Channel One war correspondent Dmitry Kulko and VGTRK presenter Alexandra Suvorova moderated the Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin.
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Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office – Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov: Good afternoon everyone.
The President will be here within minutes to review the results of the outgoing year. I would like to remind you that this year we combine two events, the news conference and Direct Line.
Please show respect for your colleagues when I give the floor to journalists and make your questions as concise and clear as possible. This will allow the President to answer more questions.
Our moderators this year are Alexandra Suvorova and Dmitry Kulko, who will talk with the President. They worked hard to personally read extremely many questions from our people, possibly tens of thousands of them. They understand what the people of Russia are talking about and will help the President outline the subjects that are at the top of the agenda throughout the country.
Please.
Alexandra Suvorova: Good afternoon. This is the Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin. As usual, questions can be submitted in a number of ways until the end of our programme. Our colleagues continue working with the incoming questions.
First, you can submit your questions by calling 8 (800) 200 4040 or sending an SMS or MMS message to 04040. Questions can also be submitted via the programme’s official accounts on Vkontakte and Odnoklassniki. You can also use the website and mobile app called москва-путину.рф.
We have already received over 2.2 million
questions, including 1.2 million via telephone, about 43,000 via SMS messages,
and over 140,000 via the website. We can see that the number of questions is
increasing in real time.
Let me share some interesting facts and figures on the Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin programme since this format was created. There was a time when the Direct Line and the news conference were two separate events and formats. This is the third time we are having it in a hybrid format. The first time it happened was before the COVID pandemic, the second was a post-COVID event in 2023, and now we are in 2024. Once again, the programme is taking place in a hybrid format, which means that both the people of Russia and, of course, journalists get to ask questions.
Here are some interesting statistics. For example, the event with the biggest number of questions took place in 2015 when the President received 2.25 million questions. This year, we have not reached this number. However, I believe that this could be attributable to the fact that regions hold their own direct lines, with governors answering questions from their people at the regional level. Therefore, some questions get resolved on the ground.
One thing to note here is that if we add up all the time Vladimir Putin has spent answering questions during events of this kind, the total already exceeds 64 hours. People have been tuning in from the regions since 2001 when the very first programme of this kind took place. It goes without saying that there will also be people joining us via videoconference from the regions today. Throughout the years when we had the Direct Line and the Results of the Year, people have been proactively contributing to these events not only by raising various issues with the President, sharing their concerns or asking for something, but also by expressing their gratitude. This year, considering that we are holding this event on December 19, we also received New Year greetings. This is another trend I wanted to mention.
Of course, social matters are in the spotlight today, judging by the submissions we have selected. Many questions deal with the special military operation. International matters are also high on the agenda, of course. So let us get started.
Dmitry Kulko: President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.
For the third year in a row, volunteers from the Russian Popular Front have been helping prepare our programme and process the messages and calls. This year, they were also joined by veterans of the special military operation. For ten days since the free telephone line opened, they, too, have been taking phone calls. However, the Russian Popular Front’s work does not end today. In fact, we can say that it is only just beginning, because the moment the broadcast ends, the Popular Front volunteers will continue to work on the appeals people made to ensure that none of them is left unattended.
Alexandra Suvorova: I would like to add that some of the appeals have already been processed during the preparations for the Results of the Year programme, and some of the issues have been addressed by Popular Front volunteers and regional and federal authorities.
There is one more aspect that is different this year. GigaChat, an AI model provided by Sber, has helped us process people’s appeals and questions. Mr President, I know that you have already seen it.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: I have.
Dmitry Kulko: Yes, GigaChat has drawn conclusions. This technology can do more than transcribe audio files into text – it can also extract the message and the essence of the problem, which has significantly accelerated the processing of requests this year. You will be able to see GigaChat’s insights on the screen throughout the programme. You will see the key subjects of people’s appeals, across the country and in each region. We will be using this virtual assistant during the programme today.
Anna Suvorova: Before we start taking questions from our people and our colleagues, journalists, I would like to ask the first general question.
In recent time, everyone has been feeling a disturbing sense that the world is going crazy, or already has, because the potential for conflict is off the charts in every part of the world, and the global economy is struggling. How does Russia manage not only to stay afloat, but also to continue growing in this situation?
Vladimir Putin: You know, when all is calm and life is measured and stable, we get bored. This amounts to stagnation, so we crave action. When action begins, time starts whistling by – or bullets do, for that matter. Unfortunately, bullets are what is zipping past our heads these days. We are scared, yes – but not as “all get out” kind of scared.
Our economics are the ultimate measure of things. As is traditional, I will start with the economy. Although your question was a bit provocative, I will turn to the economy anyway. The economy is number one; it is the cornerstone. It has an impact on living standards, general stability, and the country’s defence capability. The economy is everything.
The economic situation in Russia is generally positive and stable. We are growing in spite of everything, in spite of any external threats or attempts at outside influence.
As you know, last year Russia increased its GDP by 3.6 percent, and this year the economy is expected to grow by 3.9 percent, or possibly even four percent. However, we will have to wait and see the final results, as the year-end figures will be de facto factored into these projections in the first quarter of next year, which will be 2025 in this particular case. It may well be that this indicator reaches four percent. What this means is that our economy will have grown by eight percent over the past two years. After all, the tenths and hundredths of a percent make for a negligeable difference. This is what experts have been telling me – we exchanged views this very morning. About eight percent over the past two years, compared to a growth rate between five and six percent for the United States, one percent for the Eurozone, and zero for Germany, the EU’s leading economy. It seems that next year that country will also have zero growth.
International financial and economic institutions ranked Russia as Europe’s biggest economy in terms of volume, in terms of purchasing power parity, and the world’s fourth largest economy. We are behind China, the United States and India. Last year, Russia surpassed Germany and this year, we left Japan behind. But this is not the time for us to be complacent. We will definitely keep moving forward.
There is development everywhere you look and so much positive momentum across the board. If the Eurozone has fallen asleep, there are other centres of global development that are advancing. The situation in the Eurozone and the United States has been changing too. We must maintain the momentum we have gathered and transform our economy at its core, from a qualitative perspective.
There are other general performance indicators which have been quite satisfactory, to say the least. Unemployment is the first such indicator. All countries around the world, and all economies, pay a great deal of attention to this figure. For Russia, it is at its all-time low of 2.3 percent. We have not experienced anything like this before. This is my first point.
Second, there has been growth in specific manufacturing and industrial sectors. In fact, industrial output increased by 4.4 percent, while the processing sector reported a growth rate of 8.1 percent, with some of its sectors achieving even higher growth rates.
Of course, inflation has been causing some concerns. Only yesterday, while preparing for today’s event, I talked to the Central Bank Governor, and Elvira Nabiullina told me that the inflation rate has already reached about 9.2–9.3 percent year-to-date. That said, salaries have increased by nine percent, and I am talking about an increase in real terms, minus inflation. In addition, disposable incomes have also increased. So, the overall situation is stable and, let me reiterate, solid.
There are certain challenges with inflation and with the economy heating up. Therefore, the Government and the Central Bank have been seeking to ensure a soft landing. Estimates may vary for next year, but we expect the economy to grow at a rate of 2–2.5 percent. This soft landing would enable us to keep improving our macroeconomic performance.
This is what we must aspire to. I think that we will probably raise these matters during today’s meeting. Overall, the economy can be described as stable and resilient.
Alexandra Suvorova: I have a follow-up question, given the numerous questions surrounding price growth, to which we will return. You have cited Germany and Japan as examples. I wish to focus on Germany having a zero percent growth rate, which you mentioned as a case previously known for its economic expansion.
Do you believe this is perhaps linked to politics and sovereignty? Not long ago, at the VTB Forum Russia Calling!, you reminisced about Gerhard Schroeder's birthday celebration, remarking how all the songs were in English, with none performed in German.
Vladimir Putin: There were. It's an interesting episode. Quite some time ago, it was Gerhard Schroeder's birthday, he invited me and I attended. There was a small concert, and, as it happened, all the companies performed in English. I remarked at the time, “Even the Hannover girls' choir sang in English.”
There was, however, one ensemble that performed in German: the Kuban Cossack Choir, which accompanied me. Moreover, this was entirely unexpected on my part. I inquired, “How did you come to know these songs?” They replied, “Out of respect for the Germans, our hosts, we learnt these songs en route and performed them in German, including those from the local region where we are now.”
During the intermission, numerous attendees approached me (I recount this as it truly unfolded) and expressed, “We are embarrassed, truly, that only Russian Cossacks performed in German here.”
I recounted this to a colleague who was present at the event, which has now been recalled. You see, sovereignty is a crucial concept; it must reside within, in one's heart. In the post-war era, I believe this sense – of homeland and sovereignty – has been somewhat eroded among the German people.
Who are the Europeans, after all? They are proud to be European, yet they are foremost French, German, Italian, Spanish, and then European. There is a tendency to smooth out things, to homogenise. Ultimately, this affects everything, including the economy.
I previously spoke about our economic growth – this is largely attributable to the reinforcement of sovereignty, which extends to the economic realm.
Many foreign manufacturers have exited our market. What has been the consequence? Our entrepreneurs have started producing these goods domestically, necessitating further research and the engagement of institutions, including those focused on development. All of this – what we are discussing – is the enhancement of technological sovereignty.
Sovereignty manifests itself in various forms: defence, technology, science, education, culture. This is of paramount importance, especially for our nation, because should we lose sovereignty, we risk losing statehood. That is the crux.
Economic growth is also an effect of bolstered sovereignty.
Dmitry Kulko: Mr President, I suggest we move on to questions from our citizens.
Vladimir Putin: Yes, let us begin.
Dmitry Kulko: You spoke about economic growth. It is true that a look at our economic indicators, which do look good, shows that the majority of Russian enterprises are working to capacity and wages are rising, yet they cannot keep pace with price increases.
Many Russian citizens have written about this, and AI has analysed all the requests and compiled a list of regions where more questions concerned price growth. These are eastern regions, such as the Kamchatka Territory and the Sakhalin Region, and also our westernmost territory, the Kaliningrad Region. Also, the majority of questions from the Irkutsk Region concern price growth. In short, it is a topical issue.
Alexandra Suvorova: It is topical indeed. I will cite the figures which have also been provided by GigaChat, which we are using.
The most frequent questions have to do with the rise in prices of bread, fish, milk, eggs and butter. People also write about the growth of fuel prices. This file contains some of the citizens’ questions about price growth.
If we look at the official data of the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat), we got it last night, we will see that the prices of fruits and vegetables have increased by 3.4 percent over the past week. For example, the price of cucumbers has grown by ten percent after rising by 43 percent in November.
Vladimir Putin: First, I would like to apologise to the audience, especially those who are following this event via various media platforms, including online. When I said that price growth or inflation was slightly above nine percent this year, at 9.2–9.3 percent, and that people’s wages and real disposable incomes have grown as well, I cited average figures. Of course, our country is very big, and some people might ask me what I was talking about, that their well-being has not improved but remained at the same level. And some might even say that their well-being has deteriorated. Yes, this can be so and it is so, in some cases. I cited average figures, because when we make plans, we need to have figures to rely on, and we can only rely on average figures.
As for the growth of prices, there are both objective and subjective reasons for that.
What is more important is that the supply in our market should correlate with people’s incomes, or rather, people’s incomes and their purchasing capacity should correlate with the volume of goods produced in the country. Wages and incomes have been growing faster than the mass of commodities and the rate of production.
I will explain. Let’s say, food production in our country is constantly growing. I will talk about this later. There will certainly be questions on agriculture. In fact, I can tell you that it adds three percent every year. We are fully self-sufficient when it comes to meat. One hundred percent.
It is a good indicator. Why does this happen? In Russia, the annual consumption of meat is about 80 kg per capita while in other countries, it is about 42 kg on average. It may seem enough and yet, meat consumption has doubled recently, you see? Doubled.
Now, milk. Milk production grows every year, but consumption grows as well, and there is not enough milk to produce butter. I know that the butter prices have grown by 33–34 percent in some regions, and possibly higher in others.
Simply, the amount of products has not grown as much as consumption has. This is the first reason. The solution here would be to develop industries. And I will talk more about it later.
The second objective reason is harvest.
The third objective reason is that some products have become more expensive on world markets.
Of course, the external restrictions, sanctions and so forth are affecting the prices to a certain extent. They do not play a key role but still, they take a toll as they make logistics more expensive, in addition to other things.
There are also subjective reasons or things we could improve on our side. For example, some experts believe that the Central Bank could have used certain instruments other than raising the key rate, more efficiently and at an earlier stage. Yes, the Central Bank started doing it around summer. But again, these experts believe that it could have and should have been done earlier. There are many instruments. I will not list them now and will not tire our audience with these considerations about the Central Bank and its regulation methods.
The Government works efficiently and does a lot when it thinks about the future – and the future should always be considered. In our country, we always thought about the future even during the harshest times of the Great Patriotic War. We know these examples. There were efforts made and, as it turned out later, correct efforts.
Our Government does think about the future: it formulates tasks, national development goals and national projects. It is wonderful but it would also be great to take timely efforts with respect to industries and consider the development of certain sectors, the production of mass products. I will not list them now – perhaps, there will be questions on specific industries later. Timely decisions should have been made.
Growing prices are not something to enjoy and they
have adverse impacts. But I hope that overall, as we preserve macroeconomic
indicators, we shall address this issues as well because macroeconomics is the basis for a healthy economy in general.
Dmitry Kulko: Mr President, we are holding today’s event in a combined format, a direct line and a news conference. I now suggest that our journalist colleagues ask a question.
Alexandra Suvorova: We can sense that those present in the hall are eager to ask their questions.
Dmitry Peskov: Indeed, the audience is quite eager. Allow me …
A question from the audience.
Dmitry Peskov: You know, if we behave this way, it would be disrespectful towards everyone else.
Vladimir Putin: Nevertheless, let us refrain from acting this way, and let us begin. What is your name?
Alina Khastsayeva: My name is Alina Khastsayeva, I represent the 15th Region information website in North Ossetia.
Vladimir Putin: Alina, go ahead, please.
Alina Khastsayeva: The issue of professional service personnel has become increasingly important. Multiple schools, including the North Caucasus Military Institute of Interior Troops in North Ossetia, used to train military specialists in the North Caucasus.
Quite literally, a legendary institute: seven of its graduates became Heroes of the Soviet Union, and 14 more received the title of Heroes of Russia. To this very day, its graduates are successfully carrying out missions set by our state. Its graduates include former Interior Minister Anatoly Kulikov, and Sergei Khairutdinov, a recent graduate, became Hero of Russia while taking part in the special military operation.
Is it possible to reinstate this institute at a time when the North Caucasus and the whole of Russia need it so much? Thank you.
Vladimir Putin: Alina, thank you for this question. This is a good point, and do not be angry with Alina; here is why.
First, North Ossetia has always been Russia’s outpost in this region, in the Caucasus, and it has always justified its lofty designation. We know how the republic’s residents feel about their region and about Russia, our large common Motherland. They have always defended it and have fulfilled this role worthily and admirably.
You have noted that the number of schools has been reduced. This is not linked to a decision to close them in Ossetia alone. It is related to the fact that, according to military specialists and agencies, there were too many military schools, and the Russian army did not need so many specialists and so much service personnel at the time. Due to various circumstances, we are now increasing the strength of the army, security and law enforcement agencies to 1.5 million people. I cannot say that we will achieve this tomorrow, but I promise you that we will certainly analyse this issue.
Thank you.
Dmitry Peskov: We continue working with the audience. Let us go back to the centre after all.
ITAR-TASS, please.
Mikhail Petrov: Mikhail Petrov, Editor-in-Chief, TASS.
Mr President, before I ask my question, I would like to thank you.
This year, TASS is celebrating its 120th anniversary. We are this country’s oldest news agency. Earlier this year, in August, you signed an Executive order on awarding TASS the Order for Valiant Labour. On behalf of our large team and at their instructions, I want to take a message of many thanks to you. This is a high praise for our work.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
Mikhail Petrov: As for the question, I think this issue is of concern for all of us today. Incidentally, TASS correspondents sent reports from the fronts during the Great Patriotic War. Today, too, our men are working in the special military operation zone, and they are concerned as well.
How do you assess the progress in the special military operation, which has lasted for nearly three years now? Is the victory nearer?
Vladimir Putin: I certainly hoped for questions of this kind. There are many of these within the bulk [of messages] that came in during the previous days. Moreover, I am grateful to you, too, for [asking this question], because this enables us to show what is going on and what our troops are doing at the battle contact line.
You know, the fighting men, with whom I am in regular contact, send souvenirs, chevrons, some weapons, and so on. Not long ago, men from the 155th Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet gave me a copy of their colours.
Who can I ask to assist me? Come over to me, please, and someone from that side. I have a big favour to ask. You take a position here and you – there, and unfold this banner, please, at both ends.
Dmitry Kulko: Pacific Fleet marines.
Vladimir Putin: Yes.
I have brought it along on purpose.
First, I wanted to thank the men for this gift.
Second, let us consider than this banner of the 155th Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet represents all the combat banners of our soldiers, who are fighting for Russia, for the Motherland, along the entire line of contact.
I must say that the situation is changing radically. You know this well and I just want to reaffirm this. The drive is on along the entire frontline every day.
As I said, the advance is not by 100, 200, or 300 metres. Our fighting men are regaining the territory by square kilometers. I want to stress – every day! Why is this happening?
First, last year, and this basically is the classical course of hostilities, the enemy attacks, sustains a heavy defeat, loses a lot of equipment, ammunition and personnel, and then the other side starts to push forward. In our case, this is happening exactly in this way. Combat operations are a difficult thing. So, it is hard – and makes no sense – to think far too ahead. But it happens precisely in this way. And we are advancing, as we said, towards achieving the priority goals that we outlined at the start of the special military operation.
As for our troops, they are acting heroically. I say this regularly and will repeat it, because there is every reason for saying so. Right now, the 155th Brigade is fighting in the Kursk Region and pushing the enemy out from our land. Of course, they are not alone. Fighting alongside them are the 810th Marine Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet, the 76th and 106th divisions of the Airborne Troops, and motorised infantry of the Sever Group. All of them are fighting heroically in the direct sense of the word. And they are involved in an engagement right at this moment. Let us wish them all success, victory and safe homecoming, meaning those fighting in the Kursk Region and along the entire frontline.
Thank you.
Dmitry Kulko: Mr President, I have just returned from the Kursk Region. We have been working with the units and formations you mentioned, which are currently undertaking the noble duty of liberating our homeland. For several weeks, we have been on the front lines, filming reports. Notably, the 155th brigade has liberated several residential areas, and we have discussed this.
Our reports illustrate that once the enemy is expelled from a residential area, they begin bombarding these streets with drones and artillery, almost as if in retaliation. We visited the recently liberated Borki, Snagost, and Lyubimovka. The footage clearly shows the houses intact initially, only to be targeted by Ukrainian shells afterwards. Consequently, the residents of this border region now find themselves with nowhere to return to and are striving to build new lives somehow.
I propose we connect with Tatyana Zibrova by telephone. She is currently residing in temporary accommodation in the Kursk Region. Ms Zibrova, can you hear us?
Tatyana Zibrova: Yes, I can hear you.
Dmitry Kulko: Please direct your question to the President.
Tatyana Zibrova: Good afternoon, Mr President.
Vladimir Putin: Hello.
Tatyana Zibrova: I am a resident of the Kursk Region, Bolshesoldatsky District.
I have a question on behalf of all residents of the Kursk Region. When will our region be fully liberated? When will the Ukrainian armed forces be pushed back so far that they will not even dare to show themselves or look in our direction? When will we be able to return to our homes or have our own accommodation somewhere?
Additionally, will the small villages that were destroyed be rebuilt, and will infrastructure be restored? The residents of Bolshesoldatsky District are particularly concerned: will we be included on the list of those eligible to receive housing certificates? Currently, we are not receiving them, as the Ukrainian armed forces have not directly invaded us and we are not on the list for certificates.
Vladimir Putin: Ms Zibrova, rest assured. I cannot and do not want to provide a specific date as to when they will be driven out. Our troops are engaged in combat right now, and the battles are intense. As I have mentioned before, there was no strategic military reason for the Ukrainian armed forces to enter the Kursk Region or to hold their position there as they are, deploying their elite assault groups and units to no avail. Yet, this situation persists.
We will undoubtedly drive them out. There is no alternative. Concerning a precise date – I am afraid I cannot specify one at this moment. I have an understanding of the plans, which are regularly reported to me. However, it is not possible to declare a specific date. The troops can hear me now; if I were to specify a date, they would go to great lengths to meet it, potentially disregarding casualties. We cannot allow that. While a day or two may not make a significant difference, but we will undoubtedly expel them, the damage assessment will follow, and, most importantly, everything will be restored. There is no doubt about that.
We will rebuild the road network, restore utility
infrastructure, and reinstate social facilities such as schools and kindergartens. Community centres and housing will be rebuilt, and housing
reconstruction certificates will be issued.
We will assist those who wish to relocate to other regions. Currently, about 108 billion rubles have been allocated for this purpose, if I remember correctly. I know that the first funds have already been received. The Administration will work throughout the holidays, meeting with people and addressing their issues, including providing certificates.
I understand that what is happening is incredibly challenging for you: people are experiencing heavy losses, inconveniences, especially families with children. But rest assured, we will do everything in our power to restore everything. Everyone in need of housing assistance will be fully satisfied; everyone will receive what they are entitled to.
I genuinely hope that the new head of the region, who has been appointed to the Kursk Region, is experienced and capable of effectively working with people. That is why I chose him, he has a long history of working in the State Duma and directly with his voters, so he knows how to handle it. I expect that he will work with every person on an individual basis.
Dmitry Kulko: Mr President, our military personnel who are currently liberating the Kursk Region do not have the status of a participant in the special military operation.
Vladimir Putin: Pardon?
Dmitry Kulko: They don’t have the status of a participant in the special military operation.
Vladimir Putin: Why?
Dmitry Kulko: Because they are participants in the counter-terrorism operation. This also affects the payments they receive.
We received several requests, mostly from the wives of the military personnel: “My husband serves in an assault company in the Kursk Region and is carrying out combat missions. In October and November, he received a pay allowance of 42,000 rubles, even though he is on battle positions. Many soldiers have not received combat daily payments for three or four months. It has been argued that they are in the zone of a counter-terrorism operation, not the special military operation.”
Another appeal: “In the Kursk Region, they are paid a monthly salary of 25,000 rubles, not the 210,000 rubles promised in the Ministry of Defence contracts.“
Can this situation be corrected?
Vladimir Putin: It can and should be rectified. This is a mistake on our part. That is no news to me. I understand what you are talking about.
Our servicemen who fought in other parts of the front are recognised as combatants. If they have been transferred to the Kursk Region, they should receive all the payments they are entitled to. I will look into this.
There might be a category of individuals who had not previously participated at all or had not been on the front lines and were deployed to the Kursk Region from the very beginning, so they were not classified as participants in the special military operation.
To be honest, it never occurred to me, and I apologise for that. This will be corrected. It is unfortunate that the military department did not pay attention to this either; after all, it primarily falls under their responsibility.
We will correct everything, and all servicemen who are carrying out their duty to the Motherland on the line of contact will receive all payments due to them. We will recalculate retroactively.
Dmitry Kulko: Thank you very much.
Vladimir Putin: Absolutely, without a doubt.
Dmitry Kulko: I personally know a few soldiers who are eager to get an answer right now.
Vladimir Putin: Yes, and I want the fighters to hear me. Please, do not worry, and do not let your families worry about it: everything will be recalculated, and all the due payments, including the benefits for combat action, every payment to which you are entitled will be made.
Dmitry Kulko: Mr President, you have already said today that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are sending their special forces for slaughter in the Kursk Region. Indeed, their losses are enormous; this much is quite obvious. To be honest, I have never seen so many abandoned enemy bodies – indeed, all the local forests are littered with them. I do not even have to mention all the destroyed NATO equipment, including Abrams, Bradley, Leopard vehicles. They say the Kursk Region, its soil, is now the world’s biggest burial place of NATO equipment, and that is actually true.
Vladimir Putin: Possibly.
Dmitry Kulko: However, there is one small point to make here.
Vladimir Putin: As far as I know, the number of armoured vehicles destroyed in the Kursk Region has now exceeded the number of vehicles destroyed on the entire line of contact last year – in any case, these are comparable figures.
Dmitry Kulko: Please, could I ask, could I put in a word for the fighters, for those who destroyed that equipment: will they receive the promised reward?
Vladimir Putin: For the damaged equipment?
Dmitry Kulko: Yes.
Vladimir Putin: Of course, they should. Are there any problems with this?
Dmitry Kulko: To be honest, they are facing some difficulties.
Vladimir Putin: That is surprising. I know that the Defence Minister is listening to our conversation now, and this will definitely be done. No one should have any doubt about this.
Dmitry Kulko: Thank you.
Dmitry Peskov: Shall we move on to questions from the audience?
Vladimir Putin: Yes.
Dmitry Peskov: Since we are talking about military issues, let’s start with the Zvezda television channel.
Konstantin Kokoveshnikov: Good afternoon.
Konstantin Kokoveshnikov, Zvezda TV channel.
Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon.
Konstantin Kokoveshnikov: I cannot but ask you about the statements that we have heard over the past few weeks concerning the footage of the first combat tests of the latest Oreshnik missile, which has been shown all over the world. One gets the impression that it really has no drawbacks, but the West continues to refer to Oreshnik as a modification of old Soviet weapons, claiming that this missile can be shot down by air defence even at the launch stage.
How would you comment on this? Does it have any shortcomings?
If you do not mind, I have a clarifying question: what meaning did the creators of the Oreshnik put into the name – hazel tree? There are several versions.
Vladimir Putin: First, regarding how old or new and modern this weapon is. It is a modern, a brand new weapon. All new achievements in any sphere are based on the designs and achievements made in the past, which people use to move forward. This is also true about the Oreshnik system.
Yes, it is based on previous designs, but these designs were made in the contemporary Russian period. Our scientists, designers and engineers used that basis to create something new, coordinating their activities with the Defence Ministry as the contractor. When I was ultimately informed about that system, I joined the discussions on whether to make it or not, in what quantities, when and how.
It is a new system. As I have said, it is an intermediate- and shorter-range system.
You have said that some Western experts believe that this missile can be easily shot down and destroyed, especially in the boost phase of the missile trajectory.
What would I tell those experts? There are several types of air defence systems, as you know being from the Zvezda TV channel, such as Patriot and the more modern THAAD systems. I do not know if Ukraine has them, but I do not think so. If the Americans want, they can send its THAAD systems to Ukraine. These are more modern systems similar to our S-400 systems. The Patriot systems are comparable to our S-300s, while THAAD is similar to our S-400 systems, if only slightly inferior.
Let them send these systems to Ukraine, and we will ask our people in Ukraine to tell us about the modern solutions of these systems which we could use. I am not joking when I say “our people,” because there are people in Ukraine who you can talk to, there are many of such people who are dreaming, together with us, about liberating their country from the neo-Nazi regime.
There are also other strike systems such as the ballistic missile system (BMD), which used to be a hot topic of our discussions. We once asked the Americans not to deploy that system so that we would not have to create weapons that would be able to avoid it.
We have eventually done that. We have created the Avangard glide vehicle, which does not fly by a specific trajectory but hugs the terrain, without going up into space, because it is not a ballistic missile. We have done a great deal to evade air defence systems.
Overall, this whole story is an expensive product for the American taxpayers that can do little to ensure national security. However, that system has been created and produced in large quantities.
Two missile launching areas have been established in Romania and Poland, respectively. Around 24 missile interceptors are already deployed at each site. I don’t remember but I think they are called Standard Missile-3 systems. Standard Missile-3 Block 1B missiles are deployed in Romania. They have an effective range of 300 kilometres and can hit targets 80 to 250 km above the ground.
Even more formidable weapon systems are deployed in Poland, with a range and altitude of 1,000 and 500 km. However, our medium-range Oreshnik missile system can strike targets located 1,000, 1,500, 3,000-plus and up to 5,500 km away. Such is its range.
Supposing our system is located 2,000 km away, the missile interceptors on Polish territory would be unable to hit it. Yes, they say that the missiles are quite vulnerable during the initial boost phase. First, nothing will reach those missile bases, even if they are unprotected. And, of course, we are shielding them. Nothing can hit them. There are no systems capable of reaching these bases.
Second, it takes time to travel this distance, while our missile needs a few second to start dispensing warheads, and that’s it, the ship has sailed. There is almost no chance of shooting down these missiles.
If the Western experts you mentioned think otherwise, they should suggest to those in the West and the United States who are paying them for their analytical services to conduct a certain technological experiment, a high-tech 21st-century duel.
Let them choose a target in Kiev, deploy all their air defence and missile defence forces there, and we will hit that target using an Oreshnik missile. We shall see what happens.
We are ready to conduct this experiment. Is the other side ready? In any event, we do not rule this out. What I want to say is that all of their air defence and ABM systems are operating.
It would be interesting for us. I am telling you what engineers, scientists and military specialists are telling me. They are also telling some things at the level of the US political leadership.
Let us hold this experiment, this technological duel, and see what happens. This would be interesting and I believe it would be useful for both us and the US side.
Konstantin Kokoveshnikov: Why this name?
Dmitry Peskov: Why this name?
Vladimir Putin: Honestly? I do not know.
Dmitry Peskov: Let’s take one more question from the audience. Let’s go over there. I can see. Rossiyskaya Gazeta. A question on peace perhaps?
Aisel Gereikhanova: Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Aisel Gereikhanova.
Mr President, you signed an executive order changing the nuclear doctrine recently. Do you think the West correctly took the signal and understood it properly?
Vladimir Putin: I don’t know how they took it. You should ask them about it. I know what constitutes these changes – and it is not a new doctrine but actual changes. I will name some key aspects. We are talking about some new military hazards that may grow into military threats. They include missile defence systems and some other things that we list.
Then we speak about increasing the responsibility of non-nuclear states that may participate in an aggression against the Russian Federation alongside the countries that have nuclear weapons. If, like their allies, these countries also pose a threat to our sovereignty and Russia’s existence, then we imply that we have the right to use our nuclear weapons against them.
Finally, another component related to nuclear arms management, and another, fourth important aspect is that we declared that, if similar threats are posed to Belarus, our ally and member of the Union State, the Russian Federation will consider these threats as threats to Russia. And we will do everything to ensure the security of Belarus. We do this upon agreement with the Belarusian leadership and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko. I believe it is a very important component of the updated nuclear strategy of the Russian Federation.
Alexandra Suvorova: Mr Peskov, let’s take one more question from the audience. I can see that you are holding the microphone.
Dmitry Peskov: Sure.
Darya Shuchalina: Mr President, please give the floor to the Arctic.
Dmitry Peskov: We agreed not to shout out questions and respect each other.
Vladimir Putin: Right, let’s not shout and please be respectful. But we will listen to the Arctic. Let’s do what the boss says.
Darya Shuchalina: Good afternoon, Mr President, Darya Shuchalina, Republic of Komi, Respublika newspaper.
First of all, thank you very much for returning our fellow Komi man, Rostislav Goldshtein. He is now Acting Head of Komi and let’s just say he immediately got down to business because he knows the region very well. Thank you for your choice.
Vladimir Putin: He is a good manager and an empathetic person, stable and organised. I hope he will succeed.
Darya Shuchalina: Thank you for your choice.
Now, to proposals. In the Russian Arctic territories, in the Far East and in the Far North, as well as in the Republic of Komi, there are many residential areas with up to 2,000 residents. Unfortunately, these residential areas are not eligible for a very good state programme on construction of cinemas.
We know that
people in the North are dedicated to their home regions; they are not moving to bigger cities and instead serving their country in their towns and villages.
There are not many entertainment opportunities in the North. At this moment in time, when the patriotic film
industry is growing in Russia, it would be great to have this criterion amended
in the law and ensure that northern residential areas with a population of up to 2,000 residents be eligible for this programme. So that residents would be able
to go and see films in comfortable modern cinemas.
As for the poster I am holding, you worked in our region as a member of a student construction brigade in your younger years, so you know that this Soviet-era mechanism was very effective. Unfortunately, today there is no legal framework for it.
Would it be possible to amend Federal Law No 44 regarding state and municipal contracts for budget-funded construction projects so that these student construction brigades can carry out at least 10 to 15 percent of contractual work? This way, young people can gain valuable work experience and earn some money. Companies could also benefit from these human resources, and this could serve as a development driver for the regions since they would be able to build social infrastructure they need.
Vladimir Putin: Could you repeat, please: where do these 10 percent come from?
Daria Shuchalina: I was talking about municipalities and regions reserving a specific share in construction contracts for student construction brigades.
Vladimir Putin: I see. You mean allocating some of the funds from the construction sector to these mechanisms?
Daria Shuchalina: Yes.
Vladimir Putin: I will discuss this with Mr Khusnullin. I think it is quite possible. We are currently working to revive this movement, it is re-emerging. I think this has already happened – I am referring to the student construction brigades as a movement.
The funding mechanism you described could probably be an option, and I think it has already been adopted, but let me check with Marat Khusnullin. I will raise this issue with him. Agreed?
Daria Shuchalina: I also had a question about cinemas.
Vladimir Putin: Right. Was it about gyms or cinemas?
Daria Shuchalina: I was talking about cinemas.
Vladimir Putin: What a surprising question, at least for me, you know.
Regarding the Arctic zone, let me tell you, first, that we have kept subsidised mortgages at a rate of two percent for this region, as well as for Russia’s Far East. The Arctic can still benefit from two percent mortgages, and I believe this is something that matters a great deal for people there who have been eager to use this subsidy. We have also kept this two percent mortgage rate for the new territories. This is my first point.
Second, we have an entire programme for specific communities in this zone – I think that it covers 25 cities and metropolitan areas – and we will expand it to a nationwide effort covering 200 cities.
We are talking about small communities here. They may fall through the cracks of the initiatives to develop these 25 metropolitan areas and cities. Of course, we will try to come up with additional measures for these smaller communities and for the Arctic zone in general. It goes without saying that this is very important since most of them have a rather small population.
It could be that there was an idea that providing them with broadband internet and so forth would suffice. That said, I do agree with you that watching a film in a movie theatre creates a different kind of atmosphere, a special mood, if you will. I will look into this issue. Note taken.
Daria Shuchalina: Especially considering that we now have all these great Russian patriotic films…
Vladimir Putin: Indeed. But this is a separate topic. Many producers are leaving Russia, and we wish them well, nonetheless. But this has served as a development driver, including for the film industry. This is a fact.
History-themed films are very important too, considering the enthusiasm we are witnessing in our society and its unifying potential. We are witnessing a revival of our fairy tales, epic sagas and alike. I enjoy watching these films sometimes together with the small children in our family.
You are right. Note taken. We will try to find a way not to leave your request without a response.
Dmitry Peskov: Let’s take another question from the audience and continue.
Dear friends, with all due respect, by asking two questions in a row, you are depriving some of your colleagues of the opportunity to ask their questions.
Vladimir Putin: Do not mind Mr Peskov, go ahead with your question.
Dmitry Peskov: Let’s proceed this way, then.
Krasnoyarsk.
Dmitry Novikov: Good afternoon.
I am Dmitry Novikov with Yenisei TV channel, Krasnoyarsk.
Mr President, you once referred to Krasnoyarsk as the centre of Russia. The city is now preparing to celebrate its 400th anniversary.
Vladimir Putin: Sorry to interrupt, please do not take offense. I did not call it that way; it is, in fact, the geographical centre of Russia.
Dmitry Novikov: Yes, of course. The city is going to mark its 400th anniversary in 2028, and we would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us in Krasnoyarsk for the celebration.
My question is this: the headquarters of RusHydro is currently relocating to Krasnoyarsk, following your initiative. Wouldn’t it be logical to extend this approach to other companies, not only state-owned but also private businesses? For the region, this would mean additional tax revenues and new opportunities for development. Are you considering this possibility?
Thank you.
Vladimir Putin: Yes.
Firstly, I believe this is a very appropriate approach. Relocating certain entities, including federal bodies, to various regions of the country can stimulate development.
For example, we are working to consolidate the judicial branch in St Petersburg. This approach is common in some countries and serves to separate the judiciary from the Presidential Executive Office and the Government, making it more independent geographically. In this case, it also enhances St Petersburg’s role as a functional capital city.
Other regional centres, such as Krasnoyarsk, certainly benefit from having a stronger tax base tied to local production. Ensuring that taxes are paid at the site of economic activity provides a boost to regional development.
We are committed to advancing this initiative, though the process is complex.
Regarding RusHydro, when Viktor Maryin was being considered for the leadership role, I asked him directly if he was prepared to relocate to Krasnoyarsk. His response was, “Yes.” I followed up with, “What about your wife?” to which he replied, “She will agree.”
This process takes time, as you can understand. The necessary personnel need to be in place. Relocating people from Moscow is challenging, not because they are lazy or unwilling to move to Siberia, but due to other considerations like children, schools, kindergartens, universities and other family matters. It is indeed a difficult process. Personnel need to be trained on site. However, efforts are underway, and RusHydro is in the process of relocating.
To be continued.