President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Dronov, how do you do?
Alexander Dronov: I am doing well, thank you.
Vladimir Putin: Are you getting up to speed?
Alexander Dronov: Yes, thank you.
Vladimir Putin: In fact, you know the ropes. How long have you been working there?
Alexander Dronov: Nearly eight years, since 2017.
Vladimir Putin: So, there is not much new for you there. Nevertheless, this is a new title for you, which requires a special kind of attitude on your behalf. What will be your priorities?
Alexander Dronov: Mr President, thank you very much for your trust. It is a great responsibility to you and to people in the region.
The Novgorod Region is actively involved in fulfilling the goals of the special military operation. We support our military and their families, keep a close eye on their needs and the challenges they face, and regularly hold meetings and videoconferences. We accumulate and send assistance to the front line at the request of their commanders.
We will fulfil all the tasks you have given us for the development of electronics and unmanned aerial vehicles, including an item we are especially proud of, the Prince Vandal of Novgorod drone our engineers have created.
I am learning more about the development goals of the [Novgorod State] University. I maintain direct contact with its rector, Yury Borovikov. I personally supervised the construction of the first stage of the Intelligent Electronics – Valdai Innovative Scientific and Technological Centre, which you have visited several times. As per your instructions, we are constructing the second stage, a building for semiconductor projects. We plan to complete it in 2026, which will create 1,000 high-tech jobs in Veliky Novgorod. Our university is already training personnel for them.
I would like to thank you for your decision to start building a high-speed rail line that will run near Veliky Novgorod. We maintain contact with our colleagues at Russian Railways and all others involved in this project. The region will make sure to fulfil all the instructions it received from you.
Last year, the region carried out a pilot project for improving its birth rate in three districts – Valdai, Staraya Russa, and Borovichi. We achieved some positive results, just as Andrei Nikitin reported to you at a State Council meeting.
The project will continue this year, and we will scale the best practices throughout the region. We have already taken a decision so that starting in 2026, Novgorod parents, in addition to all federal benefits and support measures, receive an additional 350,000 rubles when they have their first child, and 800,000 for the birth of the third and subsequent children. We have earmarked enough funds for that, and we will have it covered.
Starting from September 2025, children from large Novgorod families who score enough points in their final exams will be entitled to enrol in the region’s colleges and study there without paying any tuition fees.
There are many issues with healthcare. We know about the challenges and know how to address them.
Vladimir Putin: You need specialists.
Alexander Dronov: We are working on this, Mr President, and we will continue this work.
Undeniably, improving the quality of healthcare is critical for raising the birth rate. We are specifically grateful to you for supporting the decision to build a cardio centre in the region. The project is about to enter its design phase this year.
We do not deny that some problems have been accumulating in the region for years now: water quality, housing and utilities, and household connections to the gas distribution network. All this has a direct bearing on the quality of life in the region. I will make addressing these issues my top priority.
Vladimir Putin: Good. What kind of specialist doctors do you need? Paediatricians?
Alexander Dronov: We need narrow specialties.
Vladimir Putin: Yes, narrow specialties, gynaecologists and other doctors having to do with childbirth are very important. There are some positive trends, but on a broader scale, the population continues to decline.
Alexander Dronov: Mr President, we will work on this and see what needs to be done.
Vladimir Putin: Good, thank you.
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