Following his visit to the United States, Vladimir Putin arrived in Chukotka where he held a working meeting with the region’s Governor Vladislav Kuznetsov.
The Governor reported that the region’s economic performance has been quite robust. It ranks second in terms of industrial output and fourth in terms of fixed capital investment among the regions of the Far Eastern Federal District. The number of SMEs is growing. In agriculture, the hothouses have been modernised which will make it possible to produce 30 percent more vegetables this year compared to 2023. Having built three poultry farms, the region now completely meets its demand in eggs. Extraction of mineral resources has been increasing making Chukotka the fourth largest minerals producing region in the Far Eastern Federal District while social indicators are among the best in Russia. Chukotka ranks sixth in the annual ranking of Russian regions in terms of investment appeal. Vladislav Kuznetsov noted that the overall investment climate in Russia’s Far East is unique while Chukotka has three preferential tax zones.
Talking about investment projects, Vladislav Kuznetsov mentioned one of the largest – the Baimskaya Ore Zone in Chukotka. Two power generating units being built by Rosatom are scheduled to arrive by the end of 2028 and another two will be delivered by 2030. They will provide energy for developing the deposit, one of the world’s biggest, which will increase Russia’s copper production by a quarter. In addition, a large tin project is in the works – Pyrkakay stockworks will make Russia a tin exporter. The project is also expected to be launched in 2028.
Vladislav Kuznetsov reported that the master plans have been developed for the core cities of the Anadyr urban agglomeration, Egvekinot, Pevek and Bilibino, which are home to 82 percent of the population. There are plans to build essential social infrastructure facilities including a sports centre with a swimming pool in Anadyr, a creative industries centre and necessary medical and water-treatment facilities.
The Governor recalled the Presidential order regarding airboats to ensure transport accessibility. They are already operational and have a good track record. Work is underway to expand accessibility in logistics since the region lacks permanent automobile roads and has no railways. The main transport is aviation. Four new helicopters have been added in the past two years with two more to arrive in September.
The Governor also reported on the way the region has been working on communications issues. It is working together with the Ministry of Digital Development to create a cable internet network. A fibre-optic communications line in the Anadyr agglomeration has been laid under the sea with plans to connect it to Yakutia within a planning horizon of several years.
The discussion also touched upon the healthcare, demographics, patriotic, moral and spiritual education as well as preservation of cultural heritage. The Governor noted that Chukotka is a multiethnic region which is home to Chukchi, Eskimo and other ethnic groups. A drama theatre has been established. It keeps staging new productions and has been touring the local communities.
Vladislav Kuznetsov made a special emphasis on the special military operation and the region’s activities in Novoluganskoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic. The activities aim to provide people with all the necessary infrastructure which has been completely wiped out by the enemy, as the Governor pointed out. This year, power supply has been restored, efforts continue to restore water supply and repair the structures. All the facilities are located close to the frontline, and according to the Governor, enemies unfortunately slow down the progress.