Website of the President of Russia: President: Transcripts

Vladimir Putin and Ferdinand Marcos made statements for the media

2026-06-18T18:04:00+04:00

Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos made statements for the media following the Russia – ASEAN Summit.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, ladies and gentlemen,

Mr Ferdinand Marcos, President of the Republic of the Philippines, a country which currently holds the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and I would like to inform you of the results of the Russia – ASEAN Summit, which has just concluded.

Our discussions were productive and constructive, taking place in a friendly and businesslike atmosphere. The summit brought together leaders, heads of government, senior politicians, and government officials from all eleven ASEAN member states, as well as the Secretary-General of the Association. This broad participation clearly reflects the strong mutual interest of Russia and the countries of Southeast Asia in further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, building on longstanding ties of friendship and the extensive experience of a multifaceted and fruitful partnership.

The strategic priorities for future cooperation between Russia and ASEAN are set out in the Kazan Declaration, which was adopted following the summit. In particular, the document reaffirms our shared commitment to building a just and democratic multipolar world order based on the universally recognised principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

The summit also approved the Russia – ASEAN Plan of Action, which outlines practical measures aimed at strengthening political and security cooperation, expanding trade and investment, and building up cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

I will note that we heard many constructive ideas and useful practical suggestions during the summit on stepping up our economic partnership. Participants spoke in favour of stepping up mutual trade, both in terms of quality and quantity, while also improving its structure and expanding mutual capital investment. To deliver on this vision, businesses must switch to national currencies in their financial transactions. We must remove the remaining trade barriers and streamline administrative procedures. All our countries have the potential to achieve this. It is a matter of diversifying our business ties.

Russia is ready to increase exports of high value-added products to ASEAN countries, including fertiliser and medicinal products. Of course, we remain committed to supplying our Asian friends with food products and energy resources, which have been enjoying so much demand.

Our country has been assisting and providing support to states in the region in their effort to develop nuclear energy. Rosatom has unique technology solutions to offer for building power plants in keeping with the highest security and environmental safety standards. Not only can it build nuclear power plants, but also create new civilian nuclear sectors from scratch as turnkey solutions by training specialists for this sector, and sharing its experience and knowledge in nuclear medicine and the application of nuclear technology in other domains, including agriculture, etc.

Russia and ASEAN countries have been doing a lot to strengthen their cooperation in the transport sector. They have been expanding transcontinental shipments by sea and rail, while laying new routes and working together on launching logistics services.

There have been regular consultations on sensitive issues such as combating terrorism, drug trafficking, organised crime, and the safe use of digital technology.

We reaffirm our commitment to working together on promoting cooperation on cybersecurity and ICT. Russia’s leading IT companies have been sharing their cutting-edge solutions with their Asian colleagues in data protection, artificial intelligence, smart city technology, etc.

Considerable attention during the summit was given to expanding humanitarian exchanges and cooperation in culture, science, sports, and tourism.

Russia has traditionally supported the training of qualified specialists from Southeast Asian countries. Today, around 5,000 students from the region are enrolled at Russian universities, including those who study under Russian government scholarships. For more than 15 years, the ASEAN Centre at MGIMO University has played an important role in strengthening academic and educational ties between Russia and the countries of Southeast Asia.

Tourist exchanges continue to grow, supported by regular direct flights between Russia and ASEAN member states. Last year, the number of Russian tourists visiting Southeast Asia increased by 37 percent. The flow of visitors from ASEAN countries to Russia also rose significantly, by 34 percent. We warmly welcome foreign guests and appreciate their interest in our history, culture, and rich folk traditions.

One of these ancient traditions – the Sabantuy festival, which is currently being celebrated in Kazan and other regions of the Volga region – serves as a vivid example. I would like to congratulate everyone taking part in these festivities, which traditionally mark the completion of the spring fieldwork season. Should any of our summit participants have the opportunity to stay here for a few more days, I am confident that the vibrant and diverse programme of celebrations will leave a lasting impression.

We attach particular importance to the fact that all heads of delegation expressed support for maintaining close foreign policy coordination. Russia and ASEAN countries, as sovereign, independent, and self-reliant states, are committed to strengthening international cooperation and to respecting all our partners, their history, religion, development models, and traditions. On many of the key issues facing the world today, our positions are either very close or fully aligned.

This is true, in particular, with regard to the situation surrounding Iran. We unanimously welcomed the agreements reached between the Iranian and American sides aimed at ending the military conflict and working towards the parameters of a future peace settlement. We believe that the fact that the document was signed by the heads of state, President Trump and President Pezeshkian, provides grounds for expecting it to become a serious and substantive foundation for future agreements.

We hope that the situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf will stabilise, which would, among other things, have a positive effect on global energy and food markets.

I would also like to emphasise that the Russian Federation will continue to provide every possible assistance to ASEAN states in their endeavours to maintain peace and stability in Southeast Asia and, more broadly, to establish a reliable, open and comprehensive system of security and multifaceted cooperation throughout the entire Eurasian region. Furthermore, we seek to facilitate the synergy of the various integration processes unfolding on the continent, including within such frameworks as ASEAN, the Eurasian Economic Union, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As you may be aware, a number of bilateral engagements have been scheduled for the participants during this summit. I, too, have meetings arranged with virtually all heads of delegations. Some of these engagements have already taken place, while others will be held later today – shortly. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank all my colleagues once again for accepting our invitation and travelling to the Russian Federation, to Kazan.

Let me reiterate that Russia sincerely strives to build a multidimensional and truly strategic partnership with the states of Southeast Asia, and we see the same commitment – to work together, hand in hand – reflected among our Asian partners.

Once again, I extend my gratitude to all participants, and to you, Mr President, in your capacity as the current Chair of the Association. You personally have made a significant contribution to the organisation of our today’s work. As co-chairs, the President and I have guided our deliberations, and I wish to thank you personally for this joint effort during today’s session. Thank you very much, Mr President.

You have the floor.

President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos: Thank you, President Vladimir Putin, members of the ASEAN delegations and the Russian delegation. Members of the media, good afternoon.

Today, ASEAN and the Russian Federation commemorated 35 years of dialogue relations and reaffirmed our shared commitment to partnership that remains constructive, forward-looking, and responsive to the evolving needs of our people.

As co-chairs of the ASEAN-Russia commemorative summit, President Putin and I welcome the productive and substantive discussions among leaders on the future direction of ASEAN-Russia cooperation, as well as on regional and international developments of common concern.

The summit underscored our collective commitment to strengthening cooperation across the political, security, economic, social and cultural pillars of engagement. We exchanged views on promoting peace, stability and sustainable development, enhancing trade and investment, strengthening food and energy security, advancing science and technology cooperation, and deepening people-to-people exchanges.

We also discussed developments in the wider Eurasian region, and welcome opportunities for greater engagement between ASEAN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the Eurasian Economic Union. We noted the growing interaction between ASEAN and these organisations and recognised the potential for enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including economic connectivity, trade and investment, energy, agriculture, tourism, and addressing transnational challenges.

We likewise welcome the adoption of several important outcome documents that will guide the next phase of ASEAN-Russia relations. These include the Kazan Declaration 2026, “ASEAN-Russia Unity and Diversity – 35 Years Together,” the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action for 2026–2030, the Joint Statement and Concept Paper on Cultural Cooperation, and the Joint Statement and Concept Paper on Energy Cooperation. Together, these documents provide a comprehensive roadmap for expanding practical cooperation and delivering tangible results and benefits to our peoples in the years to come.

As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines welcomes Russia’s continued engagement with ASEAN and its support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN-led architecture. We remain committed to ensuring that the momentum generated at the summit translates into concrete outcomes and meaningful cooperation.

On behalf of ASEAN, I express my appreciation to President Putin and the Government of the Russian Federation for the warm hospitality extended to all the delegations for this commemorative summit. As we mark this important milestone, we look forward to working closely with Russia to further strengthen our partnership and to build a more peaceful, resilient and prosperous future for our regions.

Thank you.

Russia – ASEAN Summit

2026-06-18T14:36:51+04:00

Vladimir Putin is taking part in the anniversary plenary sessions of the Russia – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, marking 35 years since the establishment of their relations.

The agenda for the meeting in Kazan includes a review of the strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and ASEAN, as well as new avenues for collaboration on the political, economic and humanitarian tracks, and an exchange of views on the latest international and regional developments.

Heads of the delegations taking part in the summit posed for a group photo ahead of the first plenary meeting.

Following the summit, a package of documents was approved, including the Kazan Declaration, the Comprehensive Plan of Action for Russia–ASEAN, the Joint Statement on Cultural Cooperation, and the Joint Statement on Energy Cooperation.

ASEAN includes 11 Southeast Asian countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Russia has been ASEAN’s full-scale dialogue partner since July 1996.

Taking part in the summit are Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia Hun Manet, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Indonesia Sugiono, Prime Minister of Lao PDR Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, Presidential Special Representative and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar hau Khan Sum, President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Xanana Gusmão, and Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Le Minh Hung. Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev, and Chair of the Eurasian Economic Commission’s (EEC) Board Bakytzhan Sagintayev are also taking part in the summit.

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Opening remarks by the President of Russia at the Russia – ASEAN Summit

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, friends,

I am delighted to welcome all of you to Kazan for the anniversary Russia – ASEAN Summit, which marks 35 years since the establishment of relations between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Friends, many of you have visited our country in the past, while for some, this is their first time here. Welcome to everyone.

Delegations at the previous Russia – ASEAN meeting did not include Timor-Leste, which joined ASEAN in 2025. We are delighted to have the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste with us today.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is an authoritative organisation extending beyond the Asia-Pacific region. Relevant on a global scale, it has withstood the test of time, building a system of cooperation between states founded on universally recognised norms of international law and mutual respect for each other’s interests.

These are precisely the principles underpinning Russia-ASEAN relations. It is a strategic partnership that serves as an essential stabilising factor in the Asia-Pacific amidst geopolitical turbulence, contributing to the formation of a balanced security architecture and equitable mutually beneficial cooperation.

Today’s agenda is as follows: we will exchange opinions on topical regional and international issues, share assessments of the outcomes of Russia-ASEAN cooperation over the past 35 years, and discuss future areas, tasks and objectives of the Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership.

It goes without saying that our discussion may cover other issues as well. Please feel free to raise any matters you deem worthy of discussion.

Our cooperation demonstrates clear results. We have developed a robust legal and regulatory framework to govern our relations, as well as an extensive network of joint mechanisms. We have launched new dialogue platforms. We have expanded the scope of practical cooperation in such areas as combating new security challenges and threats, as well as trade and investment, energy, agriculture, digitalisation, science and technology, tourism, and humanitarian contacts more broadly.

I hope this day will be productive and we will have a constructive and engaged exchange of opinions, as always.

I will be co-hosting this meeting with the President of the Republic of the Philippines, a country chairing ASEAN this year. With great pleasure, I pass the floor to Mr Ferdinand Marcos for his opening remarks.

Mr President, please.

To be continued.

Meeting with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim

2026-06-17T22:36:27+04:00

Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Prime Minister of Malasia Anwar Ibrahim who arrived in Kazan for the Russia-ASEAN summit.

On the Russian side, the meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Science and Higher Education, Russian Co-Chair of the Joint Russia-Malaysia Commission for Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation Valery Falkov, Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev, Director of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev, Special Presidential Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, First Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Vladimir Chistyukhin, General Director of the Roscosmos State Corporation Dmitry Bakanov, and Director General of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom Alexei Likhachev.

The meeting took place at the Galiasgar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre in Kazan.

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Beginning of Russian-Malaysian talks

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, friends,

It is a pleasure to welcome you to Russia, and I am delighted that you have joined us for the summit marking the 35^th anniversary of our country’s relations with ASEAN.

It was in Malaysia that the first meeting between the leaders of our countries in this format was held back in 2005. Last year, your country held the ASEAN chairmanship, and we are truly grateful for Malaysia’s support in advancing Russia’s strategic partnership with the Association.

Our two countries also coordinate closely in other international arenas, including the United Nations, BRICS, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Malaysia is a longstanding and trusted partner of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region, and our engagement has always relied on mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests.

Next year will mark the 60^th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. And we approach this milestone with a rich legacy of fruitful cooperation behind us, and considerable scope for further growth ahead.

Political dialogue has visibly gathered pace. We last met during your official visit in May 2025. In August, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the Supreme Ruler of Malaysia, paid the first state visit to Russia in the entire history of our bilateral ties. He subsequently visited St Petersburg earlier this year, and most recently came to Moscow in May for the celebrations of the 81^st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. May I take this opportunity to ask you to pass on my warmest regards to His Majesty.

We also maintain regular contact at ministerial, agency, and parliamentary levels. Our practical cooperation is overseen by the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Cultural Cooperation.

Last year, our bilateral trade grew by 12.9 percent – a very encouraging result.

At the same time, we attach great importance to joint initiatives in education, science, technology, and to expanding tourism and people-to-people ties.

Today’s discussion offers us an excellent platform to discuss priority issues across the broad landscape of Russian-Malaysian relations.

Mr Prime Minister, friends, once again, welcome.

Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim: Thank you, Mr President, President Putin and delegation members.

May I express my profound gratitude to you for your hospitality, and also for the reception here in Kazan, and to the whole team, your team, and also to the Rais and his team. Thank you very much.

You know, the relations in the last few years have been remarkable. We have seen impressive development, and my visit was – you were fantastic. The story about the three thrones became viral throughout the world, thank you. Although I still have one wife till now.

And the King, may I also send respects from the King Ibrahim, who was very impressed and considers you, President Putin, as his friend, and the Russian people as a country that we can foster better relations.

Now, bilateral mechanisms have expanded in all fields, and I think you have seen that. Even our hosting Russia in the Muslim World in Kuala Lumpur last year – it was a fantastic event, very successful, great participation, Rais Rustam was there and we accord all the support necessary to make sure that we embrace the friendship of the Russian people and see the enormous role that Russia can play not only in Malaysia but also in the developing world, ASEAN and the rest.

We are exploring this Halal economy and finance. We are now almost finishing the visa abolition arrangement. The delay is caused by the Foreign Minister, but otherwise things are developing very well. Trade investments – there are issues, Mr President. As you know, energy, you have given fantastic support. Thank you very much. Petronas was here with your counterpart, some of the companies here. We certainly got great admiration for your determination to enhance that collaboration and support during the initial energy crisis and now. And then you have also agreed these flights for tourism, for trade, and connectivity between Malaysia, Moscow, Kazan, and other cities in Russia. I hope you can give the required support to enhance that and facilitate, in fact, accelerate that process. And there are so many issues. I must take this opportunity to thank you for your position vis-à-vis Gaza and now Iran.

You have taken a very consistent, principled position. And I must say, on behalf of the Malaysian people and many others, how we admire your tenacity and conviction. Thank you.

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Reception in honour of Russia-ASEAN Summit participants

2026-06-17T23:58:50+04:00

The official welcoming ceremony and a state reception on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation were held at the Galiasgar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre in honour of the heads of delegations participating in the Russia-ASEAN Summit.

Address by the President of Russia at the state reception

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

I would like to once again welcome you all to Russia.

We are meeting in Kazan, a beautiful and ancient city that reflects the cultural and religious diversity of our country, its rich historical and spiritual heritage, and, at the same time, it is a modern, dynamic and outward-looking megacity. I am confident that you will experience genuine hospitality and warmth of the Russian people and have an opportunity to learn about their rich traditions.

Our summit is being held as part of the celebrations marking the 35^th anniversary of relations between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It has brought together leaders, heads of government, top politicians, and government officials from all 11 ASEAN member states.

The distinguished composition of participants clearly demonstrates the shared commitment of Russia and the countries of Southeast Asia to strengthening their partnership, elevating it to a new level, and further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in politics and security, the economy, trade, investment, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

We believe that our current summit, together with the documents prepared for endorsement – namely the Kazan Declaration and the Joint Plan of Action – will make a full contribution to achieving this overarching objective.

I am confident that we can face the future with optimism, because the partnership between Russia and ASEAN rests on close bonds of friendship, a spirit of mutual support, and a wealth of positive experience of cooperation.

The Soviet Union once played a significant role in helping many nations of Southeast Asia overcome the legacy of colonialism, supporting the development of their statehood, building the foundations of their economies, and strengthening their defence capabilities.

Tens of thousands of students from Southeast Asia have graduated from our higher education institutions. The knowledge and skills they acquired – as engineers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, economists, and specialists in countless other fields – have brought, and continue to bring, tangible benefits to the citizens of your countries.

Today, Russia and ASEAN states are jointly building on and enhancing those fine traditions of mutually beneficial cooperation, while working to deepen our partnership. Importantly, we stand together in advocating a just and equitable world order, upholding the principles of sovereign equality of states and non-interference in their internal affairs.

Both Russia and ASEAN countries share common moral values, respect one another’s national identities, and recognise the rich cultural and civilisational diversity of our world. Every one of our nations follows its own development path and does not seek to impose its views on others – and that, without a doubt, is our collective strength.

Let me stress that Russia stands ready to continue its active engagement with ASEAN member states to reinforce our strategic partnership, in the interests of ensuring the security, well-being, and prosperity of our countries and peoples, as well as the broader Eurasian region.

I wish us all every success in this constructive endeavour, and I would like to propose a toast to the health of heads of delegations and of all those present here today, for the further strengthening of strategic partnership between Russia and ASEAN, for development and prosperity of our countries, happiness and well-being of our peoples, for the success of this anniversary summit!

Thank you very much.

Meeting with Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah

2026-06-18T00:02:38+04:00

Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah on the sidelines of the Russia-ASEAN summit.

The meeting was held at the Galiasgar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre in Kazan.

* * *

Beginning of Russia-Bruneitalks

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Your Majesty, Colleagues, friends,

It is a genuine pleasure to welcome you to Russia, here in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan.

I am very grateful to you for making the journey to join us once again. Tomorrow, we will take part together in the summit marking the 35^th anniversary of Russia-ASEAN relations.

This year, we also celebrate the 35^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries, which were established on October 1, 1991.

Built on friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation over the past years, our interstate ties remain at a high level. That is reflected not only in our political dialogue, but also in our consistent action to expand mutual trade and deepen collaboration across key sectors, energy above all.

Our bilateral trade is showing positive momentum and is now approaching the billion-dollar threshold. In that context, I believe it would be worth considering the creation of a bilateral intergovernmental commission – a mechanism that would allow us to systematically deepen cooperation in fuel and energy, as well as in other promising areas.

There is also considerable potential in tourism and people-to-people exchanges, which are greatly facilitated by the two-week visa-free regime currently in place.

Your Majesty, we greatly appreciate Brunei’s consistently balanced position on international affairs, including on the highly complex and challenging issues confronting the world today. That, without doubt, is a reflection of your personal stature as one of the most experienced heads of state in the world.

It was Russia and Brunei, after all, that pioneered the idea of a pan-regional security architecture. And today, the Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership stands as an important stabilising factor in the Asia-Pacific region.

During the summit, together with the colleagues, we will be able to have a thorough exchange of views on how we can work together to strengthen peace and security in the region, against the backdrop of the current international situation.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah: Thank you, Mr President. It is a pleasure to meet you.

Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to you and the Russian Federation for hosting the 35^th ASEAN-Russia commemorative summit and for the generous hospitality accorded to me and my delegation.

I look forward to joining you and other ASEAN colleagues at the Summit and extend my best wishes and full support for a successful outcome.

It has been over a decade since my last visit to Russia, and I still cherish the fond memories of my earlier visit to your country. I am therefore delighted to be in Russia and to be in the beautiful city of Kazan for the first time.

I am looking back – with deep appreciation – on every opportunity we have had to meet over the years, from welcoming you to Brunei for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2000 to your extensive virtual participation in the 4^th ASEAN-Russia Summit and the 16^th East Asia Summit during our ASEAN chairmanship in 2021. These exchanges have always been warm, and I look forward to our discussion today.

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Meeting with President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos

2026-06-17T21:17:02+04:00

Vladimir Putin held a meeting with President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos.

On the Russian side, the meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Russian Co-Chair of the Joint Russian-Philippine Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation Alexei Gruzdev, First Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Vladimir Chistyukhin, Director General of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom Alexei Likhachev, and Chairman of the Delovaya Rossiya National Public Organisation Alexei Repik.

The meeting took place at the Galiasgar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre in Kazan.

* * *

Beginning of Russian-Philippine talks

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,

Welcome to Kazan, Russia. I believe this is your first visit to our country.

Your country holds the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, and we are especially pleased that during your term of office ASEAN marks the 35^th anniversary of our country’s relations with the Association.

This summit represents an important milestone in the development of Russia’s strategic partnership with ASEAN. Tomorrow, we will co-chair the summit’s plenary session and jointly sum up its outcomes at a press conference.

But first, allow me to once again extend my congratulations to you, Mr President, and to the Filipino people on your Independence Day, celebrated on June 12. It is a highly symbolic coincidence that we, in Russia, also mark our national holiday, Russia Day, on the very same date.

This month also marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. In that connection, I recall that during our conversation just now we all remembered the visit of your father, Ferdinand Marcos, to Moscow in 1976, which resulted in the adoption of a joint communiqué establishing interstate ties. I would note that, against the backdrop of the Cold War, this required political will on the part of the Philippine leadership. Such a balanced and pragmatic approach to international relations is certainly no less relevant today.

We approach this milestone, of course, with a solid foundation of mutually beneficial cooperation, built on good traditions, mutual respect, and due regard for each other’s legitimate interests.

Last year, our mutual trade exceeded half a billion dollars – a figure that is by no means the ceiling. There is clear potential to expand supplies of both agricultural products and energy resources, as we briefly touched upon earlier.

Effective mechanisms for practical cooperation are already in place, including the Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.

Today, Mr President, we have an excellent opportunity to take stock of the current state of Russian-Philippine cooperation.

Once again, welcome.

President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos: Thank you very much, Your Excellency, Mr President.

First of all, allow me to convey my gratitude for the warm hospitality that your government and your people have shown to myself and this delegation, and, speaking as Chair of ASEAN, to all of the member states of ASEAN who have come for this very important summit.

As you have mentioned, Mr President, it is a particularly significant time for us to be meeting as this is the 50 years’ celebration of the Philippine-Russian ties. We welcome the efforts of our respective embassies. Since last year, they have spearheaded initiatives that celebrate this milestone – in particular, the photo exhibition that was held in Moscow, the inaugurating display at the Foreign Ministry in Moscow.

We hope to continue our regular conduct of political consultations between our foreign ministries. They provide a very important opportunity to explore further ways of cooperation.

Once again, speaking as Chair of ASEAN, I personally extend my invitation to Your Excellency to attend the 21^st East Asia Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Manila next November. The East Asia Summit remains an integral part in maintaining a regional architecture towards our shared goal of a stable, secure and prosperous region.

On the trade and investment relationship between our two countries, again, I would like to thank you for the hospitality and support that was extended to our delegation at the fourth meeting of the Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which was held in Moscow last September. We appreciate the forward-looking exchange on different structural issues that affect the trade between our two countries. As you have mentioned, Your Excellency, there are many potential areas that are still open to explore. I think the present level of trade, although it is steady, I think there is a great deal more that we can do.

We noted that during the JCTEC meeting held in Moscow, energy and food security emerged as mutual priorities for both our countries. That is why the b2b component of the sidelines of the JCTEC enabled the Philippines and Russia to establish networks and to explore joint ventures.

We note that the number of memoranda of understanding that we signed during this activity covered cooperation and innovation, retail products, cosmetics, food processing, and industrial collaboration.

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Meeting with Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin

2026-06-15T17:35:46+04:00

Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Nikitin, you oversee a very large and complex sector, and there are many issues to discuss. Let us begin with the high-speed mainline project. How is the work progressing?

Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin: Mr Putin, thank you for this very important question. At present, work is underway across all sectors of the project.

The train itself is under construction. Today, we have already completed the welding of almost the first five carriages of the high-speed train. For the first time in the world, welding has been carried out on a 980-millimetre section. At speeds of 400 kilometres per hour, we are dealing with an entirely different level of physics, which means completely different requirements in terms of safety, tolerances, and engineering standards. This work is proceeding fully on schedule in Verkhnyaya Pyshma.

Importantly, 150 companies are participating in the industrial cooperation chain for the train. The two key elements in the interaction between the train and the wheel–rail system are the wheelsets and the traction drive. Both have been developed and manufactured in Russia. They are currently undergoing successful testing and are being prepared for certification. In other words, the most critical engineering challenges facing the developers are being successfully addressed.

Construction of engineering structures is actively progressing along the entire route. Perhaps the largest of these is the eight-kilometre bridge across the Shosha River. Work there is proceeding at full speed, with the bridge supports already under construction.

One of the more sensitive aspects of the project involves crossings over existing infrastructure: railways, motorways, gas pipelines, and power transmission lines. Work in these areas is also advancing steadily. For example, construction at the crossing over the M-11 Neva Motorway is already in an active phase.

A unique project involving reinforced-concrete beams weighing 700 tonnes is also underway. Production has begun at a dedicated facility, one of ten such plants planned for the project. These beams will form the foundation of the entire structure. The first two have already been cast and are undergoing testing, while the third one is currently being poured. By the time the supports are completed, these beams will be ready for installation.

Where the line passes over unstable ground without elevated structures, pile foundations are essential. As you know, the soils in the Moscow, Tver, and Novgorod regions are particularly challenging, with numerous wetlands. Consequently, the pile fields have largely already been driven, and this work is being carried out efficiently.

Given the high operating speeds, we are also constructing viaducts and overpasses to minimise gradients and ensure the smoothest possible alignment, with as few curves and deviations as possible.

Vladimir Putin: Who is responsible for monitoring quality?

Andrei Nikitin: First, quality control is carried out by the concessionaires acting on behalf of the customer. They have engaged a specialised company for this purpose. Rostekhnadzor is also conducting oversight on site. And of course, Russian Railways, as the general contractor, is closely involved. Accordingly, all work is subject to exceptionally rigorous supervision.

I would also like to express my gratitude to our colleagues from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. We have established an advanced engineering school – the High-Speed Rail Academy – which is helping us train the required specialists.

Mr Putin, the task you have set is extremely important. This is a landmark engineering and technological project, and we cannot allow the momentum to be lost. Following your instructions, we have also examined potential future directions for the development of the high-speed rail network. We assessed these options based on reductions in travel time, projected passenger traffic, investment requirements, and, most importantly, their contribution to gross domestic product. That is, which routes are most effective.

Among the proposed routes within Russia, the most effective is the Moscow–Nizhny Novgorod section with further extension to Kazan. It offers the greatest economic impact and overall benefit. The second most promising project is the international Moscow–Minsk route, followed by the other proposed corridors.

Therefore, with your permission, we would like to begin preliminary work on these projects. I will submit the corresponding proposal.

Vladimir Putin: Of course.

Andrei Nikitin: It would be desirable for us to make a decision on these projects by 2028–2029, finalise the financial model, and move on to implementation.

Vladimir Putin: As for the Moscow–Minsk project, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and I have discussed it repeatedly. The President of Belarus supports the initiative, so there should be no administrative difficulties.

Andrei Nikitin: Mr Putin, with your approval, we would like to involve the Eurasian Development Bank from the outset and develop the project jointly as an international undertaking. We will work on this together with Oleg Belozerov under the supervision of Vitaly Savelyev.

Vladimir Putin: Good.

Andrei Nikitin: Let me also say a few words about inland waterway and maritime transport. Mr President, you issued a corresponding instruction in this area, and today river transport is developing steadily. At the same time, several projects are of key importance for the economy. These include the Bagayevsky and Gorodetsky hydraulic engineering complexes, whose construction is progressing in line with your instructions. We recently inaugurated the first phase of the Bagayevsky project together.

Of course, attention must also be paid to Siberia and the Far East, particularly to everything related to the northern delivery. From a commercial standpoint, these routes may not generate large cargo volumes, but we have a responsibility to ensure the delivery of food, fuel, and other essential goods to people in these regions.

Vladimir Putin: It is a vast distance – more than 12,000 kilometres.

Andrei Nikitin: When I looked into the issue, I found that since the 1990s, 93 ports have been closed, while only 95 remain in operation. In other words, nearly half of the ports have been closed. Responsibility for these facilities was transferred to the regions. As a result, in places where ports occupied central locations, developers emerged, and so on. One of the key challenges for expanding river cargo transportation today is the availability of port infrastructure, transshipment facilities, and rail connections.

We have already begun addressing these issues together with the regions. Three new ports have been built, and we intend to continue this work.

Vladimir Putin: Where have they been built?

Andrei Nikitin: In Tatarstan and Yakutia. These regions have the most proactive governors and sufficient cargo volumes.

Passenger transport is demonstrating remarkable growth. On your instructions and under the leadership of Vitaly Savelyev, the River Routes project was launched and continues to expand rapidly. Passenger traffic has been growing steadily year after year, reflecting strong public interest in this form of tourism.

While river passenger services are still largely associated with tourism, they are increasingly serving broader transportation needs. Moscow, for example, has launched a full-fledged river transport system and has even established its own shipyard. We are actively assisting these efforts.

Nor is this trend limited to Moscow. Meteor-class vessels are being built in Nizhny Novgorod, and a shipyard is operating in the Leningrad Region. As a result, the passenger river transport sector is currently developing even faster than freight transport.

Vladimir Putin: What is the average age of the passenger fleet today?

Andrei Nikitin: Taking into account the vessels currently in operation and undergoing modernisation, the average age is 38 years. However, this figure is expected to change soon. Moscow alone plans to introduce more than 40 new vessels, which will significantly rejuvenate the fleet. New cruise ships are also under construction.

Vladimir Putin: I assume the cruise fleet is even older?

Andrei Nikitin: Yes, although brand-new cruise vessels are now being built as well. Efforts in this area are underway. Passenger expectations are rising, tourists are becoming more demanding, and shipowners are investing heavily in the modernisation of their fleets.

Vladimir Putin: Good.

Andrei Nikitin: There are two other priorities I would like to highlight for the Ministry of Transport. The first is the monitoring of dredging operations. It is essential that dredging be carried out where it is genuinely needed. To achieve this, we plan to use unmanned and autonomous technologies to assess river conditions, identify priority areas, and establish targets. We intend to begin this work this year.

As for the second priority: I asked my colleagues a simple question: how do we currently know what cargo is being transported along our waterways? It turns out that at many locks, this information is still recorded manually in large logbooks based on what captains report. Clearly, it is impossible to accurately assess the economic performance of river transport using such methods. For this reason, we are moving toward the introduction of an electronic waybill system on rivers as well. A pilot project will be conducted this year, followed by full implementation next year. This will provide us with reliable data of the sector’s economic performance.

Vladimir Putin: As I understand it, this will also help determine the optimal distribution of cargo among different types of transport.

Andrei Nikitin: Absolutely. We will also see how government investment can be allocated most effectively.

In this regard, I would like to request your support for the preparation of a comprehensive concept for the future development of water transport. We believe this concept should be built around several key principles: first, investment decisions should be guided by actual cargo and passenger flows. Second, there must be a clear division of responsibilities between the federal and regional authorities, allowing regions to take the lead, while ensuring federal support and oversight in important areas. Third, attention must be given to operational reliability, safety, and the fulfilment of critical national tasks, including the northern supply.

We plan to begin this work this year and submit the resulting proposals to the State Council in 2027.

Vladimir Putin: Very well.

<…>

Meeting on development of reunited constituent entities of the Russian Federation

2026-06-14T11:09:30+04:00

The President held a videoconference meeting on socioeconomic development of the reunited constituent entities of the Russian Federation: the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.

Taking part in the meeting were Prosecutor General Alexander Gutsan, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kirienko, deputy prime ministers Tatyana Golikova and Marat Khusnullin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Minister for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Natural Disaster Relief Alexander Kurenkov, Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev, Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov, Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin, Head of the Lugansk People’s Republic Leonid Pasechnik, Governor of the Zaporozhye Region Yevgeny Balitsky, Governor of the Kherson Region Vladimir Saldo, and Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Sanchik.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,

Our agenda includes issues of socioeconomic development of Donbass and Novorossiya. Let me remind you that just over three years ago, in April 2023, a corresponding comprehensive programme was endorsed, and large-scale tasks were set to ensure close integration of our historical territories into a single legal, economic, educational, cultural, and information space of the country.

Today, we will assess the results attained, and most importantly, we will once again jointly analyse which areas call for additional efforts, where closer coordination is required, taking into account the current situation and operational information from the regional heads. We will look into where resources should be concentrated as a priority, and where, as I have already mentioned, additional support from the federal authorities is required.

I would like to point out once again that under the plans, the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics, and the Kherson and the Zaporozhye regions should achieve Russian nationwide standards in all key indicators, in terms of quality of life by 2030. To this end, the programme provides for about 300 different activities, including the development of social, housing, transport, and utilities infrastructure, implementation of projects to launch new industrial and agricultural enterprises, and creation of additional modern jobs.

Importantly, all federal agencies, 26 state-owned companies and 82 constituent entities of the [Russian] Federation have engaged in this massive work and taken patronage over specific areas and settlements of the reunited regions. In fact, entire Russia, hundreds of work teams, volunteer movements, and public organisations have lent a hand to Donbass and Novorossiya; they united to help unlock the enormous potential of these lands and create conditions for creative and stable life.

I am sincerely grateful to all those involved in these tremendous efforts. I know that we have to work in a very stressful, difficult, and sometimes dangerous combat situation – near the line of contact, under conditions of unmanned attacks and shelling.

Our troops are holding a strategic advantage, confidently moving forward, and no shelling or drone strikes are going to change this situation now. There are advances in all directions. The enemy cannot contain this onslaught and is turning to openly terrorist methods – striking civilian targets and communications as well as passenger transport.

I would like to thank all residents of Donbass and Novorossiya for their courage and steadfastness, and, of course, doctors, teachers, public utilities workers, drivers, employees of many departments, and specialists who conscientiously perform their professional tasks and achieve meaningful results.

I can inform you that in total, more than 25,000 different facilities have been restored or rebuilt, including schools, hospitals and clinics, sports grounds, energy and utilities infrastructure. About one million square meters of housing have been commissioned, almost 260 industrial enterprises have been launched, and about 19 million tonnes of grain have been harvested. Through a wide range of tools and mechanisms, assistance has been provided to businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Next. Over 8,000 kilometres of motorways have been repaired and paved, including sections of the Azov Ring motorway, a modern road connecting our Azov regions designed to improve transport accessibility of these territories, open up new opportunities for investment, logistics, and trade.

In this regard, I would like to mention the recently approved Azov Region Development Strategy. It covers our historical regions of Donbass and Novorossiya and should help expand transport and tourism infrastructure, bring land into agricultural production, take the fishery complex to a new level, and eliminate accumulated environmental damage. Eventually, the resource and recreational potential of the Azov Sea region should substantially increase.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask my colleagues in the Government, jointly with the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, local leaders, and business representatives, to focus special efforts on implementing this strategy.

We essentially need to actively introduce cutting-edge scientific and technological solutions and create conditions for attracting investment in technological development projects in this region. This is the foundation for a long-term, sustainable growth. As a result, the Azov Sea region’s development strategy and the programme for the socioeconomic development of Donbass and Novorossiya will effectively complement each other and provide a comprehensive approach to the recovery of our historical regions.

I would like to reiterate: we need not just to recreate or repair everything that was destroyed or damaged but to lay a foundation for a drastic transformation of the economy and industry in Donbass and Novorossiya, to ensure that all spheres of life in these regions get a powerful boost to development for people to see real changes for the better. This is our key national task, and it must be rigorously carried out.

There is a lot of work ahead, and the programme for the socioeconomic development of Donbass and Novorossiya is designed for the period of up to 2030, as you are well aware. A significant part of the programme has yet to be implemented.

This is what we are going to discuss in detail today. Let us get to work. The floor goes to Mr Khusnullin, please.

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin: Mr President,

The social development programme for the reunited regions, approved on your instructions, is being implemented in full. You have declared this year the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, and the development of Donbass and Novorossiya has become an example of how the entire country has united to achieve the common goal.

It is important that the programme is comprehensive and covers all areas of our lives and interests of all our citizens.

The most vital task that directly affects the future of these regions, and with due account of their potential – of the entire country, is the development of the regions’ economies.

As you have already noted, industrial enterprises are restoring their operations, and an increasing number of products from these regions are integrated into our common Russian economic system. Agriculture is developing, and agricultural land is being brought into cultivation.

The free economic zone contributes to the inflow of investments and the growth of business activity. The number of participants in the free economic zone has already exceeded 500, whereas the volume of announced investments in the territory amounts to 383 billion rubles. We see that investors are showing great interest. Regional teams should prioritise provision of comfortable investment conditions, project support, and response to investors’ problems and issues in the reunited regions. The latter have a tremendous potential in industry, agriculture, tourism, and construction, and our task is to actively develop it. This is a priority task for the near future.

Mr President, the banking sector is actively developing, and investments through the banking sector are intensively growing. Last year we saw a significant and serious growth with a loan portfolio of 275 billion already, while the growth since the beginning of this year alone, in five months, has been 30 percent. This is a huge work, which, of course, must be continued and increased many times over.

Of course, preferential mortgages and industrial loans, support for agricultural producers and all types of financial services are of great help here. In addition, a military risk insurance programme for housing construction was launched jointly with the Ministry of Finance.

Jointly with the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography and the Roskadastr public non-profit company, large-scale work has been organised to take a total inventory and registration of all real estate property; some six million facilities have already been registered – it is an enormous figure. This is very important for people to be able to register their housing and land plots, develop the economy, attract investors, receive loans, and increase tax revenues.

As for tax receipts, we have collected 435 billion rubles in 2025. It is 22 percent more than in 2024. Mr President, we review the figures every month together with the Federal Taxation Service, and we can see that the growth rate this year will be between 10 and 20 percent in different sectors. In other words, our economy is developing and taxes are collected. We can see that the new regions are growing and creating additional demand for the output of our enterprises throughout the country, which is fostering its development.

Since 2025, all four regions have been fully involved in the implementation of the Infrastructure for Life national project. Under this project, 98 key settlements were identified and comprehensive plans for their development have been drafted and approved. These are core development milestones. At the same time, I would like to say that all other territories continue to develop as well. As recently as last week, we held meetings in every region with the heads of these regions and their teams. We are implementing all plans for the development of major settlements.

Our key priority was to rebuild housing and infrastructure, which the people need for comfortable life. Overall, we have rebuilt 7,700 apartment buildings, or about 24 million square metres.

For the first time in the post-Soviet period, we are implementing a programme of major repairs and replacement of old lifts in Donbass and Novorossiya. We are also inspecting dilapidated housing and have launched a programme to relocate people from such housing.

Another priority is the development of investment housing construction. Our ambitious task is to reach the national average in housing construction by 2030. We are addressing this issue comprehensively. In particular, we have prepared 26 master plans and another 75 such plans will be ready by 2030, including for the coastal area in the context of the potential development of tourism and housing construction, as well as the overall development strategy of the Azov Region.

We are taking measures to increase our construction potential. Towards this end, we have created a database of land plots that can be used for housing construction.

While working to rebuild housing, we are also implementing a programme to rebuild and modernise the public utilities sector. It should be said that this sector was in bad shape, as it had not been renovated since the Soviet era. We have approached this task systematically, repairing and modernising networks and installing new systems.

Of course, we pay special attention to the acute problem of stable water supply. Mr President, you focused on this issue on numerous occasions, and we have taken a package of measures to maintain the requisite volume of water supply. We have switched to a daily water supply in Mariupol. That is why we can continue to reduce water losses by changing pipes, and we have good results to report.

Road infrastructure is a vital element of territorial development. To improve these regions’ connectivity, we have approved detailed road development plans until 2030, which include every settlement and every road in it. We have signed these documents with all city heads and the Federal Road Agency (Rosavtodor) and published them.

I can assure you that both federal and municipal roads there have been brought to standard. The next task is to upgrade roads inside the localities, which is why we have increased additional funding to expand the road network in settlements. We also need to expand the municipal road network, which is currently below standard.

We are actively developing the public transit system. I would like to say that we have fulfilled your instructions to increase the share of public transport in the new regions that complies with the national standard to 85 percent. Over the past two years, we have sent many buses there. There is a problem with drivers, but the last time we visited that territory we saw that nearly all buses are running on their routes. This is very important for the people.

I would like to highlight the modernisation of social infrastructure, which is a matter of special significance for us. Overall, we have rebuilt 263 healthcare facilities, 1,700 educational establishments, including universities, schools and kindergartens, and 500 culture, sports and social services facilities. We worked together with the single customer in the construction sector, the heads of the regions, and our colleagues at the ministries of science and higher education, healthcare, education, culture, labour and social protection, as well as sport to formulate sector-specific programmes for the reconstruction of social facilities until 2030. In all, we plan to rebuild 2,300 facilities. We have the necessary funding and plans, and we are working to implement them.

Mr President, I would like to thank you for the attention you are giving to the development of the reunited regions. We would not have achieved these results without your constant support. I would also like to thank the Presidential Executive Office, the heads of the reunited regions and their teams, all participants in this project, namely, federal agencies, the sponsor regions, and state companies. We are also grateful to the State Duma and the Federation Council for the huge volume of their legislative work – they have adopted over 200 legal acts.

I would also like to extend a special thank you to our colleagues in the law enforcement – the FSB, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Defence Ministry, the Emergencies Ministry, the Interior Ministry, and the National Guard, who ensure security and compliance with law and order.

The tasks ahead are ambitious and complicated, but we know how to address them. We have developed a systemic approach to the development of the new regions. I am sure that we will achieve all the goals you have set to us.

Thank you for the attention.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you, Mr Khusnullin.

Please, Ms Golikova, on the development of the social sphere.

Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova: Thank you.

Mr President, colleagues, good afternoon.

As Mr Khusnullin has already noted, today our historical regions are fully included in the implementation of key strategic and priority activities, as well as national projects – Family, Long and Active Life, Personnel – and in our state programmes.

Today, a network of government agencies has been fully established: these include authorities of the Federal Agency for Labour and Employment (Rostrud), medical and social assessment offices, employment centres, social protection centres, departments of the Social Fund, the Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund, and the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare. In other words, we have moved from the stage of adaptation to the stage of sustainable functioning and development.

I will briefly report on individual areas of work.

In terms of the social block, today all social protection, labour, and pension guarantees are available to citizens. Currently, federal support measures cover 2.4 million residents of the historical regions. There is a gradual transition to federal pensions going on. Today, more than 1.5 million people have been awarded pensions since 2023, 93 percent of them are pensions meeting federal standards.

From July 1, 2025, according to your instructions, work in Ukraine is included in the pensionable service. And today, pensions have already been recalculated for 27,000 citizens.

Almost 140,000 maternity capital certificates have been issued, with 50 percent practically used. The preferred form of using maternity capital is monthly payments to children under three years of age.

The unified [child] benefit currently covers 36,000 families with 56,000 children, as well as 1,300 pregnant women. And we have preserved the simplified conditions for accepting documents.

We are also implementing a social contract programme. Today, 39 percent of families with children use social contracts in historical regions. And this year, on your instructions, participants in the special military operation receive a social contract regardless of their needs. This work has been launched by the regions.

The support measures that we are implementing are gradually yielding results. Over the past three years, we have seen that the birth rate is increasing albeit slowly. The Donetsk People's Republic is the leader here: the growth amounted to 14 percent over three years.

A few words about the citizens who need our support, perhaps more than healthy citizens. We are talking mainly about the elderly and citizens with disabilities. Today, 104,000 such citizens receive our care in 138 social care institutions, and 1,937 citizens receive long-term care.

We set up and opened 42 coordination centres and 37 nursing schools. The process of disability assessment and categorisation and granting of combat veteran status has been simplified. Interdepartmental commissions which operate in the region have confirmed more than 53 thousand statuses. In three years, we have increased the provision of technical means of rehabilitation almost three-fold. Today, the regions receive support for equipment for comprehensive rehabilitation and habilitation of people with disabilities as per uniform standards. The Lugansk People's Republic is currently receiving funds for the reconstruction of a comprehensive rehabilitation centre.

As far as healthcare is concerned, over the past three years, a three-tier system of medical care has been created both in the regions and throughout the Russian Federation. Now the historical regions are fully integrated into the compulsory health insurance system. And, as Mr Khusnullin has already noted, we are implementing all investment programmes, both for the restoration and construction of medical facilities.

I would also like to note that over the past period of time we have established 11 regional vascular centres and primary departments, and the availability of high-tech medical care has almost tripled. While in 2023, high-tech medical care was provided to 4,300 patients, last year this figure reached 12,000. And we continue to increase these digits.

Five cancer centres have been equipped, and more than 580 equipment units have been supplied. And I should also note that a linear accelerator for radiation therapy has been launched for the first time in Zaporozhye on the basis of the Melitopol cancer dispensary; 98 patients have already been treated. This year, we will continue the construction of 43 medical modules, 22 major repairs, and we will continue to supply medical equipment and vehicles.

Additionally, pursuant to your instructions, we have been actively developing occupational health examinations and preventive medical checkups from the very beginning. Every year, more than 1.9 million adults and more than 530,000 children undergo these check-ups in four regions.

Special attention is paid to participants in the special military operation. Last year, 14,500 soldiers and four thousand veterans underwent occupational health examinations and medical checkups; 12,000 participants were put under observation.

I would also like to note, Mr President, that the development of infrastructure, such as cancer centres or cardiovascular departments at various levels, helps us transfer there all types of care that are developing in other regions of the Russian Federation.

Thanks to this approach, we managed, among other things, to render medical care to patients with cardiovascular diseases, saving the lives of 5,000 citizens in the historical regions because help came quickly.

I would like to particularly praise the work of the emergency medical service. Today, there are 297 crews and 2,300 employees. They are given special attention, because they are exposed to constant danger. And on your instructions, last year, we provided them with armoured ambulances. Last year, it amounted to 33 vehicles and we continue this year with another 31 ambulances.

Medical staffing is also on our agenda. This is a complex challenge, and we have not yet achieved the benchmarks or solved the tasks that we set for ourselves together with the historical regions. Around 46,000 doctors are currently working in the new regions. The Donetsk People’s Republic is closest to achieving the national average. But we continue to work in all areas, including developing higher and secondary medical education in the regions.

On your instructions, we provide social payments to certain categories of medical workers: from 20,000 rubles for ambulance drivers to 100,000 for doctors who deliver medical care to participants in the special military operation. Last year, 16,500 people received these payments for a total of 4 billion rubles. The necessary resources have been allocated, and we continue to make payments in 2026.

We managed to engage 270 medical professionals as part of the County Doctor and the County Paramedic programmes. We make payments in the amount of 2 million rubles to doctors and 1 million rubles to nursing staff. This work is underway, it will be continued this year, and we plan to attract 190 specialists in 2026.

And a few words about culture. In three years, more than 470 cultural facilities have been upgraded and equipped, including libraries, cinemas, and museums, and 140 more will receive support this year. More than a million books have been purchased, and we plan to purchase 300,000 in 2026. We are equipping children’s art schools, of which 257 are ready, and cultural centres – there will be 84 more this year. It is important that we organise sightseeing and study trips for children across the Russian Federation, and 29,000 students have already been on such trips, 8,000 children are expected to go on such trips this year. We continue to open new museums. I must say that cultural facilities are actually in great demand in all four regions.

Mr President, we will continue our work without slowing down, and we will work actively together with our colleagues from historical regions.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

Colleagues, I want to thank you for what you have done. A lot has been done, and it’s very good, but there are many more unresolved issues. And now I suggest discussing exactly this.

<…>

Meeting with military personnel participating in the special military operation

2026-06-13T16:44:03+04:00

On Russia Day, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief held a meeting with the military personnel participating in the special military operation in the Kremlin.

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, 155^th Regiment, 2^nd 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 163^rd 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 247^th 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, 137^th 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 68^th 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, 69^th 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, 71^st 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.

Presenting Hero of Labour medals and Russian Federation National Awards

2026-06-12T19:42:11+04:00

By tradition, on Russia Day, the President presented the gold medals of the Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation and the 2025 Russian Federation National Awards in science and technology, literature and the arts, for outstanding achievements in human rights and charity work, in the Grand Kremlin Palace’s St George’s Hall.

Following the ceremony, the President had brief conversation with winners of the National Awards and Heroes of Labour of the Russian Federation.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends, colleagues, congratulations on Russia Day!

We are celebrating this holiday with warmth and affection for our Motherland, with pride for grand achievements in industry and military service by many generations of our ancestors, with respect for key events in Russian history and, of course, with understanding that all stages in our state’s evolution over 1,000 years form a single journey.

A deep, personal feeling for Russia is part of our mentality. For Russian people, solidarity and patriotism have always been the greatest values that helped us overcome any difficulties, defeat enemies, build our country, and preserve our historical and cultural legacy.

Friends,

A sincere sense of responsibility for our Fatherland is a feeling known to every one of us. And for participants in the special military operation, this is a solid spiritual support, much like the support our heroes receive from the entire Russian nation and our entire society.

We all share the same goals. Courage and perseverance in achieving these goals are qualities possessed by everyone receiving high honours today.

First, let me name the recipients of the Hero of Labour title.

Alexander Batalin has been the director of the well-known Fiolent plant in Simferopol for 40 years. Under his management, this enterprise has been upholding high standards of its own research and design traditions, producing sought-after civilian and dual-use goods, as well as goods for state defence orders.

For Leonid Bobe, developing reliable life support systems for manned spacecraft is a life’s work. Successfully deployed at the International Space Station, his designs affirm the leading positions of Russian science.

Reliability and responsibility are the hallmarks of Vladimir Danilov, a mining works operator at Uralkali. He generously shares a wealth of experience he has gained with young professionals.

Alexander Kolesnichenko has achieved significant results in agriculture. Through his many years of hard work and willingness to embrace new solutions, he demonstrates what a modern agricultural enterprise can achieve.

Marina Neyolova’s talent, vibrant personality, and ability to transform herself on stage have captivated audiences of all generations. Her work in both theatre and film has become iconic, while her skill and dedication set a benchmark for the entire theatrical community.

Nikolai Russu rose from a foreman at grass roots level to the head of one of the country’s leading bridge construction companies. He pours all his energy, knowledge, and strength into engineering projects that reshape Russian regions, unlock their economic potential, and advance Russia’s strategic development.

Anatoly Sviridov sets an exceptional example of devotion to his craft. A highly accomplished all-round turner, he continues the longstanding traditions of hand craftsmanship, skilfully combining them with the demands of modern manufacturing.

Among those receiving the Hero of Labour medal today is the legendary weapon designer Pyotr Serdyukov. Over the course of his long career, he has developed a number of unique small arms and specialised technical equipment that have enhanced the effectiveness of both the army and special forces.

The National Award for outstanding achievements in humanitarian activities is presented to Lomonosov Moscow State University Rector Viktor Sadovnichy. A man of broad scientific knowledge and global mindset, a man capable of foreseeing opportunities and quickly turning concepts into reality, he has been at the helm of Russia’s flagship university for over 30 years, making an immense contribution to preserving the best traditions of fundamental and classical education, and to strengthening Moscow University’s position as Russia’s leading centre of education, intellectual and spiritual development, and more broadly, to shaping strategic areas of Russian higher education. Several significant initiatives aimed at advancing and promoting mathematical knowledge have been carried out under Mr Sadovnichy’s leadership. Of course, his many years of work as Chairman of the Russian Union of Rectors deserve particular respect.

Today, we are also honouring representatives from various research fields.

Russia’s leading Orientalist and Africanist Alexei Vasilyev has combined his vast experience as an international journalist with deep scientific analysis in his fundamental and comprehensive research, reflecting the essence of complex and multifaceted processes in the Middle East. Alexei Vasilyev’s books and articles, and his unique knowledge are in high demand and highly relevant, especially for strengthening mutual understanding between our peoples.

Neurosurgeons Nikolai Konovalov, Vladimir Krylov and Dmitry Usachev have developed and widely implemented high-precision surgery on the brain and spinal cord. They have essentially shaped the modern Russian school of neurosurgery, which already produces highly skilled surgeons. Most importantly, the number of life-saving operations is growing.

Thanks to our scientists’ hard work, the Russian oil and gas sector has undergone some serious transformation. Russia’s first system to increase production efficiency using hydraulic fracturing technology has been developed. This domestic project, a vitally important piece of equipment is the fruit of labour by Oleg Zhdaneyev, Igor Kovshov and Yelena Korsa-Vavilova.

Friends,

The work of this year’s laureates in literature and the arts is united by a common theme: the history of the Russian state and pride in its achievements, and the understanding that the strength of our Fatherland lies in the continuity of traditions, respect for its heritage, and its great culture.

Yekaterina Zhukova, producer at the Moskino film studio, and Maria Ushakova, producer at the Rossiya TV channel, have spent more than a decade creating documentary projects about the most important periods in our country’s history, its heroes, and its creators. Each of their works is grounded in fact and features a dynamic, compelling plot. Through their work, they prove that film can and should serve as a vehicle for public awareness.

The continuity of the past, the present, and the future is reflected in the work of the brilliant director and screenwriter Andrei Mikhalkov-Konchalovsky. Through characters from Russian classics and reflections on modern times, through the lives of individuals and sweeping film epics, he reveals to the world the values of our culture, its character, its memory, its spiritual strength, inspiring us to stay true to our roots.

The award for charity work has been presented to Alexei Zarov, chief physician of the Hospital of St Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow. In recent years, one of the specialities of this church hospital has been the care for the seriously ill. That experience proved invaluable during the special military operation. Alexei Zarov and his colleagues organised two mobile hospitals. At one of them, surgeons and general practitioners treated more than 5,000 patients. The second played a vital role in overcoming the humanitarian disaster following the destruction of the Kakhovskaya HPP in the Kherson Region. The training centres established by Alexei Zarov in Simferopol and Sevastopol have trained 8,000 nursing assistants, while nursing communities in Gorlovka, Makeyevka, Lugansk, Donetsk, and other cities provide assistance to residents of our historical regions. Alexei Zarov organises nursing teams not only for professional care but also, as he himself puts it, for service to the sick and wounded. He is, without doubt, a man of deep dedication.

Being there where it is difficult, staying close to those who are struggling, standing up for justice, and taking responsibility – these are the hallmarks of Tatyana Moskalkova, this year’s recipient of the Award for human rights work. Her work as Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner is an example of dedicated service to the people and the Fatherland. From the very beginning of the special military operation, her priority was supporting the military personnel, their families, and civilians affected by the fighting. She has worked – quite successfully – to uphold the constitutional guarantees for the citizens of Russia.

Friends,

The heights you have reached are within the grasp of extraordinary, strong, and generous people, those for whom their work and profession become the very meaning of life.

I sincerely thank every one of you. My heartfelt congratulations on these high state awards.

Thank you very much.

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Vladimir Putin: Friends,

To close our ceremony, I would like to add a few words, building on what has just been said here.

One of the awardees remarked that she had spent her whole life doing what she loved and never imagined she would be recognised for it. And that, I think, is precisely the point.

Today is Russia Day. As we honour outstanding citizens of our country, we are, of course, thinking about young people – about future generations. The task of society and the state is to help them find their calling, so that each of them can discover something they truly enjoy and achieve remarkable success. Just like our award recipients today.

Another recipient said: “We had a dream.” So, may we all have a dream – one we can turn into reality and work towards.

It was also said that Saint Luke endured severe trials because he was with God. Today, on Russia Day, the Almighty, the Lord, is always with our country.

Happy Russia Day.

Meeting with Government Members

2026-06-11T10:27:29+04:00

Vladimir Putin held a videoconference with members of the government.

The discussion focused on measures to boost investment activity. At the start of the meeting, Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov reported on the opening of new and refurbished children’s recreation facilities in the regions. Several other current issues were also discussed.

Held via videoconference, the meeting included the unveiling of new youth recreational facilities: an educational technology centre at the Orlyonok National Children’s Centre, Krasnodar; a new building at the Prometheus recreation centre, Lipetsk Region; and a new building at the Aurora private recreation centre, Anapa.

Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov presented the keynote report on measures to revive investment. President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin, Head of the Delovaya Rossiya National Public Organisation Alexei Repik and Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov shared their comments on the topic.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon.

Today our agenda includes several important issues that affect millions of citizens.

First and foremost, we are looking at ways to strengthen the wellbeing of families with children. Let me stress: we are not only fully meeting all previously undertaken social commitments, but we are also introducing new support measures.

For example, for working parents raising two or more children and have a low per-capita income, the income tax will be reduced to 6 percent. I believe this is an entirely fair decision. It is fully in line with the logic and spirit of our entire demographic and social policy.

From June 1 this year, these citizens can apply to the Social Fund for a refund of most of the income tax they paid in the previous year. Both parents will be eligible for the corresponding family payment, provided each is in formal employment.

To date, around 1.5 million people have applied for a personal income tax refund for last year. Payments have already begun, and the money is being credited to parents’ bank cards.

I would like to ask Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova to explain, during our meeting today, how this work is being organised. It is important that families can receive this extra state support quickly and easily. Now, in the summer, such funds can be a valuable resource for planning children’s leisure activities.

Organising recreation and summer holiday programmes for children will also be a topic of today’s discussion. That includes the opening of several new facilities – children’s camps in the Krasnodar Territory and the Lipetsk Region.

Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov and his colleagues will give a detailed report on the summer recreation campaign.

In this regard, I should note that we consistently and systematically develop children’s recreation infrastructure across the country. Since 2022, this work has also been carried out within the framework of a dedicated federal project of upgrading existing children's camps and building new facilities.

This summer, more than 5.75 million children will be able to spend their holidays in children’s recreation and health centres. Our goal is to increase, year by year, the number of children who have the opportunity to spend their summer in camps and health resorts, enjoying full rest, recovery, and meaningful activities. Allow me to share a few figures. Since 2023, 136 children’s recreation facilities have been renovated and 336 new facilities have been built with budgetary support. These projects include dormitories, sports grounds and gyms, spaces for educational and creative activities, health units, and dining facilities. As a result of this work, 160,000 new places for recreation, learning, and meaningful leisure activities have been created.

The large-scale modernisation of this infrastructure will continue. In addition to the comprehensive renewal of the existing network, plans envisage the creation of more than 200,000 additional places for children’s recreation and health improvement by 2030.

We must create conditions not only for government investment in the development and upgrade of children’s camps and health centres, but also for businesses, enterprises, and companies to invest in these socially significant and nationally important projects. Such examples are becoming increasingly common.

Improving children’s health and wellbeing remains one of our national priorities. We remain firmly committed to this objective despite all external challenges. These challenges are temporary, but children and young people represent the future of Russia and the continuation of our nation.

At the same time, we must unfortunately acknowledge that our adversaries continue to resort to terrorist methods, including the attack on the student dormitory of the pedagogic college in Starobelsk.

I would once again draw the attention of the heads of the special services and all law enforcement agencies to the need to strengthen both counter-terrorism and overall security across the entire educational and social systems and infrastructure. I ask you to carry out the relevant work without delay. During the summer holidays, we must ensure reliable protection of children’s centres, camps, and health resorts. This must be done with the utmost sense of responsibility.

Every year, every summer, we turn our attention to these issues – namely, the issue of ensuring children’s safety. This is a multifaceted endeavour, and I ask you to pay particular attention to all aspects of this work.

Let me add that – and I regret having to draw attention to this as well – the sponsors of the Kiev regime, the European ruling elites, have likewise devised measures that, in all likelihood, never occurred to anyone before: they are imposing sanctions against organisations where our children spend the summer and regain their strength. This is utter nonsense and sheer absurdity. Yet this is precisely what is being done. One can only guess what effect they expect to achieve. Do they intend to restrict the work of children’s centres? I do not understand what they are trying to achieve, but it is happening nonetheless, and those figures in Europe who are engaging in this are, I believe, bringing disgrace upon themselves. From the standpoint of common sense and ordinary people – in Russia, in Europe, and across the world – this is a manifestation of sheer feeble-mindedness, an attempt to perpetrate yet another petty act of spite. It is astonishing that people should sink to such absurdity.

Meanwhile, children from all constituent entities of the Federation and from foreign countries come to our children’s centres with great pleasure – and quite a number of children visit us from abroad – spending their time there in an interesting and vibrant manner, which is of great benefit to their development.

If European figures – preoccupied with gender issues and the protection of various kinds of sexual minorities – are irritated by the sight of happy children who are passionate about what they do and love Russia, then it means that you and I are doing everything correctly and justly, and we are promoting the right values. We will continue to act in this manner.

I would ask the Minister of Education, Sergei Kravtsov, to take the floor and report on the new facilities

<…>

Vladimir Putin: I would like to make the following point in this regard.

Of course, we were aware, just as we have been saying all along – and I think I raised this point at the economic forum in St Petersburg – it was quite apparent that by taking measures to ease and curb inflation, we proceeded from an understanding that this would affect economic growth rates and investment.

But one of our colleagues was right to note that we must prevent this pause in investment from bringing the entire economy to a halt. We had this understanding from the outset and this is what we meant. That said, I believe it would be fair to say that investment has not been paused. In fact, investment has continued. To an extent, I believe we could describe this as investment restraint, which, in itself, is quite understandable, since this is attributable to macroeconomic factors and the measures taken by the economic and financial agencies, including regarding the exchange rate of the national currency and the key interest rate.

Overall, the situation is under control – that much is quite obvious. And the measures we have taken are yielding the expected results. In fact, the inflation rate has declined. Where are we at this point? It is slightly over five percent. Therefore, I believe that we can expect a lower key interest rate and to be able to achieve other key indicators.

Mr Siluanov talked about the budget. When the interest rate changes, this will have a direct bearing on the exchange rate. We are not skewing any parameters or indicators, and I think that specialists, including investors, must appreciate this fact.

But apart from macroeconomic policy matters and efforts to ensure overall macroeconomic stability there is, of course, the fact that when major investment projects come to an end, including in the Far East, by the way, this affects the overall investment landscape. It goes without saying that we must launch a new investment cycle taking into consideration present-day reality, as well as the proposals we have just heard from the business community. I think that this much is obvious.

Many proposals definitely deserve more than just taking them into consideration or carefully studying them. I think that they must be carried out. They may have to be fine-tuned, but from a more general perspective it would be advisable to follow the steps and move towards implementing the policy as it has been outlined.

I ask Maxim Oreshkin to work on all these matters as we prepare the next meeting on economic matters, and report to the Prime Minister, so that we bring about solutions that could and should be implemented, including as part of the relevant instructions, which must be drafted in a timely manner.

I would like to thank all of you for working together today in this format. Thank you. As I said, I suggest that we start preparing the next meeting on economic matters.

Thank you very much. All the best.

Meeting with Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov

2026-06-09T17:32:06+04:00

The discussion focused on the development of research infrastructure, particularly mega-science facilities. Special attention was devoted to the implementation of the Siberian Ring Photon Source (SKIF) project in Koltsovo, a science town near Novosibirsk.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Falkov, good afternoon.

You want to begin with SKIF, right?

Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov: Yes, Mr President.

The level of scientific development in any country rests on three key pillars. First and foremost are the people engaged in scientific work; second are the ideas they bring to life; and third – which is an important factor at the current stage of scientific and technological development – is research infrastructure.

Today, I would like to focus on the development of research infrastructure, including mega-science facilities.

Vladimir Putin: We discussed this back in 2018, right?

Valery Falkov: Yes, as you noted at the time, such infrastructure is becoming an increasingly important foundation for the implementation of large-scale research projects. It also serves as a magnet for talented young people and researchers from around the world.

I would like to begin with SKIF. As you know, it is a unique scientific initiative that you supported during a meeting with my colleagues on Russian Science Day, February 8, 2018. Allow me to say a few words about it. SKIF is a truly unique project for a number of reasons.

First, SKIF ranks among the best facilities of its kind globally. I will elaborate on this in a moment.

Second, only a few countries are capable of building infrastructure of this scale and complexity. The challenge is not merely financial, although the investment required is substantial. More importantly, it demands a strong scientific foundation, established research schools, and close cooperation between scientific institutions and industrial enterprises.

What I would like to emphasise in particular is that this is the first time in the post-Soviet period that Russia has designed and built a scientific facility of such scale and uniqueness. SKIF is the result of an enormous joint effort, above all by the scientific community and the teams responsible for its design and construction. Today, I would especially like to acknowledge the contributions of the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (whose director you met in 2018), the Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, and, of course, the Kurchatov Institute, which serves as the lead scientific organisation for the country’s extensive synchrotron and neutron research programme. The scientific programme for SKIF, developed jointly by these institutes, was reviewed and approved in cooperation with our colleagues from the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Mr President, I have a few words to say about the main development phases. In 2018, you supported the idea. Next, as expected, your Executive Order was issued in 2019. In 2020, a special programme for synchrotron and neutron research was adopted with corresponding funding allocated. This made it possible for us, in early 2020, to start the design work, and in 2022 to launch the construction.

Just a few words about the construction. What is SKIF (Siberian Circular Photon Source)? It consists of 34 buildings and structures with a total area of nearly 87,000 square metres, and 30 hectares have been fully developed.

Here is what I would like to note specifically.

Vladimir Putin: The planned activities were completed in three months back then.

Valery Falkov: Yes. And the programme was quickly adopted, and the site was selected quickly as well.

By the way, synchrotron operation is based on the phase stability principle first discovered by Soviet physicist Vladimir Veksler back in 1944, and only a year and a half later it was confirmed and independently discovered by American researcher [Edwin] MacMillan. So, in a sense, we have built what we once created and invented.

The most important part of the facility is the experimental station. We were supposed to build six of them, but we have built seven with an option to build 30, which we will use to conduct the necessary experiments.

What makes SKIF unique? It belongs to generation 4+ which is the latest generation. Its main characteristic is an extremely small radiation beam diameter of 72 units. To be precise, in physicists’ terms, picometres per radian. I have visited and studied similar facilities. They were built earlier and have less advanced specifications. I recently visited Sirius in Brazil, where they have a synchrotron built in 2020; its beam diameter is 250 picometres, which is significantly weaker. In this sense, we have created a technological advantage, which, of course, attracts many of our colleagues from other countries.

Vladimir Putin: So, in this sense, ours is top-of-the-line, correct?

Valery Falkov: Yes, if we consider the so-called 3 GeV class, ours is the latest and the most advanced one. This is certainly a major achievement.

Vladimir Putin: France, Switzerland, Britain, and Italy are behind us, correct?

Valery Falkov: Yes. I would like to say a few words about the construction timeframe. We tried to speed things up despite the overall difficulties. You can see the construction timelines. We even managed to be slightly ahead compared to our colleagues working on similar projects.

Vladimir Putin: Roughly the same.

Valery Falkov: Roughly the same, yes.

What I would like to highlight is that the experimental stations I have mentioned were designed and built entirely in Russia. I would like to specifically mention the contributions of four major scientific teams: Tomsk Polytechnic University, the Institute of High-Current Electronics in Tomsk, the Lavrentyev Institute of Hydrodynamics in Novosibirsk’s Akademgorodok (academic town), and the Design and Technology Institute of Scientific Instrument Engineering. Together, they signed more than 1,500 contracts and successfully delivered these stations.

We regularly discuss the development of advanced engineering schools. As I reported separately, we actively engage young people through student design bureaus. Four such bureaus participated directly in the design work for this project.

From a construction standpoint, it should also be mentioned that since there are unique experiment parameters, it sets extremely complex requirements to structural elements of the building base. In order to prevent even the tiniest deviation, even just a millimetre, a special foundation system had to be created. It includes several soil stabilisation layers, the use of specially prepared soils and foundations. Without these engineering solutions it would be impossible to create the world’s best parameters for running experiments at this facility.

A few words about the scientific equipment manufacturing. The majority of equipment was manufactured by the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics.

This situation is familiar in many other sectors as well, Mr President. I would also like to note that, during the construction process, contractors from the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, and several other countries repudiated their contracts. As a result, we were forced to look for alternative solutions.

Experience has shown that the best solution was to learn to develop things like that ourselves. We independently produced around 30 critical pieces of equipment. This has enabled us to acquire unique competencies, develop new technologies and expertise, and, of course, reach an entirely new level of scientific and industrial cooperation.

Let me highlight that, in 2023, specialists at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics developed a klystron – a critically important component of a synchrotron radiation source that converts a direct electron beam into an alternating one.

Previously, there had been plans to procure this equipment from Japan. At the time, only three countries in the world were capable of producing high-power klystrons. Today, Russia has joined that group. Moreover, the work carried out as part of the project enabled us to master the production of a wide range of equipment, including power supplies for electromagnets, pumps for ultra-high-vacuum systems, specialised vacuum equipment, and much more. We also succeeded in manufacturing a specialised power cable at a plant in Podolsk, something that had neither been planned nor produced domestically before.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasise that an enormous amount of work has been done and that the project is now in its final stage. A special compliance commission was established. I would like to thank our colleagues from the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, and the Kurchatov Institute for their contribution. The commission consisted of 13 highly respected experts, most of them academicians, who conducted a review of the equipment, verifying both its performance and compliance with the specified parameters. As for the synchrotron itself, we plan to begin the first experimental work this autumn.

Vladimir Putin: When exactly in the autumn?

Valery Falkov: We are confident that the first scientific experiment, related to the development of a new polyethylene material, will take place in September or in October, at the latest. While installations of this kind are, first and foremost, indispensable for fundamental research, their significance for industry is difficult to overstate.

A great deal of work is already being carried out with businesses, including pharmaceutical and petrochemical companies. We need to further refine the programme that is already in place and ensure that it delivers the maximum possible benefit to Russian industry and the economy.

Vladimir Putin: Its applications span a very broad range of fields, right? Microelectronics, structural biology, pharmaceuticals, materials science, diagnostics, aircraft manufacturing, medicine, chemical reactions, and thermonuclear fusion.

Valery Falkov: Yes.

As I mentioned, the first seven experimental stations are ready. During the second phase of the project, however, we plan to expand their number to 30. We are also considering the possibility of developing dedicated stations tailored to the specific needs of particular industries or even major companies.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

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Meeting with CEO of United Shipbuilding Corporation Andrei Puchkov

2026-06-08T16:30:38+04:00

Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with CEO of the United Shipbuilding Corporation Andrei Puchkov.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: The United Shipbuilding Corporation is truly a comprehensive organisation, encompassing not only shipyards and ship repair facilities, but also research centres, design bureaus, and enterprises engaged in instrumentation and component manufacturing. It is the flagship organisation of our shipbuilding industry.

In 2023 and 2024, the Government provided substantial support to the corporation, totalling more than 80 billion rubles. VTB Bank has also been actively involved in this work. I know there are many tasks, challenging tasks, but progress is being made, and these tasks are being addressed. I would like to hear your assessment. Please, go ahead.

CEO of the United Shipbuilding Corporation Andrei Puchkov: Mr President, nearly three years ago, you set us the task of advancing the development of the United Shipbuilding Corporation. We have achieved certain results. For the second consecutive year, we have maintained positive operating profit. The year 2025 was particularly significant because, for the first time in many years, the USC recorded a positive consolidated financial result, including across its shipyards and production facilities. Our revenue has shown steady growth, increasing by 30 percent over the past three years and reaching 525 billion rubles in 2025.

In terms of production, we delivered approximately 110 ships and vessels during this period. The year 2025 was also a record year, with around 50 vessels delivered.

We continue to fulfil state defence orders on schedule. Last year, four submarines and the Navy’s first combat icebreaker, Ivan Papanin, were delivered. We are also preparing a number of significant deliveries under state defence contracts in 2026.

In the civilian sector, I would like to highlight the largest series of nuclear-powered icebreakers in history. Last year, we delivered the Yakutia; this year, we are completing the Chukotka, and then there is the Leningrad, and the Stalingrad, both launched by you and currently under construction.

In addition, we are building cargo and passenger vessels, as well as fishing ships, including vessel types that, until recently, were not produced domestically.

A few words about our plans. You once noted that shipbuilding requires planning horizons extending at least to the middle of this century. Accordingly, we are laying the foundation today for decades of future development. We are actively upgrading our shipyards. This year, construction works will begin on our flagship project, the modernisation of Severnaya Verf. The shipyard will undergo an almost total renovation and acquire fundamentally new production capabilities. We are also advancing a major project in the Far East. At the same time, we are actively pursuing import substitution in marine equipment and components and continuing the digital transformation of the industry.

Vladimir Putin: We must do everything necessary to ensure that works on the two icebreakers you mentioned, the Leningrad and the Stalingrad, would not be put on hold. And, of course, we must continue implementing our plans for the Lider project.

Andrei Puchkov: Certainly, Mr President.

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Conversation with Vice President of China Han Zheng

2026-06-16T19:09:46+04:00

Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Vice President of the People’s Republic of China Han Zheng on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Your Excellency Mr Vice President, Comrade Han Zheng, once again, welcome to St Petersburg.

You and I have just taken part in the plenary session of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, which serves as one of the leading platforms for discussing economic matters. However, as we saw during the session, there is no getting away from political issues.

In any case, I would like to thank you for your substantive and insightful presentation, as well as the fact that the People’s Republic of China is represented at the level of Vice President, which is a very high level. This adds a certain global dimension to this forum. You have my gratitude for coming here. Of course, I would like to ask you to convey my best wishes to my friend, President of the PRC Xi Jinping for taking the decision to send you to Russia, to St Petersburg.

As you have just noted during your remarks at the session, the relations between our countries are at their all-time high and have gathered substantial momentum. Our trade and economic ties have been following an upward trajectory in keeping with the Treaty. We are marking its anniversary this year. July 16 will mark 25 years since the signing of the fundamental treaty on friendship and cooperation between Russia and China.

I have mentioned trade and economic cooperation. Trade has been rising steadily. A growth rate of 10 percent is quite a positive result, and we hope to keep this momentum going.

There is a list of joint projects for specific sectors, and we know them. This includes energy, manufacturing, agriculture, transport, logistics, innovation, civilian nuclear programmes, space exploration, and artificial intelligence. Congratulations on your achievements in this very important domain. China has been demonstrating excellent results, I would say.

There is no doubt that holding the years of cooperation in education in 2026 and 2027 is expected to make a meaningful contribution to expanding our humanitarian ties. I am convinced that this would promote direct contacts between our citizens.

Once again, thank you so much for coming to St Petersburg and attending the economic forum here.

Vice President of China Han Zheng (retranslated): Mr President, thank you. I’m delighted to see you again.

This time, I’m visiting St Petersburg at the instruction of President Xi Jinping, to take part in the plenary session of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

First of all, I want to pass sincere regards and best wishes from President Xi Jinping. Congratulations on the success of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. Your address was very substantive. Not only did you analyse the global economic situation and the economic development in Russia, but you also outlined some important plans for Russia’s economic development. So, congratulations.

Recently, you and President Xi held successful talks in Beijing. When answering questions, I explained the importance of those talks at length. You reached some extremely important new agreements on the development of bilateral relations and multi-dimensional cooperation. We reaffirm our readiness to fulfill our agreements at the top level, in cooperation with our Russian colleagues, to deepen our political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and enrich our bilateral relations with new monumental meaning.

This year, we mark 30 years of strategic cooperation and partnership and 25 years of the Treaty of Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation. As part of this landmark year, we are ready to advance our bilateral multidimensional cooperation and bilateral relations.

Thank you.

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Plenary session of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum

2026-06-16T19:09:44+04:00

Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session of the 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

Joining him on the panel were President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the United Republic of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Vice President of the People’s Republic of China Han Zheng.

The discussion was moderated by Geeta Mohan, Foreign Affairs Editor at India Today, TV Today Network.

Held annually since 1997, this year’s forum runs from 3 to 6 June under the theme “Pragmatic Dialogue: The Path to a Stable Future,” bringing together more than 20,000 participants from 130 countries.

* * *

Moderator of the discussion, India Today Group Foreign Affairs Editor Geeta Mohan: Namaskar, namaste, zdravstvuite, hello.

Excellencies, distinguished guests and friends, it is a privilege to welcome you to this very important conversation at a time when the world is clearly standing at an inflection point.

For decades, the global economic order was shaped by a few powerful capitals, a few dominant institutions, and a few accepted rules of engagement. But a new global economic order and architecture is emerging: one that is more diverse, more contested, of course; but also more representative. The countries on the stage reflect that shift. We have Russia – a major power at the centre of today’s geopolitical realignment; China – one of the world’s largest economies, and a defining force when it comes to AI, trade, and infrastructure. We also have Uzbekistan representing the rise of central Asia and as a region of energy, connectivity, and geostrategic opportunity. And then, we have Tanzania – an important African voice led by one of the most significant women leaders of our time.

And, of course, since the moderator is from India, we can say the stage also has a little bit of Indian spice, a little bit of balance, and just enough to keep everyone comfortable.

The question before us is simple but profound: are we witnessing only a redistribution of power, or are we witnessing the birth of a fair world order? The era of being lectured, pressured, or bullied is seriously being challenged.

At the same time, independence is not easy. Strategic autonomy comes with costs. So today’s discussion is not merely about geopolitics. It is about the price of sovereignty – something President Putin has emphasised time and time again.

Can countries protect the national interests without being forced into camps or being sanctioned? It is about whether a multipolar world will be genuinely fair or simply replace one centre of power with several competing centres. It is about whether BRICS and South-South cooperation can move from rhetoric to real economic instruments. It is about whether alternative payment systems, new trade corridors, energy partnerships, and technology cooperation can give the Global South true agency.

And it is about a new world order, where countries no longer want to be spoken for but want to speak for themselves.

With that, let us begin our conversation today. I would like to begin by inviting President of the Russian Federation honourable Vladimir Putin for his opening remarks.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Mr Mirziyoyev. Madam Samia Suluhu Hassan. Mr Han Zheng. Ladies and gentlemen.

It is a real pleasure to see such a distinguished audience here. The President of Uzbekistan and I were just comparing notes. He remarked that the hall is full – which speaks to the level of interest that the St Petersburg International Economic Forum generates. I would like to welcome all participants and guests.

Russia and St Petersburg are once again hosting executives from leading companies, business leaders, and experts – this year from more than 130 countries – all here to expand business contacts and forge new ties.

Our host has set the bar and outlined the topics, which I will try to cover. But before entering this auditorium, she also mentioned that, in her opinion, the excellent atmosphere was created by those who organised the event. So I would like to start by thanking everyone who made this forum possible. Thank you very much.

The unrivalled and appealing nature of the St Petersburg Forum lies precisely in the opportunity to engage in free dialogue on matters that are of interest to entrepreneurs, entire industries, and even entire countries. We remain open to everyone interested in engaging with our country and is ready to pursue equal and mutually beneficial cooperation. We are convinced that this particular approach where partners hear one another, understand their partners’ interests, and identify common solutions represents a harmonious path of development and makes it possible to respond to the serious challenges facing the modern-day world.

We are witnessing turmoil in the energy markets and tensions being provoked in certain regions, primarily in the Middle East, and how the short-sighted EU bureaucracy policies are being implemented to the accompaniment of aggressive rhetoric and leading to Europe continuing to lose its standing in the global economy, while also undermining regional and global security. In fact, European elites are inciting chaos and are trying to embroil ever more countries into it.

These processes did not arise all by themselves; they are the result of the world undergoing the largest structural transformation in decades. This transformation is not a transition from one phase of a cycle to another. We are witnessing a change in the paradigm of global development.

I would like to bring your attention to what came before. For decades, the global development model was built around a limited number of financial centres, technological solutions, insurance and logistics hubs, credit rating agencies, and reserve currencies. This construct was presented as universal and supposedly suitable for everyone, and, above all, as supposedly neutral. In reality, however, it was increasingly used as a tool to exert political pressure and promote unfair competition, where settlements, technologies, logistics, or even access to information could be cut off at a moment’s notice in order to punish those who chose to act in their own national interests. In essence, it was a deliberately created system of dependency and resource extraction.

Today, the overwhelming majority of countries see this, as do entrepreneurs, banks, manufacturing companies, farmers, and transport operators. It has become clear that investment plans and business development steps may face serious risk where the external infrastructure on which they rely could be used against them. Therefore, countries are beginning to develop their own technological solutions, create their own supply routes, and build their own institutions.

Russia is experiencing these transformations firsthand. Although pressure on our country persists, the changing global landscape has also created greater room for manoeuvre. New partnerships are emerging, new financial and technological solutions are being developed, and access to promising markets is expanding. Against this backdrop, Russia views global change not only as a source of challenges but also as a tremendous opportunity. To make the most of these opportunities, we seek to act swiftly and pragmatically.

Let me reiterate: the roots of today’s global turbulence lie in the ongoing transition from a vertical, hierarchical model – one that primarily served the interests of a limited number of states – to a far more complex, distributed, and multipolar international order. What does this mean in practice? Above all, it means that the geography of economic growth is changing, with new centres of development emerging across the countries of the Global South. And, colleagues, as you can clearly see for yourselves, this is not a political slogan; it is an objective reality. In these countries, populations are growing, the middle class is taking shape, industrial capacity is expanding, and domestic markets are developing. As a result, new cities, roads, ports, energy infrastructure, and digital networks are being built. At the same time, these nations are establishing their own financial institutions, educational systems, and scientific and technological centres.

In this context, I would like to emphasise that the world becomes more equitable when economic growth is distributed more broadly and opportunities become available to billions of people who have long remained on the periphery of the global economy. It is very important that these new centres of growth seek to shape their own development paths, increase their share of value creation, and build their own brands, standards, and capabilities.

If you look at the global GDP dynamics of the last five years, you will see that almost half of its annual growth, 49 percent, is accounted for by BRICS countries, whereas the contribution of the so-called Group of Seven is estimated at 18 percent. To put this into perspective, between 2021 and 2025, the global economy expanded at an average annual rate of 4.1 percent. Of that growth, 2 percentage points were generated by the BRICS countries, compared with only 0.8 percentage points contributed by the G7. Today, the BRICS share of global GDP, measured in purchasing power parity terms, stands at approximately 40 percent, while the corresponding figure for the G7 is below 29 percent. By this measure, BRICS surpassed the G7 as early as 2020, and the gap has continued to widen ever since.

This trend is expected to continue increasingly in favour of the BRICS countries. The reason is straightforward: economic growth rates in the BRICS economies are already higher than those of the G7 and are projected to remain so in the years ahead. By the end of the current decade, annual economic growth in the G7 countries is expected to average no more than 1.5 percent, while the BRICS economies are projected to expand at an average rate exceeding 4 percent.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends. This is not something we made up. It is the data from the IMF and the World Bank – international institutions. They are forced to acknowledge this reality.

Naturally, businesses are drawn to places where growth is more dynamic and where there are greater opportunities to expand production and sales. As a result, the centre of gravity of global trade — and, with it, the global financial system — will continue to shift. In fact, that shift is already under way, and the trend is set to continue.

For many years, the principal flows of goods, capital and information passed through a small number of Western infrastructure hubs. Even when goods moved from one Eurasian country to another, payments, logistics, insurance and arbitration often relied on institutions located in third countries. This created additional costs and fostered political dependencies.

Today, international trade is becoming more effective, as direct shipments without intermediaries are growing, national currency payments are developing, and new corridors are opening. In Eurasia, these include the North-South Corridor, the Trans-Arctic Route, and links running through the Caspian region, Central Asia, the Black Sea, and the Far East. All of these projects and logistics routes are defining features of today's economy and, importantly, of future development.

To give you an example of the global trade system ceasing to be Western-centric, I want to note the following. Over the past 25 years, the BRICS share in global merchandise trade has more than doubled. Last year, our group accounted for almost 25 percent of global exports. This indicator continues to grow steadily, as does trade within BRICS itself, which now exceeds $1 trillion annually.

A particularly important role in these processes is being played by what might be called “connector countries”. These countries link markets, technologies, financial flows and business cultures. Their role extends far beyond simple transit or transportation through a particular territory. What matters most is their ability to ensure trust and provide efficient logistics, reliable payment mechanisms, legal certainty and technological compatibility.

Taking part in this panel session is the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan – and I would once again ask you to welcome him. Thank you very much for being with us today.

He is the leader of a country that is one of the centres of economic growth. Its population is growing fast; industrial plans are being fulfilled; its agricultural and energy potentials are growing, as is the domestic market. At the same time, Uzbekistan is an essential link between Russia, Central and South Asia, China and the Middle East. There will be more and more examples of countries whose own development is enhanced by, and benefits from, their links with other centres of the emerging multipolar world.

The same is true of our other guest, from Tanzania – let us welcome her once again – who plays a similar role in East Africa. I would also like to draw your attention to another important trend: the architecture of global trade is gradually moving away from the principles that originally underpinned the World Trade Organisation. Since the beginning of this century, the number of bilateral, regional, and mega-regional trade agreements has increased nearly fourfold.

Why is this happening? The erosion of the World Trade Organisation was set off by the very authors of this organisation: the Western nations, to be more precise. When it benefited them, they promoted the WTO, they invited other countries to join. But once the West started to lose in this competition, universal and common rules for trade introduced by the WTO lost their appeal to them. Instead, they adopted unilateral restrictions and so-called sanctions. By doing so, Western countries effectively sidelined the mechanisms of the World Trade Organisation and undermined confidence in these institutions. And when trust disappears, and an institution no longer functions as intended, businesses and governments inevitably begin looking for alternative solutions. These alternatives take the form of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.

One more point. As I have already noted, the sanctions and, basically, the theft of Russia’s international reserves have had an irreversible effect on the positions of the world currencies, the US dollar and the euro. This is an objective reality that cannot be ignored. Today, every country – let me stress, every country without exception – understands that, like Russia, it could at any moment lose access to assets lawfully held in dollars or euros, as well as to Western financial and payment infrastructure.

We recognise that this ultimately boils down to the issue of unfair competition. The specific pretexts may vary, and they can always be found. In Russia’s case, it was the conflict in Ukraine. In other instances, it may be developments in the Middle East, conflicts in Africa, or even a country’s stance on LGBT-related issues. A justification can always be found. But the underlying problem remains the same: this is unfair competition.

Incidentally, confidence in the West is also being undermined by the state of its public finances, reflected in rising government debt and persistent budget deficits. In 2025, public debt in the eurozone reached 81.7 percent of GDP. The highest levels are well known: Greece stands at 146 percent of GDP, Italy at 137 percent, France at 115 percent, and Belgium at 108 percent. By comparison, Russia’s public debt remains at approximately 16.4 percent of GDP. In fact, during a meeting with the heads of major news agencies yesterday, some experts cited a figure of 15.8 percent. In any case, the difference is simply not comparable.

The budget deficit of the European Union in 2025 stood at 3.1 percent of GDP. The highest deficits are recorded in countries such as Poland 7.3 percent, Belgium 5.2 percent, France 5.1 percent, and the United States 5.9 percent. In Russia it is 2.6 percent. It may increase by the end of this year, but I believe it will still remain lower than in other industrialised countries.

Such a situation is fraught with a new surge in inflation for Western currencies, as was the case in 2021–2022, when prices in the euro area and in the United States rose by 14 percent in a matter of two years. Clearly, given the circumstances countries around the world are taking their assets out of the West and shifting to payments in national currencies, increasingly using alternative payment systems, and expanding the role of digital financial assets, including central bank digital currencies.

In its trade relations with its key partners, Russia uses national currencies as the primary means of payment. Thus, the share of the ruble in our export transactions is currently standing at 65 percent, or almost two thirds.

Importantly, the world needs modern, flexible and responsible financial architecture without risks, prohibitions or barriers, but with incentives for sovereign development. Its instruments must reduce costs, speed up settlements, and expand access to financing, and, of course, ensure proper counteraction to tax evasion, fraud and money laundering. Naturally, this must always be given special attention.

Next. Historically, the West has been regarded by other countries as a source of technological development, but we are seeing a major transformation here as well. Over the past 25 years, BRICS countries have significantly increased their high-tech exports; they now account for over a third of global supplies, which indicates a shift in technological leadership around the world. This is happening gradually, but it is happening.

For example, our strategic partner China holds the largest number of patents in AI, where Russia also has excellent prospects. Let us welcome the Vice Chairman of the People’s Republic of China. (Applause.)

Another key partner of ours, India, is a leading player in the IT industry. It accounts for a significant share of the global software market. Russia holds strong positions in the pace of adoption of digital platforms, online marketplaces, and financial solutions, as well as municipal services, healthcare and education which improve the quality of life for people in Russia and in dozens of countries around the world, where they successfully compete with their foreign counterparts.

We also lead in a complex field such as nuclear energy. Over 80 percent of NPP construction projects on the global market are implemented with the participation of Rosatom. Over 80 percent is a substantial figure. (Applause.)

We also have significant engineering and technological capabilities in managing the water energy balance, which is becoming increasingly important in Asia, Africa, and indeed throughout the world. I believe that our colleagues participating in the panel session cannot but agree with this, and they do agree.

Clearly, technological progress is the most important factor in global transformation. Experts identify three key technologies of today and tomorrow that are capable of making a difference in people’s lives, business operations, and public administration.

What are they? First, artificial intelligence, which can process massive amounts of data and make the best decisions available across virtually all areas. Second, autonomous systems, which dramatically increase productivity and transform entire sectors of the economy. Finally, third, platform-based solutions, which allow market participants to exchange information and conclude transactions directly, in real time, and in an automated manner.

According to forecasts by researchers and specialists, the countries or groups of countries that possess a full set of their own technologies in AI, autonomous systems, and digital platforms will become powerful centres of sovereignty in a multipolar world. Moreover, without these technologies, genuine sovereignty will be unattainable in principle.

Importantly, possessing an independent technological base is critical for countries with large populations, vast territories, and distinctive cultures. Such countries cannot act merely as users of foreign-made solutions, because in that case they risk becoming objects of control by external platforms. And how those platforms are used is another matter.

In essence, major countries – true civilisations – face a historic choice: either they create their own platform and technological ecosystems, or they become a digital periphery. There should be no illusions about this. Foreign services may initially be user friendly, but over time the cost of such dependency will inevitably become apparent.

Russia has learned one such lesson. We have seen certain software providers walk away from the market, payments get blocked, and interference in commercial relations ensue. Therefore, we will strengthen our own critical infrastructure and cooperate and engage only with the partners who respect mutual obligations.

We have gained such experience over many years in our relations with the People’s Republic of China which is Russia’s truly strategic partner. Our economic cooperation covers virtually all areas, including high-tech sphere, transport, mechanical engineering, and, of course, energy.

Friends,

As I have said before, a country’s position in the global economic system and its claim to global leadership depend on its ability to ensure its own sovereignty. It is no exaggeration to say that the race for sovereignty has begun – and it is gaining momentum.

This is not just about resisting external pressure or protecting national interests. It is also about the quality of the state, the economy, and society. Sovereignty means being stronger and, I emphasise, smarter – managing resources more precisely and investing more effectively, including in technological development.

True sovereignty demands efficiency. It is not a licence to do things expensively, slowly, or inconveniently. On the contrary, we must act with maximum initiative and maximum efficacy across all areas of our work. We must produce faster, thereby increasing revenues for the state, for business, and for our citizens.

In these tense and challenging conditions, Russia continues to strengthen its sovereignty – not by isolating itself, but by expanding its circle of partners. Yes, economic momentum is currently subdued, and we will probably discuss that further. But let me remind you of the task set for the Government: starting next year, we must return to sustainable growth rates in the domestic economy.

That can only be achieved under one condition: by increasing capital investment and launching a new investment cycle. Between 2021 and 2024, investment in Russia grew by nearly 38 percent in real terms, though last year, of course, it saw a decline.

I want to stress that launching a new investment cycle is a key task for our economic authorities, and investment growth is a crucial indicator of their effectiveness. It is important that economic growth be balanced, supported by domestic demand, and combined with a further reduction in inflation, which has already slowed significantly and continues to fall. I believe I mentioned yesterday that inflation is forecast to approach 5.2 percent this year.

My colleagues and I regularly discuss economic issues. I should point out that the dynamics of industrial production, GDP, and consumer activity in Russia are positive. Despite all the problems, industrial production grew in April. There will likely be some questions about this today.

In any case, industrial production in our country grew by 1.9 percent in April, including manufacturing, which grew by 3.1 percent. Retail added 6.5 percent. GDP grew by 1.3 percent in April, and by 0.2 percent over the period from January to April.

What would I say about all this? Of course, we hear criticism from all sides – that we have lost momentum. Yes, but we have fallen only to the level that the eurozone countries have been experiencing for the past few years. And now we are on the upswing.

Most importantly, we have preserved the fundamentals of our macroeconomic policy. I am confident that this will ensure continued forward progress. These trends must be consolidated, while our country’s position in the world and its sovereignty must become even stronger.

In this regard, I would like to share several thoughts on the kind of sovereignty Russia needs. I have already touched on this topic, but I would like to elaborate further.

First, as I noted earlier, a sovereign economy is built on the full-cycle implementation of technologies and the use of advanced solutions that simplify business operations, automate processes, increase labour productivity, and improve the overall efficiency of the economy. This is especially important in such areas as defence and security.

Russia has made significant progress in the development and adoption of digital platforms across all sectors of the economy. We are also witnessing rapid growth in e-commerce, which is expanding by approximately 30 percent annually. Our country ranks among the global leaders in this field. This, among other things, reflects the quality of Russian platform solutions, which benefit both domestic producers and foreign suppliers.

Today I have already mentioned our friends and partners in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Let me give you an example. In 2023, the value of Uzbek goods sold through the Wildberries platform amounted to $418 million. That was in 2023. By 2025, that figure had reached nearly $1.5 billion, and this year it may exceed $2 billion.

What does this mean in practice? It means that producers of a wide range of goods, including small and medium-sized enterprises, are gaining easy access to the Russian market through this platform. In fact, they are not only entering the Russian market but also reaching consumers in other countries through our platform. The volumes are growing, businesses are operating efficiently, people are earning good incomes, and small and medium-sized enterprises are developing successfully. All of this is being achieved through modern logistics systems, with taxes and customs duties being properly paid. This is something we can only welcome.

As a result, turnover has already increased 3.5 times and continues to grow, including through access to consumers throughout the Eurasian Economic Union and in partner countries, for example, the rapidly developing markets on the African continent. This is what our platform infrastructure makes possible.

Today, this Russian platform provides businesses with access to nearly half a billion potential customers worldwide, and that number continues to increase. In this way, Russian platform solutions are becoming a genuine driver of economic growth and development for our partners.

Apart from trade, the transition to a platform-based framework has been affecting the transport sector, finance, logistics, tourism, as well as healthcare, education, the media sector and other domains. Of course, we need to generate greater momentum to move towards a platform-based approach to developing various sectors by introducing artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.

We have already adopted a national Strategy for Artificial Intelligence Development. I ask the Government to prepare similar national strategies for autonomous systems and digital platforms.

I suggest that we discuss the topic of ecosystems for a platform-based economy at the Future Technologies Forum, which is scheduled to take place in early 2027. I also ask for an inter-agency working group to be formed under the Presidential Executive Office’s supervision to oversee preparations for this forum.

The second point I wanted to highlight is that people, the knowledge they have, their skills and their ability to master advanced technology and create breakthrough goods, services and shape entire market segments – all this has an immediate and defining bearing on sovereignty, both today and tomorrow. It goes without saying that people who have these professional skills must get adequate compensation for their work.

Only high living standards and generous salaries can make our country competitive and enable it to succeed on the demographic front, and to have excellent talent who can be confident about their professional careers and their future.

Russia has one of the lowest unemployment rates among industrial countries. It is equal to about 2.2 percent of the economically active population. This is a very robust result compared to other developed countries. For comparison, Japan is catching up to us with an unemployment rate of 2.5 percent, while this indicator for India is 4.2 percent, the United States has an unemployment rate of 4.2 percent, and the eurozone stands at 5.9 percent.

Over the past five years, salaries within the Russian economy increased by over 30 percent in real terms. I am referring to real wages, which means that the inflation rate is taken into consideration. Of course, this is a high growth rate.

Let me emphasise once again that any further increases in wages must be primarily driven by higher labour efficiency, as well as increased manufacturing efficiencies based on the latest technological solutions as developed by our excellent engineering schools.

Labour mobility is a separate matter. It consists of enabling specialists to find relevant and well-paid jobs at new enterprises in other regions of the country that need talent more than others, while their companies belong to emerging strategic sectors committed to making high value-added products.

As you know, young people graduating from educational institutions or during their senior years at universities and other higher education institutions are more prone than anyone else to move around the country. In order to empower them to start their professional careers, we agreed to set forth laws governing internships by introducing obligations for employers. We also agreed to update the apprentice contract so that it corresponds to present-day reality.

I know that the amendments to the Labour Code have been drafted. I ask the Government and the State Duma to adopt them faster.

Thirdly, it is evident that the sovereignty of a nation as expansive as Russia is defined not solely by the strength of its capital or a few major industrial centres. It is crucial that each region attracts investment, creates high-quality jobs, and develops both its production capacity and its urban environment.

Exhibition stands have been set up at the forum, where the constituent entities of the Federation showcase their strengths, achievements, and future plans, engaging in dialogue with investors and businesses seeking to enter their markets. I am confident that the participants in our panel discussion, along with our guests, have already witnessed this rich diversity of Russia’s regions and have had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with them.

However, in keeping with tradition, the forum’s sidelines also see the announcement of the results of the national investment climate ranking in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. This year, the leading positions are held by Moscow, the republics of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, and the Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow regions. St Petersburg and the Sakhalin Region have entered the top tier for the first time. Among the regions demonstrating the most robust growth are the Khanty-Mansi and Yamalo-Nenets autonomous areas, the Omsk, Vladimir, and Volgograd regions, as well as the Krasnodar and Primorye territories.

I congratulate my colleagues on these achievements. (Applause.)

We will continue to provide financial assistance to the regions in this area, including through infrastructure budget loans. Over the past four years, more than one trillion rubles have been allocated to the regions through this mechanism. By 2030, we plan to allocate an additional 750 billion.

At the same time, we are writing off the regions’ debt on budget loans: over the past two years, this has amounted to nearly 440 billion rubles, and this year we will defer the repayment of this debt by a further 100 billion rubles. These freed-up funds may be directed by the regions towards development projects as well.

Let me add that, starting this year, the National Investment Climate Ranking also includes a new component. This relates to reducing the investment and construction cycle for cultural heritage sites: historic houses, estates, and buildings. The aim is to expedite their restoration, bring them into economic circulation, and make them accessible to the public. This is particularly relevant for the cities of Central Russia, and for our tourist destinations, including those along the route of the renowned Golden Ring.

I would like to recognise the Yaroslavl, Nizhniy Novgorod, Lipetsk and Novgorod regions, as well as Tatarstan for their successful work with cultural heritage sites. It is my hope that other regions follow their lead. Engaging strategic business partners in efforts to restore cultural heritage sites and in regional development efforts in general is instrumental. I am referring to our major corporations and enterprises which play a defining role in the economies of the corresponding regions.

The decision has been taken to devise mechanisms for enabling these corporations from the construction sector to contribute to developing social infrastructure. This includes kindergartens, schools, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. I ask you to complete this work as quickly as possible.

At this juncture, let me also remind you that we had an agreement on moving major state-owned companies and corporations from Moscow to the regions in order to free up some space in the capital and create a regional development driver by enabling regional budgets to generate more revenue and create new jobs. Mr Sobyanin, Moscow also stands to benefit from this initiative.

RusHydro and PSB Bank both offer positive examples of relocated corporations. The United Engine Corporation has adopted the corresponding resolutions, and similar decisions are about to be taken by the Russian Railways group, as well as other structures involved in railway construction. I can understand that changing a company’s office location is not easy, but we must step up these efforts.

Moving on, businesses in today’s world go beyond expanding their operations and often contribute to shaping their operating environment. A people-friendly urban environment emerges around them, and sometimes even entire communities, which offer greater comfort and are attractive. We already have examples of this kind.

I believe that it would be advisable to support innovative approaches by private investors and enable them to be more creative, as they say, by using new solutions in their economic operations and construction. This can be done by setting up dedicated legal frameworks blending high-technology investment, tourism, culture, creativity and local identities.

In addition, we must encourage collective investment in projects to develop urban spaces. This involves mechanisms enabling grassroots participation in developing the home region or community by investing in making it look better. I ask the Government to work with development institutions and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives to set forth these regulations.

Next. A strong, sovereign and dynamic economy requires the promotion of private initiative, as it is entrepreneurs and companies that identify and create market niches, produce goods and services, and stimulate employment. Predictability and stability of the investment climate are important for high business activity. Businesses must clearly understand the tax system, tariffs, regulation, government support measures and mechanisms, and, in general, operating conditions for many years to come.

We have already made additional adjustments to the tax system and have established a line of investment support at both federal and regional levels. In conjunction with the business community, we have drafted a national model of targeted business environment. Among other things, we are talking about specific steps to simplify company registrations and the filing of tax reports. These efforts should certainly continue; connection to infrastructure should be made easier, the effectiveness of law enforcement improved, and so on, and so forth.

I would like to underscore once again that it is vital for the national model to yield tangible results for businesses and entrepreneurs.

On a separate note, I will just say a couple of words about the systematic work of small and medium-sized businesses.

A lot has already been done to ensure that ambitious and enterprising people can easily start their own business, launch production, and provide sought-after services to the public. However, when a business grows and develops, organisational issues and additional financial costs sometimes arise, and not all entrepreneurs are ready to cope with them. We need to minimise these costs and ensure a seamless transition of the business to a higher category, including through ready-made digital solutions or individual support.

I ask the Government, together with VEB and, of course, with business associations, to draft a concept for a smooth transition in business development and growth, which will cover all stages: from self-employment to individual entrepreneurship, and then to a company with all the advantages of corporate governance. In this work, it is necessary to factor in the transition of the economy to a platform path.

In addition, I draw your attention to a topic that I know has also been a centrepiece of discussion: starting this year, the revenue threshold for applying the simplified taxation system has been lowered. Now it is 20 million rubles, next year it is expected to be 15 million, and a year later – 10 million. We have discussed this issue in detail with representatives of the business community and with the Prime Minister.

I would like to say the following. I believe it is feasible to postpone further lowering of the revenue threshold. (Applause.) I knew that there would definitely be a reaction from the audience at this point. (Applause.) And the threshold should remain at today’s level, at the current level. I won’t give you a deadline, but the longer it does, the better. I ask the Government, together with the deputies of the State Duma, to make the necessary amendments.

I also propose that we, together with representatives of business associations, consider introducing preferential and more favourable conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises in the manufacturing sector. I believe this will have a positive impact on the creation of a fairer and more competitive business environment. The goal of bringing the economy further out of the shadows has been set, and we will continue to move steadily in that direction.

Finally, in conclusion, I would like to emphasise once again that a strong and sovereign country cannot be isolated. As I have said many times, recent experience has demonstrated that we need to produce critical goods domestically and to strengthen infrastructure that is essential for national security, business development, and improving the quality of life of our citizens. At the same time, we must continue to strengthen ties with foreign partners, expand cooperation, and promote cross-border projects.

Naturally, we will continue implementing plans to increase the capacity of our road and rail networks, including the development of a high-speed rail system based on domestic technologies. As is well known, the pilot project in this area is the Moscow–St Petersburg high-speed railway.

I am also referring to the expansion of seaport capacity and the development of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor as a major global transport artery. We will continue developing our merchant and icebreaker fleets, building tankers and vessels of various classes. Our goal is to rank among the world’s top ten countries in terms of the total deadweight tonnage of the national merchant fleet.

I would like to ask the Government and the Ministry of Transport to continue their work to increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of the Russian national trade flag.

A strong domestic logistics, production, technological, and financial infrastructure, together with a predictable business environment and the development of human capital, constitute powerful competitive advantages in the global economy. These are the foundations for successful cooperation with countries and investors interested in partnership, those who seek to build mutually beneficial alliances with us, invest in Russia and in joint ventures, and invite Russian companies to take part in joint projects.

I am confident that events such as the St Petersburg International Economic Forum make a significant contribution to this broad and important effort and help all of us achieve new successes in advancing the prosperity and wellbeing of our countries and peoples.

Thank you for your attention. (Applause.)

Geeta Mohan: Thank you so much, Mr President, for setting the tone and tenor for the conversation that we are having but before we go further, let me invite the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Honorable Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Thank you so much, sir. Please.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Mr Putin, heads of state and government, ladies and gentlemen,

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin for the invitation and for the warm welcome that our delegation has enjoyed in St Petersburg over the past few days.

I also wish to greet President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan and Vice President of the People’s Republic of China Han Zheng.

It is a great honour for me to participate in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, which over its three decades of existence has become one of the most authoritative and highly sought-after platforms for exchanging views on the most pressing issues on the global agenda.

I am truly delighted to be in St Petersburg once again, the cultural capital of Russia, a city bound to Uzbekistan by a unique history, spiritual affinity, and the destinies of our people. During the harsh years of the war, many Uzbek citizens fought in the defence of Leningrad, and Tashkent provided refuge for over one and a half million evacuated children, women, and the elderly. The memory of this remains an integral part of our shared moral heritage.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, right here on the banks of the Neva, mindful of our past, we are discussing challenges of the future and the new architecture of the global economy. The President of Russia has just paid particular attention to these matters. This new architecture of the global economy – we all see it, recognise it, and feel it.

The world is undergoing a profound restructuring: transport routes are changing, new supply chains are being formed, modern technological platforms are emerging, artificial intelligence is being introduced across the board, and a fundamental reappraisal of energy, food, and digital security is taking place. Competition is increasingly manifest not only in the contest for markets and natural resources – it is shifting into the sphere of technology, logistics, and infrastructure.

Amidst turbulence in the global economy, the importance of states and regions that play a consolidating role – I wish to emphasise this in particular – a consolidating role, and that are capable of fostering around themselves a space of cooperation, stability, and mutual benefit, is growing.

For millennia, Uzbekistan stood at the heart of the Great Silk Road. Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent were not merely points along a trade route; they were crossroads where ideas, knowledge, and cultural and religious traditions converged. For this reason, openness has never been simply a choice for us, but a vital necessity and part of our civilisational identity.

Today, this openness is acquiring new significance. Uzbekistan, and Central Asia as a whole, are becoming an independent centre of economic growth. It is here that the transport, technological, and demographic contours of the future are taking shape. It is here that the key corridors linking North and South, West and East are converging. In order to firmly consolidate this positive trend, we urgently need an entirely new level of connectivity.

This is not only about linking traditional transport, logistics, and energy corridors. It is also about integrating digital, payment, and industrial infrastructure. A strong, united, economically interconnected, open, and stable Central Asia serves the strategic interests of all our partners.

Ladies and gentlemen,

For Uzbekistan, Russia is more than just a neighbouring country. It is a longstanding strategic partner and ally. Today, our relations have entered a new stage, characterised by deep and multifaceted cooperation. We have moved beyond simple trade in goods to the development of complex industrial value chains, technological alliances, joint design initiatives, and localised production.

According to our statistics, bilateral trade has more than tripled over the past decade, increasing from $4 billion to $13 billion. The current portfolio of joint projects with Russia exceeds $50 billion.

Trade and economic cooperation between the regions of our two countries continues to expand steadily. Our key partners are actively involved in this process: Moscow and St Petersburg, the Moscow and Leningrad regions, the republics of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Perm Territory, and many other Russian regions.

The value of regional projects currently under implementation exceeds $5 billion, while an additional investment package worth another $5 billion is in preparation. Cooperation spans virtually all major sectors of the economy, including energy, chemicals and petrochemicals, mechanical engineering, agriculture, logistics, textiles, food processing, and many others.

Among these initiatives, the joint industrial parks established in five regions of Uzbekistan deserve particular attention. They are already delivering tangible results. Another notable example of our successful cooperation is the creation of a railcar manufacturing cluster in Tashkent.

I would like to turn specifically to the energy sector. Through investment projects, including those with Russian participation, we have expanded electricity production by 50 percent, from 58 to 87 billion kilowatt-hours. By 2030, we plan to increase generation to 120 billion kilowatt-hours, 54 percent of which will come from renewable sources.

Our capacity will grow further with the commissioning of the first hybrid nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, with Russian participation. As you may have seen, yesterday President Putin and I took part in the concrete-pouring ceremony for that plant. For us, this represents a long-term development project – the growth of a new engineering school and the advancement of cutting-edge technologies.

We also intend to collaborate in other areas of peaceful nuclear applications, including medicine, agriculture, industry, and science.

Friends,

In the current climate, technological and industrial cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia should not be limited to bilateral ties. We are focused on wider cooperation areas that can combine industrial potential, resources, markets, and competencies.

That is why we are proposing the formation of a Eurasian Technological Industrialisation Belt – a system of interconnected production and technology clusters united by a single digital industrial cooperation platform. This would involve creating full-cycle supply chains, from technology development and personnel training to the localisation of industrial production and access to foreign markets.

We propose implementing this initiative on the proven platform of the “Innoprom: Central Asia” Innovation and Industrial Exhibition, because, I should say, we have built up very good experience working together over the years. We hold it annually in Tashkent. This approach will allow businesses to find partners directly and establish mutually beneficial relationships.

Ladies and gentlemen,

A promising area of cooperation is undoubtedly digitalisation, which is becoming the new language of the economy. Where infrastructure once meant roads, pipelines, and power lines, today it primarily means digital platforms. These platforms create entire ecosystems around themselves – generating jobs, logistics, payment services, and new export opportunities.

Uzbekistan’s businesses are pushing forward with digital solutions and, at the same time, are open to technological partnerships with a wide range of countries – through Russian marketplaces and digital services, for example.

The Russian President noted in his speech, and I would also like to point out that we only began this process recently. It has not been long, but we are already seeing good results. Our sales volume has grown 3.5‑fold over the past few years, reaching, as already mentioned, over $1.5 billion. I think this is a positive outcome, and it bodes well for our future collaboration.

We suggest embarking on an effort to deepen our cooperation by building a shared digital ecosystem. This could include enacting similar regulations for e-commerce and city services, and then moving on to promoting brands from both Uzbekistan and Russia on our respective platforms, creating a single digital profile for employment-related matters, and developing AI-driven products. This would create new markets for businesses, while people stand to benefit from additional revenue streams.

At the same time, while seeking to promote the digital transition, it is essential that we remember that people must always be front and centre in any changes or reforms. Today, Uzbekistan is one of the world’s youngest countries where young people account for over a half of the population. This is more than just statistics, since it creates positive development momentum, a new kind of demand. This is our future.

Today, our goal does not boil down to offering up-to-date knowledge to our young people. It is instrumental that we create an environment in which young people can master the most advanced competences and fulfil their potential. Cooperation in education and personnel training plays a special role in this regard.

There are 32 branches of foreign higher education institutions in Uzbekistan. I would like to repeat this number, since the President of Russia has offered a lot of support regarding each and every university. In fact, Russian higher education institutions account for 15 out of 32 branches of foreign universities. This is therefore Russia’s biggest university network abroad.

At the same time, vocational training is also essential, especially when it comes to introducing hands-on training programmes. We already have good examples of these practices as demonstrated by the launch of the first joint engineering schools in Almalyk and Tashkent.

Online training seminars could offer an effective cooperation framework in this domain. They could enable young people to acquire the knowledge they need, especially in the most remote locations. This, in turn, would radically change the labour mobility model and elevate it to a whole new level.

In this connection, we suggest creating a joint online platform for developing human capital. Its objective consists of bridging education, professional training and the employment market. This framework could bring together under a single umbrella educational programmes, language and IT courses, projects to support young business leaders, and the ability to get in touch with employers. This would create an intelligible path for young people for integrating in the new economy, while business could access a talent pool of trained personnel. As for universities and colleges, they will have a window connecting them to what the market actually needs. This would be a long-term effort for Uzbekistan and Russia, and a long-term investment too, but we would be investing in people, which is our highest priority. This is what matters the most. If Mr Putin supports this undertaking, we can instruct our sectoral agencies and their senior executives to launch these platforms as quickly as possible.

Vladimir Putin: Of course.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: I wish to highlight tourism as the cultural cornerstone of our partnership. This sector epitomises the building of a trust-based economy. When people visit Uzbekistan, they do not merely see monuments and cities, but also experience its culture, hospitality, business environment, and business opportunities.

In 2025, nearly one million Russians travelled to our country. This year, we are set to welcome even more. To facilitate this, we are developing not only our tourist infrastructure but also the creative economy. By 2030, its contribution is expected to reach five percent of GDP, making this creative sector one of the drivers of economic growth.

To enhance the cultural and educational dimensions of our collaboration, we propose the establishment of a creative tourism corridor from Samarkand to St Petersburg. This initiative envisages the organisation of joint art and film festivals, museum exhibitions, gastronomic weeks, and musical events. Projects highlighting Uzbekistan’s culture and arts have already been launched at the Mariinsky Theatre and the Hermitage.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The year 2026 holds special significance for our nation: we are on the cusp of a pivotal milestone in systemic reforms. A decade ago, we embarked on the building of a new Uzbekistan, committing to openness, inclusivity, and pragmatism. Over this period, a robust foundation has been laid for long-term growth, a favourable business climate has been cultivated, and a sustainable industrial base and new infrastructure have been established. The scale of our economy has expanded: in 2016, our economy was valued at just 50 billion dollars; by the end of 2025, it had grown to 147 billion dollars. This year, we expect growth exceeding eight percent

Over the years of reform, over 150 billion dollars in foreign investment has been attracted to the country, and thousands of modern enterprises have been established. Exports of goods and services have nearly tripled. Even today, amid global instability, Uzbekistan continues to maintain sustained growth. Our economy is becoming increasingly diversified, the domestic market is expanding, and demand for modern technologies, infrastructure, and quality employment is rising.

One of Uzbekistan’s principal advantages lies in its youthful, dynamic, and rapidly growing population. This provides a long-term basis for the development of entrepreneurship, technology, services, and industry. However, demography alone does not guarantee success; this potential must be converted into a powerful intellectual resource, into skills, into productivity, and into the capacity to create high-value-added products and technologies.

From the outset of our reforms, we have endeavoured to combine market efficiency with social responsibility. This is the defining characteristic of the Uzbek model of economic development. Growth must not solely be rapid – it must be sustainable, inclusive, and aimed at enhancing the quality of life for our people. In just five years, total household incomes have grown 150 percent.

Our primary criterion is a high quality of life, human dignity, and the realisation of each individual’s potential. The Uzbekistan‑2030 development strategy is dedicated to this purpose. By this date, we aim to elevate household incomes to levels above the average, to transition all industries to a model of technological and innovative growth, and to expand the economy by a further 50 percent, to more than 240 billion dollars.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Uzbekistan is consistently building all necessary conditions for global investment, creating a favourable business climate, improving market institutions, boosting competition and production potential. We invite investors present here to create new industrial chains with high added value. Our priorities are deep localisation and competence of production and development, as well as the development of modern engineering and new export routes. It is particularly important for the industries creating the new economy, such as industrial processing, agrotechnology, biochemistry, robotics, digital solutions and artificial intelligence.

We see great cooperation potential in projects in the public-private partnership format – in energy, aviation, education, geology, and many other industries. We offer our interested partners not only a growing domestic market but also direct access to neighbouring countries and regions.

Friends,

Uzbekistan is a reliable and predictable country for the global and business communities. Our economy’s progress towards utmost openness has been objectively attested by leading rating agencies. This year alone, our country has gone up 14 positions in the economic freedom index. Over the past years, we have placed $16 billion worth of sovereign and corporate bonds in international markets. Last month, the National Investment Fund of Uzbekistan launched its first share offering at the London Stock Exchange, with assets of our largest state corporations.

To continue developing the capital market and build a stable financial and investment platform that operates to the highest standards, we have launched the construction of the Tashkent International Financial Centre. The centre’s special legal and tax regime will provide investors with convenient tools and reliable guarantees for doing business.

I want to take this opportunity to invite you all to the Tashkent International Investment Forum on June 16–18 июня, where you can learn the new Uzbekistan’s opening opportunities in person.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This forum’s slogan is symbolic: Pragmatic dialogue for the stable future. Indeed, open and respectful dialogue is becoming the main condition for sustainable development. New opportunities open where there is trust, readiness for cooperation, and intention to look for solutions together. The partnership between Uzbekistan and Russia is a telling example of such cooperation.

Once again, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the invitation to this major international forum and for the opportunity to present the new Uzbekistan’s development priorities.

Finally, I wish all participants productive work and a meaningful exchange of opinions.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Moderator Geeta Mohan: Ladies and gentlemen, that was the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. I’d now like to invite the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Honourable Samia Suluhu Hassan. Madam President, the floor is yours.

President of the United Republic of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan: Your Excellency, Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation and our gracious host; Your Excellency, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Your Excellency, Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China; honourable ministers and heads of delegations, distinguished captains of the industry, scholars and friends of Africa, ladies and gentlemen. At the outset, permit me to convey warm greetings from the fraternal people of the United Republic of Tanzania. Greetings from the snow of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world. (Applause.)

Thank you. Greetings from the great plains of the Serengeti, where the wildebeest migration writes one of nature’s oldest and most magnificent stories. And greetings from the spice island of Zanzibar. (Applause.)

It is a profound honour to stand before you, before this distinguished plenary [session], a stage that, for over 29 editions, has become one of the world’s most significant platforms for candid economic conversations. I sincerely reiterate my profound appreciation to our host, His Excellency President Putin, and the people of the Russian Federation for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation since our arrival in this magnificent country. Excellencies, as you may be aware, Tanzania and Russia share a longstanding partnership that spans more than six decades.

In December this year, our two countries will commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations. Certainly, we do not take this milestone for granted. We treat it as an enduring testament of strong commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership that seeks to uplift the lives of our people.

Excellencies, Tanzania is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. Our economic growth currently stands at six percent and is projected to expand to 6.3 percent by the end of this year. The goal is to attain an upper middle-income economy status with a per capita income of around $7,000, in line with the Tanzania Vision 2050.

In order to achieve this goal, we are building three pillars at once. We are prioritising construction of transport infrastructure, including the Standard Gauge Railway, with plans to connect the Dar es Salaam port to the land-linked countries of Rwanda, Burundi, and the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the same note, the Five Years Development Plan 2026–2031 outlines plans to extend the railway networks connecting Tanga Port in the north of Tanzania to Musoma Port in Lake Victoria, to facilitate transportation facilities in Lake Victoria to the neighbouring countries.

The Southern Corridor Railway, which is going to connect Tanzania to Malawi and Mozambique, is another railway project. We have successfully completed the construction of the Julius Nyerere hydropower project, which has added more than 2,000 megawatts to our national grids. Plans to generate 8,000 megawatts by 2030 and 70,000 megawatts by 2050 are underway.

On the other hand, we joined hands with Uganda in implementing the East African oil pipeline that will transport crude oil through our territories to global markets. Similarly, we are expanding the soft infrastructure by increasing the broadband coverage to more than 95 percent, also building more data centres and extending cross-border fibre as part of our ICT broadband project. This project stretches beyond our borders and connects to the neighbouring countries of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi, positioning Tanzania as a regional digital hub for land-linked countries.

Excellencies, allow me now to narrate a thought that I believe deserves a place in this forum. By 2050, one in four human beings in this planet will be African. Africa will be the only continent on Earth still adding workers to the global labour force on a large scale. Africa will host nine of the world’s 20 fastest growing economies. Africa’s middle class will exceed one billion people, and the African continental free trade area, when fully operational, will constitute the largest single market in the world by population. This is not just a forecast but an arithmetic. Africa is destined to grow. The question, however, is on what terms, with which partners, and on whose model of growth. Africa somehow has charted its own development model.

It is clearly articulated in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, operationalised through the African continental free trade area, the programme for infrastructure development in Africa, and the development plans in our regional blocs. To date, talking of our bilateral relation between Tanzania and Russia, to date, relations between our investment authorities, Russia’s Roscongress, and the Tanzania Investment Authority have been formalised through signing a memorandum of understanding which will open a new bridge of business to Tanzania. Concrete steps have been taken to review our laws and regulations for purposes of creating favourable investment environment and henceforth attracting more capital investment.

In 2025, we created a one-stop centre for all investors coming to Tanzania. New companies can now register online within 24 hours. (Applause.)

This has transformed Tanzania into the fastest-growing investment destination in Africa, receiving around $12 billion worth of foreign direct investment in 2025, compared to nearly $3 billion in 2021. We are proud to say Russian enterprises have contributed to this growth trajectory.

Our trade has equally remained steady at around $4 million annually. Tanzania’s challenge is to export more to Russia, and Russia is exporting more to Tanzania.

Ladies and gentlemen, at this juncture, allow me to mention five main projects for which we are here to seek partnership from international business community.

First, we are delighted to inform you that Tanzania is embarking on one of the most ambitious port infrastructure development projects, encompassing a special economic zone, and this is being done just four kilometres north of our commercial city, Dar es Salaam. We are turning a small historic trade vicinity into a global hub of commerce, manufacturing, and maritime sector development. The Bagamoyo special economic zone is our number one flagship project, and we welcome international enterprises to partner with us. Moreover, we are developing a complex Mangapwani port – a transshipment port on our beautiful island of Zanzibar. The feasibility studies for both ports are ready, and we are eagerly encouraging partners to join us in investments.

Second, on mining and mineral beneficiation, we have endeavoured to ensure that the existing wealth of gold, uranium, nickel, graphite, helium, niobium, and other rare earth elements bring us massive economic returns. Our national policy is clear. We intend to move steadily from being a producer of raw materials to a producer of finished products. We invite partners to invest with us in industrial parks that will give real meaning to mining beneficiation.

Third comes tourism. Tanzania is one of the world-renowned tourist destinations. Our remarkable hospitality industry continues to dominate the global tourism platforms. Last year, for the second time, the Serengeti National Park won the Africa’s leading national park at the World Travel Awards, held in December 2025. At the same time, Tanzania has also been crowned as Africa’s leading destination, and Zanzibar was awarded Africa’s best corporate retreat destination. As part of our plan to attract tourists from Russia, we have designated our national carrier, Air Tanzania – The Wings of Kilimanjaro – to begin direct flights between Dar es Salaam, Moscow, and Zanzibar. The first flight is expected to be on the 2^nd of July this year. We aim to increase the number of Russian visitors to Tanzania to 500,000 by the year 2030, and a million shortly after.

Fourth, as part of efforts to transform the agriculture sector and enhance food security, we have prioritised local fertiliser production to sustain our growing domestic demand. Since Russia is the world’s largest exporter of fertilisers, Tanzania highly encourages the establishment of the local fertiliser plants geared to serve the country and the region at large. Fifth is the critical issue of energy generation: Tanzania has huge deposits of uranium.

Our main target is to use some of it in generating nuclear energy to meet the growing demand, which is expected to reach 8,000 megawatts by 2030 and subsequently 70,000 megawatts by 2050. It is in this context that Tanzania is advancing to nuclear energy as part of our long-term strategy to diversify our energy mix and support sustainable economic growth. To guide this effort, we have developed an ambitious national roadmap for nuclear power development, including the use of small modular reactors in our long-term energy strategy. And here, the Rosatom company of Russia has shown great interest, and we are holding discussions with them.

In conclusion, Excellencies, it suffices to say that the world is moving faster, and that necessitates developing countries to keep the pace. We must go where the wind blows. Indeed, this is a time for partnership, clarity, and trust. Above all, it is a time for us to take charge and realise our full potential. In this situation, I dare say that Tanzania is open for business. Tanzania is ready for new ideas and innovation. Tanzania is open to collaboration with international partners. This meeting has been a useful platform for enriching engagement in such endeavours.

We are confident that the outcome of this forum will contribute significantly to promoting greater partnership in trading and investment. Your Excellency President Putin, allow me once again to reiterate my gratitude to you, Your Excellency, for the generous invitation to be part of this important engagement. I also look forward to closer and greater economic collaborations between Tanzania and the Russian Federation, as well as other international enterprises who are ready to work with us.

Asante sana. Thank you very much.

Moderator Geeta Mohan: Ladies and gentlemen, that was the President of Tanzania. Tanzania is open for business.

With that, I call upon our next speaker, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China Han Zheng.

Vice President of the People’s Republic of China Han Zheng: Mr President Putin. Mr President of Uzbekistan. Madam President of Tanzania. Ladies and gentlemen. Friends, good afternoon.

It is a great pleasure to meet with you on the banks of the Neva River for the 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

This year’s forum is held under the theme Pragmatic Dialogue: The Path to a Stable Future – a theme that reflects the shared aspirations of all countries, particularly in the current climate, for stability, cooperation, and development. This forum is of great significance.

On behalf of the Government of China, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt congratulations on the successful opening of the forum.

Against a backdrop of accelerating global transformation, challenges and governance deficits are growing worldwide. Last September, President Xi Jinping solemnly launched the Global Governance Initiative based on five guiding principles: commitment to sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centred approach, and a focus on real actions and results.

This initiative has received a broad positive response from more than 160 countries and international organisations. The establishment of the Group of Friends of Global Governance within the UN is rightly considered a modern manifesto for upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, defending genuine multilateralism, and opposing unipolarity.

China, as the initiator, is bringing all parties together through practical steps to jointly promote the reform and improvement of the global governance system.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Friends,

Implementing the Global Governance Initiative requires the joint efforts of the international community. As leading global powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia play an important role in transforming the global governance system.

Following the recent summit in Beijing, President Xi Jinping and President Putin approved the Joint Declaration on the Formation of a Multipolar World and a New Type of International Relations. This document demonstrates the firm resolve and responsibility of China and Russia, as leading powers, to jointly promote a more equitable and rational global governance system.

China intends to strengthen cooperation with Russia and other countries through the Global Governance Initiative, and to work together towards a world of openness, tolerance, equality, justice, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

In this regard, I would like to share the following vision.

First, we must adhere to the principle of equal cooperation and uphold the concept of global governance based on joint consultation, joint development, and shared benefit. In the face of unipolarity and protectionism within the international community, defending the core values and fundamental principles of multilateralism is more urgent than ever.

We must adhere to genuine multilateralism, promote equal engagement of all countries, as well as equality in decision-making, and equal use of benefits in global governance. We must categorically support democratisation in international relations, expand representation, make sure the opinions of the developing countries are taken more seriously, and abandon ideological divides to ensure that the rational demands of different countries are fully accounted for by global governance.

Second, we must unequivocally protect international justice and defend the status and authority of the UN. China invariably supports the following: the parties must work together to defend a UN-centric international system, a world order based on international law and the fundamental norms of international relations focused on the goals and principles of the UN Charter. At the same time, China is against hegemonism and the policy of force in any form.

We must protect international justice in accordance with the generally recognised norms of international law, counter double standards and selective enforcement. We should support the restoration of authority and vitality of the UN in the new environment so that this organisation continues to serve as a key platform for coordinating international efforts and overcoming challenges together.

Third, we must promote comprehensive development and provide tangible benefits to all nations. To increase the effectiveness of global governance, improving people’s wealth and prosperity must become a focus. It is necessary to comprehensively fulfill the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, assist in joint development and prosperity of all countries, and adhere to the principles of mutually beneficial cooperation.

China will continue to maintain a high level of external openness and provide unique progress opportunities to the world with its own high-quality development. As the host of the 33rd informal meeting of APEC leaders, China is ready to give a new impetus to the development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific Region and the entire world.

Fourth, to strengthen coordination and create more visible results. China continuously promotes the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road, playing a leading role in cooperation within the SCO, BRICS and other multilateral bodies, supporting development and progress of the Global South, and assisting with the dialogue and cooperation within the international community on such significant areas as AI and climate change. China is also a co-founder of the International Organisation for Mediation along with over 30 other states.

It is necessary to coordinate international actions while focusing on aligning strategic initiatives with political coordination both among different countries and among international organisations and international bodies for the purpose of shaping a powerful force to respond to global challenges and promoting joint development.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

This year launches China’s 15th five-year plan that includes both grand development plans for our country in the next five years and broad horizons of China’s mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries in the world.

China is ready to work with all of its friends to fully realise the global governance initiative, create a more just rational system of global governance, and open the brilliant future for humanity shoulder to shoulder.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Moderator Geeta Mohan: Thank you so much. That’s the Vice President of the People’s Republic of China.

We are now going to open up the Q&A session and we begin with what this room looks like: hundred and thirty countries, representations from not just the Global South – we are looking at America for the first time being represented in this room, yes, Rodney Mims Cook Jr. right there in front of me.

This is also a room where Saudi Arabia is the guest of honour and so we have the Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia sitting right there.

So, honourable President Putin, my question to you is, with hundred and thirty countries being represented in this room: when the world talks about economic isolation of Russia, does this look like isolation?

And, pardon me for being a little forward when it comes to thoughts and opinions – is it Russia that is isolated or is it partly Europe today that stands isolated?

Vladimir Putin: The answer came with an obvious hint – thank you very much. However, I must assure you, there was no need for any hint, as there was never any isolation.

The initiator of these attempts at isolation was the previous administration of the United States – a fact well known to all. Subsequently, their satellites in Europe followed suit, and have now surpassed even the US administration in these efforts. Yet, isolation never materialised, largely due to ongoing cooperation with certain partners in the United States.

I have previously cited this example. Present here today is a representative from one of our energy companies. Despite persistent opposition from the previous administration to one of our liquefied natural gas projects, once the project was launched, the first shipment was directed to the American market. To be honest, I was surprised – I could hardly believe it. I enquired: why? Because it was profitable.

We continue to supply uranium to the American market. The leading supplier in terms of uranium volumes is the United States – an American company; the second is an international company with both European and American capital; and Russia, still, ranks third in terms of volumes. And all is well. Where there is profit, Americans are pragmatic, and we ought to follow their example – nothing ever ceased with us.

Nor have our energy projects in the Far East with certain countries that, ostensibly, have formally announced their withdrawal from those projects, come to a halt. Everything is now operational – they seek expansion and are requesting more in numerous other sectors.

I am not even speaking of our friends – and I wish to underscore this: not merely friends, but partners who are reliable for everyone. I refer to both African nations and the countries within the Asian region – and, naturally, India, which never yields to external pressure, and the People’s Republic of China, whose sovereignty and independent decision-making are indisputable.

Within the framework of the well-known organisations, everything has always been satisfactory – and even more so with our closest allies, partners, and historical neighbours. Everything is advancing and proceeding without any significant detriment to us.

The fact that we now, as you have noted, are joined by official representatives of the United States here – and I am aware that there are also representatives from European countries in attendance – is a development we can only welcome. We have never isolated ourselves from anyone. If the circumstances have evolved in such a way that representatives from these states are also present here with us, we are only too pleased. Welcome! (Applause.)

Moderator Geeta Mohan: I promised to stick to the economic questions, but being a journalist, I have to ask you this. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky wrote an open letter and he has not just offered direct talks – in the same letter he directly threatened you and has called this your war.

I would like to quote him, if I may. He says, “Our long-range drones paid a visit to the opening of your forum in St Petersburg covering a distance of more than a thousand kilometres.”

He says this war is your personal choice, a war without a real cause.

“We often hear you are comfortable with this war. Of course, not in those cases when it comes to the security of your residence in Valdai or your parade in Moscow. You own life is valuable to you.”

He adds you will have to fight much harder for your own existence, not Russia but your own.

He has proposed to set a clear date for a meeting between you and him. Your first reaction.

Vladimir Putin: As for the [strikes on the] residence or the parade – that is not my personal matter. They later gave us information, telling us, “We knew you were not there at the residence,” and so on. Why they are doing that is a different issue.

My press secretary, Mr Peskov, showed me this letter yesterday. But we had a working meeting – a working dinner with the President of Uzbekistan, so honestly, I did not have time to look at it. This morning, Peskov slipped it to me again. I glanced at it briefly, but still. A few things I would like to point out.

First, the author mentioned my age. Well, what can I say? Of course, everyone should think about age, but I imagine many other political figures my age are fulfilling their duties, some of them are even older than me. Age is not the most important thing… (Applause) …It certainly matters, but it is not everything. What matters is political capability and mental sharpness. Some of my colleagues, who, I repeat, are older, show enough vigour. Whether they are doing well or badly is another question – that is a matter of political judgment, but on the whole, they work actively.

Now, he also noted the length of time spent in elected office. That is an important issue, of course. But we have to stand for election – not be afraid to run for office – and always act within the framework of the Constitution. Holding power outside the Constitution is called usurpation; it is a criminal offence. So there is no need to be afraid. We have to stand, and I would advise everyone to do the same. Especially since in Ukraine, they were talking about elections coming soon, and then it all went quiet, for no clear reason.

The author also argues that the agreements reached in Anchorage should not be fulfilled, and that genuine guarantors of any potential Russia-Ukraine agreement need to be sought – and they should be sought in Europe. Reliable guarantors are always helpful, but why the US administration and President Trump are being denied that role is beyond me. They want weapons from the United States, but for some reason they do not want the US administration and President Trump as guarantors. That raises questions.

But we all saw how Donald, in front of the whole world, disciplined the author of that letter – insisting on a dress code, remember? Playing Rambo: First Blood all the time may work, but only up to a point, and not everywhere. That is the first point. And on manners: overall, I want to thank Donald for that effort – it was certainly useful. But there is still room for improvement. The work needs to continue. (Applause.)

Now, to address the central issue. Given that the Ukrainian side has chosen to thrust our relations into the public sphere, moving towards open discourse and debate – which, in my estimation, is somewhat inappropriate or altogether incorrect – this provides me with the opportunity, and indeed the right, to discuss certain matters that are either little known or entirely unknown to the public.

What am I referring to? This is a serious matter, let me assure you, without a trace of irony or jest.

Three weeks ago, a representative of our business community contacted me with a matter. I have been acquainted with this individual for a considerable time; although we do not maintain close ties, I regard him as trustworthy and honourable. He called me and said: “Mr President, I am being invited to Kiev.” I responded: “Well, by all means, go ahead; how does this concern me?” He replied: “I felt it was imperative to inform you, as the discussion will likely involve issues pertinent to relations between our two countries.”

I advised him: “Listen, I cannot dispatch you in any official capacity; such matters should be the remit of qualified professionals from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, and other relevant services – much as occurred during our negotiations in Istanbul. Therefore, I cannot sanction any official action on your part.” He replied: “I merely wished to inform you of this invitation. I would go, listen, and subsequently report back to you on the discussions.” I replied: “I cannot prevent you; feel free to go.”

He travelled to Kiev, where he met with the individual, the author of that letter, at his residence, not at Valdai. Upon his return, I convened with him. Amidst the less substantive elements, the salient point was this: Mr Zelensky was requesting a meeting. I remarked: “I have never declined such requests.” However, to convene merely for the sake of empty dialogue, as we say – I am well familiar with that.

If I am not mistaken, the letter contains a reference to the Minsk agreements. We laboured through the night on those Minsk agreements – drafting them – only to have it subsequently revealed, through the statements of the leading representatives of the Federal Republic of Germany and France, that it was all a futile exercise. The entirety of the Minsk agreements served one purpose: to buy time for the rearmament of Ukraine. What need do we have for such agreements?

Thus, I stated: “I see no merit in such a meeting.” The sole objective, from the Ukrainian perspective, is to impede the progress of our Armed Forces, nothing more. We require agreements that endure not for mere months, not for half a year, but for a significant historical period. Let the specialists deliberate, devise solutions, and only thereafter can we convene, attend – as I mentioned – the signing of pertinent documents, or even append our signatures ourselves. However, a solution must first be formulated.

Now, to the most critical point, which the audience, particularly the Russian audience, will comprehend. This occurred, I believe, on May 21, and on May 22, Ukrainian forces executed a heinous terrorist attack on a college dormitory in the Lugansk People’s Republic, resulting in the tragic loss of children, adolescents. This constitutes a grievous crime. There were no military installations nearby, nor were there any military vehicles in the vicinity.

That morning, I contacted this – shall we say – colleague who had journeyed to Kiev and asked: “What does this signify?” They ask for a meeting whilst perpetrating such horrendous crimes as the murder of children. What is the implication of this? He responded: “I am at a loss for an explanation. They are contacting me once more; I will speak with them and subsequently apprise you and keep you informed.” I replied: “Very well.” I have not communicated with him since.

And the letter you have just mentioned does indeed contain certain rudeness. Is this really a way to create the conditions for personal meetings and negotiations? Or does it instead create an atmosphere in which such meetings become virtually impossible? I believe it is the latter.

Therefore, our attention should be directed not towards the authors of this letter, not towards the fans of the epistolary genre, but towards our soldiers on the line of contact. (Applause.) And addressing them, I would like to say: “Comrade soldiers and sailors! Comrade sergeants and warrant officers! Comrade officers, admirals, and generals! The entire country is watching you. The entire country is proud of you and places its hopes in you. Keep up the good work, brothers!” (Applause.)

Moderator Geeta Mohan: So, I will take that as a “No”, that you are not going to meet the author of the letter.

Vladimir Putin: I do not yet see the point.

Moderator Geeta Mohan: Because you have mentioned the American President, is Trump your window to once and for all settle the Russia-Ukraine question?

I ask you this, President Putin, because President Trump is, maybe, the only American President who is engaging Ukraine in a way to bring them to the talking table to strike a deal. He puts President Zelensky on notice. If it were Biden or Obama this would not have been offered at all. Is he the window?

Vladimir Putin: I already spoke about this in Anchorage, and I was sincere about that. I believe that if President Trump had been in power at that time – and I believe he had been deprived of victory through what I consider serious irregularities in that election – events might have unfolded differently. I believe that the widespread use of mail-in voting did not meet accepted international standards for ensuring fair elections. Had he held the office, perhaps these events would not have occurred. Perhaps he would have devoted greater attention to finding a peaceful solution.

In fact, during the final days of President Biden’s tenure, I spoke with him by telephone and told him exactly that. However, the administration at the time did not respond to the proposals we had put forward in December 2021. Well, that is now a matter of history. Perhaps, had President Trump been in office, developments would have taken a different course.

I regard him as a colleague of mine, and I respect him. As far as I can judge, the current US Administration’s attitude toward Russia is similar. Our personal relations are based on mutual respect. But naturally, key issues must ultimately be resolved between Russia and Ukraine. Our colleagues in the United States and other regions of the world can only help create the necessary conditions and act as guarantors. That is what we proceed from.

Moderator Geeta Mohan: President Putin, we are sitting and discussing this at SPIEF 2026: how do you really offer a stable economic future and invite investors to Russia when we are looking at critical infrastructure being actively targeted by Ukraine?

Vladimir Putin: You know, these attacks certainly do not contribute anything positive. Moreover, they cause us vertain damage. However, when investors make investment decisions, they assess the entire range of risks.

Yesterday, when speaking with your colleagues – the heads of major news agencies – I said that this means only one thing for us: we must strengthen our security, reinforce our missile defence capabilities, and enhance our air defence systems. And this is what we will do. However, businesses, especially serious investors, think in terms of long-term historical perspectives. Above all, they evaluate the economy in which they intend to invest.

We have discussed the current situation in the Russian economy. We acknowledge that the GDP growth has slowed and that there are certain other challenges. However, we have conceded to this in order to strengthen the foundations and, so to speak, improve the overall health of the Russian economy and its macroeconomic indicators. We are deliberately cooling the economy. And I want to assure you that we see no threats either today or in the foreseeable future. On the contrary, we can see that the measures we are taking are producing results. I know that many of my colleagues are present here, including representatives of the real sector of the economy. I meet with them regularly, and we discuss all of these issues.

As for the cries of “All is lost!” – a kind of Yaroslavna’s Lament – this expression is not entirely clear to you, but the Russian audience will understand the reference, we are aware that the key interest rate and other factors undoubtedly make investment activity more difficult. However, I want to emphasise once again the main point: the fundamental foundations of the Russian economy remain strong. This gives us every reason to believe that Russia continues to be an attractive destination for investment, not only domestic but also foreign. And I must say that we do see this interest. We will certainly welcome our partners. (Applause.)

Moderator Geeta Mohan: Ok. You are saying that in your speech you have set ambitious goals launching a new investment cycle but you yourself said that there has been a decline of 2.3 percent last year.

How do you then propose to grow in an environment of wars, sanctions, frozen assets and while you talk about sovereignty, how do you balance that with inviting foreigners here to Russia?

Vladimir Putin: Look, you have mentioned war and sanctions, yet our economy continues to develop steadily. The domestic market is expanding, and the well-being of our population is on the rise. We have set ourselves the objective – as I stated yesterday – of reducing the poverty rate to below seven percent by 2030. We have already achieved a rate of 6.7 percent, reaching this target ahead of schedule and exceeding expectations. Our macroeconomic indicators remain stable – I must emphasise this once again.

Despite these challenges – of which there are always many, everywhere – the solid foundations of Russian economic development remain stable and offer promising growth prospects. Every business and company remains vigilant to the risks – I reiterate – of today, the near future, and the long term. There are those prepared to proceed having evaluated these risks. I am confident that we will overcome these challenges, and in due course, such risks will diminish.

Regarding combat operations, we operate under the assumption that they will eventually conclude, and that they will certainly do so once we have attained the objectives we have set.

As for sanctions – well, I maintain that they inflict more harm on those who impose them. Do these sanctions cause us damage? Yes, they do. They froze 300 billion, and we currently hold over 500 billion, if calculated in dollars. They froze 300 billion, and we already possess over 500 billion. That is the result for you.

Do they cause us damage? Yes, but do those who impose these sanctions suffer as a result? Without a doubt, and profoundly so! According to various estimates – taking the eurozone as an example – the damage inflicted by the sanctions against us amounts to between 1.5 and 2.5 trillion euros. However, there is currently a reassessment of this situation underway. This reassessment is leading many to conclude that a return to cooperation with Russian partners might well be the wiser course.

We will monitor this closely. If the partners who left us – withdrawing from our market two or three years ago – did not create significant disruption or act insolently, we will welcome their return. Indeed, there are already interested parties who wish to return. Nevertheless, we will, of course, prioritise the interests of domestic business in this regard. (Applause.)

Moderator Geeta Mohan: We will come back to your goals and Ukraine, but I will have to ask you this Madam President – amid sanctions you are wanting to do and increase business with Russia. How are you going to circumvent or bypass the sanctions?

Samia Suluhu Hassan: Thank you, Madam Moderator, and I must say that I have been envying those panel members using their national languages and I would like to use this opportunity to do this. So, I will switch from English to Swahili.

[Speaks Swahili]

You asked me about sanctions and how we will move forward with development. I want to assure you that Tanzania is not under sanctions. We are not under sanctions at all, and we are continuing to organize ourselves to develop our country. But we are not under sanctions.

Moderator Geeta Mohan: Coming back to the sanctions experience, President Putin, you spoke about goals. In the sanctions that we are seeing and that have been imposed on Russia, there is certainly some room for a deal to be struck with Ukraine, what is that goal that Russia wants to achieve before a deal is struck and what are the red lines here?

Vladimir Putin: You know, during my speech at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the summer of 2024, I laid out all of my objectives. In essence, they were set out at the very beginning of the special military operation.

This is going to take a while, but I will summarise the key points briefly.

Under the Charter of the United Nations, every nation has the right to self-determination. Following the coup in Ukraine, several regions of the country rejected the new authorities, declared that they did not support the coup, and proclaimed their independence and sovereignty. In doing so, they acted in full accordance with international law and the provisions of the UN Charter.

For a long time, we sought to resolve all these disputes through peaceful means. The Minsk Agreements, signed in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, established a framework for addressing the complicated situation in southeastern Ukraine.

However, it later became clear that the parties on the other side had signed these agreements solely to gain time, enhance their military capabilities, and launch military operations. That is how events unfolded. Subsequently, these territories declared their independence.

It is worth recalling that, in its consideration of the Kosovo case, the International Court of Justice determined that a territory declaring independence is neither required nor obligated to seek permission from the central authorities of the state to which it belongs. This was the International Court’s ruling, and on that basis Kosovo’s actions were deemed legitimate.

By the same reasoning, both the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics also acted within that framework. Although we refrained from recognising their independence for a considerable period, we eventually did so after concluding that a negotiated settlement among all parties was unattainable and that we were, in effect, being deceived. We therefore recognised the independence and sovereignty of these entities, and subsequently entered into agreements with them.

Did we have the right to recognise them? Yes, we did, and we did so. This does not contradict the UN Charter. Could we conclude a treaty of friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance with them? Of course – and we did exactly that. The agreement was ratified by the Russian parliament. They requested our assistance, and we stated that we would provide it within the framework of this agreement. That is the first task, and it is being carried out.

The same letter you referred to states that our objective is the liberation of Donbass – and these two republics, the Lugansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic, constitute the Donbass region. The letter also states that this objective will never be achieved.

Does Kiev not know that, since April 1 of this year, the Lugansk People’s Republic has been fully under the control of the Russian Federation and Russian forces, while less than 15 percent of the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic remains under Kiev’s control? We are steadily and confidently moving toward achieving these tasks, and there is no doubt we will accomplish this.

The same applies to other goals that we intend to achieve through negotiations – and I am talking about denazification. I also spoke about this yesterday. We were constantly being told, “What denazification? What are you talking about? That is just nonsense!” But what kind of nonsense is it? Recently, we saw the reburial of Nazi criminals being treated as heroes of Ukraine, with military honours and salutes. And who is doing all that? The head of the Kiev regime, who is Jewish. It is simply outrageous. Only Poland reacted somewhat timidly, and there is a reason for that – because it was mainly Jews and Poles, as well as Russians and Roma, who were exterminated by Nazis during World War II. Some million people [were exterminated].

I already said this yesterday, but it bears repeating. This is a huge part of the tragedy of the Holocaust. A million people, do you understand? Women and children were stabbed with pitchforks and burned in their homes. But now [Nazi criminals] are being reburied with military honours, with the head of the current regime present there and salutes and honours given, effectively glorifying Nazis. Our goal is to achieve denazification, and we hope for support from the international community in doing so.

(Applause)

Geeta Mohan: Shifting focus back to the topic at hand over here, let’s talk about energy security. President Mirziyoyev, it is during these wars and conflicts that countries have realised the need for energy security, the need for alternative energy resources and sources, and in that Uzbekistan and Russia have just signed an agreement for a nuclear facility. Tell us more about what this means for Uzbekistan in terms of the facility, the specialists that you would require, because this is after a long time that we’re looking at a nuclear facility in Uzbekistan, and how much time it will take, how important it is to have a nuclear facility, an energy resource that is not dependent on oil.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Thank you very much.

In fact, this is a very strategic, necessary project – the energy security of any country, and in 10 years the need in energy for Uzbekistan will double. I have also mentioned in my speech why we are seriously working on this issue, because as far as fuel, that is, uranium, is concerned, we are ranked as the world’s fifth top uranium producer, with with the world’s tenth largest uranium reserves.

We have been discussing these projects with our Russian colleagues for a long time, having designed and arrived at a unique resolution – for the first time in the history of Russia and Uzbekistan, there will be two small and two large nuclear reactors. This is a unique new model of a nuclear power plant. Of course, before we say this, we have been discussing this with the Russian President for many years.

What was the first thing we did? I asked to open a branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI. We need to have specifically trained personnel before we could discuss something. Because, of course, during the Soviet Union, we had a huge school of peaceful nuclear development, there was science. But unfortunately, I say “unfortunately” because it was all forgotten, to put it mildly, and we have restored it all from scratch.

When we opened the branch, we opened up all the competencies, created science, and today there are 300 people students and 150 graduates. We have reached an agreement with MEPhI, some 400 students from Uzbekistan study there. We pay very serious attention, that is, we already have a research base.

Second. We have been working on the project for a very long time. The project is unique because the Russian content meets all international standards. And we are already this close to completing this grandiose, unique project, I would say.

Mr Putin and I commissioned its launch yesterday. And you know, here I am, and it was already late in Uzbekistan, but I still talked with the regional leadership after this meeting. People didn’t leave, people delivered speeches, people rejoiced, because this is a prospect for the future.

I would like to say that this project is not the last joint project of a nuclear power plant with Russia, and we will continue to build and erect more plants. Because we have created such a good foundation, and, as you yourself noted, we have also created human resources. So now it's up to us to accelerate.

We discussed this with Mr Putin yesterday as well, that we will keep it under the control at the highest level, because people have long been waiting for nuclear power plants in Uzbekistan. I would like to reiterate what I said in my speech – the economy is growing, and guaranteed electricity supply is very important for the economy.

Incidentally speaking, yesterday we even talked about other major energy-efficient projects in Uzbekistan. So, I think yesterday was a historic day. I congratulate both our Russian colleagues and citizens in Uzbekistan who have been very enthusiastic about this project. It will bring a very serious foundation for energy security to the Republic of Uzbekistan. (Applause).

Moderator Geeta Mohan: Partnership, they say, should be partnership of equals. President Putin, the trade ledger shows Russia exports raw energy heavily to China but imports a lot of machinery, technology and components. Is this relationship a partnership of equals or is Russia sliding into a colonial trade imbalance?

Vladimir Putin: (Laughs.) Talking about this topic even makes me laugh. We do have equal relations with our Chinese partners and friends. Moreover, the share of our high-tech exports to China is constantly on the rise.

As for energy in general, the share of machinery and equipment from Russia in this industry clearly – I can't give specific figures now lest I make a mistake – certainly exceeds the share of our Chinese friends.

If we talk about energy, I will also start with nuclear energy, atomic energy. We are building nuclear power plants in China. (Addressing Alexey Likhachev) How many units, Alexey?

Director General of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom Alexei Likhachev: We have four units, which have been built, are operating, four more are under construction.

Vladimir Putin: Four units designed by us are operating, and we are building another four in the People’s Republic of China. And our cooperation in science and education is developing. We have a very close cooperation in this area, and it is mutually beneficial.

As for, say, hydrocarbon energy, we have our own competencies growing here. And at one time, when we cooperated with foreign partners in this area, they were mostly American partners. Now we are increasing our competence in these areas. The heads of our largest companies are here, and if you talk to them separately later, they will tell you.

But, of course, we refer to our reliable partners and friends, including Chinese companies, to share information, technologies, and we will continue to do so. I would like to emphasise in particular that cooperation with China in this sense is mutually beneficial and absolutely equal.

Geeta Mohan: Okay, then let me invite Vice President Zheng.

[Given] the fact that there was a recent meeting between the two heads of state of Russia and China, which drew a lot of international attention, please throw some light on what this relationship is all about and where it’s headed.

Han Zheng (retranslated): Thank you for your question.

As President Putin correctly noted, cooperation in the sphere of trade between Russia and China is moving forward successfully and this is mutually beneficial as our economies complement each other. In the past years, it has been developing in a stable and a sustainable way, and we see a solid growth and healthy dynamics.

As you know, two weeks ago President Putin paid

a very successful visit to China, and President Xi Jinping and President Putin had talks in Beijing on development of bilateral relations and mutually beneficial cooperation in different spheres and many agreements were made in the trade and economy track. All these outcomes were of great interest for the entire world community. All mainstream media were covering this.

I’d like to touch upon three major points.

First, as I mentioned in my speech, China and Russia are large states, we are neighboring countries, and both are standing members of the UN Security Council.

The development of relations between Russia and China and the deepening of these relations and mutually beneficial cooperation in all spheres have already demonstrated that this is promoting the development and growth of both of these countries and contributes to increase of the well-being and wealth of both countries. At the same time, it allows us to bring very precious stability and positivity to the modern turbulent world, this is my fist point.

Secondly, I know that you give great attention to our practical cooperation. I would like to stress that it is not directed against any other third party and it is not impacted by any external influence.

Madam moderator has already asked such a question, our relations are forward-looking thanks to the strategic leadership by President Xi Jinping and President Putin. This comprehensive strategic cooperation and partnership of our countries has been developing for 30 years. This year we celebrate 25 years of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation

We have been successfully moving along the designated path and we are enriching our relations with new substantial meaning. This not only improves the well-being of the two countries’ population but also supports the stability and peace in the region and the whole world.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: After your question, I looked around the room, including at those seated in the front row. Top executives of our major companies, including those in the energy sector, are here today.

I would like to draw attention to one point. Many of our companies, naturally, relied on the obvious achievements and expertise of Western service providers, particularly US companies. However, when that source of support was cut off, they began establishing their own engineering centres, and many of them have achieved remarkable success.

Take Gazprom Neft, for example. I have not yet had the opportunity to visit personally, but I promise I will certainly do so. From the video footage and other materials I have seen, the progress has been tremendous and truly significant. Obviously, we are not rejecting future cooperation; there is still much work ahead, and together with our partners from other countries, we will continue to deliver strong results.

Or consider NOVATEK. This company boasts technologies that are unmatched anywhere across the globe. We are currently discussing these technologies with our American partners. If they adopt them, production, liquefaction, and ultimately the sale of products in Alaska will, in my view, become far more efficient than originally envisioned through pipeline-based systems – significantly more efficient, by an order of magnitude. We have a lot to discuss in this regard. While sanctions and other restrictions have created challenges for us in certain areas, in others they have had the opposite effect, encouraging the development of our own expertise.

The same is true with respect to our European partners. Gazprom’s subsidiaries produce a number of natural gas-based products, and our partners who had previously expanded successfully, including through cooperation with us, are now facing massive challenges if they choose to remain in the market. Privately, they express dissatisfaction [with the actions] of their governments, yet they are compelled to comply with them. They have lost access to the Russian market, while we have enhanced our own competencies and have begun to replace them in third-country markets because we now possess both the products and the technologies ourselves. This is the outcome of the short-sighted policies pursued by some of our partners. Yet, in this regard, those actions have worked to our advantage. (Applause.)

Geeta Mohan: Talking about technology and talking of technology, you are helping [with] uranium when it comes to nuclear facility. What about countries like India that actually have a lot of potential and need maybe assistance and partnership in the technology sphere when it comes to hydrocarbon and rare-earth minerals harnessing, harnessing of hydrocarbons in India? Is that something that you are looking at?

Vladimir Putin: Certainly, we cooperate very actively. Our company, Rosneft, is among the largest foreign investors in the Indian economy.

(Addressing Igor Sechin) Mr Sechin, how much did you invest in the oil refinery plant in India? Twenty billion?

Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin (answers off-mic): …

Vladimir Putin: Rosneft has invested approximately $25 billion in the Indian economy, including the refinery, the port, a network of fuelling stations, and other facilities.

Naturally, we work closely with our Indian friends, and together we continue to achieve the positive outcomes we can see today. This cooperation also involves the exchange of technologies. Our diplomatic relations with India date back to 1947, and our relationship has always been special, built on trust and fraternity in every sense of the word. Over the decades of our partnership, we have become convinced that the Indian people are highly talented and well educated. They boast their own competence; their achievements in programming and other fields, including the one you mentioned, are recognised across the globe.

Of course, Prime Minister Modi is currently compelled to introduce certain restrictions, urging people to limit the use of personal vehicles and avoid travel, particularly long-distance trips, amid the developments in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader situation in the Middle East. However, the Indian government bears no responsibility for these circumstances; it is the Indian economy that is experiencing the effects.

I believe that both our companies and our Indian partners made a proper decision in establishing such close cooperation. In today’s environment, we strive to support one another, extend a helping hand when needed, and increase our supplies to the Indian market, as well as to Asia more broadly. We are already exchanging technological solutions, and we will continue to do so. (Applause)

Geeta Mohan: You spoke of the war, so I have to ask you this: What is Russia’s assessment, what is your assessment of what the global economic impact is going to be of the US-Iran war? And let’s be honest: Has Russia been at an advantage because of the war because they’ve got longer waivers to buy Russian oil? A lot of countries can now buy Russian oil legally without a problem because of the energy crunch that the world is facing. And President Trump allowed (should I use the word ‘allowed’?) the world to use Russian oil.

Vladimir Putin: Oil revenues have always been important to Russia, making up a significant part of our total GDP and budget revenue. But the dependence of the Russian economy and budget on oil and gas revenues has significantly decreased in recent years naturally – not during the sanctions period, but simply in recent years. The share of our GDP that isn’t oil and gas was approximately 43 percent just two or three years ago – in 2022, I think. That’s if you subtract the oil and gas component from the country’s GDP, plus the non-oil and gas component. It used to be 45–46 percent, I think – oil and gas accounted for a large share of GDP, but now it’s only 23 percent. It used to be 42 percent, now it’s 23 percent. The difference is enormous.

As regards the federal budget revenues – the Minister of Finance is present here, and if I am wrong, he will correct me now – oil and gas revenues accounted for about, I think… (Addressing Anton Siluanov) How much, Mr Siluanov?

Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov: 20 percent.

Vladimir Putin: Now it’s 20 percent. How much was it?

Anton Siluanov: 50.

Vladimir Putin: 50 percent was generated by oil and gas revenues, while now, as the Minister confirmed, only 20 percent of the budget is derived from oil and gas revenues.

So, it would be wrong to say that this is critically important for us – it is actually not that important. Although, of course, it is significant as 20 percent is currently generated by oil and gas revenues.

But for us, as for all other nations with developing, rapidly advancing economies, something else is more important. Obviously, our oil and gas companies receive certain preferences in connection with long-term contracts, and the rising price of our oil naturally impacts the budget, which is a plus. But that’s not the most important thing; what’s more important is market stability, because we exist not only on oil and gas, as I just explained, but also on the development of the economy at large. If global oil prices are too high, this impacts the part of the Russian economy that represents the real economy. That’s the whole point.

Therefore, it is important for us that this price is balanced between the interests of manufacturers and consumers and, most importantly, stable. How much is it now? The Deputy Prime Minister will tell me if I am wrong – I think oil supplies to global markets have decreased by 10 percent. Of course, this shakes the global economy and global energy markets.

We are not interested in this. What interests us is further cooperation with our friends within OPEC+ aiming to stabilise the market and reduce its volatility. This is our priority, and this is our way forward. (Applause.)

Geeta Mohan: Okay. I suppose that's the reason why Saudi Arabia is the guest country this year at SPIEF. Having said that, you also spoke about payments.

Vladimir Putin: Not only for this reason. Because we have been friends with Saudi Arabia for many years and we are glad to greet the distinguished guest. (Applause.)

Geeta Mohan: This is an energy partnership that the world will actually be looking at a time when we are seeing, we are faced with wars and conflicts. But you spoke about payments, you spoke about concerns regarding payments, the fact that in a jiffy, in a moment Russia not just can be sanctioned but its assets can be frozen, payments under SWIFT can be blocked and you're left with nothing in such a scenario. One: how do you tackle it? Secondly, why should any country then consider Russia as a consistent partner?

Vladimir Putin: The first thing that I wanted to say: I think that many people in the United States, too, do understand this, the attempt to use the dollar as an instrument of political struggle, as a weapon in the political struggle, was an immense, catastrophic, I would say strategic mistake of the former US leadership.

The dollar is one of the basic components of the US economic might and its undoubted competitive advantage. And this competitive advantage consists not only in being a reserve currency, but also in the possibility for the US economy to get a win, to earn real money, big money. When the former US leadership began to use its currency, which so far remains the world reserve currency, as an instrument of political struggle everybody thought: And they can use these weapons against us, too. And what will happen? What will happen to our reserves nominated in dollars? What will happen to our money invested in US assets?

Of course, the basic foundations of the US economic might are great and strong. But still, there problems that I have mentioned: both the debt and the undermined trust in the dollar as a world currency. Now, if the oil price stays high, it will be expensive and this will tell on the entire chain of economic interaction. Most likely this will have an impact on the inflation of the leading economies, including inflation in the United States. And this is a basic, an absolutely fundamental condition of the US currency’s stability.

After all, it is not secured by anything, the United States once abandoned the gold standard. And what is the basis of the US currency’s stability? The reliability and stability of the economy itself, with low inflation as its main condition. Oil prices are high, the inflation is growing and the foundation of the US economy will be shaking, do you see? Here are the repercussions.

And we want to avoid this; we want stability in this sector and will work for it. This is why I think that everybody understands us: we and Saudi Arabia, our friends, with the Crown Prince are just working on balancing the interests of both suppliers and consumers, and so far, everything works out in general. We are very grateful to the Crown Prince and all our friends who work in this domain.

Maybe we can give our guest the opportunity to say a few words? It would be interesting to listen to him. Although it defies the traditions of our panel discussion session.

Geeta Mohan: It’s always fun to break traditions, Mr President. Is there a mic that can go to our honorable minister? We’ll arrange for a mic. Meanwhile, can I just take a question till the mic comes?

Vladimir Putin: Yes, please.

Geeta Mohan: So, we’re waiting for a mic for the Minister of Energy to speak and respond to President Putin. But I have taken note of the fact that every time you mention America, you’re only mentioning the past administrations. I suppose you all are taking note as well on the specific way and the manner in which you’re responding to the US-Russia equation. Having said that, every country has its own struggles.

Tanzania and Madam President over here has been at the forefront, a leading woman voice. Great to have a woman on the panel, too, who’s been fighting liberalisation of her economy. How has that gone and how is that moving ahead despite and in spite of fears of sanctions and criticism from various quarters? How are you managing economic liberalisation in the country?

Samia Suluhu Hassan (retranslated): Perhaps, I should say that Tanzania is a country with a diversified economy. We don’t depend on one commodity. Our economy depends on agriculture, mining and tourism. It depends on many other sectors – the manufacturing sector, we are also there. So all these sectors contribute together and they grow together at varying degrees but they grow together.

Therefore, we are determined to work and we do work with the international community and the private sector, calling on everybody to come to invest in Tanzania and to do business. Since 2021, we have been able to attract a lot of capital and foreign direct investment from abroad. And this is what makes Tanzania feel safe about its own economy and its strength.

But most importantly, Tanzania is strategically located as an epicentre or a hub of the economic corridors that connect the north, south, west and east of Africa. The port of Dar-es-Salaam serves all these corridors and connects them as a hub.

As a result, thanks to its strategic location, Tanzania helps inland countries and is extremely attractive economically. Tanzania has a very vibrant economy that is steadily growing. This growth continues. In 2021, we started with 3.4 percent, and then we moved towards 4.5–4.6 percent. We expect to reach 6.3 percent.

You asked me how I can manage the economy while being a woman president and maintain economic development. I should say that the economy has nothing to do with the leader’s gender. It depends on how you steer the affairs of the nation and how you lead the country. Whether you are a male or female, you have to have a strategic plan to sustain your economy. It is the strategic plan that matters.

I suppose this is my response. (Applause.)

Geeta Mohan: Thank you so much.

Would it be too much to ask the honorable minister to come and respond here because I think we’re having a bit of a problem getting the mic. Would it be too much to ask the minister to come on the stage and respond? Thank you so much for doing this. Thank you.

Oh, the mic has come, sir. The mic has come.

Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud: Magic.

Vladimir Putin: You are in Russia. (Applause.)

Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud: Mr President, magic does happen in St Petersburg.

I am very grateful that you’ve given me the opportunity. I see it as an opportunity not for myself but it’s coming from a president who is a friend of both His Majesty, the custodian of the 200 mosques King Salman, his Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Prime Minister Prince Mohammed, but both of them, I think, will vouch that this honour is also more important for the people of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. So I’m very grateful to you for giving me the opportunity. Yes, it’s a partnership that we struck somewhere in January 2015 and it withstood all of the situations that this world had endured from Covid to all of these storms and winds and whims of the war. And even today we’re going through so many crises in many places, in different places, with different causes. Yet we’re weathering all of these storms with a diligent commitment to each other as partners. Although I am a Muslim and Russia is not Catholic, but still we do go by ‘until death do us part.’ Thank you.

Geeta Mohan: That’s lovely indeed.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you, thank you, Your Excellency.

I want to draw your attention to the fact that 10 to 15, rather closer to 15 percent of the Russian Federation citizens practice Islam, and they have no other homeland.

May I ask the moderator? You said that representatives of the EU and the United States are probably also among the audience. Maybe they would like to raise their hands and wish to say something? It would be good. (Applause.) We are speaking about them all the time, could they say something about themselves?

Geeta Mohan: Rodney, will you humour us and take the mic? And say a few words.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, please.

Chairman of the United States Commission of Fine Arts Rodney Mims Cook, Jr.: Well, you haven't put me on the spot at all. President Putin, it’s very nice to see you, and I appreciate all of the hospitality that has been afforded me on my return to St Petersburg. I love the city and I think you're aware of that, and I've been coming here for 30 years.

Vladimir Putin: Hurray! I like Petersburg, too. (Applause.)

Rodney Mims Cook, Jr.: You have a beautiful hometown, and so do I, and I said to a number of audiences since I’ve been here – there is a great kinship between Atlanta and St. Petersburg. I have come from a city that, sadly, was destroyed in war, burned to the ground, and St Petersburg had resolve and fight to prevail over the Fuerer coming through the Admiralty Arch and proclaiming to the city that he had conquered her and then reduce it to rubble the next day. St Petersburg fought that off.

And yesterday I was privileged to have an orchestra play for us at my request Shostakovich’s Symphony Number Seven. Not only did you fight it off with resolve and grit, but you also did it with culture and music. And if only Atlanta had had Shostakovich, maybe quite possibly my beautiful city would still be as intact as this beautiful place is.

I do give a good hello from your friend, President Trump, and I am encouraged by everything that has happened since I’ve been here, Mr President, and I appreciate the offer to speak. And we have a lot of ideas to talk about between our two capital cities in the next two weeks.

Geeta Mohan: Can I can I ask you a question, Rodney?

Rodney Mims Cook, Jr.: You may ask it, but I'm not sure I’ll answer it.

Geeta Mohan: That’s all right. Are you taking anything back to DC when you plan the ballroom?

Rodney Mims Cook, Jr.: Explain your question a little bit better. Have I learned more from St Petersburg architecture about the ballroom?

Geeta Mohan: No. Inspire. Will you be inspired while creating the ballroom in Washington DC at the White House?

Rodney Mims Cook, Jr.: I have already been inspired by St Petersburg ballrooms in my lifetime and have done a lot of work in your cathedrals and your palaces. So, the answer is yes.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you, thank you for the greetings from Washington. Please, convey the return greetings to President Trump.

And thank you very much for such kind and heartfelt words about St Petersburg. (Applause.)

Geeta Mohan: I have some very tough questions to ask, but before that we had opened the floor to our European friends here. There, that lady over there.

Can a mic go to her, please?

Diana Iovanovici Șoșoacă: My name is Diana Iovanovici Șoșoacă, I'm a member of European Parliament, I'm from Romania and I think I'm the only Romanian here. (Applause.)

I would like to tell you that Romanian people do not hate you. Romanian people want peace with Russia. We don’t to help Ukraine, we don’t want to give them money and arms. But unfortunately, Romania is being led from Brussels. And I cannot send you a warm hello from our president because we do not have a president. From my point of view, I am a resident of the political party S.O.S. Romania which is a parliamentarian and Euro parliamentarian political party and the only opposition in Romania.

And Mr. President, I would like to tell you that I was senator in Romanian Parliament in 2023, I think, when Zelensky wanted to talk in my Romanian parliament, and I didn't let him and I got him out of the Romanian Parliament. (Applause.)

I would like to thank you from the bottom of the hearts of Romanian people and European people who think a lot and who have brains that we want to cooperate with Russia. We are not enemies. You are the biggest country in the world, you are one of the biggest economies. We admire you for your force, and we admire entire Russian people. We want to congratulate you on everything you have done and you doing, for this forum. Congratulations! And this is a lesson for the European Union. I hope in a short time we will not have Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission.

Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

Diana Iovanovici Șoșoacă (in Russian): You are welcome.

Vladimir Putin: I cannot – and frankly do not wish to – comment on Romania’s domestic political situation. But our friend from Saudi Arabia noted earlier that Russia is, after all, a predominantly Orthodox country. And the same is true of Romania. Please convey our warmest wishes to all Orthodox believers there. (Applause.)

Geeta Mohan: All this is great but we still have some tough questions on sanctions and on waiver. It comes at a time and I ask you and we're going to discuss this only because of the Iran-US war a war that has shut down one of the most critical of maritime routes.

Okay, please go ahead, madam.

Karin Kneissl (speaking Russian): Sorry, my name is Karin Kneissl. I arrived from Lebanon two years ago. I am very grateful that now I can live and work in Russia. Thank you, thank you for this opportunity. (Applause.)

Unfortunately, people in the West are sure that I worked for Russia even 40 years ago. (Laughter.)

I will ask my question in English because I think there's also no German interpreter. I know that the president insists on German but let us do it in English.

Mr. President, my question is on the modern warfare, use of drones, which have created such a horrible distance between the perpetrator – I don't want to say the soldier because it’s not always a soldier – and the target. There is now a sort of technical artificial distance which is creating a new form of cruelty and we don’t anymore have any sort of code of honor between the parties. It was different still in World War I.

How do you see this modern warfare in which the Russian army and the Ukrainian army have gained special experience? Here in St Petersburg about 140 years ago, Tsar Nikolai II launched a conference on disarmament. His ambassador Martens said, “Whenever we don't have a strict law how to do the war, let public conscience speak.”

May I ask you about this warfare? How can we handle it? How can how can it be done or be finished? Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, yes, I understand.

On new methods and means of warfare: they are constantly emerging, and the international community keeps trying to respond – for example, with agreements not to use landmines and so on. But unfortunately, many countries are moving away from these commitments. And we see how Ukrainian troops are being supplied by Western states, including with that very type of weaponry.

As for modern weapons, including unmanned aerial vehicles – yes, unfortunately, that is the new reality. And of course, most of them come to Ukraine from Western countries; they only need to assemble them. Although they try to develop some of their own, they have not achieved much.

How can and should we respond? We need to strengthen our air defence system, as I said yesterday at the meeting with heads of news agencies, and do everything necessary to secure the territory of the Russian Federation. We are working in that direction.

I should point out that, unlike the Ukrainian armed forces, Russia has all the necessary resources for self-sufficient development: its resource potential, scientific and education institutions – in other words, workforce – a developed industry, and the ability to implement all the plans the Russian Federation has set for itself. Our industry and defence science are doing everything, and are capable of doing everything, to provide the Russian Armed Forces with these means of warfare, among other things.

Since you have asked this question, I will answer: there is parity on the battlefield, and in some areas, we even have an advantage. The same applies to long-range fixed-wing aviation. It would not pose such a significant threat if appropriate decisions had been made in a timely manner and the corresponding capabilities developed. These are, after all, low-flying and slow-flying targets. True, jet-powered drones are already appearing, but even these means of warfare are essentially defensible.

The other side does not have its own production of the weapons that Russia possesses. That includes hypersonic weapons, cruise missiles – a full range of them – and a number of other weapons that other countries do not have. For example, medium-range weapons like the much-discussed Oreshnik. We are developing other weapons as well.

But I agree with you that, when the most dangerous means of warfare emerge, especially those affecting civilians, the international community must certainly consider how to limit their use, particularly against civilians. That is completely unacceptable; I believe such acts amount to humanitarian crimes. But that is a topic for a separate discussion involving experts and representatives of the international community.

Geeta Mohan: Before I go to the war question, can I just take one question from Madame President here? You said one out of four will be African by what? By when? By 2050?

And I ask you this because we ask this to everybody who boasts about population and the fact that they have a huge population. It's not about quantity. It's about quality. What do you have to offer to the world? What does Africa have to offer to the world in terms of quality?

Samia Suluhu Hassan: We have an African continent. We recognize the fact that during this in this era we are supposed to develop and to promote our human capital, to develop human capital. That's very, very important, that's critical for Africa. That's what we are doing. Of course, we are doing it in varying degrees in each country but we are doing, for example, in Tanzania. For instance, we do have right now about 500 students in the Russian Federation. They are here learning here, and in our discussion we have agreed that we'll get more opportunity to take our children to Russia for education because we have new areas, which are being unlocked.

For instance, if we speak of digital economy, we have to learn what is it. When we speak of nuclear energy, we also need to get nuclear engineers. We need to get all the experts who can work in that field. So, development of human capital that is the direction we want to take. It is critical to our development.

But secondly, especially for Africa, it is to give the opportunity to women. Because currently in Africa, the doors which were closed, they now look they opened. Especially for those who have through the doors, we have the responsibility to develop others. an African girl to make sure that an African girl has the hope for the future and understand that she is the part of the nation building as we were told in SDG-sustainable as it is explicit in the sustainable development goals that we don't have to leave anyone behind. (Applause.)

We are now aware that no one should be left behind. Take an example a country of, a country growing at 80 percent. Six percent GDP growth annually, how can it manage without involving each and everybody. So, society inclusion is very, very important and you said it right, CO2 society inclusion but quality society not only society inclusion everyone has to be involved managing their own sustainable development.

So, we say by that, by that year one out of four will be an African by 2050, because African population is growing at a higher rate, that we have to build our human capital and we are doing it.

Yesterday when I was in RUDN University, I met Nigerians there, Tanzanians, Ghanaians, so many students from African countries, they are there studying. So, this is one country, Russia, but we are our students spread all over the world.

So, we are trying to build our human capital, both boys and girls. So that's why I said in those years nine out of 20 countries that would lead the economy, nine are coming from Africa, and I think Tanzania is one of them.

Geeta Mohan: Now I’ll go back to the war question – the Iran-US war, the Strait of Hormuz blockade. There is a real cause of concern and worry. How is Russia looking at it? What's your assessment and reading on the global impact it is having apart from the fact that yes Russia maybe has had a bit of an advantage what's the assessment of the blockade and the attack on Iran? Would you consider it provoked or unprovoked?

Vladimir Putin: I cannot see any provocations on the part of Iran. It seems to me that we once came to terms and adopted a relevant agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme and everything was under the IAEA’s control.

Yet, regretfully the situation unfolded following a different scenario, in a different vein. Everything resulted in today’s tragedy, to put it bluntly. The strike at Iran, losses, including among the civilian population, we know it well enough, relations between the neighboring countries worsened, which is undoubtedly of great concern for us because we have very good, friendly relations with the Arab world and with the Gulf countries. And all the time we (I also spoke about it yesterday, I remind you), in conversations with our Iranian friends, are talking them into abstaining from strikes against the neighboring states. However, their answer is simple, they say: “We were attacked, they kill our children, they have assassinated all the country’s leadership. What shall we do? We have to respond this way.”

You see, the situation is not easy for us in this regard. Our relations with Iran are very amicable, we are neighbours, as well as with the Arab countries. Frankly speaking, it puts us in a complicated situation. Still, we proceed from the idea that President Trump’s decision to suspend hostilities is the only correct one. We sincerely hope that this ceasefire, that is taking place now, will lead to a lasting peace.

I have already spoken about it on many occasions; there is no need to repeat it and waste time. In 2015, Russia played a noticeable role in settling the crisis. If we can do anything today, we are ready for this joint work. If no, we will just hope that all the countries involved in the conflict will eventually manage to resolve this issue peacefully. (Applause.)

Geeta Mohan: Have they approached for Russia to play role in mediating in brokering peace? Are you in touch with President Pezeshkian or also have you had an opportunity to speak with the new Supreme Leader?

Vladimir Putin: No, it’s not about approaching, the thing is that some time ago, it was even a year ago already, may be later, we reminded them about our cooperation in 2015, when we took the enriched uranium to the Russian Federation. Then it defused the situation. We reminded them about it and said that it is possible, and if all the parties involved in the conflict are interested in such Russian participation at the given time, then we are prepared to repeat it and are ready to do it all. We have the required technologies and initially, I repeat, practically all the parties involved in the conflict, i.e. Iran itself, Israel and the United States said yes, it is interesting, it may be considered. However, later they toughened their requirements and everything resulted in today’s situation.

Our proposals are on the table; we do not insist on anything. If the parties involved in the conflict decide that this is a good proposal – welcome. If no, we will just monitor the situation and, where possible, exert influence with a view to mitigate the situation. (Applause.)

Geeta Mohan: Does the offer for, uh, the uranium enrichment to be taken to Russia still stand? Are you engaged with Washington DC on this? Because I suppose DC is very clear that they want to have the uranium, and Iran is insistent that it stays in Iran.

Vladimir Putin: We are in contact with Washington, Tehran, and Tel Aviv. (Applause.)

Geeta Mohan: Because you mentioned Tel Aviv. Do you think Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plans as they stand are one of the main reasons why America is in a position where it needs to look at how to get out of this, how to exit this? And do you think that President Trump was misled?

Vladimir Putin: I have no reason to say that Mr Trump has been misled in any way. He is an experienced, mature politician, and it is unlikely that anyone from the outside could exert any significant influence over him.

Israel’s concerns are well known. They stem from Israel’s belief that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. But Iran has repeatedly stated, both in the past and continues to state now, that it has no such plans. And we have no reason to doubt that, because we also have no evidence that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

That said, Israel’s concerns exist. And the main problem here is the lack of trust between the two sides. In this situation, it is crucial to place all these materials under the control of the IAEA, the international organisation whose director general, as I mentioned, joined us via videoconference yesterday for the launch of the nuclear power plant project in Uzbekistan. If this is under IAEA control, then, frankly, I do not see any major problems.

Agreeing on enrichment levels in Iran is a different matter – no less pressing, in my view. Iran has the right to peaceful nuclear programmes, and we are cooperating with Iran in this area. We have already built one unit at the Bushehr nuclear power plant, and it is operational. We are continuing construction on two more units. Our specialists are present there. We have withdrawn most of our personnel because Bushehr is located practically on the shore of the Strait of Hormuz – almost in the combat zone. We were forced to withdraw some of the women and children, but some remain.

On that point, I want to note that we are in contact with both the Americans and the Israelis. Everyone assures us that the shell impacts near the plant were accidental. Everyone assures us that it was an accident and will not happen again. And I have no reason to believe we are being misled. We have spoken with the Israelis about this many times, and we see their concern and their willingness to ensure the safety of the Bushehr plant.

The situation is quite different elsewhere – at the Zaporozhskaya Nuclear Power Plant, for example. There, Ukrainian forces are constantly launching strikes near the plant. Or, recently, they seem to have completely lost their minds and struck the reactor directly. Thank God, there were no significant consequences and the reactor was not damaged, but it has, of course, been shut down. That said, the situation there is very dangerous, given the spent fuel and so on.

If those storage tanks are damaged, it becomes a very serious question: which way will the wind blow? And it is not at all certain that it will blow towards the Russian Federation. It could just as easily blow towards Europe. So, Europeans who encourage any actions by the current Kiev regime should think carefully about that and consider their own security – something that, by the way, Mr Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, has clearly, if very carefully, alluded to.

Returning to your original question: we generally intend, once the situation calms down, to continue working with our Iranian friends on the construction of these nuclear facilities. But here too, I think that allaying Iran’s concerns about restrictions on its peaceful nuclear projects could play a certain role. We are working with them and are ready to provide everything they need, including enriched uranium for nuclear energy.

Geeta Mohan: Beyond economic friendship or economic partnership, there are reports in western media where they say that Russia has supported Iran uh not just not just symbolically, not just in words but in satellite images and data sharing, in information sharing. What do you have to say to those reports?

Vladimir Putin: The information is always on the table. Some modern means of control have dual designation. I think that Iranians, I do not know it for sure, could well obtain information not only from our satellites, but also from other, commercial satellites, which easily sell it as a product on a commercial basis.

As for weapons, Iran did not ask us for this and we did not supply any armaments to Iran. (Applause.)

Geeta Mohan: But these wars today have shown a different side of modern warfare – drone technology. Whether it is Ukraine or, for that matter, Iran, we are head in drone technology, in the use of artificial intelligence. How does Russia fare? And what is your assessment on what you want to do, and reading on, Ukraine’s drone technology, Iran’s drone technology?

Vladimir Putin: As regards Ukrainian UAVs, they must be downed and it should be done more effectively.

Now regarding the use of artificial intelligence. Yes, the United States and Europe are active in developing this area, we are doing this too. (Applause.) By the way, UAVs and their components come mostly from there – mostly from Europe, partially from the United States if we talk about their components. We are making all this using own resources.

Geeta Mohan: Is AI an enabler or a disruptor?

Vladimir Putin: These are new means of an armed struggle, there is nothing unusual in this, as a matter of principle it was known long before. Still, all parties, as usual, all, I insist, begin to get ready for this when it appears in real life, in the course of real struggle.

But these means are not the only ones. The result is achieved through a synergy of forces, means, and most importantly, motivation of the very armed forces and stability, domestic political stability in society.

Here are UAV operations, among other things. They delivered a strike at a coal harbour; achieved, by all appearance, what they wanted, some noise, smoke, when the coal caught fire. That’s the goal. Have they achieved anything in this regard? Yes, they have archived something. Is it decisive for achieving the goal? No, it is not. We need stronger internal unity in the society, our own resources for developing modern weapons, hardware, our own scientific basis, a resource basis. Russia has all of this. We are working on this and will continue to do so. The sooner those who are fighting us realize this, the better it will be for them. (Applause.)

Well, I am sorry, you spoke about Iran. We should give credit to the Iranian leadership; Iran still provides for the stability of its society; this is an obvious fact. And after the beginning of hostilities some in the West believed that Iran will collapse from within – no, that analysis was erroneous. Because we can see that the situation is quite opposite – the Iranian society gets consolidated.

You should know, you have seen or probably heard that, I do not know, a month ago or more, when the conflict just started, and the first strikes were delivered, the Iranian leadership spread the word “Life for Iran.” Within a week, five million people, and more than 10 million to date, have voluntarily expressed the wish to give their lives for Iran. This fact speaks volumes and should always be kept in mind. In this case it concerns the conflict in Iran.

Geeta Mohan: Dissent also has to be recognized by countries and leaders. There's dissent in Tanzania, there's dissent in Russia, there's dissent in the US and in China, including India. How do you see dissent and how do you engage the youth?

Vladimir Putin: The more points of view, the better, because that allows us to choose the best option. (Applause.)

Geeta Mohan: Okay. I have to ask my Indian question.

Yesterday you were meeting with some of the editors and you spoke about Su-57, that it was an offer for a collaboration. Does that offer still stand? What are the details? What is the conversation you are having with New Delhi?

Vladimir Putin: We have very good, long-standing relations with India in the area of defence technology cooperation. A significant portion of the Indian Army uses Russian-made equipment. That has been the case since the Soviet era, and it continues to evolve.

Our relationship with our Indian friends in this area is unique in that, thanks to our mutual trust, our collaboration is focused not just on trade – buying and selling – but on joint development. One of the best-known examples is the BrahMos medium-range missile. Indian specialists were involved from the very beginning, alongside Russian ones, and a very good product has emerged.

As for aircraft, India traditionally buys our planes and helicopters, and I know the pilots are satisfied with them. The Su-57 is a good aircraft – modern, perhaps the most advanced in the world right now, and the most effective. As I mentioned yesterday, we originally proposed to our Indian friends that we work on it together. That did not work out back then, so we went ahead and did it ourselves.

Now we are ready to supply this aircraft, which – I am not sure the audience is very interested in this detail – can be flown by two pilots in combat missions and can also serve as a command post. We can supply it alongside other platforms. In short, we are moving forward and working very intensively, not only on aircraft but also on naval equipment, submarines, and surface ships.

Geeta Mohan: Is there a waiver or carve-out for India in acquiring and procuring Su-57s and S-500 air defense systems from the United States of America? And will that stand? How do you think India should be dealing with America and the sanctions?

Vladimir Putin: India always behaves like a sovereign state, and under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the threat of sanctions tends to backfire. I know that for a fact – we have had very good, friendly relations for many years. I remember that he was once even banned from entering the United States; we remember that, too. I know that Prime Minister Modi has not forgotten that either.

But now he is Prime Minister, and all those sanctions have been lifted. Relations between India and the United States are now advancing steadily, as far as I understand.

India is a sovereign country and chooses the products, including in the military sphere, that it considers most appropriate and attractive based on the well-known principle of price and quality. And no matter what anyone says, India has always done so and will always do so. How exactly? It will always be guided by its national interests.

This is a very sensitive area – military technology. And here is something very important, something fundamental: our cooperation with India, just like with our other partners, is not subject to political considerations. No one can tell us not to supply India. And no one ever says that to us. We will do what we deem necessary and will always fulfil our obligations to our partners – especially to partners like India. That is how we operate, by those rules. And that is how we will continue to work. (Applause.)

Geeta Mohan: I began the session by saying we can't be dictated to and my co-moderator President Putin has said the same. On that note, we end the session.

Thank you so much for joining us.

Vladimir Putin: On behalf of everyone present – ourselves and everyone else in this room – I would like to thank our charming moderator for our work together and for leading our discussion today.

Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Launch of construction of the first power unit of the integrated NPP in Uzbekistan

2026-06-16T19:09:40+04:00

Vladimir Putin and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated via videoconference in the ceremony marking the start of construction of the first power unit of the integrated nuclear power plant in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Also taking part in the ceremony were IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, First Deputy Director General of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation Andrei Petrov, and Director of the Agency for the Development of Nuclear Energy Uzatom Azim Akhmedkhadjaev from the plant's construction site in Uzbekistan.

The integrated NPP project is truly unique: for the first time, small and large-capacity nuclear power plants will be built on a single site. The pouring of the “first concrete” into the reactor building foundation signifies the facility’s transition to the status of a “new nuclear power plant under construction” in accordance with IAEA standards. The project will comprise two large-capacity power units based on VVER-1000 reactors and a power unit featuring two RITM-200N reactors with a capacity of 55 MW each.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Mirziyoyev,

Mr Grossi,

Friends,

I am delighted to welcome all participants of the ceremony marking the start of construction by Rosatom of the first nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan. It is indeed symbolic that we are launching this large-scale, joint Russia-Uzbekistan project from here, from St Petersburg, together with President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The start of concrete pouring into the foundation of power unit number one of the future NPP signifies that work on creating one of the largest nuclear power plants in the region is now entering its practical stage.

The fact that Russia and Uzbekistan are jointly implementing a breakthrough, high-tech project like this is a testament to the friendship and allied relationship that our two countries have and proof of the successful and rapid development of the Russian-Uzbek strategic partnership in all fields. This is a mutually beneficial partnership that contributes to the prosperity and improved well-being of both our countries and their citizens.

Rosatom will build two large Generation III+ reactors, each of 1,000 megawatts, as well as two small power units of 55 megawatts each, in the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan. This unique configuration, chosen by the President of Uzbekistan, has no parallel anywhere in the world and will make the nuclear power plant as powerful and efficient as possible.

Once operational, the plant will produce around 17 billion kilowatt-hours of energy annually, providing up to 15 percent of Uzbekistan’s energy consumption. That will be a real contribution to strengthening the energy security of the republic, and perhaps of Central Asia as a whole.

Rosatom, as a recognised global leader in peaceful nuclear energy, is preparing to deploy the most modern technologies and engineering solutions in the construction of this plant. All strict safety standards and environmental requirements of the IAEA will be taken into account. Mr Grossi, who is taking part in our ceremony, will, I hope, confirm that.

I would like to once again greet Mr Grossi separately and thank him for coming to our ceremony.

Let me emphasise that this project will provide many Uzbek enterprises with related orders. New jobs will be created, and local contractors will be actively involved in installation, materials supply, transport provision, and other services. In total, around 15,000 people are expected to be employed at the construction site.

Importantly, Russia will not only build the nuclear power plant, but will also provide our Uzbek partners with a preferential export loan, as well as support throughout the entire life cycle of the plant. That includes long-term reactor fuel supply, service and maintenance, and the management of spent nuclear material. In effect, with Russia’s assistance, a national high-tech nuclear industry is being formed in Uzbekistan.

To be honest, I have only just learned that Uzbekistan does, in principle, have a foundation in this area – there is experience and a research base. But of course, all of that needs updating, because over recent decades, unfortunately, this field did not receive the necessary attention in Uzbekistan. Now, at the initiative of President Mirziyoyev, this work is gaining momentum. Indeed, a national high-tech nuclear industry is being formed, as I said. For its part, Rosatom will transfer unique peaceful nuclear technologies to Uzbekistan – technologies that can be used in energy, agriculture, medicine, and other sectors.

Russia will also assist Uzbekistan in training qualified engineers, technical staff, and managerial personnel for the future plant. Around 400 Uzbek citizens are currently studying at Russian universities in fields related to nuclear energy, and more than 300 more are studying at the Tashkent branch of the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPhI) – the flagship university of the Russian nuclear industry. The President of Uzbekistan was forward-thinking in this regard and has already created the necessary conditions for training national personnel.

In conclusion, I would like to warmly congratulate everyone on the launch of this significant bilateral project and wish all those involved in the construction of the nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan every success and all the best.

Thank you.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev:President Putin,

Mr Grossi,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am sincerely pleased to welcome you to this ceremony marking the start of construction of the first power unit of Uzbekistan's integrated nuclear power plant.

Today, we are not simply launching another stage of an infrastructure project; we are taking part in a truly historic event. We are embarking on a new phase in our country's technological, industrial and scientific development. Uzbekistan is laying the foundations for a new sector – a modern nuclear power industry, which embodies advanced scientific capabilities, cutting-edge engineering expertise and a strategic vision for the future.

Once it reaches its full design capacity, the nuclear power plant will make a significant contribution to electricity generation in our country. It will support the development of our national economy and strengthen our scientific and industrial potential, while providing consumers with clean energy.

Importantly, as President Putin has already noted, this project is without precedent anywhere in the world. It combines the latest achievements in small modular reactor technology with large-scale baseload power generation.

At the same time, I would like to emphasise that safety is our absolute and unconditional priority. The construction of the plant and preparations for its operation are being carried out in accordance with the most advanced international standards, using state-of-the-art engineering solutions and under the continuous oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

I would also like to stress that the implementation of this project is yet another vivid example of the successful and mutually beneficial energy cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia.

Mr President, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you personally for your support and attention to the implementation of this strategic project.

I would also like to thank our friend, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi, for his steadfast support and cooperation.

Special thanks go to all the Uzbekistani and Russian specialists whose joint efforts, professionalism and dedication have made this project possible.

Friends,

I am confident that the successful construction of this modern integrated nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan will further strengthen relations between Uzbekistan and Russia, our comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance, while contributing to the sustainable development of our two countries.

Thank you for your attention.

(Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi, in his address, emphasised the uniqueness of the Russia-Uzbekistan integrated nuclear power plant project. He noted that the project will contribute to the development of the digital economy, including data centres and other capabilities. According to him, the presence of the IAEA reflects the high level of responsibility demonstrated by both countries. The IAEA Director General also noted that Uzatom and Rosatom fully adhere to the principles of safety, nuclear security and non-proliferation, and assured that the IAEA will support the implementation of the project at all stages.)

First Deputy Director General of Rosatom State Corporation Andrei Petrov: Mr President of Russia, Mr President of Uzbekistan,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today we are witnessing a historic event. The first concrete pour marks the transition to the main stage of construction of the first nuclear power plant in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Our project is developing at a very dynamic pace. In October last year, we began excavation work, and in March this year, we launched work on the concrete foundation for the reactor. Today, we are fully ready for the first concrete pour.

The nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan is a unique project, and for us at Rosatom it is a great honour that Russian technologies have been chosen for the development of nuclear energy in Uzbekistan.

Such intensive progress would, of course, have been impossible without support at the highest level. Allow me to express our gratitude to you, Mr President of Russia, Mr President of Uzbekistan, for your special attention to the implementation of this project.

Director of the Agency for the Development of Atomic Energy Uzatom Azim Akhmedkhadjaev: Mr President of the Republic of Uzbekistan,

Mr President of the Russian Federation,

The project for the construction of the first power unit of the nuclear power plant in the Republic of Uzbekistan is ready for implementation. All preparatory stages have been completed. The Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan has issued a licence for the construction of the power unit.

Andrei Petrov: Mr President of Russia,

I request your permission to begin the first concrete pour for the first small power unit.

Vladimir Putin: Permission granted.

Azim Akhmedkhadjaev: Mr President of Uzbekistan,

I request your permission to commence construction works.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Permission granted.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you. Good luck.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Thank you.

Meeting with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev

2026-06-16T19:09:36+04:00

Vladimir Putin held a meeting in St Petersburg with President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is in Russia on a working visit.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Mirziyoyev,

Thank you for finding the time to come to St Petersburg for the international economic forum. You are a guest of honour, and tomorrow we will have an opportunity to discuss various issues and bilateral economic relations in the public sphere, as well as the situation in the region and the world. We are interested to hear your views on the current developments in the economy.

Today, we will also attend an exciting event – the ground-breaking ceremony for a large and ambitious project, Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant built to a Russian design. I know that you have been personally working on it for a long time.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Yes, for a long time.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, scrutinising the details took a long time. I am confident that you have chosen the best option for Uzbekistan out of all those offered.

Overall, our economies are developing successfully. We are pleased with what is taking place in Uzbekistan’s economy under your guidance. Our trade is growing; it increased by over 12 percent last year, which is a very good indicator.

We maintain regular contacts with you, and there is always much to discuss because the scope of our relations keeps growing. This also concerns mutual investments. Russian investments in Uzbekistan are growing dynamically and have gained good momentum. Most importantly, both elements are benefiting our countries.

We are delighted to see you again. Welcome.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Mr Putin, first allow me to thank you for the invitation.

In fact, we are delighted to be here with a large team; we are already taking part in all panels of this significant forum. This is the first time we have done so at this level. We have already started talks and meetings.

I think that the plenary session tomorrow will offer an opportunity to discuss many issues, including our economies. I am preparing for this, as we have discussed it on numerous occasions. I am confident that this will be very useful for our mutually beneficial cooperation and for the results of our agreements.

Second, this is a historic day. For the first time, Rosatom will build a hybrid station, with two small reactors and two high-capacity units. As you mentioned, this has been a long process, involving numerous talks and debates. But we have ultimately made the correct choice – we need this plant because our economy is growing, and it needs a lot of energy.

As I have told you more than once, Uzbekistan is the world’s fifth-largest uranium producer and tenth-largest in terms of reserves. This will secure our future for 60 years ahead. We need 19.5 tonnes of uranium for our hybrid nuclear power plant. We are engaged in serious discussions on this with our Rosatom colleagues, and I think the result will be mutually beneficial. This is a strategic energy project for both Russia and Uzbekistan, and we do not intend to stop at these projects.

As you pointed out, our trade is growing. We have held a meeting of the intergovernmental commission, co-chaired by our prime ministers, an interregional forum, and the sixth Innoprom fair. All issues we have coordinated with you are progressing well.

Indeed, our trade is approaching the level we coordinated, as you noted – $20 billion a year. In 2025, it was $13 billion. I believe it will continue to grow in 2026, because we have large projects underway. I am confident our meeting will provide them with further momentum.

Our team has ambitious plans and a large cultural programme, which includes performances at the Mariinsky Theatre, and exhibitions have already opened at the Hermitage Museum. We have brought a comprehensive programme covering all spheres.

Thank you very much once again.

<…>

Meeting with heads of international news agencies

2026-06-16T19:08:12+04:00

Vladimir Putin’s meeting with heads of the world’s leading news agencies took place in the Constantine Palace.

Director General of TASS News Agency, moderator of the meeting Andrei Kondrashov: Mr President, guests,

Allow me to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude for upholding the steadfast tradition whereby the leaders of the world’s news agencies gather here, in the Northern capital, during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, for an open dialogue with you. TASS has the honour of inviting our colleagues to this meeting.

I would note that some of our guests have forewarned us that they have come prepared with some rather incisive questions. In turn, we have cautioned them that you too may have a few questions for certain journalists from various countries.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: No, I will not be asking questions. I am not a journalist. It is you who will be asking questions; I will be providing the answers.

Andrei Kondrashov: In any event, let us strive to make our meeting today open, candid, and dynamic. The purpose of such gatherings is, as in previous years, that the discussions here will be rapidly disseminated in hundreds of news flashes across the globe for those present here today and the agencies they represent are responsible for generating more than three-quarters of the global information flow.

Therefore, today, we will not follow any alphabetical order, but we will maintain one tradition. Let us begin our discussion with a representative of the fairer half of journalism – Ms Raushan Kazhibayeva, Director General of the Television and Radio Complex of the President of Kazakhstan.

Please, Ms Kazhibayeva, you have the floor for the first question.

Director of the Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Raushan Kazhibayeva: Thank you very much.

Mr President, I have two questions for you.

Your recent state visit to Kazakhstan was a great success and undoubtedly one of the most significant events on our bilateral agenda this year.

During the visit, you and our President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, adopted a joint document on the seven foundations of friendship and good-neighbourly relations between the peoples of Kazakhstan and Russia. My first question: what, in your view, is the significance of this document?

My second question relates to one of the most talked-about moments of the visit – the Amur tigers that Russia gifted to Kazakhstan. President Tokayev called this gift the highlight of the visit. Could you tell us whether this is not just an environmental project, but rather a symbol – a vivid symbol of trust between our countries? Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Our relations with Kazakhstan are advancing steadily; they are on the rise. That said, I should point out straight away that our Kazakhstani friends and partners are not easy partners. We always have very heated debates on almost every issue – whether it is financial relations, industrial cooperation, investment conditions, or major joint projects. But on both sides, there is a desire to find a compromise that doesn’t just satisfy both parties but also helps us achieve shared goals. And our shared goal is clear: development and prosperity for the citizens of Kazakhstan and Russia.

We fully understand – we know that we are bound by centuries of shared history, no exaggeration here, and we have certain advantages inherited from the time we were part of a single state. What are those advantages? Cooperation, and particularly unified transport links. You asked your question in Russian, and I am grateful for that. That too is an important factor – one that, to some extent, and in many cases, takes on a purely economic dimension. Everything is clear: we understand each other, and we speak the same language.

There is also enormous interest in continuing the benefits of education – both the evolving education system in Kazakhstan and the developments and new trends emerging in the Russian Federation. As you may recall, the President of Kazakhstan and I attended the launch of the Sirius system, which has proven successful in developing effective methods for identifying and supporting gifted children. Of course, Kazakhstan has many gifted children – they just need to be found – and this area of our cooperation will focus on this.

Energy, as you know, industrial production, space, as well as our latest major project – the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. I want to note that Kazakhstan is a country with abundant resources that are in high demand by the rest of the world. These resources include fuel for power plants and NPPs. We cooperate successfully with Kazakhstan in this area. I am confident that, by relying on its own resource base and developing our joint potential, Kazakhstan will achieve great success and tackle many tasks in energy, diversifying its energy resources. I believe Kazakhstan will obtain up to 20 percent of its electrical energy from the nuclear power plant.

We produce uranium together, as I said, and will continue this production. But the most important thing is not the fact that NPP units will be built in Kazakhstan. Most importantly, a new industry will emerge. This new industry will provide for professional training, research and production activities. We will work on this together. It is an extremely important sector for both us and Kazakhstan.

We will continue our cooperation in space, machine engineering, and many other industries.

I have already talked about humanitarian links. Education plays an enormous role. A great number of Kazakhstani are enrolled to study in Russian universities, and we are very grateful to the President of Kazakhstan for launching an international body to support the Russian language. I believe it is a forward-looking initiative that will help preserve our relations and promote their development across all fields, including humanitarian cooperation.

So, as concerns tigers, it is quite a natural thing. We are simply focused on the restoration of nature, the environment, flora and fauna. We also receive help – for example, Tajikistan has transferred snow leopards to us, for which we are immensely grateful to our Tajikistani friends. We have done a great deal to preserve the population of Amur tigers. By the way, they are the largest tigers in the world, second to none. Amur tigers are the largest. There were similar tigers in Kazakhstan in the past. If we can help our friends in Kazakhstan in any way, we will certainly do so.

I have seen this picture, and it is impressive. By the way, we held an event called a tiger summit here. So many countries are concerned about preserving the population of these beautiful animals. I think our cooperation on this and other environmental projects is very important.

This has to do with a very pragmatic matter of trans-border river resource utilisation. There is much to discuss in this area. Our work here is quite extensive. I am certain all the goals will be achieved.

Thank you.

Andrei Kondrashov: Mr President, to your left is Mr Fu Hua, representing the Xinhua News Agency from China.

Just two weeks ago, if you recall, he helped organise an exhibition for you and President of China Xi Jinping, together with the TASS news agency. And now, two weeks later, he is here with us to ask his question. Please, go ahead, Comrade Fu Hua.

President of Xinhua News Agency (PRC) Fu Hua (retranslated): Mr President,

It was a real pleasure to have you visit us in China. A remarkable visit – and a highly successful one. This year, we held a very important exhibition marking the anniversary of our news agencies. Thank you for your special attention to it. May I take this opportunity to ask you a couple of questions?

In May, you made your 25th visit to China, where you discussed major issues concerning our international relations with President Xi Jinping. We have counted: over the past 14 years, you have met more than 50 times. This is truly an extraordinary, unprecedented achievement. Our relationship is good-neighbourly, friendly, and truly at its peak. I believe this visit left a real mark. This close engagement at such a senior level – how did we achieve it? How did we reach this unprecedented level? That is my first question.

My second question: We have jointly issued a new, comprehensive joint statement. We, of course, remain committed to the UN Charter, upholding its principles and purposes in full, and we defend the international order. We were the victors in World War II. What should we do to protect historical truth? How do we pass it on to future generations, without allowing anyone to distort or destroy it? Those are my two questions. Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: First of all, I would like to thank you for the warm welcome during my visit to Beijing, and for the exhibition you organised together with your colleague, Mr Kondrashov. It was a fascinating and substantive exhibition. Thank you very much.

As for the results of our cooperation, here is what I would say. In recent years, especially since the events still unfolding in Ukraine, people have increasingly said: “Russia has pivoted towards Asia. It has changed its policy.”

But Russia has not changed anything, and it has not made any pivot. The agreement that underpins our cooperation – and is the foundation for our current results, which are impressive (according to various figures, our mutual trade is somewhere around $250 billion, and diversification is progressing strongly) – that agreement was signed back in 2001.

We are natural allies and partners. Indeed, we are neighbours, sharing an extensive common border. One cannot choose one’s neighbours – that is a fact of life. Such is the course of history. Over the centuries, throughout our interactions, a particular system of principles governing our relations has emerged. Not yesterday, not today, and not five years ago – but over centuries, these principles have taken shape. China is progressing rapidly and dynamically, assuming an increasingly significant role in the global economy, world politics, and international affairs as a whole. Naturally, we have been observing this closely – and not merely observing; we have been engaging in close collaboration and cooperation. Twenty five years ago, we signed the foundational Treaty, which established favourable preconditions and a robust foundation for the development of bilateral cooperation in all areas. Such is the result.

In recent years, as both the Chinese and Russian economies have expanded and diversified, new opportunities have emerged for us – encompassing a vast array of fields. I will refrain from enumerating everything I deem significant and important. The most crucial aspect is that in recent years, we have increasingly focused on matters relating to the new economy, which is rooted in artificial intelligence, information technology, advancements in biology, genetics, and so forth.

We have always cooperated – not just in the last five years, but consistently – in the military sphere, and our interaction continues unabated. There is nothing new in this regard; it is simply a tradition of our relations, both military and military-technical cooperation. We are jointly considering certain developments in this domain. I reiterate, this is not connected to current events that are capturing global attention, including those in Ukraine or even in the Middle East. We simply cooperate and maintain friendship with China – not directed against anyone, as I have stated, but rather in each other’s interests. That is all.

Here, particularly in the pursuit of advancements in the realms of artificial intelligence and high technology, lies the future of our collaboration. This is a subject we invariably discuss during our meetings with President Xi Jinping. Incidentally, we have truly trust-based relations. He addresses me as “my old friend,” and I reciprocate. This is neither an exaggeration nor a figure of speech. We have cultivated a relationship of trust.

Naturally, we are guided first and foremost by the national interests of our countries, yet these interests often align, and personal relationships provide a solid foundation for reaching ever-new horizons. That is why I believe we have established favourable preconditions for enhancing our interaction with China. I am confident that all the tasks we have set during my visit will be accomplished, and all the objectives will be achieved.

President Xi Jinping and I have outlined our schedule of bilateral contacts for this year – and this applies not only to us: the governments, ministries, and agencies, along with our leading companies, are meeting and collaborating, including in the energy sector, where, I am sure, we will soon delight the global energy market with new agreements between Russia and China.

Andrei Kondrashov: Colleagues, who would like to speak next?

Vijay Joshi, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of the Press Trust of India.

CEO and Editor-in-Chief at The Press Trust of India (India) Vijay Joshi: Mr President, first of all, thank you for this opportunity and for your hospitality.

Mr President, as you are preparing to travel to India for the BRICS summit in September and the global community is watching the evolving dynamics between Moscow and New Delhi very closely. While this special and privileged strategic partnership remains the cornerstone for both nations, some observers say that India’s alignment with Washington creates structural frictions with Russia.

From your perspective, how will you seek to inject fresh momentum into the bilateral relationship? What steps can be taken to ensure that Russia-India ties remain resilient against external geopolitical pressures? And how would you describe Russia-India relations in this redrawn geopolitical landscape in your words? Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: You have described these relations yourself, and you characterised them accurately. As you noted, this is a special and privileged strategic partnership. Such a relationship was not built overnight, or over the course of a few years. It is the result of decades of cooperation. The Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with India in 1947 and consistently supported the development of the young state. We are happy to see that, thanks to the tireless work, talent, and determination of the Indian people, India has achieved remarkable success and made tremendous progress in its development.

Everyone present here knows that India is currently demonstrating the highest economic growth rates among the world’s major economies. This doesn’t fall out of the sky; it is the result of consistent and purposeful efforts, above all by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The country’s strong economic performance reflects the successful implementation of the policies and development strategies pursued under his leadership.

We still have a lot of work to do together, but we are confident that bilateral trade will reach $100 billion in the coming years. At present, trade turnover stands at approximately $58 – $60 billion. However, all the necessary conditions are in place to intensify our joint efforts and achieve even more ambitious goals.

Our cooperation extends far beyond the energy sector, including nuclear power. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is already operating and continues to expand, and we expect decisions on additional sites in the future. We will also continue to deepen cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector. Russia remains one of the largest foreign investors in the Indian economy, and we intend to further strengthen investment cooperation on a reciprocal basis.

Everybody knows that we also maintain close cooperation in the pharmaceutical industry, where Russian companies are ready to offer a wide range of products and solutions. I will not go into details, but we have outlined a number of highly promising, long-term initiatives that are of mutual interest to both India and Russia.

However, I find your question somewhat surprising. You suggested that India’s cooperation with the United States is creating difficulties in its relations with Russia. We do not see it that way at all. Where did you get that from? We are glad that India is developing relations with all countries. India is a major global power with a population of 1.5 billion people, a rapidly growing economy, and one of the world’s largest democracies. It is entirely natural for India to develop relations with a wide range of countries in accordance with its national interests.

It is another thing that the United States is trying to pressure India on certain issues, particularly on certain issues of cooperation with Russia. But I think everyone has long since realised that pressuring Prime Minister Modi, who leads a country with a population of 1.5 billion, is futile. Moreover, it harms international relations and bilateral relations, no matter from which side this pressure comes.

We do not see any negative consequences arising from the current situation. We believe that mutually acceptable solutions can be found with all parties involved. To date, we have not observed any serious adverse effects. Russia and India continue to strengthen their partnership, and we regard India as a reliable partner.

Andrei Kondrashov: And here’s the United States. James Jordan is one of those who came from The Associated Press to ask tough questions. Please.

Vladimir Putin: Go ahead, play hard ball.

News Director for Europe & Africa at the Associated Press James Jordan: Thank you, Mr Kondrashov, for the organisation of this gathering. It is always fascinating to hear President Putin’s views on many global matters. I have been here for three years now and it is always an interesting experience, so thank you.

President Putin, yesterday hundreds of drones were launched into Russia from Ukraine. Some struck a naval base nearby, some struck an oil depot nearby, causing a plume of smoke over St Petersburg, your home city. Flights were also disrupted into the airport here. More broadly, the Russian economy has dipped recently; your personal approval ratings have also dipped; and the US says the invasion has become a strategic disaster – those are the words of Marco Rubio. He also added that Russia won’t achieve its war aims by military means alone. Given this, is it still logical to pursue your war aim of controlling the hold of the Donbass region or are you ready to make a deal? Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: First of all, one does not exclude the other. Controlling the entire Donbass region and making a deal are not mutually exclusive.

Why do you think they are in conflict? You mentioned Mr Rubio’s statement. He is a serious partner; we are in contact with him. He recently spoke in the Senate or Congress. It is clear that the domestic political situation in the United States is complex – some support him, some attack him. What the Secretary of State says on a specific issue inside his home country is certainly of interest to us, but ultimately, we are more interested in the real situation. And if you are talking about the conflict in Ukraine right now, we are interested in the actual situation on the ground.

What does that situation look like? It is as follows. First of all, and this needs to be emphasised, Russian troops are advancing along the entire line of contact. There is not a single place where Russian troops are not advancing. The biggest problem facing the Ukrainian Armed Forces today is a disastrous shortage of personnel.

Recently, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been reduced by 100,000 personnel. Monthly losses are around 40,000. As a result of forced mobilisation – people, as you know, are being snatched off the streets, like stray dogs, and forced into the army. I will tell you about the consequences now. Monthly losses are approximately 40,000. Forced mobilisation brings in around 15,000–16,000 per month, and about 14,000 return from hospitals after being wounded. So each month, there is a net loss of roughly 10,000 personnel. On top of that, around 20,000 desert each month. At the start of this year, the number of deserters was around 60,000. People are being forcibly taken – there is no motivation, no one wants to fight.

The almost official figure is that 200,000 criminal cases have been opened for desertions. That is one of the problems, but the most significant one. It leads to the loss of territory and towns. Just recently – I will not give the exact number of communities now, in case I am mistaken – the Russian army has brought approximately 2,440 square kilometres under its control. The offensive, as I said, is ongoing daily.

Since you mentioned Donbass, the Russian army is currently in full control of the Lugansk People’s Republic – 100 percent. Over 85 percent of the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic is under our control. Only recently, Ukraine controlled some 25 percent of the territory, and now it’s down to less than 15 percent. We also control 80 percent of the Zaporozhye Region. This process continues on a daily basis.

True, Western sponsors supply a great number of drones for Ukraine – different categories, including long-range UAVs. Unfortunately, some of them do break through. But Russia has its own air defence system. We must sure refine it. Yes, we must reinforce it, and we will by all means do it. Ukraine has no such system whatsoever. They have some of its elements but no system. They have Patriots and other types of weapons but the shortage is catastrophic. But the system as such does not exist. Similarly, Ukraine has no strike systems like those the Russian Federation has. By that I mean hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles – sea-, air- and ground-launched. We also have something vital – the Russian people’s patriotism and strong will that guarantee that we will achieve all the goals and objectives of the special military operation.

While listing essential issues, I should mention one more circumstance. We have our own production, resource, research and workforce base to address all the objectives concerning the provisions of the Russian Armed Forces. This base is gaining strength with every passing month and, certainly, serves as the foundation for all the achievements and advances that I have just mentioned.

To summarise, I would like to add the following: Without doubt, we are ready and willing to reach an agreement with Ukraine by peaceful means – and based on what we have discussed at the meeting with President Trump in Anchorage. At that meeting, certain questions were put before Russia so that we could agree on certain compromises. Russia agrees to the compromises discussed in Anchorage. It is necessary that Ukraine also agrees to make them. Then, the conflict will be resolved naturally and quickly.

Andrei Kondrashov: Have you received answers to all your questions, Mr Jordan? Should time permit, you may pose additional queries, but for the moment, allow me, Mr President, to put my question to you.

The retaliatory strikes we are carrying out today in response to the incessant terrorist assaults from Ukraine – targeting infrastructure used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and military-industrial complex facilities – are, before our very eyes, taking on a systemic character. Indeed, one of our recent retaliatory strikes raises the question – was the Oreshnik used in that instance? Furthermore, what, broadly speaking, does the use of such weaponry afford us?

Vladimir Putin: As for our new systems, they are being developed – this includes the Oreshnik. However, they differ somewhat from what we used to do prior to the conflict in Ukraine.

What do I mean by this? You see, we tested such systems at proving grounds, but the Oreshnik was not tested in this way, and this did not constitute a combat use. Across the territory of Ukraine, there has essentially been no full combat use of the Oreshnik, and as for the latest instance – it is not quite that … To be perfectly candid, I will share a major state military secret with you: we simply struck locations where it was possible to observe the results. This applies to Belaya Tserkov and, even more so, to the DPR area within the main fortified zone. Afterwards, our drones flew into the structure we hit, and we meticulously observed how the separating warheads were dispersed, calculating everything to the millimetre. This is crucial for us to make future decisions on the full-scale employment of the Oreshnik against designated targets, including urban areas.

Andrei Kondrashov: Thank you.

Colleagues, who is next?

Martin Romanczyk, Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA), Germany.

But, you know, I would first like to put a question to Martin myself, if I may. You represent Germany’s largest and leading news agency. As a journalist, do you get the impression that your country is preparing for war? Is this really the case, or does it merely appear so to us? And is it truly gearing up to engage in conflict with Russia?

Vladimir Putin: I object. There is no need for you to respond. You are not here to be interrogated – you are here as an investigator; interrogate others.

Andrei Kondrashov: Then we will speak separately after this meeting.

Please, go ahead.

Head of the News Service of the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) (Germany) Martin Romanczyk (retranslated): I would like to respond to your question. No, I do not think so.

Mr President, thank you very much for the invitation.

I would also like to address the topic of Ukraine and return to a question that has already been asked here. You spoke about peace. Germany and many European countries wish to take part in these peace negotiations currently being mediated by the United States, despite the conflict in Iran. What role can Germany play, and what role can the Federal Chancellor assume? And, if I may, I would like to add to this question. You mentioned Gerhard Schröder as a negotiator on behalf of the Europeans. Apart from Gerhard Schröder, whom else can you envisage in this role – who could undertake these mediation functions on behalf of Germany? Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: You raised two points that I would like to pay attention to. First, you said that Europe would like to participate in the negotiations. Right? Second, you asked who, apart from Mr Schroeder, could serve as a mediator. One thing is to participate in the negotiations, and another thing is to be a mediator. How can the European Union or separate countries of the European Union be a mediator if they directly abet the efforts of the country which we have an armed conflict with? What kind of mediators can they be? If you want to be a mediator, you have to be neutral.That is my first point.

And secondly, I was surprised by the reaction to my mention of Mr Schroeder as a possible mediator. An immediate outcry followed: “No, Schroeder cannot be involved because he is Putin’s friend.” He is not Putin’s friend. He is a German statesman, and one of the best, in my view, because he has his own position and the courage to defend it. Unfortunately, there are not many politicians in Europe today who possess those qualities.

Europe is currently facing significant energy challenges. However, it was Gerhard Schroeder who championed infrastructure projects such as Nord Stream, designed to provide the German economy with reliable and affordable energy supplies from Russia. Moreover, these projects were not only about securing deliveries; they also created a framework of mutual commitments and obligations between the parties involved. What matters is not that we have a good relationship with him. What matters is that, while pursuing his country’s national interests, he has demonstrated that he is a person whose word can be trusted. That is the essence of the matter. Any individual seeking to act as a mediator must be trusted by both sides. Frankly, I find it difficult to understand how Russia could trust people who, for years, have been saying about the need to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.

That is precisely the issue, Martin, das ist das Problem. Nevertheless, we are not refusing to talk. We have never refused contacts with representatives of the European Union in any format. As for the EU acting as a mediator in negotiations with Ukraine, there are obvious difficulties, as I have already mentioned, and I think that is difficult to dispute. But we are not rejecting contacts. If they want to talk, they know how to reach us. They can pick up the phone and call. If they want to come, they are welcome to do so. It is not Russia that is refusing engagement. I was also surprised to hear claims that the evil Russia had stopped supplying energy to Europe. We did not stop. Europe chose to stop buying, hoping that this would cause our economy to collapse. Well, they have seen that nothing has collapsed, that it’s time to stop, to realize that it was a wrong approach and perhaps make some adjustments. But instead we continue to hear the same rhetoric. They have made so many public statements and political commitments that it is difficult to change their position now.

I’m not going to comment. I just want to say that we never rejected a dialogue. I want to reaffirm it. If anybody considers it reasonable to resume dialogue with Russia – go ahead. Who will be the negotiator from Europe? I don’t know. We are not imposing anything. I’ve heard this hubbub about Russia wanting to impose something, suggest some negotiators. We are not imposing anything or anyone. Naturally, we want to know who this could be. Let me repeat: It must be some people we could trust. It is just a working matter that could be discussed quietly and calmly, say, at the level of foreign ministers or intelligence services. The contacts between our intelligence agencies continue, by the way.

Martin Romanczyk (retranslated): Mr President, you spoke about Nord Stream. Members of the Alternative for Germany party are present at this economic forum. They are supporting the resumption of Russia’s gas supplies via Nord Stream. What do you think of this party? We are holding regional and federal elections soon. What are your expectations of this party? What is your general attitude towards the Alternative for Germany party?

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: I believe it would be improper for me to give assessments of the political forces of the Federal Republic. We know – and I know – that, if this corresponds to reality, or as far as I was informed, Alternative for Germany is currently ranked at the top among the political parties of the Federal Republic. It is ahead of CDU/CSU – in fact, quite significantly. It is also ahead of the Social Democratic Party of Germany by miles.

I don’t want to comment, but I will say one thing. In my opinion, it is happening because this party’s leaders can formulate the interests of the German people and the German economy clearly and precisely. They are not afraid to declare them and they are willing to fight for them. Hence their rating and results.

I don’t know and I don’t want to speculate about further developments on the political stage of the Federal Republic. As for opinions, we welcome any German political forces that are willing to restore and develop relations with Russia, be it Alternative for Germany or any other party. We will work with everybody who wants to work with us.

Andrei Kondrashov: If there is a country that definitely wants to work with us, it is Belarus.

I would like to give the floor to BelTA, the Belarusian news agency. Andrei Mokhor, go ahead, please.

Director General of the Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BetTA) Andrei Mokhor: Good evening, Mr President.

First, thank you for the opportunity to have this genuinely open discussion on topics that have been a matter of concern far beyond the circle of people sitting around this table. It has already been said on multiple occasions that the relations between Belarus and Russia can be regarded as a benchmark of sorts in terms of interstate relations and striking a balance between integration and the unconditional commitment to preserving sovereignty. Even the EAEU has yet to achieve this level of interaction.

I would like to ask your opinion about ways of overcoming the emerging crisis of trust between long-standing partners, our partners, whose actions sometimes de facto amount to severing ties.

Vladimir Putin: A crisis of trust with our partners?

Andrei Mokhor: Yes. A crisis of trust with our partners within the post-Soviet space. In particular, I am referring to the developments concerning Armenia.

Vladimir Putin: You know, there is nothing extraordinary about this. The political forces behind the current Prime Minister have been talking about this for quite some time now. They have no qualms and are open about it.

In fact, there is nothing wrong with striving to follow Western standards, the European standards. I believe that any sovereign country, and Armenia is of course one of them – every sovereign country has the right to set what it views as priority standards which can benefit the country and reinforce its independence, sovereignty and, most importantly, its economy, as well as to choose its partners accordingly.

What has raised our concerns? It was the fact that Armenia has adopted a law on launching the process to join the European Union – this is how it is titled, by the way, and it was Mr Lukashenko who drew our attention to this fact, while I even forgot about this, but he pointed out the actual title of the law. Business as usual, nothing extraordinary about this, if not for the fact that Armenia, as I have already said, and we discussed this in Kazakhstan too when we had a meeting with our colleagues – Armenia operates within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. There are different standards, technical regulations in agriculture, transport, and logistics – there are so many divergences.

I would very much like to see, at some point in the historical perspective, technical standards, logistics and all the other numerous factors involved – many of which may seem a mere formality at first glance but are in fact crucial to economic development – become aligned between the European Union and the EAEU. This would make us a truly vast economic space “from Lisbon to the Urals,” as De Gaulle said, though it would be even better if it extended all the way to Vladivostok. However, this is currently impossible for technological reasons, as the EAEU and EU free trade zones are incompatible.

Of course, this is a concern for us. If a relevant law is adopted, this goes beyond mere talk – it is the law, and we would like to ask our Armenian colleagues to decide on their development path as soon as possible. The market organisation and the legal framework within the EAEU depend on this, because we debate every issue just as it is done in the EU. Without wishing to overstate this, our colleagues sometimes become quite animated in these discussions.

Every comma is sometimes important. But it is also important for us to know how this interaction will be structured. This not only concerns energy, although this is important because the common energy market is one of the few issues that has not been coordinated in terms of our policy as a whole. As you can see, even our colleagues in Germany are concerned about Nord Stream. This [energy] is a crucial element today, and it is especially important in the post-Soviet space, that is, within the EAEU.

Moreover, Prime Minister Pashinyan has said just recently that he considers it important to hold a referendum on this issue. Our only request is that this is clarified as quickly as possible. Nothing more. We have no objections. We will maintain good relations with Armenia no matter what development path it chooses to follow.

As for other countries, as I said, we manage to come to terms, we always do, despite all the challenges of negotiations. I am confident that we will be able to do this in the future as well.

As for Armenia, Russia advocated, at Armenia’s request, for its accession to the EAEU. I mean that, in terms of a number of economic indicators, Armenia did not fully fit the overall framework at the time. However, it has now decided that it should explore a different direction. We have no objection to that – it is entirely their choice. Our only request is that a decision be made as quickly as possible and that we proceed openly and transparently. That’s all. So I do not see any major political problem here. There are, of course, economic and technical issues to address, but I hope we will be able to resolve those as well.

By the way, regarding Nord Stream. As you know, the Nord Stream pipelines were blown up, correct? But one string of Nord Stream 2 remains intact and undamaged. Through it, Russian gas could be pumped to the Federal Republic of Germany starting as early as tomorrow. You just need — and I am not joking — simply to press a button, and the gas will start flowing. But that requires a decision by the Government of the Federal Republic. We have an existing contract between Gazprom and its partner in the Federal Republic, and contacts with Gazprom are ongoing; they remain in communication. Gazprom has never refused supplies and is ready to deliver tomorrow. Its partners also want this. All that is needed is a decision by the Government of the Federal Republic.

And here we come to the key issue – a political question, a question of sovereignty. Because this system was not only blown up – I consider it an act of state terrorism, and I think you would agree – but even though one line remains intact and operational, it is still subject to US sanctions. If the German government reaches agreement with its partners, the sanctions will be lifted, we will press the button, and gas will start flowing – tomorrow, if necessary.

This is a matter of sovereignty: whether they agree or do not agree, or whether, without agreeing with anyone, they simply say no, or explain to their partners in Washington that they need this because they are going through a very difficult period. High energy prices are undermining the competitiveness of the German economy and harming the European Union as a whole, because Germany remains the locomotive of the European economy. This system needs to be put back into operation. They could reach an agreement peacefully, explaining the seriousness of the situation. That is all. With increased capacity, up to 25, and potentially 28 billion cubic metres per year could be supplied – starting tomorrow.

But what Gazprom needs from its German partners is a clear answer: will they take the gas or not? Otherwise, we will redirect it to other markets and sell it to other partners. The contract remains in force. And it is not Gazprom that is failing to meet its obligations – Gazprom is ready. The German partner is not taking the gas, because there are instructions from Brussels and Berlin not to take it. That is all.

Let’s continue.

Andrei Kondrashov: Middle East News Agency MENA, Egypt. Shohrat Aref, please go ahead.

Managing Editor for European and Middle Eastern countries at the Middle East News Agency (MENA) (Egypt) Shohrat Aref (retranslated): Thank you, Mr President, for inviting me to take part in this dialogue.

I have the following question: What are your thoughts about President el-Sisi’s role in promoting stability in the Middle East? What role could Egypt and Russia play in reducing tension in the Middle East?

Vladimir Putin: President el-Sisi is a good friend, and I have a very good relationship with him. I also hope this helps us expand our bilateral ties. Trade between our two countries has been stable and is enjoying positive momentum, and there are good prospects for undertaking major projects. For many years now, we have been discussing the project to create a Russian technology valley in Egypt’s Nile Valley. Today, we are working hard on the project to build a nuclear power plant in Egypt. I hope its first block becomes operational in 2028.

There is significant, effective momentum in our relations. We have engaged quite a few local specialists to perform construction work, which means that this is a very impactful project. We are also working in other sectors. We have developed a relationship of trust in our political cooperation on the international stage. Russia appreciates President el-Sisi’s efforts to bring about a settlement in the Middle East.

The Palestine tragedy has been somewhat relegated to the background considering the developments in and around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, but the Palestine issue has not disappeared. It remains acute. In this regard, the President of Egypt has made and continues to make a meaningful contribution to achieving a settlement, which means arriving at a fair resolution regarding all Palestine-related matters. Of course, I would like to stress again that in the opinion of the Russian Federation, the creation of a viable Palestinian state is the only fundamental approach to resolving this issue.

I know that the President of Egypt has been working hard on the agenda dealing with settling the Iranian crisis. He has been in touch with all parties to this process at all times, and we have also maintained contact. We seek each other’s advice, listen to each other, hear each other, and take our respective positions into account. I would like to thank President el-Sisi for attaching so much importance to strengthening Russia-Egypt ties. This is instrumental. Egypt is one of our priority partners in the region.

Andrei Kondrashov: Spain has been a country that has protested conflicts in the Middle East. We have José Manuel Sanz Mingote, Editor-in-Chief of Agencia EFE, with us. You have the floor.

Editor-in-Chief and Director of International Information at the Spanish news agency EFE José Manuel Sanz Mingote (retranslated): Thank you.

I would like to thank our friends at the TASS News Agency for their hospitality.

Mr President, my question concerns Ukraine. What is preventing the achievement of a durable peace in Ukraine, one that would allow all of Russia’s legitimate concerns related to the conflict to be discussed?

We can see that some progress has been made, and you have told us about this. But it is taking too long to achieve these goals, especially in Donbass. We have seen numerous exchanges of strikes between the sides. Is now the right time for a ceasefire, for sitting down at the negotiation table to discuss all issues? Even if the EU and European countries cannot mediate the process, they could help look for a solution.

Thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: I believe that the EU could indeed help look for a solution. In my opinion, a solution should be reached within the framework of the arrangements made in Anchorage, and the Ukrainian side is fully aware of this. I would like to reiterate that the question raised before the meeting in Anchorage was whether Russia was ready to make certain compromises. I said during my visit to Anchorage and my meeting with the US President that we were ready, and I specified the agreements and compromises we would be prepared to make. The issue is for the Ukrainian side to accept these compromises. However, judging by all indications, primarily the internal political situation, Kiev is not ready for this.

The reason is that if peace is achieved, internal political strife and the struggle for power in Kiev will intensify dramatically, and the economic situation will further deteriorate against this backdrop. It seems to me that the ruling authorities [in Kiev] are not interested in stopping the hostilities because in this situation they are unlikely to have any good prospects – let’s put this tactfully – for retaining power.

Furthermore, they will have to address economic matters. European experts know how much it will cost to rebuild the Ukrainian economy – hundreds of billions of euros – and how long this will take. I am aware of the German Chancellor’s proposals for making Ukraine an associated member, and so on. That is none of our business. We are not against this – go ahead. But we are against turning the EU into a military bloc. This is a matter of concern to us. But we are not against economic integration. Go right ahead. European experts know how much this will cost, and European farmers know what will happen if European markets open to Ukraine’s agricultural products.

I could speak about this for a long time, but this is how I will reply to your question: Yes, the EU could potentially play a positive role, though not by supplying weapons but by trying to convince Kiev to accept the compromises we discussed in Anchorage. That is all.

Andrei Kondrashov: Please, Chairman of the Board of AZERTAC news agency Vugar Aliyev, Azerbaijan.

Please, go ahead.

Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC) Vugar Aliyev: Good evening, Mr President.

Thank you very much for taking the time to meet with us journalists.

My question relates to relations between our countries. May I ask how you assess the prospects for developing relations between Azerbaijan and Russia?

Vladimir Putin: I would rate them as highly favourable. Our relations with Azerbaijan have always been, and continue to be, very positive. This extends to both the economic and political spheres.

We signed a Declaration on Allied Interaction a couple of years ago, and relations are developing accordingly. President Aliyev is making significant efforts to infuse this treaty with tangible substance. This is evident in the specific areas of our cooperation. I believe that accumulated Russian investment in the Azerbaijani economy exceeds 10 billion rubles. Numerous enterprises operate with Russian capital. We also have close cooperation on cultural and educational matters. A substantial number of Azerbaijanis, as is well known, work in the Russian Federation. They send money to support their families. We are striving to organise this in a proper, civilised manner.

We have numerous areas of mutual interest in logistics, in particular, the North-South corridor providing access to Iran. At present, of course, this has been somewhat hampered due to the events surrounding Iran, yet it remains an area of significant mutual interest.

We are deeply grateful to President Aliyev for assisting us in the delivery of humanitarian aid to Iran. It should be noted that the Azerbaijani side has been diligent and effective in this regard, responding promptly to our requests. This is crucial for alleviating the situation in that region as well.

Trade turnover is on the rise, and it should be noted that additional opportunities for the mutual supply of goods are emerging. We are engaged in negotiations on a wide range of specific areas. At this stage, I deem it premature to elaborate on this, but it pertains primarily to the energy sector. We will meet with President Aliyev and will certainly discuss all matters in due course. On the whole, I believe that relations between the two countries are evolving – and evolving very positively.

Andrei Kondrashov: Colleagues, the next question, please. Who is next?

The Kyrgyz agency Kabar. Director Mederbek Shermetaliyev, please.

Director of the Kyrgyz National News Agency Kabar Mederbek Shermetaliyev: Thank you, Mr Kondrashov.

Good afternoon, Mr President.

Thank you for this opportunity to take part in today’s meeting with you alongside the heads of news agencies. Allow me to ask two questions.

Mr President, President Sadyr Japarov has repeatedly underscored that Central Asia should become a region of peace, neighbourliness, and shared development. Against this backdrop, Kyrgyzstan’s election to the UN Security Council was an important event not only for our country but also for the entire region. What role, in your opinion, can Central Asia play in strengthening international security in the coming years? That is my first question.

My second question concerns the fact that this year, Bishkek is hosting the SCO summit. Against the backdrop of growing global challenges and instability, what joint initiatives within the SCO does Russia consider a priority for strengthening regional security, and what key proposals does the Russian side plan to put forward for discussion during the summit?

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: As for what we intend to put forward at the summit, we will, first and foremost, be guided by the proposals of the Kyrgyz side as the host country of this event. We know that both the President of Kyrgyzstan and all our colleagues are giving this their close attention and working on it. Our respective government bodies are in constant contact, both through the foreign ministries and through the relevant economic agencies, coordinating their efforts. I am confident that this will lead to the necessary compromises being reached where required. More broadly, it will result not merely in formulations but in the definition of objectives for the further development of the association as a whole.

What I would like to draw attention to is the following. It was initially established as a mechanism for resolving border issues between the People’s Republic of China and those republics of the former Soviet Union that share a border with China. Today, how many member states are there – 27 countries? It is, indeed, a major organisation.

Few outside observers take note, but substantive work on economic integration is underway, and this is becoming a prominent factor in regional affairs, at the very least. And given that there are, after all, 27 countries involved, this is a significant undertaking. What is important is that Central Asia – with the resources of the Central Asian countries, its vast territory, and its growing population – is attracting ever-greater attention from the entire international community, primarily, of course, on the basis of the region’s economic potential. Everything that is being done within the framework of the organisation itself will undoubtedly be of interest both to Russia and to all our partners.

Therefore, we certainly wish our Kyrgyz friends every success and will do everything we can to ensure that this significant event, in my view, proves a success.

Andrei Kondrashov: We have not had questions from France or Great Britain yet.

Let’s start with France. A major agency, Agence France-Presse – Pierre Ausseill, Regional Director for Africa and Europe, please.

AFP Regional Director for Africa and Europe Pierre Ausseill (retranslated): Good evening, Mr President.

I have a short question on Ukraine, covering the economy and Mr Zelensky. Russian military spending has risen considerably due to the special military operation, and the economy is showing signs of strain. Can the Russian economy withstand this?

My second question concerns Mr Zelensky. If you were to sit down at the negotiating table with him to sign a peace treaty, what would you say to him? And do you consider him the legitimate representative of Ukraine?

Vladimir Putin: On the question of his legitimacy, that is a matter for lawyers, for legal analysis. Of course, if we reach the point of signing any documents – and that is not a whim on our part; any country in our position would want to sign documents of this kind, which would be truly historic for both Russia and Ukraine – then we would want to sign them with someone who is legitimate under the other country’s constitution, the fundamental law of Ukraine. This requires careful legal analysis. I will not go into the details now – I have spoken on this before, and anyone can look up what I have said.

Here is the core issue. Two years ago, in May 2024, President Zelensky’s term expired. At the end of last year and the start of this year, there was much talk of elections in Ukraine. Where is that talk now? Will there be elections or not? I suggest that you ask them these questions as well. That matters. Yet no one is asking these questions now. If elections are held, when? And of course, the outcome would be crucial.

Under the Ukrainian Constitution, a president is limited to serving two five-year consecutive terms. If we accept the view of those who say that President Zelensky has legally extended his powers, two years [of his second term] are completed. Will he run for another five-year term? This is contrary to the Constitution, which only stipulates two five-year consecutive terms, 10 years altogether. What about the two years he has been in power now? There are many questions, but if we ever reach the stage of signing documents, I believe that if there is a desire to end this military conflict peacefully – and Russia would like to do this, we will find those who should sign the relevant document. When there is a will, there is a way. This is extremely important, but we must remember that it is a legal issue.

As for what we could tell each other if we reach the end of the conflict, at the very least, we could and should say, Thank God it’s all over.

However, the legal side of the matter should be analysed at the level of good experts. I believe this is obvious.

I would like to reiterate that we can only sign such documents with those who are fully legitimate to do so. There are many options, such as the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, and possibly even Zelensky himself. We need to analyse the documents and what legal consequences their signing would have.

Once again, there must be the will to do it. As for the procedure, there are ways to coordinate it.

Pierre Ausseill: I also asked about the economy, if you recall.

Vladimir Putin: Regarding the [Russian] economy, as Mark Twain said – I think it was he who said it, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” That is how he joked about it once. The same here. There were forecasts of our defeat on the battlefield, and it was even said – I think it was the former US President who said it, that the Russian economy was in tatters. Don’t engage in wishful thinking. Make your assessments based on real figures, real trends and the real situation, in this case the real situation in our economy.

How much has the EU’s economy grown over the past three years? Don’t wrack your brains – it has grown by about 3 percent. And how has the Russian economy grown? It has grown by 10 percent, three times more than the EU’s economy. Germany, the leading economy of the eurozone, has grown by less than 1 percent, while the Russian economy has grown by 1 percent last year, even if this is a modest figure, and it continues to grow.

It is true that there are issues in terms of the overall macroeconomic landscape, primarily the rising inflation. It is for this reason that the Central Bank and the financial bloc have taken several decisions – and these decisions were quite harsh – to suppress inflation and improve macroeconomic indicators. The decision to raise the key interest rate was one of them. However, these measures have been effective and yielded results. As of April, the economy has not fully recovered to where it was a year before that, but we are making steady progress towards reaching the planned, or to be more exact target indicator of 5.4 percent. This is a positive development in itself.

At the same time, industrial output has continued to grow, and so did real household incomes. In fact, real household incomes increased by over 28 percent which is largely due to higher salaries, and I am talking about real, not nominal, wages. There was an increase of over 25 percent. We have been fulfilling all the social commitments we have to the people of Russia, including by adjusting for inflation pensions, benefits, minimum wages, and entitlements to support families with children, and so on and so forth.

We had a plan to reduce the number of people living below the poverty line to seven percent by 2030. In 2025, we achieved this objective ahead of schedule and went even further by reaching a level of 6.7 percent.

I want to go back to Mark Twain’s quote. Let me reiterate that our economic and financial agencies have been effective in their actions and delivering results. It goes without saying that we intentionally went down this road, of course, when the Central Bank decided to significantly increase the key interest rate. It has already cut the interest rate several times and brought it down to 14.5 percent. Many believe that this is too little, and that we need more cuts. I will not make any comments in this regard right now, since this can turn into a lengthy debate. I have been following these discussions between the Government’s economic bloc and the Central Bank, etc. But the results are there.

We did this on purpose while understanding that this would lead to a decrease in capital investment. How could it be otherwise? Of course, investment was expected to shrink with the Central Bank’s key interest rate at this level. Our decision to cool down the economy was intentional. Some may argue that there was too much cooling, or that more needs to be done in this regard. Still, we did this on purpose. We do not want hyperinflation of up to 30, 60, or 70 percent, as it happened in some countries. We are fighting for the overall health of the Russian economy.

I would like to draw your attention to another important indicator. Our public debt is equal to 15.6 percent. How big is it in France? It exceeds 100 percent, probably. I think it is 112 percent, approximately. But we have 15.6 percent. All this gives us reasons to believe that we are headed in the right direction and can feel confident.

Andrei Kondrashov: Reuters, UK, Mark Bendeich, please.

Global Managing Editor, World News, at Reuters news agency (Great Britain) Mark Bendeich: Thank you, Mr President.

I’ve got two questions. The first is on Ukraine. How do you rate President Trump’s performance in trying to end the conflict in Ukraine? Whether he has become distracted by the Iran war and indeed whether he miscalculated there, perhaps at the cost of pushing forward talks over Ukraine?

My second question is about your own political future, Mr President. You have been running the country now, been in power for 26 years, and whether you plan to stay in office until 2036, I think under the Constitution. And if you don’t mind me saying so, you look quite fit, whether you feel you have the stamina and the health to go the distance to 2036?

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Only God knows whether any of us – you, me, everyone in this room – stay healthy enough to survive until tomorrow or the day after, let alone to solve the problems we face and reach the goals we have set. That is for starters.

As for my own plans: yes, the Constitution allows me to run for re-election in 2030. But frankly, it is far too early to talk about that. I am not even thinking about it right now – I tell you completely honestly. The country faces many large, far-reaching, and urgent issues. The way to address them is not to think about that, it is to think about Russia’s future. That’s the first point.

Now, on Ukraine and what the US President has done to try to resolve the conflict. I have said this before, and I do not mind repeating it. I believe President Trump is genuinely committed to resolving the Ukraine crisis. He has already said publicly that he did not expect it to be so difficult. And yes – from the outside, some things may look straightforward, but once you dig in, you realise there are many unknown factors, and they matter.

Now, settling another crisis, the one concerning Iran is indeed urgent. We see that the US administration is distracted and forced to focus primarily on that issue. But here is the difference: the Ukraine crisis is primarily local, though I regret that European countries are trying to give it a global dimension. The crisis around Iran, by contrast, is clearly global. Just look at the impact the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has on the world economy. So of course, the administration is giving it serious attention. That said, President Trump’s proposals, as I have already mentioned, could very well form the basis of a peace agreement.

So to answer your question of whether the administration was on the right track – yes. Those proposals require compromise – for both countries. For Russia, too. And we have broadly agreed to those compromises. We just need to convince the Ukrainian side. That’s all. Overall, I believe these proposals could serve as the foundation for an agreement between Russia and Ukraine, and could end the conflict.

Global Managing Editor, World News, at Reuters news agency (Great Britain) Mark Bendeich: Sorry, just one follow-up question on Iran. Do you think Russia could play a role in terms of settling that dispute in particular in relation to the highly enriched uranium?

Vladimir Putin: I believe so. We harbour no desire to impose our assistance; however, our proposal is well known to the US administration, as well as to our Iranian friends and partners. In 2015, Russia played an entirely positive role by facilitating the removal of enriched uranium from Iran to the Russian Federation, thereby establishing the foundation for the JCPOA– effectively resolving the crisis. This endeavour was supported by the American administration of the time, implemented successfully, and led to a de-escalation of the situation.

What is the current state of affairs? The uranium is present on Iranian territory, a fact currently undisputed by any party. The question that therefore arises is: what follows? The uranium would immediately come under the control of the IAEA, and consequently, the entire international community – including the United States and Israel – would become engaged in the process of eliminating highly enriched uranium. This is because everything would be under their purview – effectively, under IAEA control – while all parties contribute to the IAEA’s efforts, and there is universal trust in the IAEA. Immediately, the uranium is accounted for in terms of volume and quantity, control is established, and the process of de-enrichment and dilution commences.

We possess the capability to undertake this now as well – if you will. However, I reiterate, this decision rests with all parties seeking a resolution to the crisis. We have successfully implemented this before and stand ready to do so again. Our relations with Iran are good and based on trust; Iran is a friendly country. It is no secret that we are implementing a project there to construct the Bushehr nuclear power plant. We have completed one unit, which is now operational, and are continuing with further construction. I believe that the Iranian leadership and the Iranian people repose complete trust in us.

Incidentally, this uranium could, in the future, be diluted and utilised for peaceful nuclear programmes within Iran under the oversight of the international community and the IAEA. I think that this constitutes a viable option. In this regard, I believe that Iran would find such a resolution acceptable, and all other parties involved – who may harbour certain suspicions – should also find it satisfactory. The uranium would be declared, removed, and placed under control. Wherein lies the problem? I see none. I may be mistaken in some respects, yet I struggle to see what could be objectionable to anyone in this scenario.

Furthermore, initially – since we have broached the topic, I will elaborate – initially, and admittedly not this year – there was unanimous agreement. Subsequently, positions hardened on all sides. We said: “Very well. If not, then not. Please, resolve this among yourselves.” The proposals remain on the table – please, we are prepared to proceed as we did in 2015. If that is not the case, we hope that the parties involved in this conflict will find an alternative solution. Should another solution emerge, we would be most pleased. And if our assistance is required, we would gladly support any solution of this nature that leads to a de-escalation of the situation.

Andrei Kondrashov: Mr President, we have already been speaking for an hour and a half. Would you allow us another 20 minutes?

Vladimir Putin: We can do a couple of questions. The President of Uzbekistan is due to arrive shortly, and we have an event scheduled – the launch of a nuclear power plant construction project in Uzbekistan.

Andrei Kondrashov: I have already caught the eye of three colleagues – Martin Romanczyk, Vijay Joshi, and Jose Manuel Sanz Mingote.

Vladimir Putin: Well, by all means.

Andrei Kondrashov: Three more questions, colleagues, and then we’ll conclude.

Vladimir Putin: Please.

Andrei Kondrashov: Martin, go ahead please.

Martin Romanczyk (retranslated): Mr President, two years ago, when asked whether Russia was planning to attack NATO, you said that such claims were nonsense. At least, that is how your remarks were reported. Yet today, amid US plans not to deploy intermediate-range missiles in Germany and new details concerning the redeployment of American troops from Europe to Asia, there is still speculation that Russia could attack NATO territory in the foreseeable future. How do you assess such claims?

Vladimir Putin: You know, anyone who seriously considers such claims should ask themselves a simple question: What for? Why would Russia need that? It’s clear – the conflict in Ukraine. At the heart of the conflict are the coup d’état and the subsequent suppression of everything associated with Russia as well as of a significant portion of the country’s population who refused to accept the outcome of that coup. Ukraine is, after all, a largely Russian-speaking country. Even those so-called nationalists speak Russian at home.

But that is not really the point. The point is that the coup was followed by a series of developments inside Ukraine itself. In the end – and I will not go into all the details of how this unfolded, including the Minsk agreements and everything that followed – we found ourselves in a situation where it was necessary to support those people living in the territories that did not recognise the outcome of the coup. At the same time, there were ongoing efforts to bring Ukraine into NATO.

Just think about it. We were simply deceived – openly deceived. You know that perfectly well. Since 1991, we were repeatedly told that NATO would not move one inch to the east. This was stated at the time by NATO Secretary General, a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany – I must admit I cannot recall his surname at the moment. That was the assurance we were given.

But what does Europe have to do with this? Why would Russia attack Europe or go to war with NATO? What would be the purpose? As I have said before, these claims are not merely nonsense. In my view, they are a deliberate provocation designed to create the impression of a threat that does not actually exist. The objective is to persuade their populations to increase defence spending and, as a first step, to pay for the regime that seized power in Kiev. That, I believe, is the real explanation. It is not simply nonsense; it is a provocation.

What surprises me, however, is that some people in European countries appear to believe it. I find that astonishing. The whole notion is simply absurd. It would be amusing if it were not so sad.

We have consistently stated that one of the objectives of our special military operation is the denazification of Ukraine. Yet, from various quarters, we have been asked: “What do you mean by denazification? What is this “denazification” you refer to? You are speaking irrationally. (And they say we are speaking irrationally.) Why denazify Ukraine?”

Colleagues, let me be clear. This has been plain to see for all, yet scarcely anyone addresses it – the reburial of Nazis and nationalists who, during the Second World War, exterminated Jews, Poles, and Russians in Ukraine. How many, you ask? In my view, a million Jews were exterminated in Ukraine. A million innocent souls. And now, in Ukraine, their [Nazis’ and nationalists’] remains have been reburied with military honours and a gun salute, hailed as heroes of Ukraine. Only Poland reacted, albeit feebly; Israel – even more feebly. Everyone seeks not to notice, shamefully ignoring the truth. And who is responsible for this? The current head of the Kiev regime, ethnically Jewish. His grandfather, who fought against Nazism, must be turning in his grave.

There exists an organisation of Ukrainian nationalists known as the UPA [Ukrainian Insurgent Army] – an entirely pro-Nazi entity. Its name is currently being bestowed upon active units within the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Observe: to the best of my knowledge, it has been enshrined in legislation, or is on the brink of being enshrined, that Nazi propaganda is forbidden. However, the Ukrainian authorities should be reminded that enshrining it into law is insufficient – the law must be implemented effectively.

Listen, I understand that the so-called collective West does not want Russia to grow stronger. The collective West wants to use Ukraine so that Russia does not defend its national interests so vigorously, that it should know its place, and so forth. But you must understand what a threat the revival of Nazism poses to everyone. Not only is weaponry spreading from the territory of Ukraine across the world – that is already a matter of record. Not only is corruption flourishing there, it has taken over everything, it has sunk such deep roots. But Nazism is being revived. What then is to be done about that?

Colleagues say that Ukraine should be part of the European Union, or an associated member, or in some other capacity. Very well, so be it. But one ought at least to reflect upon this. These are facts; this happened just recently. A few days ago, one of the Nazis was reburied. It was by his hands that Jews, Poles, Russians, and Roma people were exterminated – a million people. Yet he was reburied with military honours, with a gun salute, and – silence.

I understand that some countries want to use everything in their fight against Russia. But this is a threat to everyone. One ought to think about this.

Therefore, as regards the notion of Russia attacking Europe – this is, of course, nonsense, but not only that. It is also a provocation and misinformation aimed at deceiving their own populations in order to secure funding for the fight against Russia and for the militarisation of their own economies.

CEO and Editor-in-Chief at The Press Trust of India (India) Vijay Joshi: Mr President, earlier in this interaction you spoke about Russia’s relations with China. You said it was not born yesterday; it has grown over and been fostered over centuries. India has a similar relationship with China, but probably of a different nature. It is a difficult relationship. At the same time, India has a difficult relationship on its western border with Pakistan. I think you see where I am going with this. Pakistan today is helped by China in military terms. About 80 percent of Pakistan’s military hardware is of Chinese origin. China is also supplying technology, advanced technology to Pakistan, intelligence, and military hardware. So, this is causing some concern in India. You have very good relations with both China and Pakistan. Is there anything you would like to do at all in ensuring that India’s security interests are not compromised?

And a related question to that is that I just heard today that the S-400’s latest battalion has been delivered to India. A fifth one remains. What is the advanced technology that the fifth battalion will include? And if you can give maybe a definitive timeline on the joint development of the Su-57 stealth fighter and the delivery of the Akula-class nuclear submarine? Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Of course, we are well aware of all the potential issues and challenges, even if not all of them, but the main challenges dealing with the situation along the border and in terms of Pakistan – India relations – we know them. You said that China has Pakistan under its total control, but I do not think so. First, Pakistan is quite a big country, and Pakistan has multifaceted ties. Of course, matters dealing with Pakistan’s cooperation with the People’s Republic of China have a lot of importance for the country. But everyone seeks to expand relations with China. This is one of the world’s largest economies and it is second to none around the world in terms of purchasing power parity. It is the number one economy by this indicator. India is third, and Russia is fourth in terms of purchasing power parity. By the way, this also answers the question from your French colleague about the state of the Russian economy. China, the United States, India and Russia are the world’s top four countries in terms of purchasing power parity. By the way, we have surpassed all European countries, as well as Japan.

What an ingrate thing it would be to interfere in these sensitive and multifaceted relations between two countries, India and China. That said, we maintain contacts with our friends in both India and China.

What I would like to point out in this context without going into much detail, since it would be inappropriate for me, is that I can assure you that both Prime Minister Modi and President of the PRC Xi Jinping are both committed to addressing all matters of mutual interest, including in terms of border relations. I have no doubt about this whatsoever.

Russia has special relations with both China and India, as you have said. This is not a problem for anyone, trust me. It took decades to forge these ties, decade after decade of work. It all came together quite naturally. Relations between Russia and India do not cause any trouble to China, and the same goes for Russia’s relations with China not causing any trouble to India, while everyone stands to benefit from the three countries working together.

We are talking about BRICS. Do you know where BRICS was born? It was here, in St Petersburg. It was here that I suggested having a meeting between the Chinese leader, the head of the Indian Government and yours truly. And all three of us had a meeting here. This is how the RIC – Russia, India, China – format was born. It goes without saying that we found topics on which we could agree, and agree we did. Brazil joined us later by asking to become part of this trilateral format. This is how we got the BRIC group. After that South Africa followed, and we got BRICS. And the group continued expanding. This goes to say that when we come together and talk to each other, we are able to reach agreements.

Let me reiterate that no one questions Russia’s cooperation with China or Russia’s cooperation with India. Everyone knows the multi-pronged ties we have in terms of military technical cooperation. It is true that we are working with India, including on developing the latest weapons systems. Everyone knows the BrahMos intermediate-range missiles. They now exist in sea-based and ground-based declinations. And the list goes on, and we are expanding it.

As for the Su-57, there was a time when we offered our friends from India to work together on developing this plane. This is a fifth-generation plane, and I think that it is currently the best in the world. Our Indian friends told us to go ahead and do it on our own, while they would wait and see. This plane could have been our joint manufacturing venture, but we developed it on our own. Of course, we are ready to work with India by supplying these planes and developing them. The sky is the limit in this regard, and we are free from any restrictions.

The same goes for air defence systems. Having specific hardware may be important, but creating an air defence system has even greater importance. What does this mean? This means being able to engage various types of targets at various altitudes, including low-altitude, slow-flying and high-altitude targets. It is instrumental that all these elements are part of a single information system working in real time. This is a formidable, tech-intensive task. Russia is now working on perfecting this system. There are still pending questions, but this is a unique experience. No one else has any experience of this kind. We have it, and we are ready to share it with both our Chinese and Indian friends. And share we do. There is work in progress on all these fronts, and we will continue working with India too.

Andrei Kondrashov: Colleagues, one final question, please. Keep it brief.

José Manuel Sanz Mingote of EFE news agency.

José Manuel Sanz Mingote (retranslated): Thank you very much.

I would like to ask a brief question to clarify whether I understood your answer correctly. Are you ruling out a suspension of military action for starting negotiations?

My second question concerns Latin America. Over the past few months, have you had any contacts with the United States regarding Cuban issue?

And regarding what happened in Venezuela. Have you mentioned the capture of President Nicolás Maduro? What will Russia’s response be?

Vladimir Putin: As regards contacts on the Cuban issue, I will answer your question directly. You asked whether we have had contacts with the US administration regarding the Cuban issue. Yes, we had, but I do not wish to comment further.

As you know, we recently delivered a tanker carrying oil products to Cuba. Cuba is our friendly nation; we have maintained longstanding relations with it for decades. The US administration is aware of this, and our contacts with Cuba continue.

As for the suspension of hostilities in order to begin negotiations, such a suspension is not necessary for starting negotiations. Negotiations can take place while military actions continue. We have already had such a situation: negotiations took place while the military operations continued.

So where is the issue? Speaking candidly, I have already outlined the key factors that shape the course of the conflict when answering the question posed by an American colleague. There are many factors at play. Russian forces are advancing every day, and anyone following developments closely can see that new settlements are coming under the control of the Russian Armed Forces on a daily basis. Recently, I repeat, nearly 2,500 square kilometres – specifically, 2,440 square kilometres – have come under Russian control. Under these circumstances, it is understandable that the Ukrainian side would prefer Russian troops to halt their advance.

Our forces continue to make advances daily in the Zaporozhye Region by kilometres – say, by 1,200, 1,300 or 800 metres along the front and in depth. Obviously, there is a desire to stop this advance. However, rather than merely halting military actions, it would be better to end the war altogether by reaching the compromises that were discussed in Anchorage.

Please go ahead.

News Director for Europe & Africa at The Associated Press (USA) James Jordan: Thank you, Mr President. One more question about Russia’s relationships with its European neighbours. Associated Press reporting has tracked 191 incidents of malign or illegal activity across Europe since 2022. Western officials attribute these to Russia and its proxies, and they include….

Vladimir Putin: Do you mean Russia’s activity on the territory of European countries?

James Jordan: Correct, Russia and its proxies. These actions include sabotage, attempted assassination, cyberattacks and influence operations. Western officials say this is just the tip of the iceberg, and these are the ones that have been tracked or proven. Does this mean that Russia is already waging a war against the West and does it not risk escalation?

Vladimir Putin: This means only one thing: an attempt by certain political figures in Western European countries to push ahead with their aggressive plans against the Russian Federation.

You mentioned cyberattacks and other attempts, and you pointed out that you are only talking about proven, verified facts. What does this prove? Name even one proven fact. How did one prime minister put it? She said: “highly likely.”

Andrei Kondrashov: “Highly likely.”

Vladimir Putin: “Highly likely.” Everything you have described is highly likely. Where is even one fact? There is not a single one. That means there is no desire to engage with Russia as an equal partner. But that will have to happen – we are in no hurry. As the saying goes, even if you put nine pregnant women together, the baby still will not be born in a month. The situation needs time to mature. I believe that is where we are heading. And it seems to me that it is gradually maturing.

We, I repeat, are ready. We need to stop these mutual accusations. And if the Europeans want to work with us, then they should drop their colonial attitude, talk to Russia as an equal partner, and look for solutions together. Even with highly complex issues – issues that need to be resolved in the interests of both Russia and our European partners – we are ready for that.

Please.

Andrei Kondrashov: Thank you very much, Mr President.

Vladimir Putin: You should’t treat women like that or end this meeting like that. Proceed, please.

Shohrat Aref (retranslated): Thank you.

I would like to hear your views on the energy crisis caused by the crisis around Iran and its outlook.

Vladimir Putin: If you addressed this question to members of the US administration, they would probably not answer it because I have a feeling that they have not found the solution yet. However, it is obvious that the Iranian people have demonstrated that their interests must be also taken into consideration in the resolution of such crises. The Iranian people have demonstrated cohesion and determination to fight. This factor must certainly be taken into consideration in the final resolution of these problems.

Of course, the situation is not simple for us from the political perspective, in part because we have developed very good and friendly relations with Arab countries, including Persian Gulf states, over the past decades. We always emphasise this in our contacts with our Iranian friends. I can tell you frankly that since the start of the conflict, especially since it began during the month of Ramadan, we have been urging our Iranian friends to refrain from military actions against other Islamic countries, especially in the holy month of Ramadan.

But the logic and dynamics of events took a different turn. We hope that the efforts of the US administration and President Trump, and the consistent stance of Iran’s spiritual leader to protect the interests of his country and look for a compromise – we see that both sides are doing this – we hope that these efforts will succeed and an end will be put to the conflict. If anything depends on Russia, we are always ready to lend a hand. If not, we will celebrate together with everyone else when this crisis ends.

It is nothing more than an unsubstantiated allegation that Russia is well-nigh the sole beneficiary of this conflict because of growing energy prices. It is true that prices are growing, which we can see, and we understand that our companies will benefit from this, to a certain extent. But such benefits are temporary and short-lived, whereas we would like to develop long-term relations with all our partners on the solid basis of mutual interest. In this case, we are interested in the conflict to end as soon as possible. It is gratifying that the ceasefire regime is being maintained, even if despite certain problems. We are doing everything we can to help this bring out an overall settlement.

We maintain contacts with all our friends and, as I have said, we will do everything we can if our assistance is needed to end the conflict.

This will be all. Thank you very much.

Andrei Kondrashov: Mr President, thank you very much for this frank conversation. All the best.

Russian-Tanzanian talks

2026-06-03T18:54:28+04:00

Vladimir Putin held talks in the Kremlin with President of the United Republic of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan, who arrived in Russia on a state visit.

The talks began with a restricted‑attendance meeting and later continued in an expanded format.

The discussions covered a wide range of issues related to the further development of friendly Russian‑Tanzanian relations and included an exchange of views on current international and regional matters.

Prior to the consultations, an official welcoming ceremony took place in the Grand Kremlin Palace. The presidents of Russia and Tanzania introduced members of their delegations, and the national anthems of the Russian Federation and the United Republic of Tanzania were played.

* * *

Beginning of conversation with President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Madam President, friends,

We are truly delighted to welcome you to Russia. This year we will celebrate the 65^th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between our countries. We note with pleasure that you chose Russia as the destination for your first state visit abroad following your inauguration. We see this as a very positive sign.

Over the years, and particularly in recent years, during your tenure as Minister and later as Vice President, you have consistently worked to strengthen our bilateral ties. Those ties have always been actively developed at a good level.

Last year, our bilateral trade grew by approximately 20–25-percent, which is a strong result. There is certainly scope to expand trade further, and we have every opportunity to do so. I am referring to a wide range of sectors, including energy, geological exploration, transport and logistics, healthcare and education.

Incidentally, I understand that tomorrow you will be awarded the Doctor Honoris Causa title by the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. Allow me to congratulate you on this achievement in advance.

We also maintain close and active cooperation on the international stage. We listen to one another and support each other. We have just been discussing the possibility of your speaking in St Petersburg – and I hope this will indeed take place the day after tomorrow – at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

We also look forward to your country being represented at a high level at the third Russia–Africa Summit.

We are very pleased to meet with you, Madam President.

Welcome.

President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan: Thank you very much, Your Excellency, President Vladimir Putin.

At the outset, I have the honour and privilege to extend my sincere appreciation for being invited to this beautiful country. I also extend our appreciation as we have been graciously received and we have been enjoying all the hospitality accorded to myself and my delegation.

Secondly, as you said it right, my visit has a very special historic significance for me personally and for the country. It has been more than a century since the last state visit to Russia, and that was in 1969 by Mwalimu Nyerere, our founding father of the nation. So, for me, this is a truly historic trip coming to Russia to discuss issues of our bilateral cooperation but also sustainable development for our people. So, on behalf of myself and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I express our sincere appreciation for this invitation.

As you said it right, this is a chance when we have time to discuss the forthcoming development of our countries. But before that, I must thank Russia for the great contribution which it provided during the African liberation, in those 1960s, and we have been working with Russia to date. With that much development we are seeing in my country, Russia has made a great contribution to it. So, we are very thankful.

Mr President, Your Excellency, on another note, allow me to convey heartfelt congratulations on the magnificent commemoration of the 81^st anniversary of Victory Day, which took place on May 9 this year. This landmark anniversary is a profound tribute to the unmatched patriotism, but also the sacrifice and unity of the Russian people.

Yet we are aware that in the coming week also you are going to celebrate the National Day of Russia, which is a symbol of sovereignty. So, in connection with this, I thank those who planned my visit to the war veterans cemetery this morning and I had an honour to lay a wreath over there, and that was an honour for me and for my country. So, we are very thankful for that.

Before I proceed, I have already made the introductions, but at this small gathering, I am accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Planning and Investment, followed by the Minister of Mining, the Ambassador of Tanzania to Russia, and the supporting staff.

<…>

Meeting of the Council for State Policy on Promoting the Russian language and Languages of the Peoples of Russia

2026-06-03T13:29:33+04:00

Ahead of Pushkin Day in Russia – also celebrated as Russian Language Day – Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the Council for State Policy on Promoting the Russian language and Languages of the Peoples of Russia, via video conference.

Yelena Yampolskaya delivered the main report covering the progress of efforts to implement the President’s instructions and the Council’s main areas of focus.

Proposals were also submitted for discussion regarding further support of the Russian language and the languages of the peoples of Russia, including editorial and educational public projects.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues.

As per tradition, we hold this council’s meetings ahead of Pushkin Day in Russia, or Russian Language Day. First of all, congratulations on the upcoming holiday. Thank you for your activism and especially for developing the fundamentals of the state language policy of the Russian Federation.

For the first time, our country has a strategic plan that determines the priorities and main areas of focus with regards to the preservation, development and support of the Russian language as well as the languages of other peoples living in Russia.

The action plan for the implementation of these fundamental principles has been approved. I would like to ask the Government to ensure its funding and execution.

I also believe it important to grant the report on the state language policy the status of a state report. It is a significant project that should be delivered annually.

Colleagues, next autumn, on September 8, our wonderful poet Rasul Gamzatov’s birthday, we will mark the Day of the Languages of the Peoples of Russia for the first time. It is symbolic that this initiative is being launched during the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia.

It is equally important to start the publishing project called The Library of Russian Peoples’ Literature Masterpieces this year. This library will include Russian translations of the best works by ethnic authors and will make them available to a broader readership.

This book series is included in the instructions on supporting the Russian language and the languages of the Russian peoples that I issued on February 3, 2026. I would like to highlight some more instructions as well.

First, work will soon begin on developing an academic module for higher education institutions titled “Russian as a State Language.” This module will cover, among other things, the constitutional status of the Russian language and issues related to Russia’s language policy. It would be prudent if, in the future, this subject became part of the core curriculum in higher education.

Second, it is observed that many of our higher education institutions lack a separate faculty of Russian language and Literature. Russian philology, German philology, and English philology are all, on an equal basis, components of a single faculty of philology. This is clearly inconsistent with the perception of the Russian language as one of the core values of modern Russia.

I am aware that last year, an independent faculty of Russian language and literature was established at the Vladimir Vernadsky Crimean Federal University. I hope that other federal universities will follow the example of our colleagues in Crimea, particularly those that train future language and literature teachers.

Third, it is necessary to improve the quality of training for primary school teachers. The number of hours allocated to the study of the Russian language and literature, as well as teaching methodologies, should certainly be increased.

These subjects directly affect the development of the general and speech culture of future primary school teachers and their aesthetic sensibilities, which ultimately affects the upbringing and education of children. Indeed, the level of proficiency in the Russian language, articulate speech, and the ability to read and comprehend texts significantly contributes to a student’s high academic performance in all other subjects. It is no coincidence that the task of improving the system of teaching the Russian language and literature in educational institutions has been designated as a priority of state language policy.

One of the solutions to this task is the preparation of unified state textbooks on the Russian language and literature for the secondary education system. I ask that you report today on the progress of this work.

Allow me to remind you that all test and examination materials must be aligned with the content of these textbooks. This will ensure that only the material that has been studied – what the students covered in class – is tested.

One further proposal. The summer holidays have begun. In recent years, an increasing number of children’s recreational camps have been organising themed sessions: geographical, historical, and cultural. I have no doubt that sessions dedicated to the Russian language and national literature will also attract considerable interest among children, adolescents, their parents, and teachers. I ask the Ministry of Education and the Federal Agency for Youth to participate in implementing this idea, starting with federal children’s camps.

In conclusion, I would note that many of the instructions issued following previous meetings of the Council have been implemented, and many are in progress. I hope that new proposals will be put forward today, including those aimed at supporting people with disabilities, for example, those with hearing or speech impairments who use Russian Sign Language. There are nearly 200,000 speakers of this language in our country. It is crucial to ensure an appropriate quality and quantity of teachers and interpreters in this field.

Let us begin our work.

<…>

Vladimir Putin: Let me say a few words in conclusion of our meeting.

First, regarding the proposals made here today, such as Children’s Book Day, which Ms Yampolskaya and her colleagues put forward. We will certainly support it; it is a good and worthwhile idea. I remember a colleague mentioning the presentation of 1943 books and other materials during one such event. This is certainly very good. You know, it is extremely important for us, especially for our young people and children, to sense the atmosphere of that period, which can best be achieved through literature of that period, so that they understand how their peers lived.

Just recently, on May 9, Alexander Lukashenko, who visited our country for the celebrations, brought along bread baked according to recipes used during the war in Stalingrad, Leningrad and other regions of the former Soviet Union. It was interesting to taste bread made during the siege of Leningrad, made in Stalingrad, Moscow and other cities.

But literary, creative and cultural nourishment is no less important. It is of paramount importance and must certainly include modern books for children.

As for the revival of the Pushkin Society, this should certainly be done. Thank you for drawing our attention to this issue. This should be done, and we must do it in the best possible manner. Likewise, we should support the idea proposed by [Director of the State Pushkin Museum] Yevgeny Bogatyrev regarding the 2027 events [the 180^th anniversary of Alexander Pushkin’s death and 135 years since the establishment of the first Pushkin Society]. We certainly should and will provide assistance to this year’s events related to Pushkin.

The only thing I would like to ask all our colleagues and Council members is that these events focus on Pushkin as a phenomenon and a genius. We all know, of course, that Pushkin’s genius and works form the basis of the modern Russian language. But it would be good if we could show how the origins of his genius developed and what are the fundamental elements of Russian literature.

We all remember his verses – sorry if I get it wrong, but I think it sounds like this: “Old Derzhavin noticed us – and, descending to his grave, blessed us.” This means that there were other literary phenomena before Pushkin upon whom his works were built. It would be reasonable to use this not only to once again talk about the importance of Pushkin and his works, even though this is certainly important, but also to highlight everything connected with this, including the future development of the Russian language and literature.

We must certainly do everything possible to support the Russian sign language. I fully agree: hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens use it, and we must ensure that they feel like full members of our society.

The proposal to publish the Library of Masterpieces of the Peoples of Russia series is an excellent one. I mentioned this in my conversation with the Acting Head of Daghestan. I believe we devote far too little attention to the languages of the peoples of the Russian Federation. The communities themselves do not always pay enough attention to them, and the federal government and the expert community certainly should do more to support and promote them. I therefore believe that this is an extremely important area of work and it will undoubtedly receive support.

As for working with children during the summer, that is a separate area altogether. I would like to ask our colleagues, particularly those in the Government, to give it the closest possible attention and to take into account the recommendations of our Council.

Before concluding, I would like to make one more point.

When it comes to our native language, we often take it for granted. Even when we overlook certain things or fail to pay attention to them, we assume everything will somehow take care of itself. Take advertising in the Latin alphabet, which is widespread. There is less of it in Moscow than elsewhere, but even here we see plenty of examples, many of them entirely unnecessary.

Of course, there are brands and trademarks that cannot simply change their names, nor should they be expected to. However, even where companies use internationally recognised brands that they must retain, it is still possible to think about how to present them in a way that is more appropriate and accessible for people in Russia, on Russian territory.

Incidentally, speaking of cooperation in this area, you have probably noticed the initiative put forward by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He proposed creating an international association for the Russian language. It is an excellent initiative. I would ask you to support it at the expert level as well. The structure has already been formally established, but it is important to fill it with meaningful, substantive and engaging content at the expert level. That would be very useful.

Sometimes we assume that certain things will simply fall into place on their own, even if we forget about them. We think they will somehow develop naturally. I believe that is a misconception – and a dangerous one. Nothing develops by itself. Nothing takes shape or gets done on its own.

What is needed is thoughtful, focused work by specialists of public organisations, the media, and the state. Everyone must work together.

I would now like to address the members of our Council directly. It is the expert community, the specialists who have devoted their lives to the Russian language, to its study, preservation and promotion, who should define the key ideas, priorities and direction of this work. The state can only support these efforts. Indeed, it has a duty to do so but experts and specialists, above all those represented on this Council, are the ones who should determine the substance of this work.

Therefore, I would like to ask Ms Yampolskaya to continue coordinating the Council’s activities. It is also essential to draft all legislative instruments to ensure that the recommendations put forward by Council members are not forgotten but are instead reflected in corresponding regulations, instructions and other official decisions. Where necessary, let us organise this work in such a way that these recommendations are incorporated into the corresponding regulatory framework of the Russian Federation Government and are properly followed through. Everything we have discussed today should remain on the agenda of our joint efforts – those of the Government, the Presidential Executive Office, and the Presidential Council, whose members and I have spent the last two hours discussing what I believe are extremely important issues.

There are always many pressing day-to-day problems. My colleagues in the Government, including the ministers who spoke today, will of course continue their work and organise policy implementation. But I would like to reiterate one point: even the most senior and capable officials are busy with their day-to-day work. Defining a broader vision and principal directions for supporting the Russian language, everything connected with it, and for supporting the languages of the peoples of the Russian Federation, is a task that rightly belongs to the expert community.

Therefore, I urge you to continue this work and to contact the Presidential Executive Office whenever necessary, without hesitation, as well as Ms Yampolskaya. And I ask Ms Yampolskaya, as I have already said, to prepare the necessary regulatory framework to ensure the continuation of our joint work in line with the agreements reached during today's meeting.

Thank you all very much.

All the best.