Website of the President of Russia: Photos

Trip to St Petersburg

2026-04-28T21:24:59+04:00

In St Petersburg, the President addressed a meeting of the Council of Legislators of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and held a working meeting with Speaker of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko.

Subsequently, the President visited the Anatoly Rakhlin Olympic Reserve Multifunctional Sports School, where he presented the Order of Honour to the team of the St Petersburg Regional Judo Federation.

Also, Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Special Representative of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi.

Concluding his working trip to the Northwestern Federal District, Vladimir Putin met with Governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov.

Visit to the Zhirinovsky. Continuation. LDPR exhibition

2026-04-24T18:34:14+04:00

Vladimir Putin visited the Zhirinovsky. Continuation. LDPR exhibition, timed to the 80^th birth anniversary of the founder of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia.

Accompanied by State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin and LDPR faction leader at the State Duma Leonid Slutsky, the President toured an exhibition dedicated to key stages of Vladimir Zhirinovsky’s life and their links to major milestones in Russian history.

Conceived by its organisers as a journey aboard a symbolic train, the exhibition follows a route divided chronologically into “stations.” Art objects and installations create an immersive atmosphere of past events. The display also features over 3,000 rare items, including photographs, personal belongings, and letters of the politician.

The Zhirinovsky. Continuation. LDPR exhibition was held on April 11–23 at the Manege Museum and Exhibition Association in Moscow.

Ceremony to present state decorations

2026-04-23T12:10:09+04:00

The ceremony to present state decorations to the winners of world boxing championships and representatives of the Russian Boxing Federation took place in the Kremlin’s St Catherine Hall.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,

I am delighted to see you. Russia’s best boxers, winners of international tournaments are gathered here today.

Both our male and female teams dominated the world championships in 2025 in the team rating. Our professionals have also excelled in their competitions.

It gives me sincere joy and pleasure to congratulate all of you on this success. Your performances and results are a significant contribution to Russia's efforts to assert its leadership in world sport, a position it holds firmly despite unscrupulous attempts to undermine it.

The disgraceful and, frankly, cowardly, politically motivated behaviour of the former leadership of the International Olympic Committee has caused enormous damage to the Olympic movement and to the very principles of Olympism. The selective sanctions against Russian athletes, imposed under the pretext of condemning Russia's actions to protect our people and our interests in the conflict in Ukraine, while ignoring numerous similar and equally tragic armed conflicts around the globe, have only exposed the corruption and political bias of a significant part of international sports officials.

I hope that the new leadership of the IOC and international sports organisations turn their backs on this legacy as quickly as possible. Their predecessor left them a burdensome and, as I have already said, disgraceful legacy. I am confident that many more sporting triumphs lie ahead for you and your fellow athletes across various sports disciplines, including at major international competitions, and that these victories will take place under our national flag, and to the accompaniment of the Russian national anthem.

Russia is gradually returning to the global sporting arena and doing so with dignity. Our swimmers, fencers, canoeists, gymnasts, judokas and wrestlers all delivered outstanding performances in the past sporting season.

But, of course, the truly exceptional achievement – without exaggeration – was the Russian Paralympic Team’s triumph in Milan. As you know, they secured third place in the overall team standings with a squad that was several times smaller – indeed, several times smaller – than those of their main competitors. This is an outstanding result. These victories were achieved not by numbers, but by skill, talent and determination.

Our junior athletes are also a source of pride, across a wide range of sports.

The state will, of course, continue to develop the sports sector in all its dimensions, ensuring broad opportunities for participation in elite, professional and grassroots sport, and actively promoting sport, above all among children and young people. As we all know, sport is not just about physical strength and agility; it is a way of life built on the values of health, mutual respect, which is very important, determination and responsibility.

Friends, once again, I warmly congratulate you all on your achievements and on receiving state decorations. I wish you success and many more victories – to you, your teammates, your coaches and your mentors.

All the best to you, and congratulations.

(Ceremony for presenting state decorations.)

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Vladimir Putin: Friends,

Once again, I congratulate you on your state decorations – well-deserved state decorations. One of the recipients just said that you fought and brought home medals in the name of, and for, the Motherland, for Russia. For its part, the Motherland, Russia, will do everything to support you.

Yes, this may seem like a traditionally male sport, but I am pleased to note that our ladies are also performing at the very highest level. And life goes on, and what is especially pleasing: just before we entered this hall, I was quietly told that one of you is expecting a child, which is particularly wonderful news. I hope you will be a happy mother and will also contribute to another vitally important priority for the country: demographic development.

I wish you happiness, wellbeing and good health. Once again, congratulations on your achievements.

Thank you very much!

Russia-Seychelles talks

2026-04-22T18:28:35+04:00

Vladimir Putin held talks at the Kremlin with President of the Republic of Seychelles Patrick Herminie, who has come to Russia on a working visit.

The agenda included current issues pertaining to the development of bilateral cooperation in the political, trade and economic, and humanitarian spheres, as well as international and regional issues.

Taking part in the talks on the Russian side were Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office – Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Governor of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina, Deputy Minister of Defence Vasily Osmakov, and Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces – Deputy Chief of the General Staff Igor Kostyukov.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, colleagues, friends,

First of all, I would like to express gratitude to you, Mr President, for accepting our invitation to visit Russia. This year, we will mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between our countries. It is pleasant that these celebrations begin with your visit to the Russian Federation.

The volume of our trade and economic ties is so far modest, of course but there is room for improvement, and your visit is timely in this context.

We maintain very good relations on international platforms. We coordinate our positions, and we are grateful to your country for supporting many Russian initiatives at the UN.

The number of Russian tourists in the Seychelles is growing, and our tourists account for at least 15 percent of the tourist flow. It is a good indicator, but there is scope to increase the number of our tourists in your country. We would like to thank you for creating favourable conditions for our citizens. We will talk about this later. I have invited my colleagues from the Government and the Central Bank to this meeting. We have a great deal to talk about, including the development of the tourism sector.

We maintain humanitarian contacts, and I am confident that the unique culture of your country will certainly spark the interest of the Russian public.

Your representatives attended the Russia–Africa Forum. We are preparing for its third meeting, and I hope that Seychelles will take part in the third high-level forum.

Thank you again for your visit. I would like to congratulate you on the success of the election campaign and your victory in the presidential election. I have sent you a message regarding this, but I am delighted to personally congratulate you during your visit.

Thank you.

President of the Republic of Seychelles Patrick Herminie: Your Excellency, Mr President,

Thank you very much for inviting me to Russia. Indeed, it is a privilege to be in your beautiful country, and in Moscow, in particular.

As you rightly pointed out, ours is a longstanding relationship dating back to 1976, when we obtained independence. Russia, then the Soviet Union, was among the first countries to recognise our independence.

Since then, we have had various forms of cooperation, from military to sport, and it has spanned over four decades. Indeed, our relationship can only be described as one which is very close.

We are very appreciative of the fact that in this very difficult moment, as a result of the war in the Middle East or West Asia, Russia has again shown its friendship by helping us last week, and we know that tomorrow there will be more help coming our way. We are very grateful for that, and we will not forget that.

With regard to tourism, today Russians are among the greatest number of arrivals in our country. In this very difficult moment, Aeroflot has played a very, very significant role in ensuring that tourists keep coming. As a result of this war, the number of tourism arrivals has gone down by 40 percent, mainly because the Gulf airlines like Emirates, Qatar and Etihad – they have stopped flying or they have reduced their flights altogether.

We look forward to continuing with that relationship, especially when it comes to training and capacity building. In fact, many of our professionals have trained here in Russia over the years. At a very critical moment for us, when we needed professionals to ensure nation-building, Russia was there to help us.

In sport as well – next year we will be participating in some regional events, and we expect the help of Russia in terms of exchanges and training coaches to ensure that we come out first.

So yes, we will continue to be close friends. We will continue to stand by Russia as a good friend, and you can rely on us for support in difficult moments.

Thank you once again for inviting me and my delegation to your beautiful country. So far, we have been treated very, very well. No complaints. So far, everything is so good. I will end on this note.

Thank you very much, Mr President.

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Meeting with Rosseti CEO Andrei Ryumin

2026-04-14T15:51:27+04:00

Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Chairman of the Management Board, Director General of Rosseti national grid company Andrei Ryumin.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Ryumin, Rosseti is the largest grid company, a strategic enterprise without any exaggeration, where the state owns 77 percent. What can you say about its performance?

Rosseti CEO Andrei Ryumin: Mr President, I would like to begin with the current situation at the company and the group’s performance in 2025.

Rosseti operates in 82 Russian regions and transmits 80 percent of electricity generated in Russia through its networks. We currently employ slightly over 235,000 people. The group’s revenue last year exceeded 1.8 trillion rubles.

The Rosseti group is one of the largest taxpayers in the country. In 2025, we paid over 270 billion rubles to the budgets of all levels. The group’s net profit in 2025 exceeded 200 billion rubles, and our profit less impairment was nearly 300 billion rubles. This is very important for us, because net profits are the main source of investment in the future. The growth of net profits will allow us to reduce the funding shortfall for investment and project implementation as part of the national grid network development programme.

Our 2025 investment programme was estimated at 725 billion rubles. We have built over 35,000 kilometres of transmission lines.

Vladimir Putin: Within a year?

Andrei Ryumin: Yes, we have built over 35,000 kilometres of transmission lines in 2025.

Vladimir Putin: Very good.

Andrei Ryumin: We have also commissioned about 15,000 MVA of transformer capacity. As for overall grid connection, we have connected 340,000 new users to the grid in 2025.

As regards the current year, our investment programme is provisionally planned at approximately 900 billion rubles. Within this framework, we are planning new construction, as well as the modernisation and reconstruction of existing grid facilities. We are employing, and will continue to employ, new technologies in order to implement a number of projects under the investment programme.

The first example I would cite is that of high-capacity energy storage systems. In this area, our primary equipment supplier is the Rosatom State Corporation, and we are implementing this project in collaboration with them. A further project I would like to mention is that of direct current power transmission. We have already commenced design work, and this project is now at the implementation stage.

Under the investment programme, we are paying particular attention to those regions where electricity consumption is exhibiting very rapid growth. Among these are regions such as Moscow, the Moscow Region, the Krasnodar Territory, and the regions of the Far East.

I would like to say a few words about what one might describe as new consumers for us – the technological connection of data processing centres of various kinds. Demand has recently been growing apace for the power supply to such data centres. This is, needless to say, attributable to digitalisation, the development of digital technologies, digital services, cryptocurrency mining, and artificial intelligence. In numerical terms, to date we have already connected two gigawatts of capacity for consumers of this type. Based on the applications we presently have before us, we will connect more than three gigawatts of capacity in the near future.

Vladimir Putin: In addition.

Andrei Ryumin: In addition. That is, we have already connected two gigawatts – we are examining the applications being submitted – and in the near future we will connect a further three gigawatts. This constitutes, very likely, the fastest-growing segment in terms of demand for power supply amongst all consumer categories.

With regard to import substitution, we utilise domestic equipment in practically every project involving new construction, modernisation, and reconstruction. I believe I will not be mistaken in stating that the Rosseti group is presently the largest consumer of Russian power equipment manufacturers.

A matter of great and, perhaps, paramount importance for us is that of the reliability of power supply.

Vladimir Putin: Are you augmenting funding for repairs?

Andrei Ryumin: We are augmenting funding on an annual basis for the repair programme. This year, it will amount to – and I anticipate that it will exceed – 135 billion rubles. Under the repair programme, special attention is, naturally, devoted to the creation of an emergency stock: this comprises an emergency stock of equipment and an emergency stock of materials, and we are also expanding and modernising the fleet of special-purpose vehicles.

I would like to provide two rather telling examples. In essence, while we speak of those regions where electricity consumption is growing, we cannot omit to mention the regions where climatic conditions are changing and the incidence of hazardous natural events is rising.

The first graphic example is the Murmansk Region. To speak candidly, an extraordinary situation arose there during the winter. The ice and wind loads that had been allowed for during the construction of the lines were exceeded by a factor of several.

The second example concerns heavy downpours in late March in Daghestan. These downpours – which were reportedly the most severe in the past 100 years – resulted in a very serious flooding of our substations, leading to the situation where nearly half a million people were cut off from supply at the peak of the incident.

Mr President, ensuring a reliable power supply and maintaining operations in new territories, as well as in the border areas, remains a top priority for us. At present, around 2,000 specialists are working in these newly integrated regions, while approximately 8,000 more are deployed across the Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk regions. The situation is extremely demanding. Energy infrastructure is subject to frequent and ongoing attacks, and our personnel often operate in conditions comparable to those in active combat zones. Despite these challenges, we are doing everything possible to promptly restore damaged facilities and return electricity to people’s homes.

Mr President, in closing, I would like to briefly highlight our social initiatives and our work in developing human resources. We currently partner with more than 300 leading specialised educational institutions, including universities and specialised colleges, across 50 academic programmes. Within these programmes, we support student training, and each year over 10,000 students complete internships at our company’s branches. I can confidently say that many of them – likely the majority – choose to continue their careers with us after completing their training and internships, which is, of course, very encouraging.

Our company also runs a dedicated employee support programme, developed as part of the Family national project. Within this initiative, we place particular emphasis on supporting young families and addressing demographic challenges. It is clear that housing is the primary concern for young families, so our efforts are largely focused on helping them meet this need. In addition, we provide a range of financial incentives, direct payments, and other forms of assistance.

A key priority at present is supporting the employment of veterans of the special military operation. We are closely overseeing this effort: first and foremost, those who were previously employed within our group are being reinstated in their positions. At the same time, we are actively working to recruit and train veterans who are interested in entering the electric power industry, helping them acquire a new speciality and build a new professional path.

Mr President, that concludes my report.

Thank you very much for your continued support of the energy sector, and of our electric grid complex in particular.

Vladimir Putin: As I understand it, in terms of network length and overall investment, your commitments in the new regions are quite significant – greater than in some other regions.

Andrei Ryumin: Yes, absolutely. Our investment programme in the new regions is indeed very large. It is extensive both in terms of network length and capacity, including a substantial scale of substation construction.

Vladimir Putin: Is this primarily the result of damage from combat operations, or of long-term underinvestment in grid infrastructure?

Andrei Ryumin: It is a combination of both.

The condition of the grid infrastructure in these regions does not match the standards of neighbouring areas, particularly those closer to the border. Moreover, the situation is further aggravated by ongoing attacks, which cause additional damage. As a result, significantly greater investment is required.

Vladimir Putin: Have you been able to meet the targets set for these areas over the past year?

Andrei Ryumin: Yes, Mr President.

Vladimir Putin: Good, thank you.

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Greetings on Orthodox Easter

2026-04-12T08:59:48+04:00

Vladimir Putin sent greetings to Orthodox Christians and all Russian citizens celebrating Easter Sunday.

The message reads, in part:

“The great holiday of Easter fills the hearts of millions with genuine joy and faith in the triumph of life, as well as in the enduring power of love, goodness, and justice. It brings us together around centuries-old traditions of our forefathers and the enduring spiritual and moral values and ideals.

The Russian Orthodox Church, along with other Christian denominations, plays an immense constructive role in preserving our vast historical and cultural heritage, upholding family values, and educating younger generations. Religious organisations carry out extensive and essential work to foster cooperation with government authorities, promote interreligious and interethnic harmony in Russia, and support participants in the special military operation and their families. These important and multifaceted efforts deserve the highest recognition.”

Vladimir Putin and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin attended the Easter vigil at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The divine service was led by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

Meeting with Roscosmos General Director Dmitry Bakanov

2026-04-12T16:37:10+04:00

The President held a working meeting with General Director of the Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities Dmitry Bakanov ahead of Cosmonautics Day.

Vladimir Putin: Mr Bakanov, first of all, congratulations to you, all Russian cosmonauts and everybody involved in the space industry, on this holiday. This year, we mark the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s spaceflight. Last year was generally positive for the industry, with 17 launches and 97 spacecraft launched. The consolidated revenue grew by 10 percent and exceeded 500 billion rubles. I believe it amounted to 508 billion. So, overall, the industry is doing quite well. I know there are plenty of problems that have accumulated over a long period of time. What do you think about its current state and prospects? Which areas require additional support?

Dmitry Bakanov: Mr President, I will report in a minute.

First, I would like to thank you, on behalf of the entire industry, for the Space Week that was your gift to us, and for the executive order that established the Space Week, raising awareness of all industry workers.

We held more than 1,000 events for dozens of millions of people. Those were educational, cultural, awareness, and sporting events. For example, the Znanie Society held a Talking of What Matters lesson for 21 million school pupils and college students. More than 12 million Russians watched space films in cinemas. The Space Week has returned the space discourse to our society.

Now, I would like to go over the performance statistics that we managed to achieve in 2025 and over the first months of 2026.

As you have already mentioned, last year, we held 17 launches, plus five more this year so far. The launches took place at three space launch centres, Plesetsk, Vostochny and Baikonur, using four launch vehicles: the Angara and Proton heavy-lift launch vehicles, the Soyuz medium-lift launch vehicle, and the Angara 1.2 small-lift launch vehicle.

Right now at Baikonur, we have a brand-new launch vehicle for the first time since 2014. Soyuz-5 is the launch vehicle for the project with our Kazakhstani partners called Bayterek. All assembly units and equipment are currently in the testing phase. The launch vehicle has already been lifted vertically. It is now undergoing pre-launch horizontal calibration.

In the next slide, you can see the statistics regarding the orbital group that has reached 364 spacecraft. As you have said, 97 were launched last year. During the first quarter of 2026, 134 were launched.

Perhaps the biggest long-awaited event took place two weeks ago. Our low-orbit broadband connection group of satellites was set up to operate in every corner of the planet and, of course, Russia.

Vladimir Putin: It is a momentous moment, congratulations once again.

Dmitry Bakanov: Thank you very much. But it is not just us who deserve congratulations – the private companies making this project happen do as well.

We say space is above politics – yet our so-called friends did everything they could to prevent this launch. There were some serious incidents, including attacks on the space launch centre that day, but nevertheless, the joint combat crews of Roscosmos and the Space Forces carried out their mission.

We also maintain a fully operational Glonass navigation system of 24 spacecraft, with five in reserve. If any of them reaches the end of its active life, we can replace it immediately.

Vladimir Putin: I think you once said that to maintain a stable, reliable constellation, [we need] about 27 spacecraft.

Dmitry Bakanov: The system has a full specification of 24 satellites, sometimes with an additional orbital reserve of three, but right now we have five on the ground. If something goes wrong, we can launch one or two more. But for now, everything is working smoothly.

Mr President, I would like to turn to the next section – something of particular importance: the development of private space exploration. This is being delivered as part of the Space National Project. We are receiving tremendous support from the Government, including Mikhail Mishustin personally, and Denis Manturov as well. And, as you directed, last year, the corresponding federal law, Federal Law 540 On Earth Remote Sensing Data, was passed, making this service a paid one, and the relevant funds have been allocated.

How does this mechanism work? Private companies produce the equipment that transmits data and video services. This data is then purchased, allowing private companies to recoup their investments.

This has stimulated the emergence of a number of new players. Sputnix was already in the market, with about 40 AIS satellites – identification systems for maritime vessels. Six Zorky optical-electronic Earth remote sensing satellites were also in operation, and they are now engaged in high-resolution imaging. MT-Lab and Stilsoft are also active in this segment. Geoscan and Novy Kosmos are developing services in this area too.

Among government agencies, the most active is the Federal Registration Service, which uses this data for the cadastral register. The Emergencies Ministry is a major customer, as is the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, along with its subordinate agencies and federal executive authorities such as the Federal Agency for Management of Mineral Resources, the Federal Service for Natural Resources, and the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring.

I will also specifically mention the New Start project. It’s a joint project…

Vladimir Putin: Sailors definitely need something like this.

Dmitry Bakanov: Exactly. I have already named the main ones. We have radar data for both Northern Sea Route and Rosatom. But the most important customers are the Federal Registration Service, the Emergencies Ministry, and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

A few words about the New Start project. Currently, private investors are putting tens of billions of rubles into it. And just this week, we agreed on an eight-year investment of 600 billion rubles. Where will this money go? First, into the conversion of the Topol. Together with the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering and the legendary General Designer Yury Solomonov, we are preparing for a launch and developing a rocket for launching satellites weighing up to 500 kilograms into a 500-kilometre orbit from the Vostochny Cosmodrome.

The second investment area is telecommunications satellite construction. They are currently consolidating a number of assets in this field – outside Roscosmos’s purview but still within the space industry – and, as I have already mentioned, they will invest approximately 600 billion rubles in the development and production of launch vehicles, including a reusable one.

To ensure that our economic performance can compete with all the leading developments worldwide, we are working with the Government and a number of state agencies to develop a mechanism for implementing this properly.

Vladimir Putin: When do you expect to do it?

Dmitry Bakanov: The first launch of the New Start conversion rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome is expected in the first quarter of 2027. The consolidation of the satellite construction assets outside Roscosmos’s scope is expected by the end of 2026. As soon as we polish up the conditions in cooperation with the Government and the other state agencies, the first round of investment is expected to come in, also by the end of this year. This sort of investment is a great reinforcement for us right now.

I will briefly give you the main details on the manned programme. Last year, the final decision was made to tilt the orbit. As you know, and Mr Manturov explained it to you in detail, the decision was made after the Bion satellite of the Russian Academy of Sciences was launched – and we appreciate Gennady Krasnikov’s efforts – into the polar orbit. The radiation level turned out to be higher. Our task is to extend missions so that crews can remain in orbit for as long as possible. But it would simply be impossible due to higher radiation levels.

Vladimir Putin: Was the dispute resolved?

Dmitry Bakanov: Yes, we held a presidium meeting at the Russian Academy of Sciences with both civilian and military participants.

Vladimir Putin: How long can the crew remain in this high-altitude orbit?

Dmitry Bakanov: Right now, up to 270 days. I believe we can reach 365 days easily.

The radiation is 20 percent higher at the previously determined orbit. Therefore, Mr President, we can’t risk the cosmonauts’ health or cut missions short.

Mr President, the next section focuses on the improvement of our space launch centres. As you know, there was a long-term construction project at Vostochny, for the Angara launch pad. To be more precise, as Marat Khusnullin reported to you, the structure itself was 90 percent complete, but the final start-up and commissioning phase was considerably dragged out on paper.

Mr President, the day before yesterday, we received construction statements, and yesterday, we signed an operation permit for the Angara launch pad. So, that is done.

We plan to launch three more important and serious facilities into operation by the end of the year. They include an airport facility, an assembly and testing centre for Angara rockets, and an enroute facility on Sakhalin to support the launch of launch vehicles from Vostochny. We are working with our contractors to ensure they meet the deadlines as they have slightly missed some here and there.

Regarding Baikonur, thanks to your executive order, we have fixed the unfair practice around housing…

Vladimir Putin: Will they finish the new launch pad at Vostochny by the end of 2026?

Dmitry Bakanov: Yes, of course. It is going according to schedule. Because it is a rollout launch pad, it needs a different infrastructure from stationary launch pads, so the works are underway as planned. The funds have been provided in sufficient amounts. General Designer of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering Yury Solomonov is inspecting this cooperation every month. You have to give him credit, he does not cut anybody slack. He will check everything.

Thanks to your executive order, we have fixed the unfair practice around housing certificates for special military operation veterans. Now they are priority recipients.

Vladimir Putin: Do you mean those living at Baikonur?

Dmitry Bakanov: Yes.

Now, a brief overview of the industry’s key figures. The rocket and space industry currently employs 165,000 people across around 110 enterprises in 33 regions of the Russian Federation. Crucially, about 10,000 of them already work for more than ten private commercial space companies. Salaries have increased by 16 percent over the past year, averaging 118,000 rubles.

We have also rolled out a project – a consortium of Roscosmos-affiliated universities, which now includes 28 institutions. In Moscow, the best-known are Bauman Moscow State University, the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow State University, and the Moscow Aviation Institute; in St Petersburg – Baltic State Technical University; in Samara, Samara National Research University; and in Krasnoyarsk, the Siberian State Aerospace University.

Vladimir Putin: By the way, how is the city itself coming along at Vostochny? There were issues there, and we were planning to address them, including the construction of residential buildings and social facilities.

Dmitry Bakanov: This year, two social facilities have been completed, two buildings with 215 flats – and the keys have been handed over. Another 250 flats across two more buildings are also due to be finished soon.

Vladimir Putin: I suggested earlier looking into merging some of those social facilities with Gazprom companies operating in the area.

Dmitry Bakanov: Yes, an urban cluster is being formed there jointly with both Gazprom and Novatek. And we are working very closely on this with the governor, Vasily Orlov. That is helping to ease some of the pressure.

Vladimir Putin: That should create synergy – a useful synergy.

Dmitry Bakanov: Absolutely. They will be expanding in any case, so this evolutionary cluster will take shape naturally.

Vladimir Putin: Excellent.

Dmitry Bakanov: Now, in terms of enterprise operational efficiency. Clearly, we need to increase output per person. That is impossible without robotics and cutting-edge digital manufacturing solutions. We launched GigaChat into orbit to help cosmonauts, so they no longer have to write reports. Instead, they just dictate what is happening during experiments, and artificial intelligence translates that into reports and transmits them to Earth.

We also installed the MAX messenger, and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov uses it to talk to his family and contact our press service. He sends the space images from orbit via MAX.

But the most important thing for us is to start using artificial intelligence for design and modelling. Even now, computer modelling has made it possible to reduce engine firings – for example, instead of five, they do two real firings and simulate the other three on a computer. This significantly cuts the cost of operating and preparing equipment for launch.

Vladimir Putin: Good, as long as this does not come at the expense of reliability and quality.

Dmitry Bakanov: That is why we are working hard to ensure that mathematical modelling can translate 100 percent into analysis and design. Why? Because the world is moving at a breakneck speed: design is happening fast, and more importantly, so is implementation. With generative design, you can immediately send certain parts to additive printing, which is exactly what we are actively introducing at our engine-building holding companies. These include Energomash, the Chemical Automatics Design Bureau in Khimki and Voronezh.

What is more, we are currently moving a serial production facility from Khimki to Perm Motors, because we have managed to open a state-of-the-art production site there.

Vladimir Putin: Mr Bakanov, how long have you been in this role?

Dmitry Bakanov: One year and two months.

Vladimir Putin: You clearly know the ropes, and I think you have already found your feet in the industry.

Dmitry Bakanov: What choice did I have? It is a noble mission, so thank you for the trust. I am doing everything I can to live up to it.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

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Meeting of the Council for Culture

2026-03-26T18:58:43+04:00

The President chaired a meeting of the Presidential Council for Culture via videoconference. The agenda covered a broad range of matters dealing with the film industry, literature, and ballet.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, friends,

I am delighted to welcome the members of the Council for Culture meeting, as well as its guests.

We are once again holding this meeting on Culture Worker’s Day, your professional holiday. I would like to begin by congratulating you and all Russian musicians, artists, writers, actors, museum and library workers, as well as people working in theatres and cultural clubs, and all the specialised educational institutions.

The agenda for this meeting of the Council reflects the cultural landscape in its diversity. Among other things, we will be discussing matters dealing with cinema production and distribution.

Much has been done in recent years to generate steady development momentum for our national film industry and enhance its competitiveness. At the same time, we must ensure that people, primarily the younger generation, discover the best films of the past, considering that our country’s film industry has built a long-standing record of success and achievement.

Overall, we must educate children, teenagers and young people on a more system-wide basis about the way Russian art and our great masters influenced world culture at various stages of history. This is a very important element of the educational process.

Moreover, I believe that the younger generation must not only learn about art but also be empowered to practise it by learning to paint, dance, and master music from a very young age. We have built an effective and impressive multi-tiered system in arts education in our country, which requires our constant support.

At the previous meeting, we discussed infrastructure development in the cultural sector. In this connection, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the regions of the Russian Federation must step up their efforts in this domain.

I call for a more proactive approach to upgrading existing cultural institutions and building new ones, equipping them, and helping creatives and their associations by offering them preferential terms for leasing property and land. Those who work with young people must be the first to benefit from this kind of assistance.

It is essential that we support those who write books, plays, screenplays, and poetry for children and young people, while remembering, of course, as a famous children’s classic aptly noted, that today’s children will form the nation of tomorrow.

Overall, since 2026 has been designated the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, we must pay more attention to literature and the book industry, especially in the regions, as well as authors and translators working in minority languages while remaining part of the single Russian literary landscape.

I suggest that we get down to work and begin discussing our agenda. I give the floor to Vladimir Medinsky.

<…>

Meeting with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh

2026-03-25T19:18:46+04:00

Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh in the Kremlin.

Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev, and Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev also took part in the talks on the Russian side.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrade Pham Minh Chinh, friends,

I am delighted to welcome you to Moscow, to the Kremlin.

First, allow me to congratulate you once again, along with all our Vietnamese friends, on the success of the 14^th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. This event is of great importance for your country, and we have been following it with close attention.

Please convey my greetings to Comrade General Secretary To Lam. We have developed positive and friendly relations both on a professional and personal level. Once again, let me stress that we would be glad to receive him in Russia at any time he finds convenient.

Vietnam has been and remains our reliable partner and friend. Our relations, as we often emphasise, have stood the test of time.

I know that you have a packed agenda for this visit. You have already met with Russia’s Prime Minister, Mr Mishustin, and the speakers of both chambers of parliament (Valentina Matviyenko and Vyacheslav Volodin], as well as Secretary of the Security Council [Sergei Shoigu].

An agreement to build Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant has been signed. Trade has been following an upward trajectory in 2026, having increased by 5.6 percent since the beginning of the year. Today, we will discuss all aspects of our relations, considering their breadth.

I would like to stress that we are always delighted to see our Vietnamese friends in Russia whenever they come here.

Pham Minh Chinh (retranslated): Comrade Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, comrades,

First of all, allow me to express my gratitude for your remarks, for the exceptionally heartfelt and warm attitude towards Vietnam, and for the special regard – your personal regard – for Vietnam.

I am very pleased to meet you after our three previous meetings in Hanoi, Kazan, and China, this time in Moscow, at the heart of Russia’s capital. Today, the weather has also favoured us. Together with all the comrades from the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, I have personally felt the warmth and hospitality extended by the President and the leadership of the Russian Federation towards our delegation.

On this occasion, allow me to convey greetings and best wishes from our General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and other senior leaders of Vietnam, and to invite you to visit Vietnam this year, in 2026.

Vietnam always remembers and is grateful to the Russian Federation for the sincere sentiments and support – the steadfast, devoted, and invaluable support – provided by Russia’s leadership and its people to Vietnam in resisting the American aggressors and in our nation-building efforts today

The years of companionship and cooperation between the peoples of our two countries have left an indelible mark and have become an emblem of the traditional, invaluable friendship between our peoples, serving as inspiration for future generations today and in the years to come in the history of our nations, especially under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, a longstanding friend of Vietnam, a loyal comrade who is very close to the leadership and people of Vietnam, who has always harboured special feelings for our people and has actively contributed to the architecture of a comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia, with a vision spanning 100 years ahead.

Over the 76 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, you, Comrade Vladimir Putin, have been the senior-most official, holding this position for one-third of that time – for 27 years. You are the first senior leader of Russia to visit Vietnam – in 2001 – and the highest-ranking leader to visit our country the most – five times, with many more visits to come.

In 2001, you laid the foundation for our states to establish a strategic partnership and to elevate these relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012, as well as to redefine the relationship for a new era of historically significant milestones in the 21^st century.

I would also like to congratulate the Russian Federation: Over your 27 years in office, Russia has transformed itself from the instability and economic weakness of the 1990s into one of the world’s four largest economies in terms of purchasing power parity. Today, the standard of living has risen significantly – there is a sense of solidarity, common goals, and common ideals, and the importance of culture has also grown much stronger.

The Russian Federation now plays a very important role, and its place in the international system and on the global agenda is becoming increasingly significant by the day. We can say with pride that Russia is growing stronger amid the current complex international situation. Comrade President, I wish to congratulate you and everyone, the entire Russian Federation on this.

Whenever we meet, we always have much to share – so many issues worth discussing, which is why our meetings tend to run long.

I would like to say that unity brings strength, cooperation brings benefits, and dialogue builds trust. Today, in the face of a complex and rapidly changing global landscape, I am looking forward to a very direct, practical, sincere, open, and productive exchange of views with you in order to identify areas for long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation, add detail to that cooperation, as agreed between General Secretary To Lam and yourself, so as to reframe and elevate our relations across all areas – in depth, in practice, and to good effect, serving the interests of both countries in this new era, and contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world.

I would now like to hear your views, Comrade President.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much for your very kind words about us, about Russia.

I will certainly accept your invitation to visit Vietnam. We always have a special feeling when we go there, and we sense the same warmth from the Vietnamese towards us, Russians. We always come to a country where we feel truly welcome, and that never goes unnoticed.

And of course, our dialogue is always exceptionally sincere and built on deep trust, like that between close friends. Today, too, we will discuss all matters of mutual interest in that same spirit.

Meeting with Kaliningrad Region Governor Alexei Besprozvannykh

2026-03-24T17:43:30+04:00

Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Kaliningrad Region Governor Alexei Besprozvannykh.

Alexei Besprozvannykh began his report by outlining measures to support special military operation participants and their families. In 2025, 3.2 billion rubles were allocated for these purposes, double the amount provided in 2024. More than 30 types of regional support programmes involving payments and benefits have been developed and tailored to individual circumstances.

Efforts to help special military operation participants reintegrate are underway: 81 percent of those who have returned are now in employment. The remaining 19 percent are undergoing adaptation and rehabilitation, provided by five organisations. However, only the New Horizons Rehabilitation Centre specialises in medical rehabilitation, with a current capacity of 700 people per year. The Governor noted that young people from across Russia apply to the centre and speak very highly of it. A decision has therefore been made to expand the centre and construct a second building, which will increase capacity by 500 people per year. The Governor has requested funding to support the construction.

The Governor also announced that the Kherson Region continues to receive support from the regional government, with funding totalling 1.5 billion rubles to 2030. A kindergarten and a school were renovated in 2025, and a further 23 facilities are planned over the next five years.

Turning to the economy, the Governor reported that gross regional product is growing, driven largely by the development of key specialisations and industries. Industrial production is expanding, and tourism is also on the rise, by around one percent annually. In 2024 and 2025, consolidated budget revenues increased by 41 percent, allowing the region to reduce its government debt by 37.5 percent over two years.

According to the Governor, despite the logistical constraints imposed by neighbouring countries aiming to make the Russian exclave less appealing for investment, 104 major investment projects are underway in the Kaliningrad Region, worth approximately 970 billion rubles by 2030. He highlighted the launch of Rosatom’s pilot production facility for lithium-ion cells, as well as a special investment contract with Avtotor, which has invested 28 billion rubles to localise component production on its site.

Agriculture and food security were also discussed. The region is self-sufficient in grain, potatoes, meat, and other essential products.

Transport security, a major priority for the exclave, was another topic of discussion. In response to restrictions imposed by neighbouring countries, the region is shifting towards maritime transport. Two new ferries are to be built by 2029. Air travel is also being developed, with 2.4 billion rubles allocated from the federal budget over two years.

Housing construction, demographic issues, family support, and the resettlement programme were also covered. The Governor noted a growing number of repatriates, including from neighbouring Germany and Lithuania.

Education, healthcare, and cultural projects were also addressed.

Alexei Besprozvannykh spoke about the 10^th Russian-Chinese Summer Youth Games, which will be held at the end of May. A significant number of athletes (around 800) are expected to take part.

The Governor pointed out that 2026 marks the 80^th anniversary of the Kaliningrad Region. Alongside celebratory events, he emphasised the importance of taking stock of achievements and planning for the future. To that end, the ‘Kaliningrad – 80–85’ programme is being developed for the next five years, setting out facilities to be renovated, including cultural and sports venues, parks, and recreational areas – in short, everything that matters most to residents. Alexei Besprozvannykh extended an invitation to the President to attend the anniversary celebrations.

Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council

2026-03-20T19:37:47+04:00

The President held a briefing session with permanent members of the Security Council via videoconference.

The discussion focused on issues pertaining to the development of the Interior Ministry system.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu, Presidential Aide Nikolai Patrushev, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin, and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov.

Meeting with Government members

2026-03-19T14:34:50+04:00

The President held a meeting with Government members via videoconference on the socioeconomic development of Crimea and Sevastopol to mark the 12^th anniversary of the peninsula’s reunification with Russia.

Participants in the meeting included Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, deputy prime ministers Tatyana Golikova, Alexander Novak, Alexei Overchuk, Dmitry Patrushev, Vitaly Savelyev, Marat Khusnullin, Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko, Deputy Prime Minister – Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov. Minister of Sport Mikhail Degtyarev, Head of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov, Governor of the Federal City of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev and Director General of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Svetlana Chupsheva were also invited to attend the meeting.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon.

First of all, I would like to congratulate you and all our people on the Day of Crimea’s Reunification with Russia.

Today, our men, our heroes who are taking part in the special military operation are fighting for this bold and, without exaggeration, historical choice made by the people of Crimea and Sevastopol in 2014, and today by the people in the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions to be with their Motherland.

That choice remains firm and unchanged. It is rooted in the destiny of our Fatherland, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that it can be viewed as one of the defining pillars in its millennial history, a symbol of the unity, will and cohesion of our multi-ethnic and diverse nation.

Much has been done over the past years to advance the development of Crimea and Sevastopol. About 1.3 trillion rubles have been allocated to addressing Crimea’s priority socioeconomic issues over a period of 12 years.

Transport and engineering infrastructure, energy supply systems, and industry, education, and healthcare facilities are being rebuilt, and new ones are being created.

New investment projects are being implemented in Crimea and Sevastopol with the participation of the state and private businesses. The newly built production facilities manufacture goods that are in strong demand. High-quality jobs are being created, and wages are rising. The region’s well-functioning free economic zone, now home to more than 1,600 registered residents, is also making a significant contribution.

I would like the Government to continue paying close attention to advancing these constituent entities of the Federation, strengthening their economic potential and industrial base, and improving the local standard of living.

Today, we are joined live by a number of newly completed and successfully operating projects in Crimea and Sevastopol.

We will begin with an indoor ice rink in Sevastopol, which will undoubtedly become a leading centre for ice hockey, figure skating, and other winter sports in this southern region, contributing to their growing popularity primarily among young athletes, children, and teenagers, who will be able to engage regularly in physical activity.

The next facility we are opening today is designed to protect the health of the younger generation. I’m referring to the Federal Children’s Rehabilitation Centre in Yevpatoria. Medical professionals working in its new buildings equipped with advanced medical equipment will provide specialised high-tech care to young patients with diseases of the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, sensory organs, and other somatic conditions.

We will conclude the videoconference with the commissioning of upgraded water treatment facilities near the city of Sudak which will significantly reduce the discharge of untreated water and improve the environmental situation, which comes under additional strain during the summer months, when millions of tourists come to Crimean resorts.

For your information, a total of 27 sewage treatment plants will be built or renovated: 24 in Crimea and three in Sevastopol. Work has been completed on ten sites: eight in Crimea and two in Sevastopol. Construction is underway at 13 sites, and four more are being designed.

I would like to thank everyone – builders, workers, and engineers, as well as designers and utilities personnel, and many other specialists – who were involved in the wide-scale effort to rebuild our historical regions.

I would also like to take this opportunity to offer my best wishes to you on the occasion of your professional holiday -Public Services and Housing and Utilities Workers’ Day – which was marked on March 15.

The well-being and safety of everyone without exception depend on your daily work, the quality of your performance, and your responsible approach as you continue to ensure the uninterrupted supply of water, electricity, and heating to houses and flats, as well as cleanliness and proper order in the streets of Russian urban and rural areas.

Before giving the floor to Mr Khusnullin who will brief us on these facilities and the current developments in Crimea and Sevastopol, I suggest we first consider a number of current issues, as we usually do.

I would also like to invite Minister of Sport Mikhail Degtyarev to offer a few remarks about the Russian national team’s performance at the Paralympics and about future plans in high-performance sports.

Mr Degtyarev, the floor is yours.

Minister of Sport Mikhail Degtyarev: Mr President,

The Paralympic Games in Italy held special significance. For the first time in 12 years, our athletes competed under the Russian flag. The team was represented in three out of six sports: cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and snowboarding. We have not yet been admitted to wheelchair curling, biathlon, or sledge hockey, and we are continuing to challenge this in courts.

All six of our Paralympians proved themselves true heroes. Champions and medallists of the Games included skiers Varvara Voronchikhina, Ivan Golubkov, Alexei Bugayev, and Anastasia Bagiyan, together with guide Sergei Sinyakin. They won a total of 12 medals, eight of them gold.

This outcome secured Russia a place in the top three of the overall team standings, which is a record achievement. The international press has been abuzz, and the public around the world is stunned. To put that in perspective, China fielded 70 para-athletes, followed by the United States with 68. Over 600 athletes in all took part in the Games. Thanks to these victories, the sporting world is once again becoming accustomed to the sound of the Russian national anthem.

Sending our six trailblazers was made possible by two developments. At the General Assembly of the International Paralympic Committee, which we reported to you on in October last year, the majority of the countries voted for allowing our athletes to compete with their flag and anthem. The second decision was a Swiss court ruling in a case against the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. As a result, our skiers were able to compete in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

We engaged in a truly uphill battle to turn these two keys – diplomatic and legal. By the way, thanks to the same court ruling, our skiers Savely Korostelyov and Darya Nepryayeva were also able to take part in the Olympic Games.

The atmosphere at the Paralympics was friendly for the Russian athletes. All competitors showed respect for our national symbols. A couple of incidents merely demonstrated that troublemakers are just a big-mouth minority, and everyone is tired of them and prefers to stay away from them.

Olympic and Paralympic champions and medallists will receive the customary rewards. On your instruction, Mr President, we are working on an adjustment; the Ministry of Sport has drafted a government resolution to this end.

Just a brief remark about the high-performance sport. During the Paralympic Games, the International Olympic Committee responded to calls to suspend Israeli and American athletes in connection with the military actions unleashed by those countries against Iran. The IOC stated that, in a world shaken by conflicts, disagreements, and tragedies, it firmly believes that sport must remain a beacon of hope and a force uniting the world in peaceful competition. We take these words as signalling a new direction from the new leadership towards restoring the integrity of sport and strengthening the principles of Olympism.

As per your instructions, the Ministry of Sport and the Olympic Committee are gradually restoring our athletes’ rights. Over the past two years, we have conducted dozens of negotiations with international partners. The IOC has now decided to allow our young athletes to compete in all international competitions under their own flag and anthem. Sixteen international federations have already implemented this decision, and the rest are expected to follow. The Russian flag is now regularly raised, and the anthem played, at numerous European and world championships.

In addition, we secured a political victory at UNESCO during a five-hour vote: we joined the Project Approval Committee of the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport, defeating the collective West, which had supported Estonia’s candidacy.

Finally, a few figures. More than 70 international federations now allow Russian athletes to compete. Over the past year, 4,500 athletes received clearance. In 2024, we participated in 20 championships abroad, compared to 49 last year, winning a total of 136 medals. This year, we plan to take part in more than 60 tournaments.

The main national event this year is the Spartakiad of the Peoples of Russia for the strongest athletes. Scheduled for August and September across seven regions, in accordance with the Olympic Games programme. We expect over 9,000 participants. This tournament will serve as a test run for the 2028 Los Angeles Games and mark the start of the Olympic team selection process.

Mr President, on behalf of all our Paralympians and athletes, I express our gratitude for your steadfast support and attention.

This concludes my report.

Vladimir Putin: Good.

On the idea of sport as a beacon: that is true. In Soviet times, there was a magician named Amayak Akopyan, if I recall correctly, whose tricks amazed and delighted everyone. I sincerely hope that, with the change in leadership at the International Olympic Committee, the IOC will stop playing games and using international sport as a political tool. Instead, it should embrace the vision of Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of modern Olympism: for sport to unite people, bring the world together, and help resolve conflicts rather than worsen them. Let us hope that this becomes reality in the near future.

As for our Paralympic athletes, they truly achieved something remarkable – it is simply astonishing. You mentioned 60 or 70 athletes representing their respective teams, but our team consisted of only six athletes competing in three sports. Yet, thanks to their medals – gold, silver, and bronze – they secured third place overall. It is truly incredible.

As agreed, I will have the opportunity tomorrow to personally congratulate each of them on this outstanding achievement. We will see them together tomorrow.

Thank you very much. Let us move on.

(Next, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov spoke at the President’s request about support for small technology companies, which he described as a driver of the structural adaptation of the economy. There are over 6,500 such companies. Tentative estimates put their turnover last year at 1.5 trillion rubles. They are operating in 80 regions, predominantly in the IT sector, artificial intelligence, and the production of medical goods, electronics and equipment (including for the oil and gas sector), as well as robotics. Director General of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Svetlana Chupsheva, who continued on the topic of small tech companies, reported on the annual competition of Russian brands.

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin delivered a report on the main subject of the meeting. He spoke about the results of the comprehensive socioeconomic development programme of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, which was launched in 2014. Since then, over 760 facilities and projects have been completed, including 58 in 2025. Another 224 facilities and projects will be completed by 2030. They have to do with the development of transport infrastructure, the construction of purification facilities, the renovation and construction of education, healthcare, culture and sports facilities, housing construction, the creation of a unique cultural cluster on Cape Khrustalny in Sevastopol, the development of the Artek International Children’s Centre, and the completion of the first phase of the Federal Children’s Rehabilitation Centre in Yevpatoria, a key healthcare facility on the peninsula.

The Deputy Prime Minister also noted the increasing tourist flow in Crimea. In 2025, 7.4 million people spent their holidays on the peninsula, nearly twice as many as in 2014. Since then, the number of hotel rooms has grown by 130 percent in the Republic of Crimea and by 140 percent in Sevastopol. A marina is being built in Balaklava, a memorial to the Defenders of Sevastopol and History Boulevard is under construction, and there are plans to build and renovate nearly 11 kilometres of embankments in the city.

Marat Khusnullin recalled that in 2021, the President instructed to attract at least 1 trillion rubles of extra-budgetary funds to the region’s economy within four years. Due to the systematic efforts of the regional team, support measures and socioeconomic development programmes, the amount of extra-budgetary investment exceeded 1 trillion rubles in 2025, largely thanks to the establishment of a free economic zone with 130,000 jobs. The region’s tax and non-tax budget revenues have increased fivefold since 2015. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that despite the current geopolitical situation, problems and the continuing enemy attempts to destabilise the situation with drone attacks, the peninsula is actively developing. According to him, the socioeconomic development programme has proved to be effective. Crimea and Sevastopol have set an example for the reunified territories of Donbass, where a similar programme is being implemented.

Reports were also delivered by Sevastopol Governor Razvozhayev and Head of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov.)

Vladimir Putin: I would like to once again express gratitude to the head of the Republic of Crimea, Mr Aksyonov, and his large team for their achievements over the past years and for what they are doing now, and for what I am confident they will do in the future to implement all our ambitious plans for the development of Crimea and Sevastopol, which are actually a unified complex. I hope that our people are also aware of what is taking place on the Crimean Peninsula.

I would also like to congratulate you on today’s event and to wish you all the best.

Mr Khusnullin, I hope that the Government of the Russian Federation will continue to work in this sphere just as it has been doing. We will work together towards the goals we have formulated for ourselves.

I mean that our development objectives in Crimea, Sevastopol and the other historical territories are a vital part of the strategic development plans for the country as a whole.

I would like to thank everyone and to once again congratulate you on today’s event.

Thank you.

Meeting with Investigative Committee Chairman Alexander Bastrykin

2026-03-08T10:59:39+04:00

Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Chairman of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin in the Kremlin.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Bastrykin, just a few days ago, a board meeting was held. How did it go and what were its outcomes?

Chairman of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin: Mr President, I would like to begin with a report on the work that the Investigative Committee has performed over the 15 years of its existence. Here is the album, where you will find what we achieved from 2011 to 2025.

Almost 1.5 million cases have been taken to court, damages amounting to almost 1 trillion rubles have been recovered, and damages for tax-related crimes equal to 561 billion [rubles] have been reimbursed, and so on. Over 1.5 million individuals faced criminal charges. This is to say that we accomplished a lot during these 15 years with your support.

We are effectively developing a forensics division and are using new forensics methods. Also, with your support, we have created our own expert centre. It sparked a strong discussion, but you supported us. This has enabled us to carry out complex expert reviews without turning to other agencies, and we have already performed thousands and hundreds of them.

We have been expanding our international cooperation with other countries and have over 60 international agreements with our foreign colleagues. This way, we can benefit from the experience of foreign law enforcement agencies and receive their assistance.

In addition to this, the Media Relations Department has been quite proactive too. We have established a new unit – an information centre that monitors all media outlets and social media, enabling us to work directly with people who want us to help them.

Moving on, it is with your support, your assistance, that we created five cadet corps. The initiative to establish another cadet corps specialising in maritime-related cases is about to be launched in St Petersburg. After all, about 500 of our investigators work on various fleet-related matters.

We have created a cadet corps in the Lugansk People’s Republic. In addition, we have established three academies, in Moscow, St Petersburg, and in the Lugansk People’s Republic. A dedicated unit has been created to work with civil society and carry out educational activities. Hero of the Russian Federation Viktor Petrov has been proactive at the head of this entity. We created a veteran’s organisation back in 2008 and have been active in reaching out to our veterans so that they can assist us in our efforts.

As for our performance in 2025, we have also accomplished a lot by taking over 93 criminal cases to courts regarding 104,000 defendants. The Investigative Committee has established an effective framework for working with the Interior Ministry and the Federal Security Service, which enabled us to help the state and other victims recover over 128 billion roubles in damages.

Moreover, investigators helped arrest property belonging to suspects and defendants worth 196.5 billion roubles. The quality and responsiveness of investigations improved, with the number of criminal cases solved in less than two months increasing by 17 percent. The Investigative Committee submitted to courts 14,200 criminal cases dealing with attempted corruption, up by a quarter compared to the previous year. Of this total, 535 corruption-related crimes were perpetrated by organised groups and criminal associations. There were 617 persons with special legal status among those facing corruption charges.

We have requested the Higher Qualification Board of Judges of the Russian Federation to indict 23 judges on criminal charges. All the requests were reviewed and satisfied. In 2025, criminal cases against 12 judges made it to court.

Vladimir Putin: As far as I understand, your colleagues from the judicial system treat these matters with understanding and have made solving these cases a matter of principle?

Alexander Bastrykin: Yes, you are absolutely right. Persons accused of committing 70 crimes. More than 22,000 cases on economic crimes have been sent to courts. These cases include crimes by heads of enterprises, recurrent non-payers of wages, cases involving tax evasion, crimes committed in the military industrial complex and when performing state defence orders.

We were firm in countering extremist and terrorist acts and referred to court over 1,000 criminal cases involving terrorism-related crimes against 1,330 persons, including 72 cases dealing with crimes involving the financing of terrorism. There were 877 criminal cases brought to court on charges of extremism, and 1,177 individuals who committed such crimes have been brought to justice.

We have completed the investigation of a criminal case regarding the terrorist act at the Crocus City Hall that left 150 people dead and 609 wounded. The total property damage was equal to about 6 billion roubles.

Investigating criminal cases committed during previous years remains an important element in our work. In 2025, we successfully completed 6,716 criminal investigations that occurred in previous years: 650 murders, 259 cases of causing severe bodily harm, and 381 cases of sexual violence.

We are active in solving the problem of defrauded homebuyers. To protect their interests, we filed 32 criminal cases against 43 developers and officials. We are actively working to restore the housing rights of those who have been living in dilapidated or substandard housing for a long time. We have initiated over 1,000 criminal cases over such facts and 206 cases against 229 defendants have been sent to court.

We are working hard to prevent juvenile crime. This year, we investigated more than 16,000 crimes committed by minors and 8,105 such cases have resulted in court proceedings.

During the same period, we investigated 22,000 criminal acts involving underage victims. Courts received from us 12,000 cases dealing with criminal offences against minors. We protect the housing rights of orphaned children, take effective measures to protect these rights, and investigated 100 criminal cases involving crimes of this kind over the past year. They have been completed with an indictment to the court.

One of the key tracks in our work concerns crimes committed by migrants. Over the past year, we sent to courts 2,490 criminal cases dealing with migrant criminality. At the same time, we investigated and sent to courts 283 criminal cases against officials working on migration-related matters.

The system of forensic expert support that I have already mentioned functions quite successful. Over the past five years, experts from this centre carried out 134,000 forensic enquiries and undertook a major forensic expert effort to come with an accurate assessment of the damage sustained by Donbass as a result of the Kiev regime’s crimes and define its nature. This damage is equal to 580 billion roubles.

To date, judicial bodies in Donbass have delivered guilty verdicts against 1,084 militants and mercenaries, sentencing them to lengthy prison terms, including 71 life sentences for killing civilians and acting with cruelty towards prisoners of war.

In an effort to protect the rights of the special military operation participants and their families, we provided for reviewing over 83,000 applications dealing with the failure to pay full salaries or other benefits, or deficiencies in medical services for military personnel, as well as to locate family members, and other matters.

We had 5,143 face-to-face meetings with the special military operation participants and visited 53 hospitals where we met with the wounded, answered their questions, held meetings there and provided the necessary assistance to the wounded fighters.

We have been working to ensure the rule of law in new territories by creating four departments. They have been working hard, with their investigators sending 1,823 criminal cases to courts.

In conclusion, I would like to say that in 2025, I made 20 trips to Donbass where I held a meeting, took various cases under my personal control, and offered our investigative departments the assistance they needed.

This concludes my report.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you. Have you been able to provide for the functioning of your agency in the new territories?

Alexander Bastrykin: Yes.

Vladimir Putin: Have all the necessary tools for the work of the investigative authorities been put in place?

Vladimir Putin: Yes, and you know, Mr President, many people want to work there, even young women are putting forward their candidacies. However, I introduced a special procedure for them: whenever a woman wants to be assigned to work there, I get a report. After reviewing it, I can either grant the request or reject it, since some women have children, etc. Overall, these unites have been quite effective.

Those who head these departments have the rank of general and have demonstrated robust performance. I must say that they are even slightly more effective compared to the central headquarters and other territories.

Vladimir Putin: Good. Thank you.

<…>

Meeting on the occasion of International Women’s Day

2026-03-05T19:43:43+04:00

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Vladimir Putin held a meeting at the Kremlin with women representing a wide range of occupations.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends, welcome everyone.

This meeting takes place in the run-up to a wonderful spring holiday, women’s holiday of March 8. First of all, I would like to take this occasion to wish you and all women of Russia all the best, happiness, and success – in the broadest sense of the word – in your work.

We all know that the traditions of virtually all the peoples of the Russian Federation include special attitude towards women, a very special one. Above all, it is about the warmest and most heartfelt feelings towards one’s mother, gratitude to one’s mother for giving life, for raising children, and for loving care and warmth. It is also about special feelings for girlfriends and wives.

Without a doubt, a great many responsibilities fall upon women: they must be beautiful and appealing at home combining this with a large number of household chores that traditionally fall on women’s shoulders. I mentioned children earlier, but often the other half of the family also needs the same kind of care as children.

With regard to work, our women have always – I emphasise this – always stood out as conscientious workers. You and all women in Russia are very responsible when it comes to your professional duties and thus deserve special words of gratitude for that as well.

In our time, women also assume responsibilities in the fields that – at least in our country – have traditionally been regarded as male professions. All these fields are represented at our meeting today and include military personnel of various specialisations and branches of service, not only medics and communications specialists, but also other military professions. That includes the defence industry, scientific research, and even – as I know from the briefing materials that I went through before coming here – performing artists who are directly involved in the military activity and are members of the performance troupes that appear before our servicemen on the frontlines. There are many such fields.

Of course, we will always assess the contribution made by a particular individual, regardless of whether that person is a woman or a man, by what these people, in this case our women, are doing as part of their professional duties.

To reiterate, we have different people, different women, in this room, including those who are undergoing training under the widely known Time of Heroes platform. I hope you will share with us how your training goes and what kind of future is opening up before you.

Once again, my best wishes on the occasion of March 8 International Women’s Day.

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Russian-Central African talks

2026-03-05T18:07:31+04:00

In the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin held talks with President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera, who is in Russia on a working visit.

The discussion focused on the further development of bilateral cooperation in policy, trade, the economy, and the cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as current international issues.

Taking part in the talks on the Russian side were: Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office – Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Aide to the President Yury Ushakov, Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev, Director of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev, Deputy Defence Minister Vasily Osmakov, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces – Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov and Deputy Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Andrei Averyanov.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,

I am delighted to welcome you to Moscow, Russia. Mr President, you are always a welcome guest in our country. Quite recently, just three months ago, we celebrated the 65^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries.

Allow me once again to personally congratulate you on the election results. We sincerely wish you success. The fact that citizens voted for you and that you achieved a convincing victory shows that, overall, people support the policies you are pursuing, both in strengthening the domestic political situation and security, and in addressing economic issues.

As for the economy, we are currently considering what I believe is a very timely decision: the establishment of an intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation. I believe we have good prospects in this area, particularly in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. We have plenty to discuss today, in this expanded format, and later we will be able to continue discussing all these issues privately during our working lunch.

I understand that during this working visit you travelled not only to Moscow but also to St Petersburg. I hope you will share your impressions of my hometown.

Welcome, Mr President.

Welcome, friends.

President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President.

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, to your Government, and to the people of the Russian Federation for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation. I also wish to thank you for the opportunity to hold this meeting.

On behalf of my Government and the people of the Central African Republic, I would like to convey our deep appreciation for the support you and your Government are providing during this challenging period – a decisive moment for the future of the Central African Republic.

In this regard, you mentioned the elections recently held in our country, encompassing four different types of elections. Thank you for your congratulations. We did indeed conduct these elections, and Russia made a significant contribution to making them possible by helping to ensure security. Russian agencies operating on our territory assisted in creating a safe and stable environment for the electoral process, allowing it to proceed smoothly. As a result, the people of the Central African Republic were able to exercise their right to choose their President.

I have begun a new seven-year term, and I am committed to further strengthening our cooperation, particularly in the field of security, but also in the areas you mentioned, including the economy, education, cultural and humanitarian matters, and other spheres.

Allow me to once again express my sincere gratitude for your continued and significant support, especially with regard to grain supplies, which help ensure that our population has adequate access to flour. We deeply appreciate this assistance.

We are also cooperating in the hydrocarbon sector, where we are currently facing a challenging situation. Your support has helped us address the difficulties in this area, which is vital both for the economy and for the country as a whole. During today’s discussions, we will also consider the issue of establishing stable and sustainable supply chains.

During our upcoming discussions, we will focus on a range of economic matters, with particular attention to the energy sector, the financial challenges we are facing, and the difficulties affecting our financial system – issues that can be overcome. We will also address broader challenges within the energy sector, as the Central African Republic is currently experiencing a significant energy deficit. The Russian Federation possesses substantial expertise in this field.

I think we will consider these matters alongside other important areas, including cultural cooperation. Revitalising the agricultural sector is also a priority, as it will play a key role in strengthening our national economy.

Vladimir Putin: Mr President, you have mentioned the humanitarian sphere. In this area as well, we have strong foundations and promising opportunities. It should be noted that many issues in this sphere are being addressed on an ongoing basis.

First of all, I would like to express my appreciation for your efforts to promote and popularise the Russian language in your country. We are aware that the Russian Language Centre and the Russian-language education centre are operating successfully there. In this regard, I would like to thank you and also inform you that we have decided to increase the quota for students from your country. We sincerely hope that this cooperation will continue and expand into other areas of humanitarian cooperation as well.

There is also another important area of cooperation – our coordination of positions with the Central African Republic on the global stage. Our respective ministries and agencies are actively working in this direction and remain in constant contact. I am confident that this cooperation will continue. We will discuss this further today, especially given the rather turbulent situation developing in the world.

Thank you.

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Future Technologies Forum plenary session

2026-02-25T22:53:13+04:00

Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session of the Future Technologies Forum. The discussion theme is Bioeconomy for Humanity.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear friends, good afternoon,

I was informed that you have already had a professional discussion as part of the Future Technologies Forum. This year, it is dedicated to bioeconomy. In continuation, let me say a few words on the steps the state is taking to develop this vital sphere.

Since the audience of today’s discussion are not just experts but also the broader public, I would like to take a moment to elaborate on issues that may be well known to specialists yet could be something new to a wider audience.

I venture to outline what the bioeconomy entails and what practical prospects and opportunities it offers for people, the economy, agriculture, and healthcare, as well as the role it plays in enhancing the country’s industrial and technological sovereignty and ensuring environmental safety.

My colleagues have just introduced me to some of the advanced developments showcased at the exhibition that is being held on the sidelines of the Forum. They are indeed impressive.

By drawing on the principles and wisdom of nature and unlocking its immense creative potential, researchers and manufacturers are developing solutions that support quality of life, health, and active longevity. These include healthy foods – high-quality food products are all good for health anyway – as well as vitamins, supplements, and vaccines. This is very important, and Ms Skvortsova promises me every year that such vaccines will be delivered soon. Unfortunately, the Healthcare Minister is not here today to specify this, but I very much hope that the relevant certification procedures and technical clarifications will be completed without unnecessary delays or red tape, so that these important health innovations can become available as soon as possible.

These are medicinal products. And even tissues, blood vessels, and – something that is no longer fantastical – individual human organs. True, the creation of a living heart has yet to be achieved, but progress is being made in this direction.

Biotechnologies have a wide range of applications in industry, where natural microorganisms and other living systems are used instead of chemical reagents. They serve as catalysts for complex technological processes and initiate closed cycles, where waste from one production process becomes raw material for another. Mr Kovalchuk has been explaining this to me for many years, and I am deeply grateful to him for that. These technologies are applied in bioenergy, environmental solutions, and agriculture – enhancing soil fertility, aiding in plant protection, and purifying water, soil, and air. After purification, I observe fish swimming there, which require clean water – so it works.

Thus, bioeconomy is far more than just a field of scientific knowledge. Through their bold ideas, scientists and engineers are, in essence, shaping a new reality and an industrial paradigm, applying breakthroughs in biology and genetics to improve people’s lives and preserve our planet and its fragile ecosystem.

In Russia, we take pride in the fact that our contributions to the life sciences have been significant, thanks to the discoveries and philosophical and scientific teachings of Vernadsky, Mechnikov, Timiryazev, Koltsov, Vavilov, Engelhardt, and other outstanding domestic scientists, including our contemporaries. I will certainly return to this topic later in my speech today.

We will continue to expand our capabilities and move forward. Especially since biotechnologies, bolstered by the power of computational systems and artificial intelligence, are advancing at an unprecedented pace, helping to address key challenges of our time – such as climate change, food shortages, and the depletion of renewable resources – and can serve to implement projects both on Earth and in space.

I have repeatedly emphasised: equal access to future technologies, rather than privileges for the chosen few, is an indispensable condition for the equitable development of our civilisation. Therefore, on the platforms of BRICS and other groups, as well as within the framework of bilateral cooperation, we are ready to implement joint scientific, educational, and investment programmes in biotechnology for the benefit of all humanity.

For our part, we intend to harness the colossal potential of bioeconomy to strengthen the nation’s health, address other priority tasks, and accelerate technological and industrial development without compromising the unique natural potential of our country.

This year, we launched a national bioeconomy project. Its overarching objective is to secure our sovereignty in several critical areas within this field and, where we already have the potential and groundwork done, to achieve leadership positions.

I would also ask the Government to step up the development of a long-term vision – a national strategy for bioeconomy up to the mid 21^st century. Its provisions should be integrated into the policy documents that shape our responses to challenges in Russia’s food and bio-security, as well as the systemic development of healthcare, energy, agriculture, industry, and other key sectors.

To reiterate, we are discussing the development and implementation of truly cross-cutting, universal technologies and products that impact virtually every area of our economy. It is therefore critically important to establish effective cross-sectoral and supra-departmental governance for bioeconomy and to focus our efforts on significantly increasing its contribution to the nation’s GDP. The relevance of this was clear from the exhibition we just visited. Representatives from a wide range of fields are, in effect, articulating the same need – solving common challenges.

A primary implication of this is a substantial increase in funding, not only for the respective national project but also for other bio-industry initiatives, with the central focus on attracting private investment.

We must also remove the barriers that hinder active business participation in shaping bioeconomy. Existing support measures need to be focused on accelerating its development, and we should introduce additional instruments to encourage private investment by providing tax incentives and other benefits to companies that develop and introduce such technologies. These and other tools must be applied consistently at every stage – from scientific research right through to the launch of breakthrough solutions and competitive bio-based products.

To enable our domestic biotech companies to pursue long-term plans and recoup their investments more quickly, I ask the Government to propose effective mechanisms for cultivating and protecting domestic biotechnology market and develop clear scenarios for their practical application across various sectors of our economy and social sphere.

When I speak of maintaining our competitiveness, I am also referring to what I have just witnessed: how our competitors are faring and the scale of their investment in developing these technologies. But we must certainly protect our domestic market – using only modern, market-based mechanisms, of course – but this effort is absolutely essential.

It is important for us to create domestic demand for such innovations on the system level. And, of course, we need to expand the output and to secure a strong position on global biotechnology markets. Therefore, we must establish an effective system to support high value-added bioproduct exports, as well as promote our standards, technological platforms, and competencies in other countries.

And of course, my colleagues, especially the Russian audience, will understand what I am saying. We need to work with our closest neighbours, with whom we already have strong and friendly relations and enjoy decades-long cooperation across many areas.

A crucial issue is the availability of our own instruments, equipment, enzymes, and biocatalysts, as well as other critically important components. In these key areas, we must speed up the transition from import substitution objectives to production of globally competitive products based on our own platforms and solutions. Please supplement the national bioeconomy project with specific decisions in this regard.

Friends,

To accelerate the development of bioeconomy, it is necessary to create a modern legal and regulatory framework, as well as a system of standards and rules to access the market of bio-based solutions.

Regulation should support and stimulate the creation and rapid implementation of innovations, while at the same time guarantee safety and quality of products for individuals and society. I emphasise that this applies to all areas from biopolymers for packaging purposes to artificially grown organs and tissues. Everything is important.

It is essential from the beginning to set clear ethical boundaries for the application of biotechnology, to prevent potential threats, primarily to human health and life, and to ensure the protection of personal data.

At the same time, I repeat, as in any advanced field, we must create conditions for scientific breakthroughs. For example, in the field of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, the experimental legal regimes have proven effective. I propose extending such regimes to individual areas of the life sciences. Our innovation-driven scientific, technological, and educational centres can serve as platforms to develop and to conduct controlled testing of innovative biotechnologies and products, including the already well-known federal territory of Sirius.

I am asking the Russian Science Foundation to award this year grants named after our great scientist Yevgeny Velikhov to create innovative solutions for the agro-industrial sector, biotechnological production facilities, the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, and other sectors. Such technologies should be developed using bioinformatics and artificial intelligence, among other methods.

Friends, I would like to invite scientific teams to actively participate in the Russian Science Foundation’s competition. Its winners will, over five years – and, I believe, with an additional three-year extension – be able to receive up to half a billion rubles from the state for research, as well as co-financing from leading domestic companies.

To develop new biotechnologies, we will also utilise Mega-Science-class research. This year, the Siberian Circular Photon Source in Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, will undergo a technical launch. It will soon operate at full capacity. I believe that by 2027, our scientists should finally gain full access to this facility. We are ready to implement international scientific programmes in the life sciences, and in biology, medicine, and pharmaceuticals using this unique installation.

At the same time, it is crucial that research and development in bioeconomy are not only fundamental but also applied in nature. They should enhance the economic and technological potential of the regions and thus serve the objectives of spatial development in Russia, with its vast territory.

For example, in the country’s northwest, we need to set up recycling of timber industry waste; in the Far East – the production of bio-based products derived from aquatic bioresources; and in Siberia and southern Russia – the deep processing of grain.

I reiterate, these are just individual components of major regional programmes in the sphere of bioeconomy. They must, without a doubt, take into account the unique requirements of such territories, their resource base, and economic specialisation. Naturally, regions must have the necessary personnel and appropriate technologies for such projects.

In this regard, I propose creating a broad network of engineering development centres for bioeconomy in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, at universities and research institutes. These centres are intended to shorten the path from laboratory research to full-scale industrial production, providing access to equipment and computational resources for scientific and student teams, as well as for small technology companies from across the country. And they – I want to emphasise this particularly – must become full-fledged participants in the national bioeconomy project. Let me stress this once again.

I would like to address what is most important – and I think you will all agree with me – what is most important? What is the most crucial element? It is the specialists, people like you, whose expertise is the foundation of building a bioeconomy. We must acknowledge that, for now, the competencies and knowledge of graduates from many universities and colleges do not align – moreover, they significantly lag behind even the current level of biotechnology development. But this is understandable; much here is new, and thus much remains to be done. The personnel challenge in this sphere is one of the most complex and systemic, and of course, we must respond to it.

In this regard, we must first ensure the training of senior and mid-level specialists with strong interdisciplinary expertise at the intersection of biology, chemistry, engineering, and artificial intelligence. To achieve this, it is essential to work closely with businesses so as to significantly update vocational and higher education curricula and to expand practical training for students directly at enterprises.

This work must take into account cutting-edge trends in microbiology, genetics, and bioinformatics. I therefore propose establishing new advanced engineering schools at universities and colleges and extending the Professionalitet educational project to these areas.

Second, I would like to ask the Government, together with regional authorities and businesses, to carefully review the workforce forecast for biotechnology, taking into account the demand for specialists to implement major regional projects in this field. If necessary, decisions should be made to increase the number of state-funded places in bioeconomy programmes at universities and colleges across the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

Third, it is important to use this new foundation to adopt a more focused approach to career guidance for schoolchildren, aligning it with the needs of the biotechnology sector, and to expand specialised education in the natural sciences. Overall, I propose launching a comprehensive programme to promote bioeconomy. This effort should actively engage the media and leading digital platforms. The earlier people become familiar with this field, the better, as it is complex and multifaceted.

I would also like to use this opportunity to thank Russian biotech companies, scientists, philanthropists, and enthusiasts for their significant educational efforts. Let me repeat: this work must undoubtedly be expanded, opening new horizons and career opportunities for young people and for citizens overall. Public outreach in this area – let me even say “propaganda” – is extremely important and must be carried out in a systematic and timely manner.

Friends,

At the forum, we traditionally discuss the trends and innovations shaping the future of humanity. Advances in biology, genetics, and other life sciences are rightly referred to as the technologies of the 21^st century. Together with the IT sector and artificial intelligence, they are transforming the economy and society, creating new opportunities for millions of people.

I propose dedicating the next Future Technologies Forum to the creation and implementation of digital platforms. These platforms are already enabling scientists to carry out research projects more efficiently, connecting entrepreneurs from small towns with customers in major cities, allowing residents to participate in managing their homes and communities, and analysing medical data in record time, thus helping doctors save lives. This is only a small share of what the platform economy can do. In Moscow, such solutions are already being successfully implemented. For example, we have recently discussed that when an ambulance is dispatched, doctors receive their patient’s medical history on screen in advance, enabling them to prepare the necessary equipment and make informed decisions even before arriving. This is just one illustration, just one example of such platform services.

In this field, Russia is developing world-class solutions and is ready to share its experience and expertise for the benefit of all humanity.

I am pleased to invite everyone interested in cooperation to take part in the Future Technologies Forum in 2027.

Thank you for your attention. I wish you all the best.

We will be meeting now with some of the colleagues to continue the discussion and the conversation. Thank you.

Visit to Future Technologies Forum exhibition

2026-02-25T21:34:31+04:00

At the venue of the Future Technologies Forum in the World Trade Centre, Vladimir Putin toured an exhibition showcasing developments and the latest innovative solutions in the bioeconomy.

The President examined the stands of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Kurchatov Institute, the Federal Medical-Biological Agency, Gazprombank, the Russian Science Foundation, Tatneft, and Rosatom.

Vladimir Putin was accompanied on his tour and briefed by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, President of the National Research Centre Kurchatov Institute Mikhail Kovalchuk, Head of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency Veronika Skvortsova, Vice President of Gazprombank Alexei Fedorov, Deputy Director General of the Russian Science Foundation Yelena Popova, Director of Tatneft-Biotech Ravil Maganov, and Director General of Rosatom Alexei Likhachev.

* * *

At the stand of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the President was shown Russia’s first portable genetic code reader, the Nanoporus, a device that can be used in medicine, ecology, and agriculture.

The Kurchatov Institute presented a project for a bio-eco community with a small nuclear power plant and a model of a bioreactive system for carbon dioxide recycling to create closed life-support systems.

At the stand of the Russian Science Foundation, Vladimir Putin was shown the world’s only plant-based platform for developing antiviral vaccines.

The Federal Medical-Biological Agency showcased its developments in vaccination, including the world’s first genetically engineered vaccine against birch pollen allergy, the Allergarda, and a personalised vaccine for treating colorectal cancer, as well as the achievements of the Centre for Cybernetic Medicine and Neuroprosthetics.

Gazprombank demonstrated biotechnological solutions for agricultural development. A domestic chamber for accelerated plant breeding enables the cultivation of crops two to four times faster.

Tatneft has designed and created an eco-community in Tatarstan – the village of Aktyubinsky – where the principle of closed-cycle waste-to-resource conversion has been implemented. This is a universal solution, ready to be scaled up in any region of the country.

State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom presented technologies for environmental protection and the restoration of natural systems, developments in the field of additive biotechnology.

Meeting with widows of fallen heroes from Special Operations Forces

2026-02-23T18:36:02+04:00

On Defender of the Fatherland Day, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief met at the Kremlin with the widows of Special Operations Forces servicemen who died heroically.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon.

I specifically wanted to meet with you on February 23, Defender of the Fatherland Day, because, as the families of our soldiers and officers, you will always have a special connection to this date.

Sadly, your own defenders are no longer with you. But the Motherland, the country they gave their lives to defend, will always stand by you.

I wanted to use this opportunity to hear how you are doing, what is working well and what more can and should be done to support you. Our priority is to help you get back on your feet, and to make sure your children, our children, can do the same.

As you know, I have consistently stressed the importance of this and made it clear to representatives at every level of government – municipal, regional, federal, and departmental – that this must remain a focus. I will continue to do so.

That is what I wanted to say to open our meeting. Now, I would really like to hear from each of you. Afterwards, we will discuss what has been said and make comments and draw some conclusions. I am confident this conversation will also help guide my ongoing work in this vital area of social support.

Let’s begin.

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Ceremony to present state decorations

2026-02-23T15:27:06+04:00

A ceremony for presenting state decorations to officers of the Defence Ministry and the Russian National Guard was held at the Kremlin.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, comrades.

I congratulate you on Defender of the Fatherland Day, a holiday that we have marked with a profound sense of pride and gratitude in recent years. We pay tribute to all those who, risking their lives, demonstrate courage and valour and, guided by their love for Russia and our people, carry out their military duty in the special military operation zone, safeguard our borders, and maintain strategic parity.

Russia is fighting for its future, independence, truth and justice. At the forefront of this battle are strong, courageous, and devoted people: the soldiers and officers of the Armed Forces, members of the National Guard, and personnel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the special services, and other units.

Those gathered at the Kremlin today are not only professionals with extensive experience and outstanding training. They are commanders who have stood shoulder to shoulder with their soldiers from the very beginning of the military operation, sharing every challenge and hardship with their comrades-in-arms. These are people of strong moral convictions and noble ideals, the true patriots of Russia.

The high state decorations you have been awarded, especially the Gold Star medals of Hero of Russia, are a recognition of your achievements.

Among those present are representatives of command structures and officers of special and operational units. Your skilful and courageous actions, personal bravery and determination have contributed to the careful planning and successful execution of our troops’ offensive operations in the most difficult areas and directions.

Dear comrades, we are fully aware of the demands this task is placing on you, and the immense responsibility each of you bears for our people and for our shared cause. Yet you remain steadfast in your service to Russia, acting in c coordinated and precise manner.

Comrades, thank you for your courage and loyalty to your oath, and for honouring the legacy of generations of our ancestors and our dear veterans, those who fought throughout history to defend and protected our great, thousand-year-old Russia.

Once again, I congratulate you on Defender of the Fatherland Day and on being awarded these high state decorations.

I wish you success, good health, and all the very best.

Please convey my sincere words of support to your families and loved ones, to all those who are waiting for you, worrying about you, and keeping you in their thoughts.

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Vladimir Putin: Dear friends, I once again congratulate you on receiving your state decorations and on this holiday.

We all understand what kind of responsibility is on your shoulders. I think this is the most important thing for an officer. Of course, anyone has to think about themselves, their well-being, their life, and their family. But the most important thing is the responsibility for your subordinates, for people that fight beside you, for those whose fates are to a certain extent in your hands. And I ask you to never forget about this crucial thing,

Thank you for your service to the Fatherland. Congratulations!

Meeting with Orel Region Governor Andrei Klychkov

2026-02-17T12:09:36+04:00

The President had a working meeting with Governor of the Orel Region Andrei Klychkov, who focused in his report on the region’s socioeconomic development.

Andrei Klychkov reported that the gross regional product growth for the region in 2025 amounted to 108 percent, while the growth rate for the budget was 104 percent. The President noted that the average national rate was one percent, while the Orel Region reported 2.6 percent. In addition, investment has been increasing at a robust pace.

Andrei Klychkov informed the President that about 50 enterprises were created over the past eight years, including in agriculture and manufacturing. Ceramic tile manufacturer, Kerama Marazzi, is one of the biggest taxpayers. There is also Proton, the microelectronics manufacturer. What makes the Governor especially proud is the 2.8-fold increase in agricultural production compared to 2017, when he took office. He shared the following statistics: the Orel Region, with its population of 686,181 people as of 2025, produces enough vegetable oil for 18 million people, sugar for 17.5 million people, flour for 2 million people, and grain cereals for 4.6 million people. The Governor also said that the region teamed up with Miratorg to open a seed-growing centre specialising in perennial grass, a second centre on potato seeds, and a third centre for soy and wheat seeds. This will be followed by similar initiatives regarding corn and beetroot. All these efforts are designed to fulfil the goal set by the President to achieve self-sufficiency in this sector by 2030.

Andrei Klychkov went on to ask the President to support the idea of creating a national seed growing centre in the region, and Vladimir Putin gave a positive answer and asked to continue this work.

The meeting’s agenda also touched upon the progress in carrying out national projects, upgrading medical facilities and completing a modern student campus and medical centre, as well as building a western bypass road around Orel so that ten thousands cars do not have to drive through the city. The construction of the airport is expected to be completed in 2027, ahead of schedule.

The Governor also said that the Orel Region has restored the wild European bison population, bringing it to 820 animals, the biggest population in Europe. The European bison is now one of the Orel Region’s symbols.

In addition, Andrei Klychkov presented the Victory project, which consists of assisting the special military operation participants and their families. He also talked about the Heroes of the Orel Land regional contest for selecting the best veterans. There were 55 of them who completed all the tests. Some of them will become government officials, while others will work in public organisations.

Vladimir Putin thanked Andrei Klychkov and his colleagues from the regions for supporting those fighting in the special military operation zone and their families, considering the importance of these efforts on the national and personal levels. The President also thanked the Governor for supporting people in the Kursk Region who suffered during the incursion by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on its territory.