WEBVTT

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Good afternoon, colleagues.

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Taking part in our meeting are senior Government officials,

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plenipotentiary presidential envoys in the federal districts

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and heads of Russian regions.

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We are meeting in a complicate period as our Armed Forces are conducting

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a special military operation in Ukraine and Donbass.

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I would like to remind you that at the beginning,

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on the morning of February 24, I publicly announced the reasons 

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for and the main goal of Russia’s actions.

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It is to help our people in Donbass,

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who have been subjected to real genocide for nearly eight years 

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in the most barbarous ways, that is, through blockade,

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large-scale punitive operations,

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terrorist attacks and constant artillery raids.

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Their only guilt was that they demanded basic human rights:

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to live according to their forefathers’ laws and traditions,

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to speak their native language,

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and to bring up their children as they want.

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During these years, the Kiev authorities have ignored and sabotaged 

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the implementation of the Minsk Package of Measures for a peaceful 

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settlement of the crisis and ultimately late last year 

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openly refused to implement it.

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They also started to implement plans to join NATO.

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Moreover, the Kiev authorities also announced their intention to have 

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nuclear weapons and delivery vehicles. This was a real threat.

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With foreign technical support,

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the pro-Nazi Kiev regime would have obtained weapons of mass destruction

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in the foreseeable future and, of course,

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would have targeted them against Russia.

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There was a network of dozens of laboratories in Ukraine,

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where military biological programmes were conducted under the guidance 

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and with the financial support of the Pentagon,

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including experiments with coronavirus strains, anthrax, cholera,

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African swine fever and other deadly diseases.

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Frantic attempts are being made to conceal traces of these secret programmes. 

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However, we have grounds to assume that components 

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of biological weapons were being created in direct 

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proximity to Russia on the territory of Ukraine.

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Our numerous warnings that such developments posed a direct threat 

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to the security of Russia were rejected with open and cynical arrogance 

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by Ukraine and its US and NATO patrons.

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In other words, all our diplomatic efforts were fully in vain.

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We have been left with no peaceful alternative to settle the problems 

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that developed through no fault of ours.

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In this situation, we were forced to begin this special military operation.

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The movement of Russian forces against Kiev and other Ukrainian cities 

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is not connected with a desire to occupy that country.

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This is not our goal, as I pointed out openly 

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in my statement on February 24.

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As for the combat tactics drafted by the Defence Ministry of Russia 

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and the General Staff, this has fully justified itself.

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Our fellows – soldiers and officers –

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are displaying courage and heroism and are doing all they can to avoid 

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civilian losses in Ukrainian cities.

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This is what I would like to say for the first time: at the very start 

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of the operation in Donbass, the Kiev authorities were offered 

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opportunities to avoid hostilities, via different channels,

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to simply withdraw their troops from Donbass 

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as an alternative to bloodshed. They did not want to do this.

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Well, this was their decision; now they will understand what is 

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happening in reality, on the ground.

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The operation is being carried out successfully,

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in strict conformity with the approved plan.

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I must note that, encouraged by the United States and other Western countries,

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Ukraine was purposefully preparing for a scenario of force,

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a massacre and an ethnic cleansing in Donbass.

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A massive onslaught on Donbass and later Crimea was just 

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a matter of time. However, our Armed Forces have shattered these plans.

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Kiev was not just preparing for war,

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for aggression against Russia –

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it was conducting it.

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There were endless attempts to stage acts of subversion and organise 

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a terrorist underground in Crimea.

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Hostilities in Donbass and the shelling of peaceful residential areas 

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have continued all these years.

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Almost 14,000 civilians, including children have been 

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killed over this time.

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As you know, there was a missile strike at the centre 

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of Donetsk on March 14.

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This was an overt bloody act of terror that took over 20 lives.

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Shelling has been ongoing during the past few days.

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They are striking randomly at squares with the fervor of fanatics 

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and the exasperation of the doomed.

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They are acting like the Nazis did when they tried to drag as many 

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innocent victims as they could to their graves.

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But what is shocking in its extreme cynicism is not just Kiev’s blatant lies

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and statements that Russia allegedly launched this missile 

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at Donetsk (they have gone as far as this),

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but the attitude of the so-called civilised world.

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The European and American press did not even notice this tragedy 

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in Donetsk, as if nothing happened.

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This is how they have been hypocritically looking the other way over 

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the past eight years as mothers buried their children in Donbass,

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as elderly people were killed.

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This is simply moral degradation, complete de-humanisation.

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It was no longer possible to tolerate this outrageous attitude towards 

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the people of Donbass.

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To put an end to this genocide,

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Russia recognized the people’s republics of Donbass and signed treaties 

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of friendship and mutual aid with them.

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Based on these treaties, the republics appealed to Russia for military aid

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in rebuffing the aggression.

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We rendered this aid because we simply could not do otherwise. 

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We had no right to act otherwise.

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I would like to emphasise this point and draw your attention to it:

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if our troops had acted only within the people's republics and helped them 

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liberate their territory, it would not have been a final solution,

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it would not have led to peace and would not have ultimately removed 

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the threat – to our country, this time to Russia.

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On the contrary, a new frontline would have been extended around 

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Donbass and its borders, and shelling and provocations 

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would have continued.

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In other words, this armed conflict would have continued indefinitely.

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It would have been fuelled by the revanchist hysteria of the Kiev regime,

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as NATO deployed its military infrastructure faster 

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and more aggressively.

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In this case, we would have been faced with the fact that the attack,

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the offensive weapons of the alliance were already at our borders.

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I will repeat – we had no alternative for self-defence,

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for ensuring Russia's security,

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to this special military operation. We will reach the goals we set.

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We will certainly ensure the security of Russia and our people

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and will never allow Ukraine to be a bridgehead

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for aggressive actions against our country.

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We remain ready to discuss matters of fundamental importance 

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to Russia’s future during the talks.

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This includes Ukraine’s status as a neutral country,

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and demilitarisation and denazification.

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Our country has done everything it could to organise and hold these talks

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realising that it is important to use every opportunity

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to save people and their lives.

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But time and time again we see that the Kiev regime,

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which its Western handlers have charged with the task of creating 

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an aggressive “anti-Russia” stance,

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does not care about the future of the people of Ukraine.

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They do not care that people are dying, that hundreds of thousands,

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or even millions of people had to flee their homes,

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and that a horrendous humanitarian disaster is unfolding in the cities 

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controlled by the neo-Nazis and armed criminals who were cut loose.

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Clearly, Kiev’s Western patrons are just pushing them 

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to continue the bloodshed.

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They incessantly supply Kiev with weapons and intelligence,

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as well as other types of assistance,

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including military advisers and mercenaries.

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They are using economic, financial,

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trade and other sanctions against Russia as weapons,

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but these sanctions have backfired in Europe and in the United States 

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where prices of gasoline, energy and food have shot up,

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and jobs in the industries associated with the Russian 

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market have been cut.

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So, do not shift the blame on us and do not accuse our country 

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of everything that goes wrong in your countries.

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I want ordinary Western people hear me, too.

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You are being persistently told that your current difficulties are 

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the result of Russia’s hostile actions and that you have to pay 

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for the efforts to counter the alleged Russian threat from 

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your own pockets. All of that is a lie.

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The truth is that the problems faced by millions of people in the West 

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are the result of many years of actions by the ruling elite of your 

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respective countries, their mistakes,

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and short-sighted policies and ambitions.

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This elite is not thinking about how to improve the lives of their 

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citizens in Western countries.

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They are obsessed with their own self-serving interests 

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and super profits.

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This can be seen in the data provided by international organisations,

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which clearly show that social problems,

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even in the leading Western countries,

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have exacerbated in recent years,

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that inequality and the gap between the rich and the poor is widening,

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and racial and ethnic conflicts are making themselves felt.

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The myth of the Western welfare society,

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the so-called golden billion, is crumbling.

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To reiterate, the whole planet is now paying for the West’s ambitions 

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and the West’s attempts to maintain its elusive dominance 

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by any means possible.

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Imposing sanctions is the logical continuation and the distillation 

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of the irresponsible and short-sighted policy of the US and EU 

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countries’ governments and central banks.

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They themselves have driven up global inflation in recent years,

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and with their actions caused rising global poverty and greater 

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inequality across the world.

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The question now arises – who will answer for the millions who will die 

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of hunger in the world’s poorest countries due to growing 

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food shortages?

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Let me reiterate, the global economy and global trade as a whole have 

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suffered a major blow, as did trust in the US dollar 

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as the main reserve currency.

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The illegitimate freezing of some of the currency reserves of the Bank 

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of Russia marks the end of the reliability of so-called 

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first-class assets. In fact, the US and the EU have defaulted on their 

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obligations to Russia.

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Now everybody knows that financial reserves can simply be stolen.

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And many countries in the immediate future may begin –

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I am sure this is what will happen –

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to convert their paper and digital assets into real reserves of raw 

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materials, land, food, gold and other real assets which will only 

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result in more shortages in these markets.

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Let me add that the seizure of foreign assets and accounts of Russian 

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companies and individuals is also a lesson for domestic businesses that 

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there is nothing as reliable as investing in one’s own country.

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I personally have said that a number of times.

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We appreciate the position of those foreign companies who continue 

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working in our country despite the brazen pressure from 

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the US and its vassals.

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They are sure to find additional opportunities for growth in the future.

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We also know those who cowardly betrayed their partners and forgot 

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about their responsibility to employees and customers in Russia,

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rushing to earn illusory dividends from joining the anti-Russia 

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campaign. However, unlike Western countries,

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we will respect property rights.

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Here is what I would like to point out.

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We must clearly understand that a new package of sanctions 

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and restrictions would have been imposed on us no matter what.

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I want to emphasise this.

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For the West, our military operation in Ukraine is just a pretext 

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for imposing more sanctions on us.

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Indeed, this time they are concentrated.

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In the same way, the West used the referendum in Crimea as a pretext,

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which, by the way, took place on March 16, 2014, eight years ago today,

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when the residents of Crimea and Sevastopol made the free choice to be 

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one with their historical homeland.

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To reiterate, these are just pretexts.

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The policy of containing and weakening Russia,

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including through economic isolation, a blockade,

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is a premeditated, long-term strategy.

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Western leaders are no longer hiding the fact that the sanctions are 

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not directed against individuals or companies.

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Their goal is to deliver a blow to our entire economy,

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our social and cultural sphere, every family, and every Russian citizen.

231
00:14:59.992 --> 00:15:05.012
In fact, the steps designed to make the lives of millions of people 

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worse have all the attributes of an aggression, a war by economic,

233
00:15:09.886 --> 00:15:12.470
political, and informational means,

234
00:15:12.470 --> 00:15:15.334
and it is of a comprehensive and blatant nature.

235
00:15:15.334 --> 00:15:19.437
Again, the West’s top political circles do not even 

236
00:15:19.437 --> 00:15:23.081
hesitate to talk about it openly.

237
00:15:23.081 --> 00:15:26.412
The verbal tinsel of political correctness,

238
00:15:26.412 --> 00:15:31.060
inviolability of private property and freedom of speech was 

239
00:15:31.060 --> 00:15:36.944
blown off overnight. Even the Olympic principles were trampled upon.

240
00:15:36.944 --> 00:15:39.043
They did not hesitate to settle their score through 

241
00:15:39.043 --> 00:15:39.976
the Paralympic athletes.

242
00:15:39.976 --> 00:15:43.154
So much for “sport being separate from politics.”

243
00:15:43.154 --> 00:15:47.842
In many Western countries, people are subjected to persecution just 

244
00:15:47.842 --> 00:15:50.040
because they are originally from Russia.

245
00:15:50.040 --> 00:15:52.454
They are being denied medical care,

246
00:15:52.454 --> 00:15:54.182
their children are expelled from schools,

247
00:15:54.182 --> 00:15:58.624
parents are losing their jobs, and Russian music, culture,

248
00:15:58.624 --> 00:16:00.575
and literature are being banned.

249
00:16:00.575 --> 00:16:03.269
In its attempts to “cancel” Russia,

250
00:16:03.269 --> 00:16:07.504
the West tore off its mask of decency and began to act 

251
00:16:07.504 --> 00:16:10.044
crudely showing its true colours.

252
00:16:10.044 --> 00:16:15.017
One cannot help but remember the anti-Semitic Nazi pogroms in Germany 

253
00:16:15.017 --> 00:16:19.919
in the 1930s, and then pogroms perpetrated by their henchmen in many 

254
00:16:19.919 --> 00:16:24.964
European countries that joined the Nazi aggression against our country 

255
00:16:24.964 --> 00:16:27.166
during the Great Patriotic War.

256
00:16:27.166 --> 00:16:32.472
A massive attack against Russia has also been unleashed in cyberspace.

257
00:16:32.472 --> 00:16:37.706
An unprecedented information campaign has been launched through global 

258
00:16:37.706 --> 00:16:41.098
social networks and all Western media outlets,

259
00:16:41.098 --> 00:16:45.964
whose impartiality and independence have proved to be a mere myth.

260
00:16:45.964 --> 00:16:50.853
Access to information is being restricted and people are being crammed 

261
00:16:50.853 --> 00:16:54.021
full of all sorts of fake stories, propaganda,

262
00:16:54.021 --> 00:16:56.156
and fabrication, or simply put,

263
00:16:56.156 --> 00:17:00.564
snake oil. It even got to the point where American social media 

264
00:17:00.564 --> 00:17:02.869
companies said straight out that it was possible to post 

265
00:17:02.869 --> 00:17:05.765
calls for the murder of Russian nationals.

266
00:17:05.765 --> 00:17:10.248
We realise what kind of resources this empire of lies has at its 

267
00:17:10.248 --> 00:17:13.140
disposal but, all the same, when confronted with truth 

268
00:17:13.140 --> 00:17:15.432
and justice, it is helpless.

269
00:17:15.432 --> 00:17:19.591
Russia will never stop trying to make its position clear 

270
00:17:19.591 --> 00:17:23.676
to the whole world. And our position is honest and open,

271
00:17:23.676 --> 00:17:27.678
and an increasing number of people hear, understand and share it.

272
00:17:27.678 --> 00:17:33.148
I want to be as direct as possible: hostile geopolitical designs lie 

273
00:17:33.148 --> 00:17:36.953
behind the hypocritical talk and recent actions 

274
00:17:36.953 --> 00:17:40.501
by the so-called collective West.

275
00:17:40.501 --> 00:17:42.842
They have no use – simply no use –

276
00:17:42.842 --> 00:17:45.182
for a strong and sovereign Russia,

277
00:17:45.182 --> 00:17:50.139
and they will not forgive us for our independent policy or for standing 

278
00:17:50.139 --> 00:17:51.965
up for our national interests.

279
00:17:51.965 --> 00:17:56.234
We still remember how they supported separatism and terrorism 

280
00:17:56.234 --> 00:18:00.026
by encouraging terrorists and bandits in the North Caucasus.

281
00:18:00.026 --> 00:18:03.376
Just like in the 1990s and the early 2000s,

282
00:18:03.376 --> 00:18:06.491
they want to try again to finish us off,

283
00:18:06.491 --> 00:18:11.477
to reduce us to nothing by turning us into a weak and dependent 

284
00:18:11.477 --> 00:18:15.060
country, destroying our territorial integrity 

285
00:18:15.060 --> 00:18:20.016
and dismembering Russia as they see fit.

286
00:18:20.016 --> 00:18:23.672
The failed then and they will fail this time.

287
00:18:23.672 --> 00:18:28.385
Yes, of course, they will back the so-called fifth column,

288
00:18:28.385 --> 00:18:34.073
national traitors – those who make money here in our country but live 

289
00:18:34.073 --> 00:18:39.679
over there, and “live” not in the geographical sense of the word but 

290
00:18:39.679 --> 00:18:44.452
in their minds, in their servile mentality.

291
00:18:44.452 --> 00:18:48.621
I do not in the least condemn those who have villas in Miami 

292
00:18:48.621 --> 00:18:52.342
or the French Riviera, who cannot make do without foie gras,

293
00:18:52.342 --> 00:18:55.593
oysters or gender freedom as they call it.

294
00:18:55.593 --> 00:18:57.833
That is not the problem, not at all.

295
00:18:57.833 --> 00:19:02.731
The problem, again, is that many of these people are, essentially,

296
00:19:02.731 --> 00:19:08.999
over there in their minds and not here with our people and with Russia.

297
00:19:08.999 --> 00:19:11.781
In their opinion – in their opinion! –

298
00:19:11.781 --> 00:19:15.295
it is a sign of belonging to the superior caste,

299
00:19:15.295 --> 00:19:20.420
the superior race. People like this would sell their own mothers just 

300
00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:24.698
to be allowed to sit on the entry bench of the superior caste.

301
00:19:24.698 --> 00:19:29.647
They want to be just like them and imitate them in everything.

302
00:19:29.647 --> 00:19:33.903
But they forget or just completely fail to see that even if this 

303
00:19:33.903 --> 00:19:37.059
so-called superior caste needs them,

304
00:19:37.059 --> 00:19:42.319
it needs them as expendable raw material to inflict maximum 

305
00:19:42.319 --> 00:19:46.011
damage on our people.

306
00:19:46.011 --> 00:19:49.950
The collective West is trying to divide our society using,

307
00:19:49.950 --> 00:19:53.851
to its own advantage, combat losses and the socioeconomic consequences 

308
00:19:53.851 --> 00:19:58.895
of the sanctions, and to provoke civil unrest in Russia and use its 

309
00:19:58.895 --> 00:20:02.035
fifth column in an attempt to achieve this goal.

310
00:20:02.035 --> 00:20:05.990
As I mentioned earlier, their goal is to destroy Russia.

311
00:20:05.990 --> 00:20:09.662
But any nation, and even more so the Russian people,

312
00:20:09.662 --> 00:20:14.747
will always be able to distinguish true patriots from scum and traitors 

313
00:20:14.747 --> 00:20:18.548
and will simply spit them out like an insect in their mouth,

314
00:20:18.548 --> 00:20:20.972
spit them onto the pavement.

315
00:20:20.972 --> 00:20:25.318
I am convinced that a natural and necessary self-detoxification 

316
00:20:25.318 --> 00:20:28.713
of society like this would strengthen our country,

317
00:20:28.713 --> 00:20:31.523
our solidarity and cohesion and our readiness to respond 

318
00:20:31.523 --> 00:20:33.738
to any challenge.

319
00:20:33.738 --> 00:20:36.939
The so-called collective West and its fifth column are accustomed 

320
00:20:36.939 --> 00:20:39.353
to measuring everything and everyone by their own standards.

321
00:20:39.353 --> 00:20:43.320
They believe that everything is for sale and everything can be bought,

322
00:20:43.320 --> 00:20:46.882
and therefore they think we will break down and back off.

323
00:20:46.882 --> 00:20:49.912
But they do not know our history and our people well enough.

324
00:20:49.912 --> 00:20:55.092
Indeed, many countries around the world have long put up with living 

325
00:20:55.092 --> 00:21:00.273
with their backs bent, obsequiously accepting all the decisions that 

326
00:21:00.273 --> 00:21:05.068
come from their sovereign, looking up to it subserviently.

327
00:21:05.068 --> 00:21:09.192
This is how many countries live. Unfortunately, in Europe, as well.

328
00:21:09.192 --> 00:21:14.050
But Russia will never be seen in such a miserable and humiliated situation,

329
00:21:14.050 --> 00:21:18.791
and the fight we are waging is the fight for our sovereignty 

330
00:21:18.791 --> 00:21:21.898
and the future of our country and our children.

331
00:21:21.898 --> 00:21:26.110
We will fight for the right to be and remain Russia.

332
00:21:26.110 --> 00:21:30.940
The courage and fortitude of our soldiers and officers,

333
00:21:30.940 --> 00:21:35.014
the faithful defenders of the Fatherland, should inspire us.

334
00:21:35.014 --> 00:21:37.402
Colleagues,

335
00:21:37.402 --> 00:21:42.894
Clearly, the ongoing developments are drawing a line under the global 

336
00:21:42.894 --> 00:21:47.522
dominance of Western countries in politics and the economy.

337
00:21:47.522 --> 00:21:52.065
Moreover, they call into question the economic model that has been 

338
00:21:52.065 --> 00:21:54.890
imposed on the developing countries and the entire world 

339
00:21:54.890 --> 00:21:56.411
in recent decades.

340
00:21:56.411 --> 00:22:00.057
Importantly, the obsession of the United States and its proponents with 

341
00:22:00.057 --> 00:22:03.670
the sanctions is not shared by the countries that are home to more than 

342
00:22:03.670 --> 00:22:05.966
half of the global population.

343
00:22:05.966 --> 00:22:11.019
These states represent the fastest growing and the most promising 

344
00:22:11.019 --> 00:22:14.720
portion of the global economy. That includes Russia.

345
00:22:14.720 --> 00:22:17.886
Indeed, it is difficult for us at the moment.

346
00:22:17.886 --> 00:22:21.192
Russian financial companies, major enterprises,

347
00:22:21.192 --> 00:22:25.975
small and medium-sized businesses are facing unprecedented pressure.

348
00:22:25.975 --> 00:22:30.708
The banking system was the first to come under sanctions,

349
00:22:30.708 --> 00:22:33.803
but our banks dealt with this challenge.

350
00:22:33.803 --> 00:22:37.942
They are working literally around the clock to make payments 

351
00:22:37.942 --> 00:22:40.189
and settlements between individual clients and to ensure 

352
00:22:40.189 --> 00:22:41.876
the functioning of enterprises.

353
00:22:41.876 --> 00:22:45.888
The second wave of sanctions was designed to set off panic 

354
00:22:45.888 --> 00:22:47.384
in the area of retail.

355
00:22:47.384 --> 00:22:49.445
According to estimates, over the past three weeks,

356
00:22:49.445 --> 00:22:53.575
additional demand for goods has exceeded one trillion rubles.

357
00:22:53.575 --> 00:22:56.163
However, our manufacturers, suppliers,

358
00:22:56.163 --> 00:22:59.959
transport and logistics companies did everything humanly possible 

359
00:22:59.959 --> 00:23:03.281
to avoid major shortages in retail chains.

360
00:23:03.281 --> 00:23:07.310
I would like to thank the business community and the teams 

361
00:23:07.310 --> 00:23:09.905
at companies, banks and organisations,

362
00:23:09.905 --> 00:23:14.138
which are not only responding effectively to sanction-related 

363
00:23:14.138 --> 00:23:18.508
challenges but are also laying the foundation for the continued 

364
00:23:18.508 --> 00:23:21.171
sustainable development of our economy.

365
00:23:21.171 --> 00:23:24.214
I would like to make a special mention of the Government,

366
00:23:24.214 --> 00:23:28.930
the Bank of Russia, regional governors and regional and municipal teams.

367
00:23:28.930 --> 00:23:31.587
In the current tough conditions,

368
00:23:31.587 --> 00:23:34.701
you are carrying out your responsibilities admirably.

369
00:23:34.701 --> 00:23:39.788
Obviously, the attempts to organise an economic blitzkrieg against Russia,

370
00:23:39.788 --> 00:23:43.500
demoralise our society and push us around have failed,

371
00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:46.069
and so we are sure to see attempts to bring even greater 

372
00:23:46.069 --> 00:23:48.135
pressure to bear on our country.

373
00:23:48.135 --> 00:23:51.116
But we will overcome these difficulties as well.

374
00:23:51.116 --> 00:23:55.688
The Russian economy will adapt to the new realities.

375
00:23:55.688 --> 00:24:00.090
We will strengthen our sovereignty in science and technology,

376
00:24:00.090 --> 00:24:03.914
allocate additional resources to support agriculture,

377
00:24:03.914 --> 00:24:07.738
the processing industry, infrastructure, and housing,

378
00:24:07.738 --> 00:24:12.441
and continue developing foreign trade ties to tap into rapidly growing,

379
00:24:12.441 --> 00:24:15.025
dynamic international markets.

380
00:24:15.025 --> 00:24:19.594
Clearly, in the new realities we will have to make deep structural 

381
00:24:19.594 --> 00:24:24.367
changes in our economy, and I will not pretend that they will be easy 

382
00:24:24.367 --> 00:24:26.124
or that they will not lead to a temporary increase 

383
00:24:26.124 --> 00:24:28.554
in inflation and unemployment.

384
00:24:28.554 --> 00:24:33.002
In this situation, our task is to minimise such risks.

385
00:24:33.002 --> 00:24:37.427
We must not just meet all the social commitments of the state but also 

386
00:24:37.427 --> 00:24:41.807
launch new, more effective mechanisms for supporting

387
00:24:41.807 --> 00:24:44.045
our people and their incomes.

388
00:24:44.045 --> 00:24:47.386
We will focus on protecting mothers and children 

389
00:24:47.386 --> 00:24:49.637
and supporting families with children.

390
00:24:49.637 --> 00:24:53.854
We have already made a decision – you know about it –

391
00:24:53.854 --> 00:25:02.051
to introduce as of April 1 payments for children aged 8 through 16 in low-income families.

392
00:25:02.051 --> 00:25:06.648
The size of the payment will range from 50 to 100 percent 

393
00:25:06.648 --> 00:25:11.036
of the subsistence minimum for every child.

394
00:25:11.036 --> 00:25:15.705
Currently the national average is up to 12,300 rubles.

395
00:25:15.705 --> 00:25:20.164
Thus, we will have a uniform system of support

396
00:25:20.164 --> 00:25:27.551
from when a mother first becomes pregnant until the child turns 17.

397
00:25:27.551 --> 00:25:32.398
I am instructing the Government to oversee the operation of this system 

398
00:25:32.398 --> 00:25:36.100
so that it quickly detects any changes in the material 

399
00:25:36.100 --> 00:25:40.610
status of families. That is, it is necessary to make sure families 

400
00:25:40.610 --> 00:25:45.322
start receiving state support as soon as possible if the parents lost 

401
00:25:45.322 --> 00:25:47.687
their jobs or faced other difficult circumstances.

402
00:25:47.687 --> 00:25:51.664
I also ask the Government to promptly analyse the efficacy 

403
00:25:51.664 --> 00:25:54.514
of the measures to support those who have lost their jobs.

404
00:25:54.514 --> 00:25:57.834
Such measures must obviously be expanded,

405
00:25:57.834 --> 00:26:01.765
through the social contract mechanism, among other.

406
00:26:01.765 --> 00:26:06.695
I am aware that the price hikes are a big blow to people’s incomes,

407
00:26:06.695 --> 00:26:11.626
and so we will take action to increase all social payments shortly 

408
00:26:11.626 --> 00:26:13.981
including benefits and pensions,

409
00:26:13.981 --> 00:26:18.764
we will raise the minimum wage and the minimum subsistence level 

410
00:26:18.764 --> 00:26:24.082
and also the wages of public-sector workers.

411
00:26:24.082 --> 00:26:27.810
I ask the Government to calculate the exact parameters 

412
00:26:27.810 --> 00:26:29.181
for the increases.

413
00:26:29.181 --> 00:26:34.210
To emphasise, even under the current difficult conditions we must 

414
00:26:34.210 --> 00:26:38.072
reduce poverty and inequality by the end of the year.

415
00:26:38.072 --> 00:26:41.730
This issue remains quite solvable even now.

416
00:26:41.730 --> 00:26:45.994
I ask the Government and the regions to focus on this task.

417
00:26:45.994 --> 00:26:49.609
I will add that we understand that it is not only 

418
00:26:49.609 --> 00:26:53.150
an economic issue but also one of social justice.

419
00:26:53.150 --> 00:26:57.756
At present, much depends on the lead of the heads of the constituent 

420
00:26:57.756 --> 00:27:01.321
entities of the Federation and their readiness to assume responsibility.

421
00:27:01.321 --> 00:27:05.582
I signed an executive order today on additional powers 

422
00:27:05.582 --> 00:27:10.127
for heads of regions – they will be authorised to take flexible 

423
00:27:10.127 --> 00:27:13.607
and responsive decisions to support our citizens,

424
00:27:13.607 --> 00:27:16.942
the economy and social policy in light of the situation on the ground.

425
00:27:16.942 --> 00:27:20.957
Let me remind you that we streamlined our steps in fighting 

426
00:27:20.957 --> 00:27:23.366
the coronavirus in exactly this way,

427
00:27:23.366 --> 00:27:27.381
making it possible to consider the situation in each region,

428
00:27:27.381 --> 00:27:30.643
city and village – and the situation is different everywhere.

429
00:27:30.643 --> 00:27:34.422
I am instructing all the departments of federal bodies 

430
00:27:34.422 --> 00:27:39.301
in the constituent entities of the Federation to coordinate their work 

431
00:27:39.301 --> 00:27:44.248
with the regional authorities, and governors must establish operational 

432
00:27:44.248 --> 00:27:50.836
centres to ensure economic development and to personally lead this work.

433
00:27:50.836 --> 00:27:54.392
What is the priority here?

434
00:27:54.392 --> 00:28:00.336
Private businesses must play the key role in overcoming the current problems 

435
00:28:00.336 --> 00:28:03.192
as they can quickly rework logistics,

436
00:28:03.192 --> 00:28:09.440
find new suppliers and increase output of in-demand products.

437
00:28:09.440 --> 00:28:13.874
Supporting employment, incomes and wages and supporting the stable,

438
00:28:13.874 --> 00:28:18.439
balanced performance of the economy in general depend on how quickly 

439
00:28:18.439 --> 00:28:22.917
private businesses will be able to find the right solutions and take them.

440
00:28:22.917 --> 00:28:27.221
That is why we must respond to external pressure with the utmost 

441
00:28:27.221 --> 00:28:31.525
entrepreneurial freedom and with support for business initiative.

442
00:28:31.525 --> 00:28:35.631
I want the Government, law enforcement agencies and oversight 

443
00:28:35.631 --> 00:28:39.011
authorities to continue their work on lifting unnecessary 

444
00:28:39.011 --> 00:28:40.874
administrative and regulatory barriers.

445
00:28:40.874 --> 00:28:45.055
Furthermore, it is unacceptable to distract the private sector 

446
00:28:45.055 --> 00:28:49.368
and regional authorities from addressing the most pressing tasks 

447
00:28:49.368 --> 00:28:53.060
and burden them with all sorts of inspections and oversight procedures.

448
00:28:53.060 --> 00:28:57.506
The lack of working capital and the unavailability or high cost 

449
00:28:57.506 --> 00:29:01.397
of loans is among the key problems facing companies now,

450
00:29:01.397 --> 00:29:05.635
and the Central Bank was forced to take appropriate measures.

451
00:29:05.635 --> 00:29:10.433
In this regard, I am ordering the following steps to be taken.

452
00:29:10.433 --> 00:29:15.077
First, companies that fulfill orders placed by government authorities 

453
00:29:15.077 --> 00:29:18.725
and companies partly owned by the state should be paid 

454
00:29:18.725 --> 00:29:22.506
for the delivered goods and services as soon as possible,

455
00:29:22.506 --> 00:29:24.419
and reinvest the proceeds into business.

456
00:29:24.419 --> 00:29:27.797
In this regard, I propose increasing the amount of advance payments 

457
00:29:27.797 --> 00:29:29.790
under government contracts.

458
00:29:29.790 --> 00:29:34.516
The advance payment must amount to at least a half of the total amount of a contract,

459
00:29:34.516 --> 00:29:37.450
and the payment term for the delivered goods 

460
00:29:37.450 --> 00:29:41.384
and services should be reduced to seven business days.

461
00:29:41.384 --> 00:29:44.684
A similar decision must also be made at the level of the constituent 

462
00:29:44.684 --> 00:29:49.807
entities of the Federation, municipalities and companies with state participation.

463
00:29:49.807 --> 00:29:54.356
Second, it is imperative to improve entrepreneurs’ ability to raise 

464
00:29:54.356 --> 00:29:57.768
additional resources from development institutions,

465
00:29:57.768 --> 00:30:02.384
by which I mean expanding the Project Financing Factory’s activities 

466
00:30:02.384 --> 00:30:06.760
(it is working well, and we know from practice that its services are in demand),

467
00:30:06.760 --> 00:30:10.083
providing resources for business investment plans through 

468
00:30:10.083 --> 00:30:12.097
the Industry Development Fund 

469
00:30:12.097 --> 00:30:14.934
(which is one of the really well-performing tools),

470
00:30:14.934 --> 00:30:18.666
the Bank for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises,

471
00:30:18.666 --> 00:30:22.321
and also through regional support institutions,

472
00:30:22.321 --> 00:30:24.301
including guarantee funds.

473
00:30:24.301 --> 00:30:27.798
I hereby instruct the Government to allocate additional funds 

474
00:30:27.798 --> 00:30:30.507
to the constituent entities of the Federation to fund these regional tools.

475
00:30:30.507 --> 00:30:35.761
I want the Government and our colleagues in the regions to pay 

476
00:30:35.761 --> 00:30:38.932
attention to the fact that the most important task is to ensure 

477
00:30:38.932 --> 00:30:41.612
the availability of goods on the consumer market,

478
00:30:41.612 --> 00:30:45.507
primarily essential supplies, medications and medical products.

479
00:30:45.507 --> 00:30:49.976
Logistical complications and other objective problems that result 

480
00:30:49.976 --> 00:30:52.292
in price surges must be resolved quickly.

481
00:30:52.292 --> 00:30:56.179
At the same time, it is imperative to rule out intervention 

482
00:30:56.179 --> 00:31:00.529
in price regulation. The increased supply of goods and nothing else 

483
00:31:00.529 --> 00:31:03.009
should lead to a decrease and stabilisation of prices.

484
00:31:03.009 --> 00:31:06.792
Separately, I would like to address our exporters.

485
00:31:06.792 --> 00:31:11.491
Whenever deliveries to international markets do not run smoothly,

486
00:31:11.491 --> 00:31:16.478
you should send extra batches of goods to the domestic market rather 

487
00:31:16.478 --> 00:31:18.935
than reduce your production rates.

488
00:31:18.935 --> 00:31:22.125
This should objectively reduce domestic prices,

489
00:31:22.125 --> 00:31:25.462
including those of gasoline, diesel, bitumen, metals,

490
00:31:25.462 --> 00:31:27.096
and other export goods.

491
00:31:27.096 --> 00:31:31.287
I want the Government and the Federal Antimonopoly Service,

492
00:31:31.287 --> 00:31:35.202
as well regional authorities, to monitor these markets at all times.

493
00:31:35.202 --> 00:31:39.671
Furthermore, considering the new challenges faced by Russia,

494
00:31:39.671 --> 00:31:44.557
we must maintain and expand our long-term development agenda,

495
00:31:44.557 --> 00:31:48.722
including the implementation of all planned federal 

496
00:31:48.722 --> 00:31:51.401
and regional projects.

497
00:31:51.401 --> 00:31:55.949
We must make full use of the potential of our budget system 

498
00:31:55.949 --> 00:31:58.440
as a tool for stimulation.

499
00:31:58.440 --> 00:32:02.140
As we agreed, federal funding for various projects,

500
00:32:02.140 --> 00:32:04.322
including construction projects,

501
00:32:04.322 --> 00:32:06.033
will be carried out in full.

502
00:32:06.033 --> 00:32:10.794
Moreover, in December we decided on allocating additional funds

503
00:32:10.794 --> 00:32:15.109
if construction costs went up for objective reasons.

504
00:32:15.109 --> 00:32:19.606
I consider it important to note that there will be no problems

505
00:32:19.606 --> 00:32:23.428
with federal budget funding in the current situation.

506
00:32:23.428 --> 00:32:29.039
Our economy is generating adequate revenue.

507
00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:32.807
This means we will not have to resort to emissions.

508
00:32:32.807 --> 00:32:37.463
In simple terms, the Central bank will not have to print money.

509
00:32:37.463 --> 00:32:41.496
We have revenue – sound market revenue.

510
00:32:41.496 --> 00:32:43.794
The problem is not rooted in money.

511
00:32:43.794 --> 00:32:46.326
Let me repeat that we have the resources.

512
00:32:46.326 --> 00:32:49.922
The main difficulties are related to the supply of spare parts,

513
00:32:49.922 --> 00:32:52.197
technology and construction materials,

514
00:32:52.197 --> 00:32:53.991
and the need to organise the work of subcontractors.

515
00:32:53.991 --> 00:32:57.590
Therefore, the deadlines and the methods for implementing specific 

516
00:32:57.590 --> 00:33:00.532
projects and project phases may be subject to change.

517
00:33:00.532 --> 00:33:04.528
This will require the smooth operation of government bodies 

518
00:33:04.528 --> 00:33:07.783
and business representatives and expediting the implementation 

519
00:33:07.783 --> 00:33:09.972
of import substitution programmes. This is an important point.

520
00:33:09.972 --> 00:33:13.653
In the process, it is also important to simplify the procedure 

521
00:33:13.653 --> 00:33:17.125
for cooperation between the regions and the federal government bodies 

522
00:33:17.125 --> 00:33:20.124
and give the regions of the Federation more freedom in using resources 

523
00:33:20.124 --> 00:33:22.519
and more opportunities for launching new construction 

524
00:33:22.519 --> 00:33:24.160
projects and programmes.

525
00:33:24.160 --> 00:33:27.140
Additional funding for road construction has already been 

526
00:33:27.140 --> 00:33:29.323
allocated to the regions.

527
00:33:29.323 --> 00:33:33.196
I would like to ask the Government to consider an increase in funding 

528
00:33:33.196 --> 00:33:37.763
other infrastructure facilities so work can start this year,

529
00:33:37.763 --> 00:33:42.518
and the possibility of building up purchases from Russian companies,

530
00:33:42.518 --> 00:33:45.669
for instance, with a view to upgrading public transport.

531
00:33:45.669 --> 00:33:49.719
Obviously, this will be a serious additional burden on the budgets 

532
00:33:49.719 --> 00:33:52.192
of the regions of the Russian Federation.

533
00:33:52.192 --> 00:33:56.101
Therefore, as we agreed, we will additionally adjust the subsidies 

534
00:33:56.101 --> 00:33:58.730
to even out fiscal capacity.

535
00:33:58.730 --> 00:34:02.262
We will also use other measures for supporting regional finances.

536
00:34:02.262 --> 00:34:08.112
Thus, all payments on budget loans scheduled for this year will be 

537
00:34:08.112 --> 00:34:15.021
suspended and payments on commercial loans will be replaced with budget 

538
00:34:15.021 --> 00:34:18.236
loans wherever necessary.

539
00:34:18.236 --> 00:34:21.947
I would like to ask the Government to study this issue in detail 

540
00:34:21.947 --> 00:34:24.601
and dig to the bottom of every case.

541
00:34:24.601 --> 00:34:29.251
Only a case-by-case approach will produce the desired effect.

542
00:34:29.251 --> 00:34:33.871
In addition, the Finance Ministry will provide an additional 

543
00:34:33.871 --> 00:34:37.555
unconditional credit line for every region.

544
00:34:37.555 --> 00:34:41.436
It will amount to 10 percent of total revenue with 

545
00:34:41.436 --> 00:34:45.012
repayment no earlier than the end of this year.

546
00:34:45.012 --> 00:34:48.720
We are going to maintain the same volume of infrastructure budget loans.

547
00:34:48.720 --> 00:34:52.122
I am instructing the Government to make arrangements 

548
00:34:52.122 --> 00:34:54.880
for flexible management of this programme and to take account 

549
00:34:54.880 --> 00:34:57.140
of the challenges involved in the implementation 

550
00:34:57.140 --> 00:34:59.432
of the projects that I mentioned earlier.

551
00:34:59.432 --> 00:35:03.636
The regions should be able to take swift action on altering 

552
00:35:03.636 --> 00:35:06.469
the portfolio and the contents of the projects,

553
00:35:06.469 --> 00:35:11.203
and focus on the ones that can be implemented as efficiently 

554
00:35:11.203 --> 00:35:14.075
as possible in the current circumstances.

555
00:35:14.075 --> 00:35:18.091
If need be, we will explore the possibility of increasing the volume 

556
00:35:18.091 --> 00:35:21.086
of infrastructure loans. This is possible and is quite feasible.

557
00:35:21.086 --> 00:35:26.069
In general, we will closely monitor regional finances and make 

558
00:35:26.069 --> 00:35:30.505
additional decisions to support them, if need be.

559
00:35:30.505 --> 00:35:33.701
I would like to emphasise that direct communication between all levels 

560
00:35:33.701 --> 00:35:36.575
of government and a clear sequence of actions are 

561
00:35:36.575 --> 00:35:37.920
of paramount importance now.

562
00:35:37.920 --> 00:35:42.805
The State Council and its specialised commissions have 

563
00:35:42.805 --> 00:35:45.204
proved their effectiveness.

564
00:35:45.204 --> 00:35:50.028
I want the public administration commission led by Sergei Sobyanin 

565
00:35:50.028 --> 00:35:54.637
to team up with our colleagues from the Government and to focus 

566
00:35:54.637 --> 00:35:57.805
on problematic items on the regional agenda,

567
00:35:57.805 --> 00:36:02.126
to come up with the best solutions and to scale them to all 

568
00:36:02.126 --> 00:36:06.302
Russian regions. We have gained extensive experience from 

569
00:36:06.302 --> 00:36:07.958
combating the pandemic.

570
00:36:07.958 --> 00:36:08.983
Colleagues,

571
00:36:08.983 --> 00:36:15.597
Our economy, the state budget and private sector possess the necessary 

572
00:36:15.597 --> 00:36:19.583
resources to address long-term tasks.

573
00:36:19.583 --> 00:36:23.727
All strategic and national goals that we have set 

574
00:36:23.727 --> 00:36:27.042
for the period to 2030 must be achieved.

575
00:36:27.042 --> 00:36:31.729
The current challenges and the opportunities that they offer should 

576
00:36:31.729 --> 00:36:36.072
mobilise us – this is what we should set our minds to in order 

577
00:36:36.072 --> 00:36:40.138
to achieve tangible results in the interests of our people.

578
00:36:40.138 --> 00:36:43.503
Clearly, we will need to fine-tune our programmes,

579
00:36:43.503 --> 00:36:48.020
and we welcome the initiatives coming from business circles, academics,

580
00:36:48.020 --> 00:36:49.895
and public associations.

581
00:36:49.895 --> 00:36:54.047
In this regard, I want the regions to join in organising the forum 

582
00:36:54.047 --> 00:36:56.447
convened by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives titled,

583
00:36:56.447 --> 00:37:01.523
Powerful Ideas for New Times, where every Russian citizen will have 

584
00:37:01.523 --> 00:37:06.717
a chance to present their proposals and specific projects for advancing 

585
00:37:06.717 --> 00:37:10.241
their respective cities, regions, and our country as a whole.

586
00:37:10.241 --> 00:37:13.027
To reiterate, the current developments represent 

587
00:37:13.027 --> 00:37:15.068
a challenge for all of us.

588
00:37:15.068 --> 00:37:18.660
I am confident that we will come through with dignity.

589
00:37:18.660 --> 00:37:22.850
By working hard and working together, by supporting each other,

590
00:37:22.850 --> 00:37:26.642
we will overcome all challenges and emerge even stronger,

591
00:37:26.642 --> 00:37:30.559
as has always been the case in the thousand-year history of Russia.

592
00:37:30.559 --> 00:37:36.132
That is how I want you to think about this work.

593
00:37:36.132 --> 00:37:37.152
<…>