President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues.
Today, we are convening and working in Murmansk – the largest city beyond the Arctic Circle – to comprehensively discuss the development of the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route.
I would note that both the city itself and the Murmansk Region serve as an example of dynamic, progressive development for all Arctic regions. Here, large-scale and in many ways unique industrial and logistics projects are being implemented, such as the construction centre for large-tonnage marine structures in Belokamenka, the development and modernisation of the Murmansk transport hub, including the opening of new terminals and the expansion of railway approaches.
See also
Furthermore, Murmansk is the home port of Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet. As is well known, it plays a decisive role in the exploration of Arctic shipping routes and the Arctic as a whole. Finally, the Kola Peninsula hosts our most powerful Northern Fleet, which safeguards Russia’s Arctic frontiers.
Earlier today, I met with colleagues who shared updates. Yesterday, I discussed these matters with the leadership of the Defence Ministry, and the Chief of the General Staff [Valery Gerasimov] reported on the performance of our sailors in combat – I wish to once again thank everyone for their service and the courage demonstrated by Northern Fleet personnel during the special military operation.
I reiterate: in the Arctic, this strategic and vital region for us, we face large-scale and systemic tasks. We must strengthen transport and logistics infrastructure, expand economic and business opportunities while ensuring the mandatory protection of the Arctic’s fragile ecosystems.
It is imperative to persistently improve urban environments, develop residential areas in the Far North, and comprehensively enhance the quality of life for residents. This includes providing meaningful, well-paid employment, modern education and healthcare systems, and ensuring that living in the Arctic is truly comfortable and attractive.
Clearly, addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach, well-defined long-term plans, and the combined efforts of federal ministries, regional teams, business and academic communities, and public associations.
This work is underway within the Government and the Marine Board. I am aware that prior to today’s meeting, events were held by a specially established State Council Commission on the Northern Sea Route and the Arctic, chaired by Governor of the Murmansk Region Andrei Chibis.
These platforms are fostering discussions on the Arctic’s strategic development and preparing proposals for our review today. At the same time, I urge participants to focus on achieving concrete financial, executive, and legislative decisions following these deliberations.
Let me remind you: we previously agreed with the Government on the need to finalise a detailed development model for the Northern Sea Route, ensuring that its cargo flows are supported by infrastructure and fleet. Organisational aspects were to be resolved. Regrettably, decisions on this matter remain pending, and the model has yet to be formulated. I draw my colleagues’ attention to this.
Undoubtedly, we must account for current objective problems, challenges, and constraints. However, this must not delay the launch of development projects critical to the Arctic and Russia as a whole. Colleagues, I ask that today’s reports be guided by these considerations.
Let us begin. The floor is yours, Mr Trutnev. Please proceed.
<…>