President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends. I am delighted to see you.
You may have noticed that it is my regular practice to talk, meet and maintain contact with representatives of different services and branches of the Russian Armed Forces at various levels: combat troops and senior commanders, commanders of groups of forces (we maintain regular contact with them), and also with commanders of subunits – brigades, divisions, armies, and battalions.
But I wanted to meet with you specifically, specifically today, on Russia Day, because you are the people who – like other personnel involved in the special military operation (I will speak about this further) – are directly involved in defending our Motherland, defending our Fatherland, defending Russia. Russia Day is your day.
At all times, assault troops have closed the book on any battle, finalising any military conflict. It is infantry and assault troops who ultimately seal the outcome of a combat mission.
When I meet, say, with pilots or sailors, gunners or members of other military jobs, I hear – and you probably have heard it yourselves – the same idea they all say in chorus: we do this and that to help and support our assault troops, to give them more confidence; to ensure that the losses are minimal. Everybody works to support you.
Every serviceperson performs their job diligently. But in the long run, it all comes down to you completing the combat mission.
This has been true at all times: during Peter the Great’s reign, when his grenadiers fought for the Motherland, and during Suvorov’s and Kutuzov’s times, and through all military conflicts. It has always been true and it remains true today. On the same note, I would like to underline the crucial task that our assault units – you and your brothers-in-arms – are handling right now.
On this holiday, I wanted to meet with you. So I asked the Minister and the Chief of the General Staff to arrange the presence of, as they phrase it in officialese, representatives of all branches, all subunits, and all groups. I hope this arrangement has been achieved.
I would like to hear you out: what you think about current developments, what you wish could be done additionally to ensure our goals are achieved successfully, effectively, with minimal losses, and with maximum effect. Please don’t hold back; you are welcome to raise any questions you find important and which, in your opinion, have been waiting for a solution, in this orderly and friendly businesslike setting.
Overall, I know what issues are going to be discussed, but either way, I am curious to know the opinion of people who are handling Russia’s crucial tasks on the ground right now.
That is essentially all I wanted to say for starters. We didn’t have anything special planned for this meeting. I just wanted to see you and say thank you. Please pass my words of gratitude to all our men, all our fighters working alongside you.
I will be pleased to hear your opinions and views on current developments and what should be done to ensure the goals are achieved more clearly, more transparently and with the best possible outcome for the Motherland.
That is all I wanted to say in the beginning. Please.
Alexei Lisovoy: Sergeant Alexei Lisovoy, Marine Corps, 155th Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
First, I want to say this: the assault troops you see here have looked death in the face more than once. And when the time came to defend the Russian population of Donbass, we stood as one under the Russian banner – just as our grandfathers and great-grandfathers did during the Great Patriotic War.
And in response to the words you addressed to Russian military personnel at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, I want to say on behalf of everyone here: we are working, and we will continue to work, until complete victory over the enemy. All the tasks and goals you have set will be fully accomplished.
I have a small suggestion. Just a week ago, a decorated Hero of Russia died a heroic death. Senior Lieutenant… I am sorry, I am really nervous.
Vladimir Putin: You are less stressed under fire than you are here.
Alexei Lisovoy: Yes, sir. That is much more important. We probably behave more naturally under fire – when we are not standing in front of the President.
Vladimir Putin: You mean Ochir-Goryayev, don’t you?
Alexei Lisovoy: [Naran] Ochir-Goryayev, yes. He died tragically. So here is my proposal: we ask you to consider giving honorary designations to the assault units, so that we do not forget their heroism, and the men themselves, who gave their lives on the battlefield.
Thank you.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you for remembering him. He was such a vibrant, remarkable man.
I have said this before, and I will tell you honestly: when I spoke with him, first during the Direct Line, when he reported directly from Seversk, and then when I met him in Moscow, I asked him, “How can I help? Any practical needs? Any problems?” And you know, it is extraordinary. A real man. He was a father of many children, by the way. And his first request – essentially his only one – was: “My mother is getting old. Everything is fine, everything is fine, we do not need anything.” Even though, as it turned out, the family still had unresolved social and welfare issues. He said, “My mother is getting old. Her health is failing. If possible, help her.” Things like that, moments like that, move you to tears, you know. Unfortunately, we lose people like him too.
Let’s honour his memory, and the memory of the other heroes who have passed away giving their lives for their homeland, for Russia, with a moment of silence.
(Minute of silence.)
Thank you.
As for your proposal, I believe it is important not only to name assault units after such fighters – our heroes, without exaggeration, like you and Ochir-Goryayev, like other personnel who are selflessly sacrificing their health and lives for Russia – but also to immortalise the names of these fighters, these guys who truly gave their lives to strengthen our country – laid them down as the very foundation of Russia’s strength. I have already spoken to the Executive Office, I mean my office, and certain messages have been communicated to the Government as well.
Clearly, this applies to assault units, but also to other divisions and military units as well. What’s more, streets should be named after them, and the schools where they studied, and so on. There is a lot to consider. It is not even for them but for us, the people living today, and for future generations. They are examples of brilliant lives and, importantly, of dignified deaths.
I have said it many times and I want to repeat: nothing lasts forever, does it? Every person will eventually end their life journey – it is natural. What is important is how the person lived their life. Of course, these are great examples that we need to strengthen our country, our morale, our spiritual strength today and in the future. Immortalising their names is, without a doubt, an extremely important task. And we will do that.
Please. Feel free to speak your mind.
Denis Ognyanik: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
Sergeant Denis Ognyanik, the 163rd tank regiment, sir.
During offensive operations, assault units have to carry gear, munitions and food supplies. They walk up to 15 km per day while carrying this weight. All supplies are delivered to the frontline using heavy-lift drones. The enemy uses hexacopters called Baba Yaga. They are controlled via Starlink.
Is it possible to organise domestic production of similar heavy-lift drones operated via satellite channels?
Vladimir Putin: Yes, it is possible, and work is already underway. In 2023, we launched our first satellites capable of doing what you described – they are already in orbit. And this work has continued in 2024 and 2025.
We essentially have a private company working on this – I will not name it again, though it has been mentioned many times in various contexts and in the media. It operates successfully. We are expanding this low-orbit constellation, and it is capable of doing everything you mentioned. The question is when it will become fully operational. But the work is not just well underway – it is moving at a good pace and to a high standard. I hope you will feel that on the ground soon enough.
The same applies to communications, and to the gear you have to carry – the weight. The Ministry of Defence knows this, the General Staff knows this, and Mr Belousov himself has been working on it constantly throughout his time as minister. The best options are being selected. I hope you are feeling the difference. Those who have been in the service for a long time have probably noticed how much things have improved compared to a few years ago. But of course, we will keep working to reduce the load.
And these drones that can carry over 30 kilograms – how much are they carrying now?
Defence Minister Andrei Belousov: Anywhere from 10 to 40 kilograms.
Vladimir Putin: Right now they carry 30.
Andrei Belousov: Yes.
We will deliver about 20,000 of these to the troops this year. The product line has expanded significantly. Last year, there was practically only one type – the well-known Product 80. It was not very high quality, and they are still refining it. This year, there are already over a dozen types but I can’t name them on camera.
Vladimir Putin: The Ministry of Defence is ordering these drones, and we will increase the quantity. As for Bureau 1440 – this has probably been mentioned many times before, and I will say it again, there is nothing top-secret about it. The organisation handling this low-orbit satellite constellation is in no way inferior to Starlink – in some ways, perhaps even superior.
Andrei Belousov: Even better.
Vladimir Putin: Yes. It is a matter of scaling up these capabilities. So we are working in that direction.
Sergei Chuvashov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
Guards Lieutenant Sergei Chuvashov, Commander of the Air Assault Platoon of the 247th Guards Air Assault Regiment, sir.
I have the following question.
Unfortunately, many of our brothers-in-arms have left our ranks following severe, crippling wounds. We are concerned about their fate and prospects outside the army.
In 2022, the Defence Ministry launched a special rehabilitation and adaptation programme for this category of personnel. Military posts are created for them promptly regardless of the severity of their wounds. Special-purpose rehabilitation and training centres are available. They are provided with housing in their chosen location of service.
On the same note, I would like to know what social guarantees are planned for these people in the future.
And I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on Russia Day on behalf of the airborne troops and the Dnepr Group of Forces. I wish you long and fruitful work for the sake of Russia’s prosperity.
Thank you.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.
We’ll work together for Russia’s prosperity.
Sergei Chuvashov: Yes, sir.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.
As regards the social guarantees you mentioned, you know, I remember one of the first meetings with the mothers of our fallen soldiers. Some of the mothers shared their families’ problems. Some said that their sons had returned from the zone of hostilities but were in critical condition. Back then, the Healthcare Ministry and the Defence Ministry were given additional instructions. A public foundation called Defenders of the Fatherland was established.
I hope – at least as far as I know – this foundation is quite active and involves family members and veterans of the special military operation in its work in all regions of Russia. This means direct communication with families and individuals. Direct communication produces results.
I am not going to list all the programmes – there are plenty – but there are several focus areas: rehabilitation and efforts to ensure that veterans, especially those with severe wounds, do not drop out of social and public life, or out of work. There are several projects here involving sports, public activism, and so on.
You mentioned that the Ministry of Defence adopted a certain decision that we introduced into the current regulatory and legal framework. In the past, a person with wounds was no longer allowed to serve in the Armed Forces. A decision was made to permit further service. It is a done deal now.
But I told the Minister and other colleagues in the Ministry that it is not enough to offer service in, say, military recruitment centres – which is not bad, and many guys are happy to do it. I even asked them if we could come up with something more interesting for them, and they said it’s enough. But there is certainly more to it.
The Minister is aware of it. There are many teams in the Ministry. The Defence Ministry as a government body is becoming more and more technology-intensive. There are ample opportunities for military personnel, numerous opportunities even for people who have lost certain health capacities but who can still be active in work and want to feel valued. I am asking the Defence Ministry to continue considering other niches because the scope is unlimited. The Defenders of the Fatherland fund will continue to deal with these matters.
You may have heard about the Time of Heroes platform. I have said many times and I want to repeat: clearly, the pool is big, over 700,000 people. Clearly, the platform can’t take all 700,000. One needs ambition, first, and certain qualifications, second. Those who want to develop professionally must be given such opportunities.
Corresponding decisions have been adopted, and we will keep improving this system. If somebody wants to go further in education, pursue vocational education or civilian higher education, we will do our best to ensure that our fighters – people like you and your comrades – have such opportunities, including financial and organisational support. This includes housing provision, among other things.
We are working across all fields – medical rehabilitation, education, and employment. Both the Defence Minister and the Prime Minister are raising this issue constantly. We all understand that, once the special military operation is over, a significant number of people will return to civilian life. Trust me, everybody in the Government is concerned with this matter. They are thinking about how to help the guys find their calling, and how to ensure that they find decent employment, obtain additional skills and qualifications, and have access to medical rehabilitation by any means necessary.
You know, this is always a huge undertaking. And in any major undertaking, there are always some hurdles, some hiccups: something forgotten or overlooked. But the system is designed to organise this work in the best possible way. If you see anything, something not meeting expectations, please report it directly to your superiors. We will try to fine-tune it – the Minister is here now, the Chief of the General Staff will be arriving in a couple of hours, and I’ll speak with him separately as well – so that it is communicated easily, so that we can take any glitches into account, hear them, and make the necessary adjustments.
In fact, our meeting today is also dedicated to this.
Thank you.
Please, let’s continue.
Maxim Stepanenko: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
Guards Lieutenant Maxim Stepanenko, assault platoon commander, assault company, Motor Rifle Battalion, 137th Ural Separate Assault Brigade, sir.
I have several questions. How soon can we ensure a mass supply of UAVs similar to the fibre-optic drones with artificial intelligence that the enemy is using? Is it possible to centralise the industrial production of hand-held, pistol-type net launchers and supply them to the troops to destroy enemy FPV drones operating via fibre optics?
To destroy enemy UAVs, we need pellet-firing cartridges not only for smoothbore weapons but also for 5.45mm automatic weapons. Can these be factory-produced?
For rapid, silent, and stealthy movement to the enemy’s front lines, an assault trooper needs various types of electric vehicles: scooters, kick-scooters, ATVs, and motorcycles. Can this problem be solved within the framework of the state defence order?
Vladimir Putin: You have many questions, and I will try to answer them broadly.
Regarding FPV drones and drones with artificial intelligence, work in these areas is very active – very much so.
Just before coming to this meeting – perhaps you were watching television, if you had the opportunity – I was presenting state awards. There was also a closed session, in addition to what was shown in the media. There, I presented awards to representatives of the defence industry, of our leading enterprises. Of course, during that ceremony, we also had a discussion, and in such settings, there can be no discussion other than about production matters. They all told me in detail about their previous accomplishments and the reasons for which the nation was awarding them, as well as what they had in store, what they were working on, and what they were proposing for the near future.
And of course, on our side, UAVs using artificial intelligence, targeting images for destruction, and so on – we are working on all of this, very actively. That is the first answer.
Regarding the fight against drones, of course we are fully aware of this, as are your commanders. They tell us about it constantly – every day, believe me, every single day. They report on the challenges drones create for our forces and on the ways they believe this problem can be overcome.
I won’t go into details now. I know what it is like in situations where simply raising your head can be dangerous when drones are hovering overhead like flies. So, the nature of this problem is well understood.
You probably know better than anyone else that once the drone threat is neutralised – correct me if I am wrong – the enemy’s conventional firepower is often significantly weakened, because, as I understand it, they rely heavily on this “wall” of drones.
This is essentially one of our most important tasks. Our industry is working on it too. Your commanders are involved in this as well, and the Ministry of Defence is working on it, along with other agencies, including civilian ones. Beyond that, as we have mentioned on numerous occasions, many skilled people across the country are engaged in working on it as well. I have tried to ensure – and the Ministry of Defence supports these efforts – that we do not stifle initiative, that there is no excessive bureaucracy, and that every worthwhile development receives support and proper funding. This is already happening. I would like the process to move faster, but in any case there is progress in this regard.
The same applies to state defence order. Obviously, the most in-demand equipment is being acquired through the state defence procurement system, and we will keep up this effort. Our own ‘Kulibins’ [self-taught engineers] and the so-called ‘people’s [crowdsourced] military-industrial complex’ are also making an effective contribution.
Sometimes I am surprised by how much of this work is being done almost directly on the frontline, but that is the reality – our fighters are achieving results. We will try to provide them with direct support. We will continue this work.
Please, go ahead.
Pavel Kuznetsov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
I am Guards Senior Sergeant Pavel Kuznetsov, deputy commander of an assault platoon. On behalf of myself and my command, I would like to personally thank you for inviting us here today for this celebration. I would also like to assure you that all tasks set by you will be carried out in full.
My question is the following. Along the entire front line, the enemy is now using UAVs with varying capabilities, ranges, and operating frequencies. Now, they have increasingly been using frequencies in the 8 to 12 GHz range. As a result, our ground-based detection systems are no longer able to detect them. As far as I know, commercial laboratories are producing the necessary modules in large amounts and fast. This leads to my question: is it possible to authorise and procure such modules from commercial laboratories in order to counter enemy UAVs?
Vladimir Putin: We discuss this issue with the Ministry on an ongoing basis, and I have just concluded another such discussion. We have tried to remove as much bureaucracy from the decision-making process as possible in order to accelerate both implementation and delivery to the troops. These commercial laboratories are operating and receive funding directly from the Ministry of Defence.
You know, there is really only one issue here, and I believe I can say it here: the equipment supplied to the troops must be effective. We have simplified many procedures and accelerated decision-making processes compared to the original procedures that were used, let’s say, under peacetime conditions. We are speeding up the adoption of new solutions as much as possible. Many new enterprises and laboratories have emerged. It is important that they not just receive funding, that the state supports promising ideas. What matters is that the resulting weapons are effective in combat, help accomplish combat missions, and most importantly, protect your lives and health. That is the key objective.
We work actively with everyone. Every developer naturally believes that their solution is the best. I have heard hundreds, if not thousands, of times: “Take ours – it is the best.” Then another developer says: “No, mine is the best,” followed by a third. Fortunately, we now have many of them, which is very positive. But the task of the Ministry of Defence is to identify the most effective solutions and promptly deliver them to you. I want to emphasise this again: this is the main challenge, not a lack of ideas or a lack of support. The challenge is selecting the very best. We must avoid spending resources on something that ultimately proves unsuitable for practical use.
So, there are now indeed many laboratories and various organisations working in this field. It is encouraging that so many people have responded to this challenge. Our people are exceptionally talented. Sometimes you look at their work and wonder how they managed to create it. The task remains the same: select the best. That is what the Ministry of Defence should be doing, and I hope this process is functioning effectively.
If you would like to add anything, Mr Belousov, please do.
Andrei Belousov: In fact, a clear mechanism has already been established. A small enterprise, a people’s defence-sector developer, or even a small team may create a new system. If we are talking about portable tactical electronic warfare equipment, such as Sosedka-N or Zemlyak, these first undergo formal testing. If they successfully confirm their stated performance characteristics, they are then assigned to advanced military units for operational trials. For unmanned aerial systems, for example, testing may take place with specialised formations such as the Rubicon centre of the 45th Special Purpose Brigade of the Airborne Forces. Several other units are also involved in combat testing.
If the equipment performs the testing successfully, it is then introduced into wider military service. This entire cycle now operates relatively quickly. However, as you know, we are engaged in a technological race. Even in the field of tactical electronic warfare, we are only beginning to develop a full range of solutions. We used to only have the Sosedka; now other systems are emerging as well. That is how the process works.
I would also like to say that we are about to fully cover the assault units’ needs for portable electronic warfare systems. We are focusing on the most effective solutions – those that have demonstrated their capabilities in combat, offer acceptable weight characteristics, and cover the necessary frequency ranges. We intend to continue this work to fully meet these operational needs.
Vladimir Putin: (Addressing Pavel Kuznetsov.) You mentioned the 8–12 GHz range. The adversary is constantly changing parameters; we therefore need systems capable of adapting flexibly and staying one step ahead. The Ministry is working on this issue, as is the entire defence industry. We will certainly continue these efforts.
Please, go ahead.
Question: As has been noted before, warfare is becoming increasingly technological every day. The enemy is deploying swarms of strike drones controlled by artificial intelligence systems on the battlefield. In this competition, it is important not only to keep pace with the enemy, but to surpass them.
The enemy’s drones rely on the Starlink satellite communications system, while we do not have an equivalent system. I would like to ask you to give instructions to our industry to find a solution to this technical challenge.
Vladimir Putin: As I have already said, we do have such a system. It exists and is being implemented. The challenge is scaling it up, and that will take time. However, the system has been created and is operational. The task now is to expand the satellite constellation, and this work is already underway. Another launch took place recently. How many satellites have been deployed?
Andrei Belousov: Sixteen.
Vladimir Putin: Another 16 satellites have been deployed. Of course, that is nowhere near enough. But the key point is that the problem has already been solved technologically and intellectually. The task now is to increase our capabilities, and that process will continue. We will keep working on it.
Denis Sviridov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
I am Guards Sergeant Denis Sviridov, Hero of the Russian Federation.
Over the past four years, the nature of warfare has changed dramatically. It has become more technological and, I would say, more lethal. I would like to ask you to call upon our industry, scientific community, and civil society to combine their efforts and provide us with the best possible weapons so that we can achieve military and technical superiority over the enemy. I am confident that, under your leadership, our united multi-ethnic people, our great united Russia, and our powerful army will deeply disappoint our enemies.
In conclusion, I would like to say: the enemy will be defeated, and victory will be ours. On behalf of the command of the 68th Tank Regiment, I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for everything you are doing for our multi-ethnic country, Russia.
Thank you very much.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
This is exactly what we have been discussing: the increasingly high-tech nature of modern armed conflict. We are witnessing it unfold before our eyes.
It is obvious to everyone, and I am not saying anything new, that Russia stands essentially alone against the so-called collective West, represented by the well-known North Atlantic bloc – NATO. After all, all NATO countries, absolutely every one of them, are now stepping up their efforts and doing everything possible to support actions directed against Russia and achieve what they view as a successful outcome of the war unleashed against Russia.
It was them who started the war. I have said this many times, and I will repeat it again: we did not initiate the conflict when the special military operation began. No, first they staged a coup d’etat in Ukraine, which compelled us to protect the people of Crimea. After that, war began in eastern Ukraine: air strikes were carried out against Donetsk. This was war. They deployed artillery and multiple-launch rocket systems, launched warfare in southeastern Ukraine. For eight years, we attempted to achieve a peaceful settlement. Do you see? We did not wake up one day and decided that we would start a war tomorrow. We urged the Ukrainian authorities to engage in dialogue with southeastern Ukraine, where Russians live. We were repeatedly assured that agreements would be implemented. And what happened then? It became clear that they came to Minsk, signed the Minsk agreements, but later – six months ago or around that – they publicly admitted that the agreements had primarily been intended to provide time for the Kiev regime to rearm and launch warfare. The former Federal Chancellor of Germany and the former President of France, who took part in the negotiations in Minsk, openly acknowledged that they had to sign that agreement to give the Kiev regime time to rearm.
We started military action. We had waited eight years for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, but after that it became clear it would never happen, because the head of the regime said outright that they would not fulfil anything. So we were forced to use other means to protect our interests and the people living there.
And they all believed – as everyone knows well – that they would rapidly achieve a strategic defeat of Russia. They have achieved no such thing, and they never will. No one has ever inflicted an ultimate strategic defeat on Russia, and the reason is simple: the multi-ethnic people of Russia, as you rightly said, stand together and understand their responsibility to future generations, to our children and grandchildren. Some people present here are quite young, and, God willing, you will have grandchildren, too. We must think about this. No one will safeguard Russia’s future on our behalf. It is our responsibility to defend the country, strengthen it, and create the conditions necessary for its stable and confident development.
And, of course, all our adversaries – and we have always had plenty – have invariably united against us. During the time of Napoleon, was it only France that fought Russia? No. Virtually every European country was involved. The same was true under Hitler. Just look at what happened at Stalingrad. Incidentally, Stalingrad was the first major battle in which Soviet forces suffered fewer losses than the enemy. But who was fighting there? Representatives of every European nation, without exaggeration, played their part. The same thing is happening today. Once again, they are pooling their efforts, including their intellectual resources.
We should acknowledge the high level of development of NATO countries. They possess advanced technology, strong scientific capabilities, and highly developed economies. They set out to inflict a strategic defeat on us, but now they understand that it is impossible. It is simply not a solvable task. They made a mistake by declaring that objective publicly. They got ahead of themselves; some even rushed to join NATO in the hope of securing their share of the benefits. If there were no cameras here, I would use a familiar gesture to show you exactly what they will achieve by doing so. They will achieve nothing.
At the same time, we must do more than simply respond to the challenges they create and the weapons they deploy against us. We must stay one step ahead. There are many of them – a whole pack – while we are one people, united and multiethnic. Our task is not merely to react to the challenges they create for us, but to anticipate them and be one step ahead. And often, we succeed. Step by step, perhaps not as quickly as we would like, but we are moving forward. Every day we continue to advance, gradually bringing territory under our control. This process will continue, and we will achieve our goals. There can be no doubt about this.
And there is only one piece of advice we can offer our adversaries: do not fight Russia. Never attempt to do so. Instead, let us live in peace and resolve issues through negotiation. But those must be genuine negotiations, not ultimatums that they tried to deliver to us until now. That approach no longer works. Now they say, “Let’s negotiate.” Yes, we agree to engage in negotiations, but those negotiations must take into account our national interests – not only today’s interests, but our long-term, historically significant interests as well.
When addressing these challenges, particularly in the context of an armed conflict, you are absolutely right: we must carefully assess the enemy’s capabilities while continuing to improve, develop, and enhance our own. That is exactly what we will do.
We were just discussing Starlink and other advanced technologies, including low-Earth orbit satellite constellation. As I have already said, we already have it, but it needs to be expanded. I have also recently discussed other projects with scientists and manufacturers – capabilities that our adversaries simply do not possess. There are many things they do not have that we do. And we will continue to increase those capabilities and improve them further.
Please, go ahead.
Timur Tydykov: Senior Sergeant Tydykov, 69th Separate Brigade, Amur assault detachment.
On behalf of our unit commander and all the servicemen currently serving on the frontline, I would like to congratulate you on this holiday.
We actively use the Igla and Verba man-portable air-defence systems to counter enemy fixed-wing drones. At night, we also employ thermal-imaging FPV goggles that we have developed ourselves.
Mr President, we would like to ask that these FPV systems be distributed more widely among units operating on the front line. As for the Verba air-defence system, its performance remains unmatched. It is also resistant to flare decoys, which the enemy is increasingly attempting to use.
I would also like to take this opportunity to convey greetings from the indigenous peoples of the Kemerovo Region, whom I represent. Some of our people are currently serving at the front. We understand the tasks before us, and all assigned mis
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
Tell me, are you, your family, or your friends connected with the coal industry?
Timur Tydykov: Yes, sir.
Vladimir Putin: In that region, almost everyone is connected to the coal industry in one way or another.
Timur Tydykov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
I am a mining engineer by training. Before the partial mobilisation, I worked for ten years as a mine foreman in a coal mine.
Vladimir Putin: Which company?
Timur Tydykov: The Gramoteinskaya mine, Yuzhkuzbassugol, Evraz.
Vladimir Putin: Evraz, I see.
Regarding fixed-wing UAVs, we can see that the enemy is expanding their use for a very specific purpose: to sow fear and confusion within Russian society, to divide it, to inflict moral and psychological damage, and cause economic losses. They will not succeed.
This issue obviously requires special attention, and there are several aspects to address.
First, we must continue strengthening the country’s air-defence system at all levels. I will not go into technical details, but specialists understand what is required: systems capable of operating against different targets at different altitudes and under different conditions. We are doing this and will continue to do so.
Second, regarding the economy. Yes, such attacks are damaging. However, we restore what is affected quickly, and they will not be able to inflict the kind of strategic harm they are aiming for. At the same time, these actions require an appropriate response on our part. We are taking such measures and will continue to increase strikes against infrastructure of the adversary in order to discourage them from attacking our civilian facilities. They will not succeed in dividing our society, nor will they achieve their objective of undermining our economy. Our capabilities are growing, and they will continue to grow as the capacity of Russia’s defence industry expands.
You mentioned several specific systems, such as FPV goggles. The Verba is already in service, and its production will continue to increase. The Minister is aware of this issue, and quite recently, I have mentioned it multiple times, about using this kind of equipment.
As for the FPV goggles, who is the manufacturer? I have seen such systems in operation. But when you speak about production, who exactly manufactures them?
Timur Tydykov: In our case, they are assembled independently at the front.
Andrei Belousov: There is a dedicated thermal-imaging system for the Verba known as Zarnitsa. It is already being produced; I will not discuss production figures while the cameras are rolling, but current output is still insufficient. We are increasing production volumes. We are well aware of the issue and are actively addressing it. Our goal is to supply Zarnitsa systems in amounts corresponding to the number of Verba launchers being delivered to operational units, particularly air-defence formations. It is a proven and effective system, with no issues regarding its performance.
Vitaly Krainyuk: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
I am Senior Sergeant Vitaly Krainyuk, 71st Motor Rifle Regiment.
An important issue of introducing new technologies on the battlefield has been raised. I would like to propose involving military personnel: specialists who are directly participating in combat operations, serving in assault units. I believe their knowledge and practical experience would be valuable to manufacturers and developers.
Thank you.
Vladimir Putin: I completely agree. In fact, that is exactly what we are trying to do. Do you have any specific ideas? Have you attempted to pass any proposals through your chain of command? Please do. But since you are here today, please share them directly. A happy coincidence, the Minister of Defence is sitting right here – and this is an area he knows professionally. Even when he served as First Deputy Prime Minister, he was involved in these matters: partly in the space sector and partly in [technological] development. In many ways, it was precisely because of his efforts in these areas as a civilian minister, Minister of Economic Development, and later First Deputy Prime Minister that he ended up becoming Minister of Defence. He was deeply involved in high-tech development, among other areas.
So please pass your suggestions along. I have to move on to another part of my schedule today, but I will ask the Minister to stay and hear all of your proposals personally.
We are trying to organise things this way because many of the achievements of our fighters on the front lines, as I have already mentioned, are genuinely impressive. Perhaps that should not be surprising. You understand what is needed, and you have a clear understanding of what the enemy possesses and what resources are available to you, and obviously, ideas emerge from that experience.
That is excellent. Please share them.
Mr Belousov, I would also ask you to issue corresponding instructions for the armed forces so that commanders remain receptive to such initiatives. Incidentally, many of the solutions we implement originate directly from the troops. We are trying to make full use of those ideas at the Ministry level. As you know, one of the group commanders went on to become a Deputy Minister of Defence. Why? Because he was one of those who effectively organised the work in this regard. Within his area of responsibility, he established a large number of small enterprises and, I would say, even laboratories. He implemented these initiatives skilfully and promptly. Today, he serves as Deputy Minister of Defence and continues working in this area. If there is a need to organise this process even more proactively and with even less bureaucracy, that would certainly be beneficial.
Please look into it. All right?
Andrei Belousov: Absolutely.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
This is how we will proceed. (Addressing Vitaly Krainyuk.) And now, if you have any specific ideas, please share them directly with the Minister while you are here.
Thank you.
Please. Is that all?
Have you had a chance to see Moscow at all? Mr Belousov, do the guys have a programme preplanned?
Andrei Belousov: Yes, we have worked with everyone, and there are certain requests and wishes. We will certainly arrange additional leave for them. In fact, yesterday we discussed granting an extra ten days.
Vladimir Putin: Well, you know, time off is important and absolutely the right thing to do. But beyond that, I do not know whether everyone here has visited Moscow before. Some may never have. While everyone is here, especially during their leave, they should have the opportunity to see the capital. It is a holiday, and the city is beautifully decorated. Please make sure an appropriate programme is organised for them.
Andrei Belousov: Certainly.
Vladimir Putin: Good.
I would like to conclude where I began: at the start of our meeting, I said that you are heroes. Perhaps I did not state it directly at first, although I say it often. But that is exactly what I meant. Not only those present in this hall, but also your comrades, your fellow servicemen, your brothers-in-arms. After all, who advances forward? The assault units. Who ultimately determines the outcome of a combat mission? Obviously, the infantry. It is the assault troops who move forward, secure territory for Russia, and hold it. You are carrying out that task. My deepest respect goes to you and to all your fellow servicemen. I wish you good luck and all the very best. Take care of yourselves.
I would like to reiterate once again: I invited you to meet here, in the Kremlin, today, on Russia Day, specifically to emphasise, through this meeting and our conversation, the importance of the combat duties you are carrying out.
God bless you. Thank you very much.