in this regard have been formulated and will certainly be issued.

I am certain that competition will be open and honest – after all, our people’s trust in our democratic institutions constitutes the essential condition of our society’s stability and unity.

The electoral process is a test of strength for our political system and an immensely important step for the country’s development, as well as the strengthening of its stability and public accord.

So many things here depend on the substantive and constructive election campaigns by our parliamentary parties, especially United Russia.

It is a great honour and enormous responsibility to earn the status of a leading party and a pillar of the modern Russian state. I want to emphasise once again that this level of trust from the nation is invaluable – and it doesn’t emerge out of nowhere. You know very well that our people can see everything. They know that United Russia supporters have never been populists; they do not chase ratings by giving empty and unfeasible promises.

I want to thank you for this firm stance, your sizable contribution to the country’s development, and for your extensive work in parliamentary authorities and the executive system. (Applause.) Please keep gaining pace – in all sectors and areas, standing by our citizens.

United Russia has initiated some new measures to protect our military heroes and their families. There are major social and economic projects underway. The regions benefit from financial support, including thanks to the recent decision to postpone budget loan payments.

The party does a great deal for the education system and our teaching community. There is a large-scale programme for school renovation and construction, as well as additional payments to class managers, and the expansion of the nursery and kindergarten network.

Today, I also want to support another initiative by United Russia, which I consider highly relevant. This initiative concerns the recognition of a special status of teachers in our country. I want to note: the establishment of such a status should not be a mere formality. With this status comes additional support and new career opportunities for those who have dedicated their lives to one of the most respected professions – educating future generations. Corresponding documents to this effect will be signed, by all means.

Colleagues,

Since its establishment, United Russia has been loyal to its mission of serving the Motherland and people, upholding the values of civil solidarity, mutual assistance, and genuine national unity. I would like to reiterate, this has always been vital for us, especially in this era of global changes and historical challenges.

This year has been declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, which we will strengthen and preserve. The very name of United Russia means that it is destined to protect the identity, traditions, culture, and languages of both the Russian people and all of Russia’s indigenous peoples from any attempts at aggression, expansion, or enslavement, no matter how they are presented or where they come from. Ensuring the security of our society and preserving the ethno-cultural harmony that has developed in Russia is one of our key objectives.

One of the topics that will certainly be on the agenda of the election campaign is the protection of our traditional values, which I have already mentioned, and the parliamentary parties have common approaches to this matter.

It is obvious to all state-minded politicians that relying on traditional values is a solid ideological foundation that unites Russian society. However, such unity can only be built on freedom, based on one's own customs, culture, and history. These traditions emphasise that a person cannot be free if its people and country are not free. In this sense, human freedom and Russia's sovereignty are equivalent and identical concepts.

Our common goal is to ensure that the historical memory of our people and the Russian worldview, in all its political diversity and originality, serve the progress of our country and consolidate its internal strength. This is the key to the stability of our party system, our democracy, people power, and ultimately the entire state and its sovereignty.

I believe that all the participants in the election campaign should remember about their responsibility to the people and the state, and that social justice and equality of opportunities and responsibilities in the face of challenges are prerequisites for national unity.

Friends,

This year, United Russia marks its 25th anniversary. The quarter of a century has been quite eventful, with major, historic events and breakthroughs. Most importantly, our nation has become more united in its aspiration and will to revive the country, its capabilities and growth prospects, and to boost its strength.

I will repeat, Russia can only be a strong and independent power. It’s this or no Russia at all. You see that if only we show any weakness, the others immediately stop reckoning with Russia and start using the language of power – testing our boundaries and wishing to weaken us no matter what, eliminate us as a global factor that has always stood in the way of evil. Nobody has ever succeeded – they can’t succeed now or ever in the future.

I believe that during this new election campaign, all parties and candidates – even in the midst of most heated debates – will stand together for the stronger unity of our nation and will never put the country’s unity at risk. United Russia will once again demonstrate leadership in this election competition and consistently align its steps with public opinion, in a direct and trusted dialogue.

In fact, it is important to spend less time in offices and messengers and instead get out on the ground, as they say – meet with the public, learn the meticulous details about their daily problems and, of course, with greatest attention process the millions of suggestions, initiatives and directives that come in under the United Russia People’s Programme. They are to be fulfilled by those nominated and supported by the party in the upcoming elections.

There will be many young people among United Russia candidates representing the remarkable future-defining generation. We have every right to be proud of Russian youth. They are ambitious, modern, smart and talented young men and women who love their Motherland wholeheartedly. (Applause.)

I would like to use this opportunity and offer greetings to our younger comrades and associates on Youth Day that was marked yesterday. (Applause.) I am convinced they will perform admirably both during the election campaign and in their future work, proving their sincere loyalty to Russia and our principles.

Patriotic solidarity, well-coordinated teamwork, professionalism, integrity and attention to the people constitute the ideological foundation of United Russia and its biggest and indisputable advantage.

I have very good and constructive working relations with all the parties represented in the Russian parliament. Well, of course, I was involved in the establishment of United Russia. I want to wish this congress success and to wish the party good luck in the elections.

Thank you very much.

Address to school graduates

2026-06-26T22:31:20+04:00

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Dear graduates, friends,

I sincerely congratulate you, your families, and your teachers on this wonderful day of your graduation.

School graduation is always filled with a unique and exciting atmosphere, charged with the energy of youth, hope, and dreams.

The bigger part of your life is connected with your school: important events, emotions, and experiences. For many of you, it has truly become a second home. Bidding farewell to school is a special and deeply moving moment, the memories of which you will cherish for years to come.

I join you in expressing heartfelt gratitude to your teachers. Throughout your years at school, they opened up the boundless world of knowledge to you, supported you during difficult moments, and helped you discover and develop your talents and abilities. They did everything they could to ensure you grew up to be good, decent people. This is an extraordinarily demanding and profoundly important mission.

Very soon, it is you, the young people of today, who will assume responsibility for our country, our beautiful and beloved Russia. It will be your mission to continue the history of its achievements, to create, to build, and to leave a legacy that you, in turn, will pass on to future generations.

Today, you are looking forward to a future that is still unknown, trying to imagine who you will become in the years ahead and what achievements you will have. I believe you will be able to fulfil your plans and accomplish your goals. You possess the gene of winners. Within your hearts and souls live the strength and unity of our people, along with the moral fortitude of your ancestors, those who liberated the world from Nazism, harnessed the power of the atom, and opened the way to outer space for all humanity.

You will also face difficult and inspiring challenges in the spheres of technology, science, public administration, social development, culture, and the arts. The most important thing is to pursue your goals with determination and perseverance. And, of course, always remember the most important lessons you learned at school: the lessons of friendship, kindness, justice, courage, and mutual support. Cherish your love for your homeland, look to its heroes for inspiration, and uphold the timeless values that have always been the foundation of our nation.

Friends,

A world of opportunity now lies before you, and how you make use of it depends, above all, on you.

I wish each of you success in gaining admission to the educational institution of your choice. Or perhaps you have decided to master a profession through vocational training and begin your career right away. Whatever path you choose, the most important thing is to find your true calling, never stop learning, continue to grow, and always strive to move forward. In today’s rapidly changing world, this is more important than ever.

Dream and dare! I wish you happiness, fulfilment, and every success.

Address to participants in the 13th Forum of Russian and Belarusian Regions

2026-06-26T15:37:06+04:00

Vladimir Putin delivered a video address to the participants in the 13^th Forum of Regions of Russia and Belarus.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ms Kochanova, Ms Matviyenko, friends,

I am delighted to send my greetings to the participants and organisers of the 13^th Forum of Regions of Russia and Belarus which takes place, as usual, ahead of the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus. Celebrated on July 3, it marks the anniversary of Minsk’s liberation from Nazi invaders.

Let me convey my heartfelt congratulations to all our friends in Belarus on this national holiday. Russia will always remember that our two nations stood shoulder to shoulder during the Great Patriotic War and endured immense sacrifices to defend their freedom and independence, as well as to bring peace to Europe and the entire humankind.

Importantly, Russia and Belarus have been cherishing and expanding their traditions of brotherly friendship and mutual support while reinforcing their historical, cultural and spiritual bonds. Russia and Belarus have forged a genuinely strategic relationship, and the Union State we form serves as a model of mutually beneficial and equal integration. It makes a tangible contribution to deepening cooperation within associations such as the Eurasian Economic Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation.

Region-to-region ties serve as one of the main drivers of Russia’s partnership with Belarus and efforts to develop the Union State. They offer a solid foundation for steadily advancing cooperation between our two countries across various tracks, including in politics and security, social and humanitarian affairs, and in the economy, of course.

Held regularly, the forums of regions bring together representatives of federal and local governments, legislators and business leaders, as well as experts and civil society activists – all those who are committed to establishing and developing direct contacts between Russian and Belarusian regions.

This year, over 600 delegates from 73 regions of the Russian Federation arrived in the capital of Belarus, including governors, heads of regional legislative assemblies, members of parliament, ministers, and corporate executives. Belarus has an equally prominent delegation at the forum.

A solid package of agreements and business contracts signed during the forum demonstrates our shared commitment to achieving tangible results.

The topic you are discussing – Economic Cooperation of Regions – Foundation for Sustainable Development of Russia and Belarus – is extremely relevant in today’s world. Let me note that it is largely thanks to close region-to-region economic ties that we were able to set a new record in our bilateral trade last year. According to our statistics, it was equal to US$52 billion. This year, this growth pattern is set to continue with a 7 percent increase in the first quarter. Our countries have been carrying out all their transactions in national currencies.

There has been a proactive effort to harmonise laws governing trade, investment and finance. We are unifying our approaches to customs and tax administration and are introducing a unified quality control framework. The Union State Committee for Standardisation and Quality held its first meeting during this forum.

Russia is second to none in terms of accumulated investment in the Belarusian economy, with about US$4 billion in investment. Companies with Russian capital operate across all regions of Belarus – their overall number is about 2,500.

Our regions have been working hard on 26 joint import substitution projects in high-technology sectors. For example, the Moscow Region and its Belarusian partners are making advanced mining equipment, the Novosibirsk Region produces parts for machine tool industry, and the Minsk Tractor Works has an assembly line in Tatarstan.

Belarusian civil aviation plants have established industrial cooperation ties with the inter-regional cluster formed by the Irkutsk, Ulyanovsk, Nizhny Novgorod and Voronezh regions – it works on making the MC-21 and Sukhoi Superjet-100 aircraft. Design bureaus in the Sverdlovsk and Brest regions are working on the project to develop the Osvey light multi-purpose aircraft.

Integral and Planar, the two leading Belarusian plants, supply components for making electronics in Tatarstan, the Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow regions. Companies in Moscow, St Petersburg and Minsk have built effective cooperation chains for making optical and photonics devices for communications systems, data transfers and information technology.

There are direct passenger flights from 10 Russian regions to Belarus. In April, we launched cross-border commuter train services linking Smolensk to Vitebsk and Smolensk to Orsha. There are plans to launch commuter service between Velikiye Luki and Vitebsk, Velikiye Luki and Polotsk, and between Bryansk and Gomel, as well as to build a high-speed railway linking Moscow and Minsk.

Russian regions have offered their railway and port infrastructure for transporting Belarusian exports. We are gradually moving towards a permissionless transit framework for carrying Russian and Belarusian goods to third countries by road.

Efforts to promote humanitarian, people-to-people ties at the regional level have been enjoying positive momentum. There are hundreds of creative events and projects organised every year in culture, science, sports, as well as educational and academic exchanges. The Slavyansky Bazar in Vitebsk international arts festival has always been very popular.

There are plans to create an information centre in Smolensk so that anyone can get information about exhibitions, presentations, concerts and other cultural, historical and commemorative events in the two countries.

I will also mention a motor rally which started on Monday. It covers 18 Russian and 6 Belarusian regions, and its participants will visit 11 Hero Cities. The forum titled Great Heritage – Shared Future, held recently in Brest by the Union State, was a major event on patriotic education and defending historical memory.

This is to say that region-to-region cooperation, in keeping with the topic for this year’s forum, is in fact one of the key elements in the strategic partnership and allied relations between Russia and Belarus. We hope that you will remain just as proactive as you are today in promoting mutual contacts which, in turn, will help strengthen our interstate relations in all their aspects for the well-being and prosperity of our nations.

I wish the participants and organisers of the forum of regions in Minsk every success and all the best.

Thank you for your attention.

Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council

2026-06-25T15:20:02+04:00

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

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

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon.

There are two items on the agenda today. The first pertains to the safeguarding of internal security and stability. The second concerns our relations – the development of our relations with our immediate neighbours.

I propose that we begin with the domestic agenda. We have two speakers: Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov and Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev.

Please proceed.

<…>

Meeting on the development of the domestic aviation industry

2026-06-24T20:26:38+04:00

The President held a meeting on the development of the domestic aviation industry at the Gromov Flight Research Institute.

The meeting was attended by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev, Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Federal Air Transport Agency Dmitry Yadrov, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Aeroflot – Russian Airlines Sergei Alexandrovsky, Scientific Director of the National Research Centre Zhukovsky Institute Boris Alyoshin, CEO of United Aircraft Corporation Vadim Badekha, President and Chairman of the Management Board of Sberbank German Gref, CEO of the National Research Centre Zhukovsky Institute Andrei Dutov, S7 Group shareholder Vladislav Filyov, Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov, and Chairman of the State Development Corporation VEB.RF Igor Shuvalov.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon.

Today’s agenda covers civil aviation development. We will discuss the air transport sector and the aircraft manufacturing.

I would like to emphasise once again that, for Russia, the aviation industry is, as we all understand, of particular importance. The state of this sector directly affects transport connectivity of the regions across our vast country, and the speed and convenience of travel.

What is crucial is the ability to independently produce the full range of military and civilian aircraft. This is a key indicator of the country’s technological, scientific and industrial sovereignty. Indeed, just a few countries possess such unique competencies, and Russia is one of them.

My colleagues have just made the point that even highly developed nations – those with long-standing traditions and impressive aircraft manufacturing records – continue to benefit from broad international collaboration. For a variety of reasons, chiefly sanctions pressure, the landscape here has shifted. Russia was compelled to pursue a policy of full import substitution, and has demonstrably risen to that challenge. Moreover, looking at the technology that has just been showcased, it is clear that in several areas we have not only matched the best global benchmarks, but in certain components have even surpassed Western standards. What is particularly striking and deeply encouraging, as I am told by test pilots currently flying these aircraft, is that many of these designs are being led by remarkably young engineering and design teams, with an average age of 32 to 35. That is a very heartening sign, and it bodes well for the continued vitality and strengthening of our engineering and design schools.

Furthermore, Russia is one of only four countries worldwide capable of maintaining the full production cycle for aircraft engines – a significant indicator of our capability in its own right. That said, I would add that we must now accelerate the pace and scale of delivery. That much is self-evident. Nevertheless, the fact that we have reached this point is already a considerable achievement. And, as one of the senior aviators and test pilots I spoke with earlier put it – and I have heard this refrain since 2014 in agriculture, and now increasingly in aircraft manufacturing – how good it would be, he said, if the sanctions were not lifted soon. His reasoning was that they have created a market for domestically produced goods, which in turn has allowed us to rebuild – or rather, to revive and reinforce – our engineering schools. The existence of that market provides the essential platform for further development.

In that context, it is clearly vital that we build on our existing competencies and continue to strengthen our technological sovereignty in this sector. Let me also recall that Russian carriers and manufacturers were among the first to feel the effects of the sanctions I referenced earlier, as well as the broader attempts by a number of unfriendly governments to isolate Russia economically. In particular, they faced breaches of supply and maintenance obligations for aircraft, together with restrictions on international flight operations.

I vividly remember when the MS-21 ran into issues with its wing. Unfortunately, that pushed the entire programme back by almost two years. However, Rosatom, a Russian company, managed to overcome this challenge. Notably, it backfired on those who imposed the restrictions, primarily airlines, and to some extent manufacturers. After all, we used to purchase this equipment from them in large quantities.

We discussed his issue back in 2022 and adopted a number of urgent measures, such as instructions to support our airlines, ensure their stable and regular operations, and guarantee the affordability and accessibility of air transport for passengers. Overall, those tasks were fulfilled.

At the same time, given the circumstances, we need to consider further steps to improve civil aviation.

Today, demand for air travel on domestic and international routes from passengers and economic agents is on the rise. The demand is soaring. The state, airlines, and the aviation industry must create proper conditions for increasing passenger traffic and improving safety and comfort of flights. Cargo transport should not be overlooked either.

Working to achieve our national development goals, we agreed to significantly increase the population’s air mobility. However, there is risk that the targets for passenger air traffic volumes set by the Government may not be achieved. I would like the Ministry of Transport to report today on the updated forecasts for passenger traffic, as well as to outline additional measures to be taken to fully meet the demand for air travel.

Of course, the key and most important condition for achieving this goal is to increase the supply of modern domestically produced aircraft, which I mentioned at the beginning of this meeting. There is no doubt that, through the joint efforts of the state, aircraft manufacturers, and airlines, we will do everything necessary to ensure that Russian carriers operate mainly domestically produced aircraft.

To this end, based on the actual demand for air transport, we need to determine the projected requirements for the aircraft fleet of Russian airlines. Please report these parameters to me today. In fact, we are talking about a massive long-term order that should keep aircraft manufacturing plants, their suppliers, and contractors fully occupied, and about a significant increase in the production of domestic aircraft and the development of new aircraft line-ups. Importantly, the order system must be structured with the coordinating role of the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the airlines.

Of course, Russian manufacturers are facing a very challenging task. Domestic aircraft must compete – and not merely compete, but compete successfully – with foreign aircraft in terms of quality, reliability, and technical performance.

We certainly possess such potential and have a number of promising aircraft models. These include the medium-range Yakovlev MC-21, now equipped with its own domestic engine, the new Sukhoi Superjet for short-haul routes, and, of course, the Ilyushin Il-114–300 designed for regional flights. As you may recall, we initially developed the Superjet together with our partners from Italy and France. They withdrew from the project, and we replaced all the foreign components. Moreover, pilots are now telling me that we have not simply reproduced what was previously done together with our partners – we have improved it and enhanced its performance characteristics. This is very encouraging. As I mentioned, we have just inspected these aircraft, and their quality is very high and highly respectable.

Significant investments have already been made in the development of these and other models. These investments must now be translated into concrete results, enabling manufacturers to operate steadily, continue improving the technical characteristics of their aircraft, and ensure their price competitiveness.

One of the key issues here is how cooperation is organised in such areas as engines, components, and materials. We will discuss these matters today as well.

I know that the government has prepared a financial model for the upcoming work, including the activities of airlines, leasing companies, financial institutions, and aircraft manufacturers. Let us examine these issues in detail.

In conclusion, I would like to draw the attention of the leaders of aircraft manufacturing enterprises, as well as their suppliers and related companies, to the following: we have provided support to the aviation industry, and we will continue to support it in the future. However, personal responsibility and high standards with regard to results, deadlines, and quality will always remain essential requirements for the management.

Let us get down to work. Please, begin, Mr Alikhanov.

<…>

Presenting the Order of Zhukov to the Presidential Regiment

2026-06-24T12:59:34+04:00

Vladimir Putin presented the Order of Zhukov to the Presidential Regiment. The ceremony took place in the St George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. The regiment marks its 90^th anniversary in 2026.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades officers, warrant officers, sergeants, soldiers,

Our dear veterans,

This year, the Presidential Regiment of the Moscow Kremlin’s Commandant’s Office within the Federal Guard Service of Russia marks its 90^th anniversary. I would like to convey my heartfelt greetings to the regiment’s veterans and all its personnel on this marvellous occasion.

We have gathered in the Moscow Kremlin’s St George Hall, which serves as one of the main symbols and helps preserve the memory of the Fatherland’s military valour, the legendary battles and heroes of 1812, conveying a direct and unbreakable bond and continuity in the country’s military history.

Since its creation in 1936, the regiment’s personnel have distinguished themselves through excellent military and special training, and have always fulfilled their objectives, while serving as role models for military personnel from other units and formations.

The regiment’s soldiers and officers served well during the harsh years of the Great Patriotic War and demonstrated their professionalism in military affairs, as well as their best qualities and love for their Fatherland.

The regiment received the Wartime Red Banner for its unparalleled bravery, fidelity to its duty and oath in 1944, and in the summer of 1945, a mixed battalion of the Kremlin regiment took part in the legendary Victory Parade. It joined the frontline heroes in marching across the country’s main square, which served as a symbol of the strength and greatness of our nation and state.

It is heartening that you have been preserving and building on the invaluable traditions of your predecessors in today’s world while honouring the memory of your fellow servicemen. The names of 99 officers and soldiers who died valiantly while fighting Nazism will remain forever on the regiment’s lists.

I would like to place a special emphasis on the fact that you are constantly improving your military skills by mastering the latest technology and weapons, while serving as role models in terms of your bearing and appearance.

It is symbolic that you have been entrusted with defending the Moscow Kremlin, the heart of Russia, as well as many other major state facilities, performing responsible ceremonial functions, including by serving in the honour guard of the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and taking part in the changing of the unmounted and mounted guard on the Kremlin’s Cathedral Square.

I would like to thank you for your service, for your determination and your loyalty to your oath, for the courage you displayed during times of trial, when the fate of Russia was at stake.

We know that you will never let us down and will continue to fulfil the tasks assigned to you with honour.

Once again, I would like to congratulate the regiment’s personnel on this anniversary. I wish you good health, new achievements, wellbeing and all the best to your loved ones.

We can now proceed with our honourable mission and procedure.

(Ceremony to present the order)

Vladimir Putin: Comrades, congratulations on receiving a state decoration. Hooray!

Commander of the Presidential Regiment Major General Mikhail Suraikin: Comrade President of the Russian Federation.

Allow me to express my deep and sincere gratitude for recognising the Presidential Regiment for its service.

This decoration serves as a recognition of the hard and selfless efforts by so many members of the Kremlin regiment and reflects the contribution of every soldier, sergeant, warrant officer and officer to enabling the regiment to deliver on its mission.

On behalf of the personnel, I would like to assure you that the Presidential Regiment will always be there to defend the state interests of the Russian Federation. It will continue to improve its military and professional skills in keeping with its motto: Fidelity, Honour, Duty.

We will always stay true to our Oath and selflessly serve our nation and our Fatherland, the Russian Federation! This is the pledge we make.

Meeting with Government members

2026-06-24T12:46:35+04:00

The President held a videoconference meeting with Government members.

The meeting focused on the launch of a mentoring programme for medical school graduates. Several current issues were also addressed at the beginning of the meeting.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,

Today, our agenda includes a number of important economic and social issues including the development of the human resources potential of the domestic healthcare system.

Last Sunday, we celebrated Medical Worker Day. I would like to once again congratulate doctors, paramedics, ambulance crews, and junior medical personnel on their professional holiday. Special words of gratitude also go to the professors and instructors of medical universities and colleges, as well as to all practicing specialists working in clinics, hospitals, and federal medical centres who share their knowledge and experience and help train the younger generation. This continuity is undoubtedly essential for improving the quality of medical care in the country.

The noble and creative tradition of senior peers supporting young medical professionals originated in the pre-revolutionary period, matured and grew stronger during the Soviet era, and in recent years we have done much to ensure that mentoring in healthcare has become an important tool for training specialists.

At the end of last year, the relevant provisions were enshrined in a dedicated law. Its implementation will, in fact, begin in just a few days, when approximately 220,000 medical school graduates receive their diplomas. After completing their initial accreditation, young specialists will embark on their professional careers under the guidance of skilled mentors.

I would like to emphasise that this is not a system of mandatory job assignments, like it was during the Soviet era. Graduates are free to choose a medical institution to start their career. The key requirement is that the institution is included in the programme of state guarantee of free medical care.

I would like to highlight the following.

We must not allow the mentoring programme to become a mere formality or to place an excessive burden on healthcare workers, including through an unjustified increase in bureaucratic requirements. An approach like this would invalidate the very purpose of the decisions that have been adopted.

In this connection, I would like to ask the State Council Commission on Long and Active Life, the Russian Popular Front, and the National Medical Chamber to organise monitoring of the programme’s implementation at the local level. We need to maintain close contact with young specialists and their mentors, get their feedback and analyse their comments and suggestions.

(After that, several participants delivered their reports on current issues.

Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin pointed out that the transport sector was preparing for a major transformation, which will determine its development in the coming decades. On September 1, 2026, commercial invoices will switch to a digital format within the State Information System of Electronic Transport Documents. The system has been functioning in test mode for the past four years and now includes 14,000 companies in 83 regions.

Alexei Tsydenov, Head of the Republic of Buryatia and Chairman of the State Council Commission on an Effective Transport System, shared his comments and additional points on that issue.

The President emphasised that the time was certainly right for transitioning to the new system, which is more transparent, keeps all transactions legal and will help do the same in the national economy.

Speaking at the President’s request, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov reported on the enrolment process at universities and the implementation of a pilot project for transitioning to a new higher education model that will replace the bachelor’s and master’s system. The idea is, in part, to enhance the accessibility of higher education. The minister noted that 620,481 state-funded places have been approved for higher education institutions this year. The majority of these are for engineering professions – 42.5 percent of the total, as well as teaching, healthcare and agricultural professionals. The minister added that they focused on benefits for participants in the special military operation and their families. The priority admission conditions for these groups of population include a special quota of 53,500 places, or 1,300 places more than last year. Valery Falkov also reported that a special preparatory department has opened this year at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, the leading engineering school in the country, to help discharged veterans of the special military operation prepare for enrolling at engineering and technology universities. The training subjects include mathematics, physics, the Russian language, practical engineering skills and career guidance aimed at helping applicants choose their future professions.

Minister of Labour and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov reported on the employment of graduates and interaction with employers. He noted that youth unemployment has more than halved since the launch of the long-term youth employment assistance programme, from 17 percent in 2020 to 7.5 percent in 2026. At the same time, the employment level and wages of university graduates were growing. The programme of individual career coaching launched a year ago helps graduates find their place in the employment market. Over 83,000 places have been allocated this year for employer-sponsored education, the majority of them in healthcare, engineering and teaching. Over 90 percent of employers pay additional scholarships to their students.

Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko delivered a report on the main subject of the meeting, The Launch of a Mentorship Programme for the Graduates of Medical Schools.

The participants in the subsequent discussion included Acting Governor of the Tver Region Vitaly Korolev, Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region Alexander Tsybulsky, Governor of the Chelyabinsk Region Alexei Teksler, Governor of the Ivanovo Region and Chairman of the State Council Commission on Long and Active Life Stanislav Voskresensky, and heads and graduates of medical schools from these regions.)

Vladimir Putin: I would like to go back to the questions I had for Marat Khusnullin and Alexander Novak at the beginning of this meeting by asking Mr Khusnullin to start by saying a few words on the topic we raised at the beginning of our meeting.

Mr Khusnullin, go ahead, please.

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin: Mr President,

The system-wide infrastructure development effort on the Crimean Peninsula has made tourism one of the drivers of economic development. To illustrate this point, let me say that in 2025, despite all attempts by the adversary to make life harder for us, we had over 7.4 million tourists, up from 6.3 million in 2024. Tourists travelling by car account for 75 percent of this total, while the remaining 25 percent arrived by train.

In the current environment, there has been a decline in the number of tourists on the peninsula. The Government has worked with the regions to offer state support measures to companies working in the tourism sector to ensure that workers do not leave the industry, while also providing for reimbursing prepaid bookings, including for children’s camps and recreational programmes.

We discussed all these matters and reported to the Prime Minister. In keeping with your instructions, a document to this effect will be issued in the coming days.

We are also taking additional measures together with the Defence Ministry to enhance the protection of all transport communications with the Crimean Peninsula.

As for the agricultural sector, the effort to prepare for the harvest season is underway. This is quite a challenging task, but I think – Mr Novak will elaborate on this point in his remarks – and we hope to have quite a good crop yield this year. It is now a matter of harvesting it.

We are also continuing our efforts to prepare for the autumn and winter season. Utilities services will benefit from additional support, if they need it.

We are keeping a close eye on housing and hotel builders. The real estate sector and the construction industry continue to attract investment.

We are currently working in close, real-time coordination with the governors on measures to minimise all delays and downtime.

I think that we will be responsive when taking centralised decisions on promoting steady socioeconomic development and carrying out the corresponding programmes in Crimea and Sevastopol.

This ends my report.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Mr Novak, go ahead, please.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak: Mr President, colleagues,

Regarding the current situation on the fuel market, it is challenging but manageable. Mr President, the Government is acting under your instructions to take the necessary measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel to consumers.

We have coordinated a set of measures to provide additional fuel supplies, especially during the summer season and with due regard for increased demand for petroleum products. This allows us to address arising logistics problems in some regions and at fuelling stations.

As per your instructions, we are paying special attention to Crimea, Sevastopol and border regions. We are working together with Mr Khusnullin, his working group, the Transport Ministry, the Defence Ministry and other agencies.

We are also focused on the Far East and Kaliningrad. We hold meetings on current issues with the participation of oil companies and federal authorities almost every day.

What has been accomplished to date? First, we have adopted a total ban on the export of petroleum and aviation turbine fuel. We are also considering a total ban on the export of diesel fuel. All oil refineries have maximised their production capacity, shortened repair and maintenance times, and postponed scheduled repair and maintenance works. The Energy Ministry is closely monitoring these schedules and optimising timelines.

We are working with Russian Railways and the regions on a daily basis to address logistical issues and the delivery of fuel to fuelling stations.

The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service is monitoring prices at fuelling stations in real time, taking measures to streamline their operations as and when necessary.

I would like to emphasise that our vertically integrated oil companies currently bear the main burden of supplying the domestic fuel market. They have increased production and deliveries to the regions as much as possible, including in the regions where they have few or no branded fuelling stations.

Small and medium-sized oil refineries have been fully engaged in the production of motor fuel.

We are using previously unused reserves and stimulating additional supplies to the domestic fuel market. In particular, the Government has drafted relevant amendments to the tax legislation, which will be discussed and adopted within the next few days.

The Government is paying special attention to the agricultural complex and the supply of fuel to agricultural producers and farms. This is a priority for us. Seasonal fuel supply patterns have been approved and are being complied with. Prices are being monitored. The Energy Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture are promptly addressing arising problems together with oil companies. In other words, we are using all the necessary tools without delay, continuing to monitor the situation and taking the requisite measures to ensure a stable fuel supply across the Russian regions.

This concludes my report.

Vladimir Putin: Very well.

The Defence Ministry, alongside other law enforcement and military agencies, must play a pivotal role in minimising the threats they are trying to create for us – I mean the attempts by the Kiev regime to create new threats. However, the Government of the Russian Federation and the heads of the regions must also play their part. This is a challenging task, that much is obvious, but there is nothing impossible about it. In this context, focusing on the spheres within your respective areas of responsibility is instrumental. Everyone working within your area of responsibility must demonstrate diligence and responsiveness.

What did I want to say in this regard? Everything the Kiev regime does, as I have just mentioned, is designed to achieve the single objective of creating favourable conditions for itself in base of negotiations or, to be more exact, of resuming peace talks, which were cut short at Ukraine’s initiative. They want to be in a position of strength once this happens.

What does it mean to be in a position of strength for them? This can only be a matter of creating an illusion of a position of strength. In fact, on the ground there is a completely different reality.

As we know, our military units – I will elaborate on this point later – are advancing their positions every day. Second, all these terrorist attacks, including those targeting civilian infrastructure, for example the bus carrying Belarusian children in the Belgorod Region, or the student dormitory in Starobelsk – these attacks do not change anything and cannot affect what is taking place on the front along the line of contact. As I have already said, Russian troops are advancing, liberating one community after another, one territory at a time.

Moreover, I think that these attacks, especially the strikes targeting children, definitely serve as an incentive for our fighters on the battlefield to deliver on the mission they received from their country. After all, they see and understand whom we have to deal with.

There is no other way of describing this regime other than a Nazi regime, to say the least. It is hard to imagine, since we have not seen anything like that since World War II. Of course, this is especially true for strikes against children.

Nevertheless, as we have said many times, Russia is ready to engage in peace talks with Ukraine, and is ready to proceed based on the Istanbul agreements. Let me remind you that the Ukrainian delegation initialled these agreements. This means that everything was fine with these terms for them. I do not see any reason not to stick to these agreements as far as Russia is concerned. This is a matter of relying on a foundation created by the agreements that were reached during the talks in Istanbul, and the modalities as discussed in Anchorage, as well as, most importantly, the reality on the ground, and also the principles I had set forth a couple of years ago during my remarks at the Foreign Ministry.

That said, our actions will be defined by what we have. We will keep steadily advancing along all tracks to ensure that our people are safe, while also working on economic matters at the federal level and within the regions of the Russian Federation with a focus on stabilising the economy, government finance and strengthening the Armed Forces.

Thank you very much to all of you.

Mr Novak, we will have a separate conversation with you.

All the best to you.

Meeting with graduates of military academies

2026-06-23T21:26:24+04:00

Following the official ceremony in the St George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, Vladimir Putin had an informal meeting with graduates of military academies.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Once again, congratulations on your graduation. All the very best to you. Take care of yourselves, take care of your country, and look after the people entrusted to you.

Remark: <…> NATO countries have allowed for launching drones from their territory at our facilities. Do they even realise the consequences?

Vladimir Putin: Apparently not – though there is growing unease within their societies, and those forces that do not want confrontation, that publicly call for building relations with our country, are gaining ground.

Look at what is happening in Germany. All the political forces that advocate aggression against Russia, that push for escalation and armed conflict – their ratings are plummeting. Every party that champions that path is seeing its support steadily decline.

Conversely, those who want to restore normal relations with us, to stop this endless drive for a strategic defeat of Russia, are on the rise. All those who want normal relations with us. I think it will happen; it will eventually work out.

They have not yet gone so far as to launch anything from their own territory; they understand that would invite a retaliatory strike. I think everyone realises that – or ought to – and so they are doing everything they can to keep their distance. When Ukrainian drones go astray into the Baltic states, for example, they do not point the finger at Moscow. They admit they are Ukrainian: a mistake, a system glitch, diverted by electronic warfare, something along those lines. They have not crossed that line yet, though they do host defence production facilities. And of course, weapons are still flowing into the combat zone in vast quantities.

By the way, you are an experienced man, Colonel, far more experienced than these very young lieutenants, and you certainly know that they always point the finger at us while they keep doing that.

If you noticed, it was no coincidence that I made a small remark. Did you notice? When I turned the page? Because just before I came here, practically in this very hall, I had finished writing these notes. We have always, at virtually every stage, been provoked, provoked, and provoked. As soon as we began defending our interests, the response was: “Look, Russia is being aggressive.” And then they immediately proceeded with everything they had originally planned.

I would also ask that this story, this account, be made available to the media.

Before World War II, the Soviet Union did everything possible to prevent the conflict. It proposed an alliance to all the European powers against the aggressive Nazi regime in Germany. But these proposals were rejected, and those same countries began signing agreements with Hitler themselves.

Who signed the agreement in 1938? Those same Western countries: France and Great Britain. The British Prime Minister returned to London, stepped off the airplane waving the agreement and shouting, “I have brought you peace.” Though, to be fair, there were sensible people in Great Britain who said, “Now war is inevitable.” And that is exactly what happened.

After that, they turned against the Soviet Union, and at the same time Nazi Germany began accusing the Soviet Union of allegedly preparing an attack and planning aggression. It was nonsense. Yet these accusations continued, and unfortunately, they continue to this day.

I have spoken about this many times, and you understand it well. A coup d’etat was staged in Ukraine, bringing to power a frenzied anti-Russia regime. Then military operations began: first they began fighting in Donbass, using aircraft, tanks, artillery, and other weapons against what was essentially a civilian population.

For eight years we’ve been patient, trying to reach agreements with them time and time again. Then, they openly stated that they would not seek a peaceful settlement and would not implement the Minsk agreements. We were forced to stand up for the people living there – people who consider themselves Russians, who consider themselves part of the Russian world, for whom Russian is their native language, and who feel themselves to be part of this shared history. All of this ultimately led us to do what we did.

And now, those who have come from the front know perfectly well that our soldiers are pressing forward, advancing along the entire line of contact. Everywhere. There is not a single area where the opposite is true. These drone attacks, these strikes on civilian infrastructure – what is the purpose? The purpose is to destabilise society. With the entire West working on their side, with a massive flow of drones being supplied, the objective is to create uncertainty regarding the actions of the Russian Armed Forces. Meanwhile, they ignore what is actually happening on the frontline. Our troops are advancing every single day.

And we will reach the point we have set for ourselves

Remark: We will help.

Vladimir Putin: I have no doubt about that. None at all.

Remark: What about the letter comrade Zelensky sent you back then – the one you called “that piece of paper” at the St Petersburg Economic Forum – does that not create any prerequisites for negotiations?

Vladimir Putin: No, such overtures do not create any prerequisites. If anything, they create conflict potential. So he sent me that piece of paper. They keep saying, “We want personal meetings, we want a face-to-face meeting.” So what? Three days later, a strike on Starobelsk. What was that about? Is it their idea of prerequisites for personal meetings and negotiations?

And then – you probably know this, but if you do not, I will tell you – their understanding of the line of contact is still very different. Our troops are now practically taking the last parts of Konstantinovka. Well, there are still some people hiding in basements, shooting back. They call it a grey zone. Wonderful. A grey zone.

We told them back in 2022: leave Donbass. People do not want to live with you. They held a referendum, they declared their own sovereign state – in full accordance with the UN Charter. Article 1 of the UN Charter states: “All peoples have the right of self-determination.” The people living in Donbass, in the Donetsk Republic, in the Lugansk Republic, exercised that right granted to them by international law, by the UN Charter, and declared independence. They had every right to do so.

And after that, did they have the right to conclude a treaty with us? Yes. And they did. Our parliament ratified it, and we were under the obligation to help them. We did. There are no violations whatsoever – it is just that no one wants to notice. Do you see? No one.

No one notices what is in our country’s interests – because no one needs it except you and me. But we do.

Remark: Yes sir!

Vladimir Putin: Thank you, guys. All the best.

Meeting with graduates of military academies

2026-06-23T21:23:33+04:00

The President met with graduates of higher military educational institutions of the Defence Ministry, the Emergencies Ministry, the Federal Security Service, the Federal Guard Service, the Russian National Guard, as well as the Ministry of the Interior, the Investigative Committee, and the Federal Penitentiary Service in St George’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and Major-General Oleg Zakharov, a graduate to the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Russian Federation Armed Forces, also addressed the meeting participants.

Following the meeting, the President had an informal conversation with the graduates.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrade officers, friends,

I warmly welcome you and congratulate you on the successful completion of your studies.

Today, in accordance with our tradition, we honour the best graduates of military academies, institutes, and universities. You have demonstrated outstanding performance in the educational programmes of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Emergencies, law enforcement agencies and special services. You have completed your specialised training with distinction and displayed a high level of combat and special training. I am confident that the knowledge, skills, and experience you have acquired will enable you to become true commanders, strengthen our officer corps, and make a worthy contribution to ensuring national security.

On this special day, we gather in St George’s Hall of the Moscow Kremlin. It was here, in this historic setting, that the Fatherland’s greatest warriors were honoured: those who fought selflessly for their Motherland, for its freedom and sovereignty, and for the peaceful and safe life of our people.

Today, Russian officers and soldiers are courageously and effectively carrying out their duties during the special military operation, liberating our historical lands and defending our people. I am confident that you will prove worthy of the high rank of Russian officer and will make every effort to enhance the glorious traditions of our Armed Forces.

I would like to emphasise the importance of further studying the achievements of military science and to grow professionally throughout your service. As the distinguished military theorist General Mikhail Dragomirov observed, a commander devoted to his profession must continue learning, because without knowledge there can be no victory.

Friends,

You will take up your duties, becoming commanders of military units at a difficult time. The current international situation is far from stable. A military confrontation is ongoing in the Middle East, and the conflict potential has seriously grown in several parts of the world, including in Eurasia.

We can see that while in the past NATO countries limited themselves to supporting the Kiev regime, which came to power illegally, by using armed force and staging a coup d’etat, today the West is openly talking about preparing for a war against us and building up their military offensive budgets.

However, to justify these expenses and the radical militarisation of their countries, the heads of NATO and EU states again use lies about Russia’s alleged military threat.

The action plan of the pseudo-democratic West is very simple: first they create threats for our country, forcing us to take action necessary for defending and protecting our country, and then they immediately accuse us of all mortal sins to justify their continued aggressive policy and their aggressive actions against Russia. We know this very well. Even after the treacherous attack on the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941 – and it was a treacherous attack, the West and Hitler’s Germany tried to accuse the Soviet Union and [Joseph] Stalin of aggression against what we currently know as the “collective West.” It is surprising that certain quasi-scientific quarters continue to seriously consider this.

I would like to emphasise that Russia has consistently advocated equal and indivisible security for all. We believe that this goal can only be achieved through the creation of a multipolar system of international relations and by reliably ensuring military security of every country. At the same time, we are ready to promptly and appropriately respond to any external and internal threats.

In accordance with the State Armament Programme, we are consistently modernising our nuclear triad and the Army and strengthening the combat capability of our Aerospace Forces and the Navy.

I would like to point out that a qualitative leap has been achieved in the development of many types of armaments since the beginning of the special military operation. Here is just one figure. Last year, over 1,000 types of weapons and equipment have been tested in combat conditions, including UAVs with an advanced targeting system and loitering munitions, robotic systems for various applications, and much else.

We have organised fast exchange of information between units on the front lines and the defence enterprises. The feedback mechanisms now in operation enable the collection of performance data on weapons and hardware, while giving weight to the evaluations of the service personnel who wield them on the battlefield.

It should be emphasised that all of this is being accomplished using Russia’s own domestic scientific and technological capabilities which are the result of dedicated work by our scientists, designers, engineers, and industrial workers. All of it is being supported by steady funding, which is itself made possible by Russia’s stable and resilient economy.

However, no technological breakthrough and no advancement in the development of cutting-edge weapons can ever substitute the courage and professionalism of our service personnel.

The decisive factor in the success of the special military operation is the military contingent itself, guided and led by its officers. As Peter the Great once observed, “Every officer [in the army] is like a soul in the human body.”

Military leaders and commanders set the standard for honour and valour, serving as examples for those under their command. That is why we will continue our consistent efforts to strengthen the authority and social standing of the officer corps, which remains the backbone of the Armed Forces today, and will continue to do so in the future.

Comrades,

Important responsibilities also await those of you who will go on to serve in the Federal Security Service, the Interior Ministry, the National Guard, the Emergencies Ministry, the Federal Guard Service, the Investigative Committee, the Military Prosecutor’s Office, and the Federal Penitentiary Service.

We are seeing tangible progress across many areas of these agencies’ work. It is essential to build on these achievements, strengthen positive trends, and continue to crack down on terrorism, corruption, and crime, while ensuring the rule of law, public security, constitutional order, and the protection of the rights and interests of our citizens.

It is also important to continue supporting our servicemen participating in the special military operation and to contribute to strengthening security in Russia’s liberated historical regions.

I am confident that each of you will put in your every effort to defend our country and promote its prosperity, to become a tower of strength for the state and society and a worthy successor to the military traditions and heroic deeds of our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers.

I would also like to express my gratitude to your commanders, instructors, and mentors – to all those who generously shared their knowledge and experience and guided you towards such outstanding achievements.

And, of course, my warmest wishes go to your families and friends.

Once again, I congratulate you and all graduates of Russia’s military academies and higher military educational institutions of the class of 2026 on your graduation.

I wish you every success.

Defence Minister Andrei Belousov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

Comrade officers,

On behalf of the Defence Ministry and myself, I congratulate the graduates of military universities on the successful completion of your studies.

The knowledge you have acquired forms the bedrock of your further service. However, an officer’s true mastery is reflected in their daily service, which requires rigorous fulfilment of duty and utmost composure.

Modern times pose entirely new challenges: the configuration of threats is changing fast while countering them requires an in-depth understanding of the latest technologies. Today, the Armed Forces are actively implementing artificial intelligence, robotics, and integrated control systems. Your task is not only to skilfully use this equipment but also to improve the tactics of its combat employment.

You should remember that behind every algorithm and every machine, there is always a human element. This is why the ability to manage people effectively remains a fundamental skill. You must become commanders capable of organising effective teamwork, ensuring strict order, and you must also take responsibility for the end result.

Many of you already possess unique combat experience gained during the special military operation. It is crucial to fully comprehend this experience and integrate it with modern tactics to improve combat effectiveness of your units. This will help you consolidate the gains.

Comrade officers, graduates,

Understanding that an officer rank is not a privilege but, above all, a sacred duty to the Fatherland must become an absolute truth for you. The security and safety of our citizens and the Fatherland depend on your expertise, courage and resolve.

I wish you every success in your service, strength of spirit, and well-being to your families and friends.

Graduate of the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Russian Federation Armed Forces Major-General Oleg Zakharov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

Speaking on behalf of all military academy graduates, allow me to express our deep gratitude to you for your personal words of encouragement for our military service to defend our Fatherland.

On May 9, our country and its multinational people celebrated the 81^st anniversary of the Great Victory, an event whose historical significance transcends time. Today, just like it was for many centuries in the past, our Motherland and its Armed Forces are fighting on the battlefields to defend freedom and independence our great forefathers won for us. Their names have been immortalised on the walls of the Kremlin’s St George Hall.

Throughout its history, Russia has always possessed a strong army capable of defeating any enemy. Our task is to preserve and strengthen the might of the Russian army and the greatness of our Fatherland.

We received profound knowledge and strong skills in using modern weapons at our military schools. We recognise that we need them now more than ever before to attain the goals of the special military operation. The lives of our subordinates, the future of our children and Russia itself depend on us and our decisions.

Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

Allow me to express our gratitude to you, the leadership of the Defence Ministry, our professors, commanders and mentors for their example of service to the Motherland and for sharing their knowledge with us.

We assure you that every one of us is ready to selflessly serve our Fatherland, protect our national interests and strengthen Russia’s combat capability.

Vladimir Putin: Friends,

The years flew past quickly. You have acquired knowledge and skills which, as I said in my opening remarks, will certainly serve as the basis for building upon your knowledge and practical experience during your service.

In military service, just like in any major undertaking – and military service is indeed a major undertaking, an art combining courage and heroism – there are always many routine issues, a lot of daily grind, which can sometimes be boring and unpleasant.

But you must never forget that from this day on, the future of millions of Russian citizens, our people and our country is in your hands. The daily grind must never overshadow the key thing – the Armed Forces always protect the interests of the Russian state.

Good luck to all of you! God be with you!