Website of the President of Russia: All Publications

Executive Order on awarding Nikita Mikhalkov the Order of St Andrew the Apostle

2025年10月21日T21:09:53+04:00

The President signed Executive Order On Awarding the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called to Nikita Mikhalkov.

The message reads, in part:

"For outstanding contribution to the development of national culture and cinematic art, for many years of fruitful public work, film director and Chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of the Russian Federation Nikita Mikhalkov is hereby awarded the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called."

Greetings to the 23rd Yury Ozerov International Military Film Festival

2025年10月21日T21:13:28+04:00

Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to the participants, organisers, and guests of the 23^rd Yury Ozerov International Military Film Festival.

The message reads, in part:

"I welcome you to the Hero City of Tula for the opening of the 23^rd Yury Ozerov International Military Film Festival held under the motto "Through war in cinema – against war in the world!"

For many years, your remarkable creative project has enriched our nation’s cultural life, serving the patriotic, spiritual, and moral education of the younger generation.

I am confident that this year’s festival, which is timed to coincide with the 80^th anniversary of the Great Victory and the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, will delight audiences with a rich programme, introduce them to talented Russian and foreign film directors, screenwriters, and actors, showcase their finest cinematic works, and, undoubtedly, leave everyone with warm and unforgettable impressions."

Greetings to film director and Chairman of Russian Cinematographers’ Union Nikita Mikhalkov

2025年10月21日T19:30:22+04:00

Vladimir Putin congratulated film director, actor, People’s Artist of the RSFSR, Hero of Labour, and Chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of Russia Nikita Mikhalkov on his 80^th birthday.

The message reads, in part:

"You are rightfully considered an outstanding figure in both Russian and world culture – a talented, full of energy and infinitely dedicated person. Your creative works, unique contribution to the development of Russian cinema, as well as diverse public, educational, and cultural endeavours stand as an example of devoted service to your craft, your country, and your people."

Meeting with Head of Rosprirodnadzor Svetlana Radionova

2025年10月21日T17:00:52+04:00

Head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources Svetlana Radionova briefed the President on the service’s performance, including the course of the reform on the extended producer responsibility, monitoring of animals from the Russian Red Data Book, and international cooperation.

Head of Rosprirodnadzor Svetlana Radionova: Mr President,

Five years ago you set out the main guidelines that have changed our environmental views. You defined three key points in accordance with which we are working. In your 2021 Address [to the Federal Assembly], you said that if you have benefited from polluting the environment, clean up after yourself, and Rosprirodnadzor must monitor compliance with this. You emphasised that the "polluter pays" principle must apply to everyone, and that we must hold violators accountable. You also proposed marking environmental payments to the federal budget.

As a follow-up to these instructions, the Government has adopted a large number of by-laws and key federal laws stipulating responsibility for failure to clear up accumulated pollution, so that there will be no more tragedies like those in Usolye-Sibirskoye or Krasny Bor, the consequences of which we are eliminating with federal funds. We are working with the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) to create a technology for discontinuing the operation of such facilities.

We have completed a complex reform of the extended producer responsibility system, setting clear requirements for the disposal of packaging waste. Manufacturers must either pay for the recycling of their packaging or ensure that these payments are directed towards improving waste management and solid waste reform. This work is also well underway.

To further this idea, we are implementing the principle that every ruble we receive from polluting the environment must be invested in environmental development. We are collecting two types of payments: the mandatory payment by every enterprise for pollution, discharges and emissions. We also gradually increase such payments every year by one billion rubles. We are effectively bringing those who "forget" to pay out of the shadows. We send warnings and use preventive measures. As of today, we have transferred 21 billion rubles to the budgets of the constituent entities of Russia, and each of them can and does invest these funds in environmental protection.

We take pride in the success of the reform on extended producer responsibility. We have collected 20 billion rubles, a record amount. The target figure was seven billion rubles. We have collected these funds in accordance with relevant laws.

We believe it would be useful to codify the entire body of environmental legislation adopted over the past five years – more than 300 regulatory acts in total. Our colleagues in Belarus are already working on this, and China is drafting a strong environmental code. We also believe it is time to return to Valentina Matviyenko’s proposal, voiced at the Nevsky Environmental Congress, to create or discuss an environmental code. Such a step would help streamline legislation, give businesses a clear understanding of what is expected of them, and enable the public to contribute to this important process. It will likely take more than a year to complete, but it is time to do that.

As a supervisory agency, we closely monitor the "polluter pays" principle, and each year collection of related payments improves as our oversight becomes more rigorous. We now win in nearly 87 percent of court cases, which shows that our inspections are well-grounded. In practice, everyone knows that if Rosprirodnadzor arrives, the penalties will be collected and the funds will go toward environmental protection, because all these mechanisms are interconnected.

Today, one of the largest categories of natural resource users is the extractive industry. Rosprirodnadzor monitors around 25,000 mining sites, though only seven percent are subject to scheduled inspections due to their high risk level; the rest are covered through preventive measures. Working together with Roscosmos and using satellite imagery and remote sensing, we now identify 85 percent of environmental violations from space. Even in areas where inspectors have never set foot, we can monitor what is happening thanks to this "space eye."

All businesses understand that they are never left without oversight. We are now proposing to grant legal status to satellite-based monitoring data so that physical site inspections are no longer required to confirm violations. Whenever we have checked satellite data on the ground, it has been verified in 100 percent of cases. This proves the high accuracy and reliability of our space-based monitoring.

Introducing the legal validity of this tool is essential. Once implemented, it will ease the burden of workload on inspectors and allow us to monitor conditions in remote areas, from the Amur Region to Magadan and Chita, where access is limited by weather and geography, sometimes possible only seasonally or by helicopter. This initiative, we believe, is both timely and necessary.

As a regulator of natural resources, we must recognise that our work takes us into the home of wild creatures. The Federal Service for Natural Resources is responsible for the conservation of endangered species. You have launched the Bear Patrol, and now everybody in the Arctic calls it the President’s Bear Patrol. Over the past five years, we have monitored over 25 animals. We have published a manual for those working and living in the Arctic. There have been conflicts. On some occasions, we had to deliver animals by air to Moscow (a bear cub, for example). The Moscow Zoo and its specialists help us. This manual is focused on preventing conflicts and following the correct protocols when in the habitat of a major predator. We are proud of the results. There have been no conflicts this year.

There will be a big conference this year for the five countries serving as the habitat for polar bears, in Greenland (Denmark). Canada, the United States, Norway, Russia and Denmark will be discussing the 1973 treaty. We will also talk about best practices because Russia has shown the most humane treatment of this predator. Bear hunting is prohibited in our country, unlike in Canada or the United States. We do not hunt bears; we protect them. We intend to advocate for the best practices that we implement ourselves.

Speaking of international cooperation, I would like to mention that we represent Russia at international platforms. These include all the UN platforms. Our work covers extensive international cooperation efforts, such as the Basel Convention, the Stockholm Convention concerning persistent pollutants and, of course, all biodiversity conventions, including many Russian initiatives. We must be heard and we speak out.

A CITES convention will be held in Uzbekistan this year. We are promoting the Russian language as one of the working languages since most conventions support all the UN languages. This year, Russia will cover the costs of Russian-language resources for more than ten countries using it. In collaboration with the Foreign Ministry, we are working to make Russian an official working language there.

As for the Basel Convention, we insist on incorporating an amendment proposed by Russia on waste elimination and safe disposal. Launched three years ago, a major agreement on microplastics is in development, with extensive publicity. We insist that environmental platforms must not be used for trade since they are platforms for protection and care. We promote the idea that, instead of trading quotas, all these environmental conventions that we adopt must focus on the preservation of businesses, protection of manufacturers and safer operation of our industrial facilities through technology sharing. Essentially, this is what we declare at these platforms. We have been heard, and we currently defend Russia’s approaches along with other countries.

I would like to conclude by saying that we know that we cannot deal with many issues unassisted, and so we are implementing many environmental awareness projects. We have been working on this for the past five years. We are grateful for your greetings, which we read out to the children – over the course of five years, 310,000 children from 95 countries and five continents have taken part in the contest for the Ecology is Everyone prize, which we are proud of. This year, universities have assigned additional points to our participants and several universities have provided additional state-funded places. We would like to ask you to make this an obligatory practice.

The young people who take part in volunteer movements and environmental awareness campaigns, protecting the environment of their regions, must have an advantage. We believe that it would be appropriate for all universities to support such winners or environmental activists by giving them an additional point or two. It would be a great honour and very important for young people.

Vladimir Putin: Ms Radionova, we have a relevant air pollution programme for 12 cities, and so on. What are your reports based on, the amount of investment in equipment, or concrete air pollution reduction figures?

Svetlana Radionova: You see, the Government insists – Dmitry Patrushev as our curator, as well as our Minister, regards Rosprirodnadzor as the verifier and insists that we not merely prepare paper reports but also provide the results of instrumental surveys.

The Clean Air programme is very complicated, involving 12 cities – the number has increased to 29 – and a large number of facilities that fall under a cap-and-trade system. They report on the measures they have taken. We check the implementation of their plans and analyse the work of their equipment in the past year to see if they comply with their quotas or not.

At the moment it works as follows: an enterprise tells us that they have installed the necessary equipment, but the air cannot become cleaner overnight. This equipment must work for a year without breaking down or being turned off. If something breaks down, which can happen with any equipment, the broken part must be replaced so that this equipment works properly and we can gauge its effectiveness. That is how we are working. We have started receiving the first reports, and next year we will analyse the first annual results of instrumental surveys.

Of course, we are also waiting for enterprises to install the necessary sensors so that we can take measurements online, because we are not fully satisfied with paper reports.

Vladimir Putin: Good, thank you.

Greetings to the 16th Congress of Russian Surgeons

2025年10月21日T18:27:43+04:00

Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants of the 16^thCongress of Russian Surgeons, which has opened in Moscow.

The message reads, in part:

"In keeping with tradition, your distinguished assembly will bring together leading domestic and international experts to deliberate on key professional issues, exchange expertise, and review innovative developments and methodologies. I consider this extremely important, as the widespread introduction of advanced surgical technologies, the modernisation of specialised departments and faculties, and the effective training of a new generation of doctors are all vital to enhancing the quality of Russian medicine and, consequently, to providing timely and effective care to patients.

Surgery is a vocation that demands profound knowledge, the highest level of skill, and immense responsibility. I wish to express my gratitude to the Russian Society of Surgeons and to all those working in this exceptionally demanding field for their truly selfless labour, their fidelity to the Hippocratic Oath, and their unwavering dedication. A special tribute is owed to those surgeons who perform urgent operations, saving the wounded in the field, in military hospitals, and in emergency zones. Your courage, self-sacrifice, and readiness to provide immediate assistance restore people’s health and, indeed, their very lives.

I am confident that the ideas and recommendations formulated during the congress will find practical application in clinical practice. They will contribute to the advancement of surgical science and foster further dialogue and partnership with colleagues abroad."

Meeting with General Director of DOM.RF Vitaly Mutko

2025年10月20日T17:35:09+04:00

The President held a meeting with General Director of DOM.RF Vitaly Mutko in the Kremlin to discuss plans for the state corporation’s IPO.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon.

Mr Mutko, the company is preparing for an IPO. How is the work progressing?

General Director of DOM.RF Vitaly Mutko: Mr President, thank you very much.

About eight months ago, you instructed us to begin this work. It is indeed a very important step for us. DOM.RF has been operating for 28 years, and over the past five years we have seen significant growth. As you know, our assets have increased five-fold during this period, and we have effectively become a market-driven company. We are no strangers to the stock market – all our current investments in the housing sector are financed through market instruments.

Today, our assets total six trillion rubles, a five-fold increase in five years, while profits have tripled. Last year, our profit was close to 70 billion rubles, this year it will reach about 90 billion, and next year we expect to stabilise at around 100 billion.

For the past five years, we have been paying dividends. Our return on equity remains steady at about 20 percent, and our earnings per share are around 10–11 percent. Naturally, this generates strong investor interest.

Vladimir Putin: Good.

Vitaly Mutko: Yes, and it is worth noting that this is the first IPO by a financial market company in 18 years, since Sberbank. Today, we rank among the ten largest companies in Russia. We plan to raise between 15 and 30 billion rubles by placing around ten percent of our shares on the market.

Vladimir Putin: And how will the proceeds be used?

Vitaly Mutko: Primarily for investment. As you know, our business is focused on supporting the housing sector and improving living conditions. Most of the funds will go towards project financing: we plan to finance around one million square metres of housing, which will allow some 15,000 families to improve their living conditions. We will also invest about 50 billion rubles in regional infrastructure development and continue to expand our socially responsible projects.

We are now at the final stage of preparation. Together with the Bank of Russia, the Moscow Exchange and the Government, we have resolved all organisational issues, amended our charter and registered the share prospectus with the Central Bank.

The goal you have set – to ensure that the capitalisation of Russia’s stock market reaches 66 percent of GDP by 2030 – is a very ambitious one. It cannot be achieved without bringing state-owned companies to the public market. This places additional responsibilities on us.

First, we will have to strengthen our corporate governance and become more transparent. Financial reporting, international standards, audits, independent board members, management dedication – these are the requirements that the market expects us to meet. We are confident that we will cope.

Of course, Mr President, after our IPO, when we become a public company, we intend to keep our main focus: developing the housing sector and supporting citizens. We will continue to serve as a development institution.

Vladimir Putin: You began this work back in 2024.

Vitaly Mutko: Yes, we did. Since then, we have held around a hundred meetings with listed companies and investment funds. We expect our shareholders to include large investment and pension funds, institutional investors like that. The market is opening up, and with our dividend yield of around 11–12 percent per share, we anticipate strong interest.

Vladimir Putin: I think so too. If you maintain a responsible dividend policy, your shares will certainly be attractive to investors.

Vitaly Mutko: Our new strategy through 2030 is built around raising market capital, maintaining a dividend payout ratio of at least 50 percent, and doubling our assets. By 2030, we plan to reach total assets of 11 trillion rubles – twice as much as today. All of these investments will go into the housing sector. We will continue to act as the state’s agent.

Vladimir Putin: But not just in housing – in infrastructure as well.

Vitaly Mutko: Absolutely. We are active in about ten segments, all of which have been growing alongside the market. Your support for housing construction and urban development, including master planning, is central to our work. We will remain the operator of all mortgage programmes. So far, around four million people have received mortgage loans, and some 15 million have invested in housing. We have been the operator of all these programmes.

We will continue to support mortgage loans through securitisation of loans. We issued bonds, collected the money, and supported the banks. They freed up capital. One in eight mortgage loans was issued using our mechanisms.

Furthermore, we are engaged in the technological re-equipment of the industry which includes digital services, an information system, our websites, and the recently launched Stroim.Dom.RF for private housing construction.

Furthermore, we will continue to act as the state’s agent for land development. These are inefficient lands. We have brought approximately 35,000 hectares of land into development, with an urban development potential of approximately 35 million square metres. But our goal is not just to bring it into development, but to build housing on this land.

Mr President, we even have examples. Integrated territorial development and housing construction are, of course, our area of expertise. By 2030, 100 million square metres, or ten percent of the portfolio, should be built using our mechanisms.

Of course, we are developing the rental business. We are currently the largest holders, with one million square metres available for rent by students and other tenants.

We are almost done with fulfilling your instruction: 10,000 flats in the Far East. There are some good examples there. This year, we have tenants move into 1,500 new flats. We have financed 11,000 flats, and now we have tenants move into the last one in Magadan in the Far East. Overall, we have invested 87 billion as a result of this work.

I believe the Government has reached out to you. You have instructed us to extend this project to the Arctic zone. We are prepared to finance 400 rental flats in Murmansk and Arkhangelsk, as well.

Vladimir Putin: (Looking at the presentation.) Are you transforming Father Frost’s homeland?

Vitaly Mutko: You set the goal of developing 200 master plans for urban areas. We have been working on this since 2016 and have developed 60 master plans.

The birthplace of Father Frost: together with our colleagues from the Vologda Region and AFK Sistema, we have begun developing this master plan. I remember five years ago you told us to create decent recreational conditions for people, a year-round recreation centre.

We continue working on the Arkhitektory.rf programme.

We have launched two new programmes. The first one pertains to leasing municipal equipment in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade. You are aware that the production has slowed, primarily with respect to agricultural equipment. The Ministry of Industry and Trade proposed that we launch such a programme. It will cost 300 billion rubles.

We are issuing bonds, borrowing money, subsidising leasing companies. They order agricultural machinery and municipal utility equipment from factories and then lease it out. We charge 6.5 percent, they charge ten percent. We now have 300 billion, and we have already financed ten. We have launched a new project. And I believe it can be further developed, because we see that the market can absorb 120–130 billion annually.

Vladimir Putin: Mr Mutko, I looked at your documents as well. Do you think the volume of mortgage loans will decrease by 20 percent this year?

Vitaly Mutko: Yes.

Vladimir Putin: But the funds will not decrease. How so?

Vitaly Mutko: Mr President, please, look at the structure of housing purchase. After all, the most important thing for construction is how much money comes into the primary market. If you look at it, all these years, somewhere between 80–90 percent of housing purchases were made with mortgage loans exclusively.

But the housing structure has changed; now 65 percent are purchased using mortgage loans, while in previous years, it was 80, and 35 percent are now buying with their own money. Monetary policy has begun to ease, and even market mortgage lending has seen some recovery.

In recent months, we have seen that what previously was 10,000–13,000 mortgage loans a month, now is up to 23,000.

But the most important factor, I want to thank you again, because I remember we discussed it here: you insisted on transitioning the industry to project financing. I believe this is a fundamental decision, and thanks to it, construction has been thriving throughout these difficult 18 months. Currently, nearly 119 million square metres of housing are under construction, with project financing open for 21 trillion rubles, and 9.7 is under regular financing. This mechanism greatly balances housing construction. Therefore, of course, I believe this is a fundamental reform.

Vladimir Putin: The correct decision.

Vitaly Mutko: Absolutely.

Therefore, Mr President, overall, we expect that by attracting resources and accessing the public market, we will maintain our focus on developing the housing sector, supporting people, maintaining all our functions as a development institution, and will simply work more efficiently and responsibly. Because we do not have just one shareholder; there will be many more shareholders to whom we will be accountable, transparent and public.

Vladimir Putin: I wish you success.

Vitaly Mutko: Thank you very much.

Greetings on opening of 17th Russian World Assembly

2025年10月20日T14:45:34+04:00

Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants, organisers and guests of the 17^th Assembly of the Russian World, held under the theme Fundamental Contribution of the Russian World to International Development: History, Modernity, and Future.

The message reads, in part:

"First of all, I would like to address our compatriots present here today with my warmest words of gratitude. Thank you for your significant creative contribution to the implementation of vital educational, publishing, and cultural projects. This multifaceted activity plays an exceptionally important role in promoting the Russian language and literature around the world and in strengthening the Russian-language information space.

I would like to emphasise that the main theme of this Assembly reflects Russia’s unwavering commitment to developing international humanitarian cooperation and equal dialogue, as well as to promoting enduring spiritual and moral values. We remain open to scientific, academic, and educational exchanges and are ready to share our rich and in many respects unique experience in these areas with our foreign partners. Today, our country is actively participating in shaping a new, fair multipolar world order based on respect for the distinct cultures, traditions, and ways of life of different peoples, as well as on the firm rejection of any form of neocolonialism, racism, or Russophobia, and on the inadmissibility of imposing one’s own models of development on sovereign states.

I am confident that during this forum, which brings together prominent scholars, educators, diplomats, public and religious figures, and journalists from many countries, you will have the opportunity to discuss a wide range of important and relevant issues. Naturally, in this year marking the 80^th anniversary of the Great Victory, special attention will be devoted to preserving the historical truth about our people’s decisive contribution to the defeat of Nazism."

Father’s Day greetings

2025年10月20日T12:59:58+04:00

The President congratulated Russians on Father’s Day. The holiday is celebrated in Russia on the third Sunday of October.

The message reads, in part:

"For all the peoples of our multi-ethnic country, the head of the family has enjoyed indisputable authority from olden times. It is very important that today, men and youth strive to befit this honourable title by preserving family values and traditions, being hard workers and wise mentors, a tower of strength and a guide ready to share their knowledge and life experience with children and loved ones, to support them in the hour of need and help achieve their goals. Therefore, it is inspiring to see that this remarkable holiday, meant to highlight the role of fathers in shaping the character and future of every person, enjoys such wide public support.

I want to extend my warmest greetings to the participants in the special military operation who are defending the freedom and independence of the Fatherland and honourably carry on the military and patriotic traditions of their families, fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers. We are truly proud of your resilience, courage and bravery."

Greetings to current and former workers of Russian road construction industry

2025年10月18日T16:16:04+04:00

Vladimir Putin sent greetings to current and former workers of the Russian road construction industry on their professional holiday.

The message reads, in part:

"Today, we are honouring workers of the road construction industry, the highly qualified and in-demand professionals who are competent in their trade and realise the importance of their job. In challenging and sometimes extreme conditions, you build motorways and elevated roads, bridges and tunnels, ensuring safe and reliable connectivity between the cities and towns of our vast country. It goes without saying that the quality of life and the development of all Russian cities depend on your hard work.

I would like to note, with satisfaction, that the Russian road construction industry has been on the rise in recent years. Largely thanks to smart management decisions and extensive introduction of modern technologies and materials, hundreds of kilometres of federal, regional and local roads have been built and renovated, with major logistics hubs and transport corridors, along with upgraded industry infrastructure which takes the private-public partnership to a new level.

I am confident that you will continue to work honestly and achieve the set goals for the benefit of the Motherland and our nation."

20th anniversary of RT TV channel

2025年10月18日T10:42:16+04:00

Vladimir Putin delivered an address at a gala evening held at the Bolshoi Theatre to mark the 20^th anniversary of the RT television channel.

Ahead of the ceremony, Margarita Simonyan, the channel’s Editor-in-Chief, accompanied by participants in the special military operation and journalists, presented to the Head of State an RT film about those involved in the special operation. The President also met with the main characters of documentary films produced under the RT.doc project.

The RT international television channel commenced broadcasting in 2005. Its output is transmitted in English, Arabic, Spanish, French, German, and Serbian. The television network is complemented by multilingual digital platforms. Furthermore, RT maintains a presence on popular social media networks in Chinese and Hindi.

* * *

Address at the gala evening marking the 20^th anniversary of RT

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

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to this magnificent hall of the Bolshoi Theatre for the celebration marking the 20^th anniversary of the Russia Today channel.

Today, I extend my congratulations on this milestone to everyone who has worked and continues to work for the television channel, and of course, to Margarita Simonyan – your leader, the steadfast Editor-in-Chief.

Dear Margarita, we all know – and everyone in this team certainly knows – how difficult this period is for you and what your family is presently enduring. Yet at work, you invariably demonstrate courage and resolve. I am confident you will overcome this challenge, too.

Margarita Simonyan: Thank you. I promise.

Vladimir Putin: Your friends, your colleagues – they have always been by your side and will remain so.

These past 20 years represent an entire epoch in the media landscape. Russia Today has matured from a concept into a global brand now recognised worldwide. I thank your dynamic, creative, and close-knit team for the high level professionalism, dedication to your craft and duty. For boldly, selflessly, and persistently upholding the truth in the global information space.

We recall how, in the early 2000s, leading Western media outlets exploited their hegemonic position. Often – or rather, almost invariably – under the guise of objective news, they disseminated content entirely at their discretion, attempting to impose not merely new rules but an entirely new civilisational paradigm based on false moral values into the minds and hearts of millions.

To this day, it remains nothing short of outrageous when terrorists who took hostages and orchestrated deadly explosions in our cities, schools, and hospitals were referred to as "insurgents" on prominent Western channels – as if the world should sympathise with these scoundrels and child-killers.

At that time, it was difficult for us to defend the truth, to uphold an accurate depiction of events, because beyond our borders, we lacked a powerful voice. Let me underscore that Russia’s sovereignty – for which we have fought, continue to fight, and will always fight – depends, among other things, on our ability to deliver objective, unbiased information to people across the planet.

This is why RT had to emerge – and it did, 20 years ago. The company faced a formidable task: to build its operations at a qualitatively new level, both substantively and technologically. I am genuinely pleased that we – that you – succeeded. And succeeded brilliantly: millions of citizens in different countries came to trust you. Moreover, it turned out there was enormous demand for news that differed from the endless propaganda which, frankly, today differs little from the well-worn Soviet-era clichés many in this hall remember. That’s how they work.

This is precisely why, I believe, true professionals, including those from the United States, Europe, and across all continents, wanted to collaborate with you. Not merely collaborate, but work with you. Not because of the money, of course, but above all because you provided these people with a platform to express their views and convey them to millions. That is why we saw among RT’s leading figures the legendary WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, the global television star Larry King, Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa, and many, many others.

You were rapidly gaining popularity and influence. As a result, your competitors began to envy you, and sometimes, in my opinion, not just envy, but fear you, which is a sure sign that you were one step ahead of them setting the information agenda and doing important and meaningful work. And when you made yourself truly known, those same competitors and the so-called ruling elites behind them showed their true colours. Margarita just told me about this. She regularly updates me on how they tried and continue to try to pin you down on international platforms.

For years on end, they have been lecturing us on how to live our lives, how the media should operate, how to understand democracy and what democracy is, what true freedom of speech is, and convinced us of the importance of competition, pluralism, and so on. What happened to these mentors when RT came on the air and hundreds of millions of people began watching a channel offering a different interpretation of ongoing developments?

The reaction of the elites I have just mentioned was primitive and straightforward: ban, cancel, and block. You know, when I served as director of the Federal Security Service of Russia, I tried to abolish this style of work even in an agency like the FSB. I was of the opinion that we should work more subtly by way of persuasion, we should mitigate threats differently, not the way it used to be done in the Soviet Union, which we referred to as "grab them and hold them back." This is exactly what is happening, unfortunately, in the information sphere, with regard to your channel.

Accusing anyone of spreading propaganda and disinformation, or interfering in internal affairs does not require much effort. In fact, you were not imposing anything. You were simply offering an alternative and truthful point of view. And in doing so, you were upholding, among other things, the right of your viewers and listeners to choose. But your partners saw the very existence of such a choice as a threat to themselves. Over the years of RT’s development, you sincerely tried to build, and you did build, precisely this kind of partnership with your audiences. And you succeeded. Any monopoly inevitably comes to an end sooner or later, no matter how much those who maintain it pay to preserve it.

Today, in an increasingly multipolar world, intolerance of any sovereign and independent thought is more than just an anachronism. It is a huge obstacle to the development of mutual understanding and trust between peoples, which we all need. And this obstacle, like all others, will, without a doubt, be removed. There is no other way.

For two decades already, including thanks to RT, we have been listening to an entire palette of voices from all over the world. Residents of Asia, Africa and Latin America can now speak out, with your assistance, without regard to the approval by former colonial powers and former colonial authorities. It is very important that the RT TV channel provides its platform to journalists, scientists and experts from all over the world. And the main thing: people of different views, convictions and ethnic origin continue to watch RT and read your social networks despite prohibitions and technical obstacles. Even representatives of Western elites admit that Russia Today has a larger audience than their own TV channels.

Last year alone, the total number of views of the channel projects on social networks reached almost 24 billion and the total audience of the RT channels on the pay television platforms made up almost a billion of viewers. This figure gives us confidence that everything will go on developing in the same vein.

It is clear why. In Europe, in the United States as well as in other countries their citizens seek to preserve their national culture, the memory of generations, and oppose social inequality, destruction of the family institution and encroachments on children’s innocence. All this is consonant with the position of Russia on these issues and largely thanks to RT the world has learnt that our country firmly stands for traditional values and constitutes their stronghold in the contemporary life full of contradictions, conflicts and challenges. And we do not discriminate anybody at that, we do not prohibit anything, including in the areas that I have mentioned. We are simply trying to defend our point of view and our outlook on the modern world and the future.

I am sure that this similarity of views helps people on different continents believe in themselves, their strength and abilities.

It is hard to overestimate the contribution of Russia Today to our common struggle for a fairer and more stable world order, for preserving civilisational diversity, for the consolidation of more and more countries, people and nations around these creative ideas.

I would like to stress: you are performing difficult and intense work in your area both for the future of our people and for the future of millions of people on the planet, who are striving for real, genuine freedom.

Friends,

Journalists, camera operators, and colleagues from RT’s other media projects are consistently at the epicentre and forefront of events – perpetually on the frontline, both literally and figuratively. Fearlessness and a steadfast commitment to the truth are the defining qualities of the channel’s staff. We have witnessed this in Iraq, Syria, across the Middle East, and in various other conflict zones. Today, in the special military operation zone, you continue this tradition. Risking your lives, you report on the heroism and deeds of our soldiers and commanders.

There are countless examples demonstrating that RT employs individuals who are true to their profession, devoted to their Homeland, and unwavering in their convictions. Even foreign nationals – of whom there are many within the channel – while defending their own beliefs, assist in promoting these ideas in their own countries and among their own communities. They act with absolute honesty and openness.

Just before arriving here, onto the historic stage of the Bolshoi Theatre, we met and conversed with your colleagues working in the combat zone, filming documentaries about the heroes of the special military operation who are present in this hall. I would ask you to give them a special welcome. What was so striking? Both the fighters who have returned from the frontlines of the special military operation and the journalists working for the channel appeared as one family – because they are all courageous, heroic individuals fighting for their convictions. This is the true value of your work.

Friends,

Twenty years represent a significant milestone in the journey of your channel and your remarkable team. The world is changing rapidly: technology is transforming journalism. Social media sets new rhythms, and audiences increasingly consume news in digital formats. You are successfully meeting these challenges, remaining bold, open, and creative. RT possesses the most essential assets: experience, a professional team, and the trust of its viewers. RT fosters a free-spirited atmosphere, with many young people who represent the future, and, undoubtedly, new victories lie ahead.

I wish you continued growth, the discovery of new formats and themes in the fierce battle for hearts and minds. To prevail in this struggle, you must continue wielding your secret strategic weapon – high-precision, intercontinental in its reach – the truth.

The voice of truth, the voice of Russia, must resound loudly, confidently, and persuasively!

Happy anniversary! Happy birthday!

Margarita Simonyan: You mentioned, by the way, Rafael Correa – he is now in this hall.

Present in this hall are our friends, our colleagues from every continent, from a vast number of countries, who have come to congratulate us, including people whose ancestors would be proud of them, I’m sure. Here, for example, are descendants of Charles de Gaulle and Otto von Bismarck; here is the son of the current President of Nicaragua; there are members of the European Parliament – though I do not know what will happen to them when they return, yet nevertheless they made it here. I want to thank everyone.

I want to express a tremendous thank you, Mr President, to you for rightly noting that we work based on our convictions, that we defend our beliefs. It is a privilege to have the opportunity not merely to lie on the sofa and grumble, but to work for one’s convictions. This privilege we have thanks to you. I remember when you appointed me 20 years ago – it seemed to me the world had gone mad, and the main task was not to disgrace myself. It was impossible to imagine, firstly, that all this would be created, and secondly, that it would grow into such a colossal enterprise.

I want, in your presence, to bow. To bow to the people who work for RT – these are thousands of people who risk their lives. Yesterday, our colleague from Rossiya Segodnya was killed; a second is in critical condition, and doctors are now fighting for his life. This, unfortunately, is news that has become routine for us, it is part of our professional life. When we enrol in journalism school and receive our diplomas, we understand what we are signing up for. And yet, each time, it is always a tragedy.

What you all endure – what we endure when they fight us, as you rightly noted, Mr President – well, it rather makes us laugh. We are Russian people, even if some of us are Armenian. We grow tougher, as they say. So, it only makes us more spirited.

All the sanctions, the inability to travel somewhere, to watch something, to speak with someone – it is all such insignificance to us compared to the incredible honour and pride of serving our Motherland! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for this.

I congratulate everyone!

Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council

2025年10月17日T18:07:32+04:00

Vladimir Putin held, via videoconference, a briefing session with permanent members of the Security Council.

Attending the meeting were Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov, Special Presidential Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov, Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov.

The development of seabed mineral resources was on the agenda.

***

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon.

Today, we will discuss the development of seabed mineral resources. We have a number of important topics and speakers on the agenda. To begin, I suggest we hear from the Ministry responsible for resources. I now give the floor to Alexander Kozlov, who is to be followed by Sergei Lavrov and Anton Alikhanov.

Go ahead, please.

<... >

Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban

2025年10月17日T13:53:42+04:00

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban at the initiative of the Hungarian side.

Viktor Orban expressed willingness to lay the groundwork for holding a possible Russia–United States summit in Budapest.

The President of Russia informed the Prime Minister of Hungary about key points of his conversation with US President Donald Trump, pointing out that the upcoming engagements with representatives of the United States are to serve to discuss a plan of further action to search for ways to settle the Ukraine crisis, which would include, amongst other things, a possible top-level meeting between Russia and the United States to be held in the Hungarian capital.

Greetings on 20th anniversary of RT TV channel

2025年10月17日T13:43:01+04:00

In a conversation with presenter Salam Mosafir, Vladimir Putin extended greetings to RT staff on the 20th anniversary of the network.

Salam Musafir: We are going to celebrate our channel's anniversary. Russia Today has become a major holding. Some out there wanted to choke us, of course, but they failed. We are still in business, and people still watch and love us. Would you like to say, maybe, a few kind words about our work over these twenty years?

Vladimir Putin: Honestly, when this idea of creating Russia Today first came up, I could not have guessed that it would gain such scale, such quality and evolve in this way. Congratulations on the job.

You'll ask why I was in doubt. It's because it is not that easy to fit into an already established system of international global mass media. And then, indeed, quite surprisingly to me, Russia Today found its special niche, its own place. Amazingly, millions of people worldwide increasingly watch you, listen to you, follow what you and your colleagues on the channel have to say.

Sometimes I ask myself: why is it so? The answer is simple: because, despite all the pressure put on RT journalists, despite all kinds of bans, sanctions, administrative and financial restrictions, you say what you think. And this quite often disagrees with the so-called global media mainstream. But it is precisely this otherness, coupled with the professionalism with which you deliver information, the sincerity with which you do it, and the honesty, reliability, and objectivity of your information perceived by your viewers that wins their hearts, so that the audience is rapidly growing. I congratulate you on that, in the first place.

And now, the wishes. I wish you to follow this chosen path in future and share your views on key issues of the international agenda with millions of people all over the world. I believe that this is the point of your work and your life.

Congratulations on your success!

Commentary by Aide to the President of Russia Yury Ushakov following a telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and President of the United States Donald Trump

2025年10月16日T23:37:28+04:00

Aide to the President of Russia Yury Ushakov: Colleagues,

Today in the afternoon, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation, the eighth one, with US President Donald Trump.

The conversation lasted almost two and a half hours. Clearly, it was a rather substantive and at the same time very open and frank exchange.

Our President started out by congratulating Donald Trump on his successful efforts to normalise the situation in the Gaza Strip. The US President’s peace work has been duly appreciated in the Middle East, in the United States itself, and in most countries around the world.

Naturally, the Russian side outlined its principled position in favour of a comprehensive Middle East settlement on a generally recognised international legal basis that would ensure lasting peace for all the peoples in that region.

A special emphasis during the conversation was placed on the Ukraine crisis. Vladimir Putin provided a detailed assessment of the current situation, stressing Russia’s interest in achieving a peaceful resolution through political and diplomatic methods.

In particular, it was noted that during the special military operation, the Russian Armed Forces hold full strategic initiative along the entire line of contact. Under these circumstances, the Kiev regime resorts to terrorist methods, attacking civilian targets and energy infrastructure facilities, to which we are forced to respond accordingly.

Donald Trump repeatedly emphasised the imperative of establishing peace in Ukraine at the earliest opportunity. The notion that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has proven the most intractable issue in all peacekeeping efforts of the US President was palpably evident throughout his remarks during the conversation. In this context, he naturally mentioned his successes in settling eight other regional conflicts.

It is noteworthy that one of the US President’s key arguments centred on the premise that the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine would open up tremendous – and he stressed this – tremendous prospects for the development of US-Russian economic cooperation.

Incidentally, both sides spoke of the profound mutual affinity between the peoples of the two countries, which was so vividly demonstrated during the Second World War. It was underscored that the current state of bilateral relations appears paradoxical against this backdrop.

The issue of potential supplies of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine was also raised. Vladimir Putin reiterated his position that Tomahawks would not change the situation on the battlefield but would inflict substantial damage to relations between our countries, to say nothing of the prospects for a peaceful settlement.

In this context, it is worthy of note that the presidents discussed the possibility of holding another personal meeting. This is indeed a very significant development. It was agreed that representatives of both countries would immediately begin preparations for the summit, which could potentially be organised in Budapest, for instance.

On a separate note, it should be mentioned that our President highly praised personal efforts of the First Lady of the United States Melania Trump in reuniting Russian and Ukrainian children with their families and asked the US President to convey his very best wishes to his spouse.

Overall, I would say that the telephone contact between the presidents of Russia and the United States was quite useful, and the two leaders agreed to maintain contact.

Thank you for the attention.

Meeting of the Initiative Technical Council under the Presidential Directorate for State Defence Industry Policy

2025年10月16日T21:17:32+04:00

The Kursk Region will become the pilot region for developing a digital mechanism to enhance interagency cooperation and improve the effectiveness of repelling enemy drone attacks. This initiative was discussed at an offsite meeting of the Initiative Technical Council of the Presidential Directorate for State Defence Industry Policy, held in the Kursk Region and chaired by Head of the Directorate Viktor Yevtukhov and Kursk Region Governor Alexander Khinshtein.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Defence Ministry, the Russian National Guard, the Federal Air Transport Agency, and software companies.

Following the work in the Kursk border area, Viktor Yevtukhov noted that the region’s experience in countering enemy drones will definitely be scaled up across the country and used to strengthen civilian safety and protect critical infrastructure.

Greetings on the 30th anniversary of the National Association of Television and Radio Broadcasters

2025年10月16日T16:02:30+04:00

Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the National Association of Television and Radio Broadcasters on its 30^th anniversary.

The message reads, in part:

"Over the years, the Association has brought together more than 300 federal and regional companies, gaining a reputation of a leading organisation that represents the interests of both state-owned and private broadcasters. You consistently work on developing the Russian media market, participate in improving industry regulation, and contribute to the broad implementation of digital technology in the media. Another important contribution of the Association is, of course, its effort to consolidate the professional community, organise conferences, forums, training programmes, and support media awards and festivals.

I am confident that the National Association of Television and Radio Broadcasters will continue to successfully achieve goals and offer audiences quality and accessible content while strengthening a constructive dialogue with government bodies."

Plenary session of Russian Energy Week International Forum

2025年10月16日T20:18:50+04:00

Vladimir Putin addressed the plenary session of the 8^th Russian Energy Week International Forum.

The theme of this year’s forum is Building the Energy of the Future Together.

Held in Moscow between October 15 and 17, Russian Energy Week brings together representatives from 85 countries, including government officials, senior corporate executives from energy companies, as well as experts and researchers. The business programme includes over 60 events.

Russian Energy Week is a key international platform for discussing pressing matters pertaining to the development of the fuel and energy complex and fostering multilateral energy cooperation in a multipolar world.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, friends,

Welcome to the 8^th Russian Energy Week International Forum. You have already had a chance to do some networking here and exchange views. I doubt that I can tell you anything you do not know already. Still, allow me to share my position with you on several key matters.

It goes without saying that we are pleased to once again welcome to Moscow the heads of major international companies, specialists, and industry experts for a substantive dialogue on developing the energy sector.

This dialogue is of particular importance amid dynamic and profound shifts in the global market. In fact, energy companies and service providers, energy producers and consumers, and even entire countries are going through this exact stage in their development.

In my remarks, I would like to elaborate on some of the main trends in the present-day energy sector. Of course, I will not fail to share our perspective regarding the challenges the global and Russian fuel and energy sectors face.

The first major challenge is the restructuring of global energy relations. In many ways, this is a natural and objective process: new centres of economic growth emerge, and energy consumption in these regions increases accordingly. At the same time, we are also witnessing an artificial disruption of the energy system, driven by the aggressive and assertive actions of certain Western elites.

As is well known, many European countries, for example, have refused to purchase Russian energy supplies under political pressure. I have already noted the consequences of such decisions for these countries, particularly in terms of their economic and industrial potential.

The repercussions of these actions are evident within the European Union, including a decline in industrial output, rising prices due to more expensive imported oil and gas, and a reduction in the competitiveness of both European goods and the broader economy.

According to Eurostat, industrial production in the eurozone in July of this year remained 1.2 percent below 2021 levels. Germany, often referred to as the engine of the European economy, has also experienced a continued decline, with industrial output in July falling by 6.6 percent compared to the 2021 average.

However, the focus today is not on European challenges, but on the global energy market as a whole. As I previously noted, energy supply chains are undergoing an objective transformation, with logistics increasingly shifting towards the Global South – dynamic countries in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. This shift involves more reliable routes, the development of new hubs and ports designed to meet both current and future demands of energy consumers.

Energy demand is undoubtedly growing: the global economy continues to expand year after year, despite various challenges. While the pace of growth may fluctuate, overall demand remains positive. For instance, global oil consumption is projected to reach 104.5 million barrels per day this year, over a million more than last year.

The primary drivers of this growth are the rapidly expanding petrochemical industry, which is outpacing global GDP growth, and the transport sector. Many earlier plans to phase out internal combustion engines have realistically been delayed, meaning petrol-powered vehicles remain in widespread use and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. While the adoption of electric motors is indeed increasing, electricity still needs to be generated, it does not simply appear from a wall socket. It has to be produced using heating oil, coal, and other energy sources.

Russia maintains its position as a leading oil producer despite the mechanisms of unfair competition used against us. We account for about ten percent of global oil production and expect to produce 510 million tonnes of oil this year. This is approximately one percent less than last year. However, colleagues, I would like to point out that we are doing this in accordance with the agreement reached within OPEC Plus. In other words, it is a voluntary reduction.

The Russian oil sector is working steadily and making plans for the future. Our companies are not only reliably supplying the domestic market and developing oil refining but, taking into account the complicated situation beyond Russia’s borders, they are acting flexibly and have managed to develop new supply and payment channels. In the past, our oil and petrochemical exports mostly focused on one customer, the EU, whereas now the geography has expanded significantly.

As I have said, Russia continues to cooperate within OPEC Plus. Based on mutual interests, we are acting in concert with our partners to balance the global oil market. I would like to point out that this is being done for both producers and consumers.

We can report the results of these joint efforts. First of all, they concern the volume of market supply and the price situation. These parameters satisfy both oil producers and oil consumers, which allows the industry to launch new investment projects and, more importantly, create conditions for a more predictable development of the global economy. Predictability in the oil market is probably the most important element of this sector of the global economy.

As for the global gas market, the supply chains are changing as well, for objective reasons. Gas consumption has been growing steadily in the Asian-Pacific region, the Middle East and Latin America, where as the demand for gas in Europe remains below the 2019 level. Why is the demand for this primary energy source low? The reason is that industrial production is decreasing, the need for gas is lower compared to previous levels.

In other words, it might seem that the refusal of some European countries to buy Russian gas and the explosions at the Nord Stream pipelines have cut off our access to traditional markets and dealt a blow to a vital sector of our fuel and energy industry. I must admit that our gas exports initially slumped, but they have subsequently resumed growth. They have not fully recovered yet, but there is an obvious increase.

The EU’s gambit has only accelerated the shift of our supply direction towards more promising and reliable buyers – states that respect their interests and act rationally based on their national interests.

Our gas companies are reliable suppliers to these markets, just as they have always been in the past with respect to all other destinations. We are working with our partners as a team to expand the export potential of the Russian gas industry which, in addition to pipeline gas, includes LNG shipments.

We are increasing domestic consumption, which is critically important, including at gas chemical plants under construction in the Volga Region, Siberia, and the Russian Far East. We are expanding gas deliveries to urban and rural areas. Over the past five years alone, about 100,000 kilometres of gas distribution pipelines have been built. As a result, gas supply levels stand at nearly 75 percent and will certainly continue to grow. To be more specific, gas supply rates stand at 74.7 percent, up 6.1 percentage points compared to 2019.

The social gas infrastructure development programme is underway. Over the past four years, nearly one million households have been connected to pipeline gas and this number is expected to increase by another two million in the future. Gas pipelines have been brought to 1,393,000 plots of land, with nearly 989,000 connections completed.

Notably, Russia possesses unparalleled gas reserves. We keep production at a high level, but it is essential to keep working on replenishing our resource base, including through the development of hard-to-recover reserves.

Earlier this year, I instructed the Government to draft a special programme on this matter in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area, the focal point of our gas industry. I am asking our colleagues to complete this work within the established timeframe and to proceed with the implementation of the programme.

A few words about the coal sector. Despite negative forecasts by certain experts, coal still holds a significant share in the global energy balance. However, clear regional differences can be observed: while Western markets are curtailing the demand for coal, Asian countries are increasing its consumption.

Of course, the economic efficiency of coal-based power generation is the key factor to consider. However, given the shift of global business activity towards the Asia-Pacific region the coal market can be expected to remain large and significant for decades to come.

True, like any other market, it is ruled by cycles. Currently, coal producers have to deal with lower prices, and we are supporting our companies and their workforces by way of loan restructuring, among other measures.

I would like the Government to continue keeping the situation under control and to fine-tune support mechanisms in conjunction with the business community. However, the coal industry itself should also work to enhance its own efficiency and competitiveness.

Colleagues,

The second major global trend is the growing significance of the electric power sector.

Global electricity generation is projected to double over the next 25 years, with roughly 85 percent of this additional demand arising from countries outside the so-called developed economies, primarily in the Global South.

Russia’s energy system ranks among the largest in the world. Our power generation facilities have a total installed capacity of nearly 270 GW, and this extensive infrastructure operates with high reliability and efficiency.

At the same time, we are facing local electricity shortages, particularly in regions where large industrial, transport, and logistics projects are underway. Addressing these shortages will require the expansion of the power grid, the modernisation of generating equipment, and the commissioning of new power plants.

I would like to emphasise that the costs incurred by energy companies should not be automatically passed on to consumers through higher tariffs. More flexible approaches are needed, including regulatory innovations, demand management measures, and mechanisms to encourage investment in the fuel and energy sector. I expect the Russian Government to put forward proposals on these matters, which we will review and discuss in a dedicated meeting in the near future.

I would like to reiterate the instructions regarding the development of the retail electricity market. Its conditions and tariff structure must serve the interests of both generating companies and consumers, including businesses, organisations, and individuals. I urge the Government to finalise the Concept for the Development of Competitive Retail Electricity and Capacity Markets as soon as possible.

I emphasise once again: where energy is affordable, modern production will take root, new economic sectors will grow, and capital, technology, and skilled personnel will be attracted. This, in fact, is evident to everyone.

During a meeting in Vladivostok in September, we discussed the development of the fuel and energy balance for Russia’s Far Eastern Federal District. This comprehensive document identifies the optimal energy sources for each region, including coal, gas, fuel oil, and water resources, and establishes long-term energy supply volumes for the Far East.

I urge the Government to clarify the role of fuel and energy balances in the country’s strategic planning documents and, in coordination with our colleagues from the regions, to prepare such balances for all federal districts. On this basis, a modern system for the digital management of regional energy supply should be developed. I emphasise once again that this system must build on the use of different fuel and energy resources that are the most effective for each region of our country.

Next, I have already said that Russia’s energy balance is one of the greenest in the world, which our Russian colleagues have most likely mentioned here. In other words, the largest share of energy produced in Russia, or more precisely, 87 percent, has an extremely low, or zero, carbon footprint. I am referring to gas and nuclear power generation, renewable energy and hydropower generation.

Our companies are using green or durable power generation systems both in Russia and abroad. For example, Russian scientists, engineers and managers have helped implement over 400 hydropower projects in 55 countries. RusHydro, our leading company in this sphere, is building hydropower plants and water infrastructure in strict compliance with environmental safety standards and the norms of prudent water use.

Rosatom, which is another high-tech leader, has substantial experience as well. It accounts for about 90 percent – 90 percent! – of the global market of nuclear power plants, with 110 power units built to the Russian design around the world.

Russia is the only country in the world with competencies across the entire chain of nuclear generation. When implementing projects abroad, we not only build facilities but also work jointly with our partners to create the future of the energy industry and related sectors and to form a solid national personnel, research and technological basis for the development of states as a whole.

It is on this basis that we are building nuclear power plants in Egypt, Bangladesh and Turkiye. We intend to further develop our cooperation in the nuclear industry with Global South countries and within BRICS. We are working very actively in this sphere.

Experts believe that nuclear generation will become one of the main pillars of the future global energy balance. By 2050, the capacity of nuclear power plants across the world will almost double. Russia plans to launch nuclear power plants with the capacity of over 29 GW within the next decade and a half, including small nuclear power plants, which no other country is currently building. They may have such plans, but they remain on paper. In practice, Russia is the only country that is building them. We will build nuclear power plants in the Far East and Siberia.

I would like to emphasise that nuclear generation has an important role to play in producing power for consumers whose role is expected to increase dramatically in the future. I am referring to electric vehicles, industrial robots and automated customer service systems.

There is a growing demand for electricity in the digital economy, including AI and blockchain development tools, and data storage and processing. According to estimates, energy consumption at data centres around the world is comparable to electricity consumption of heavy industry.

Obviously, the areas I have mentioned represent a powerful development factor. To a great extent, they determine the countries’ global competitive ability, effectiveness of national economies and the quality of life. It means that our development plans for the Russian fuel and energy sector must take all these trends into account. It is what we try to do.

Among other things, I propose setting up local generation facilities – stations using locked-up resources as professionals call them – to fuel digital economy and data centres. Transportation of these locked-up resources is expensive and time-consuming, meaning it is more efficient to use them in the same location where they are produced.

I ask the Government to submit proposals on organising this sort of model. One of the tasks is to consider using advanced clean coal power generation to meet the needs of the digital infrastructure, data storage and processing centres, and so on. These facilities, located directly in our coal-producing regions, provide modern workplaces and help diversify local economies.

Friends,

Now, to the third aspect of the modern energy sector, or challenge, to be exact, that global market actors face. It is the technological sovereignty of the countries producing oil, gas and other energy resources. I am certain that you have discussed this during your meetings.

We have seen how the elites in the Western countries refused to maintain and service the equipment supplied to Russia for the fuel and energy industry in an instant. They officially refused to comply with their obligations. That was yet another confirmation of the fact that they are unreliable partners and their actions are directly bound to the political situation and sometimes, this political situation is used for dishonest competition.

Clearly, commercial entities – I am talking about Western companies – were forced to do that, frankly speaking. They had to do that under the pressure of their ruling political elites.

But the fact remains: Western technology and equipment for the fuel and energy industry may at any time become unavailable for geopolitical reasons – unavailable not only to Russia but to any other energy supplier that the West may consider an inconvenient competitor or simply a country that is not easy to deal with. We all must consider this reality of today’s world. I think everybody understands that.

This means that we should actively change the status of energy-producing countries from equipment buyers to technological leaders and build full-fledged energy sovereignty at the national level – from resource production and processing to product delivery.

You know, the Russian fuel and energy sector is well on its way to achieving technological leadership. In fact, it has become a powerful driver for our entire domestic industry and science. Our government agencies, energy companies, enterprises, and research institutes are all collaborating – discussing these issues and coordinating specific steps. By the way, just here, on the sidelines of Energy Week, a meeting of the Coordinating Council for Import Substitution of Oil and Gas Equipment was held.

This progress is reflected in the experience of our companies – I spoke with CEOs of some of them. Now, let’s be frank, initially some engaged in what we might call reverse engineering. But then they moved forward very quickly. And do you know what happened next? They see their former partners in Europe, who were once dominant here, being forced to downsize. Russia was a core market for them – one of their most important markets, not the most important, but one of the core ones for selling high-tech products.

When they were forced to leave this market, their production lines became unprofitable. They started laying off staff and began to lose their technological edge. Meanwhile, our specialists are driving growth and becoming technological leaders because our domestic market allows us to manufacture products at a good cost-effective level. Furthermore, we are now finding partners all over the world who are purchasing this equipment from Russian companies. Yesterday, they were buying from Europe; today, increasingly, they are buying from us – and this trend will continue. So, what was the result of their actions? In trying to punish Russia, they ultimately outmanoeuvred themselves. A classic case of cutting off your nose to spite your face, a totally absurd situation, but that is the current reality.

Today, domestic companies already cover the bulk of Russia’s drilling demand. We are expanding the production of extraction equipment and upstream chemistry, and we are rolling out our own technological solutions for field and infrastructure support. While previously, as I mentioned, much of this work was done by foreign contractors, it is now increasingly handled by our own Russian specialists.

Russia possesses enormous engineering potential and a significant body of scientific and practical knowledge in the fuel and energy sector. This expertise has stood the test of time and has proven its effectiveness in our harsh natural and climatic conditions. We have the skills, experience, and know-how to develop even the most complex energy sectors and to extract hard-to-recover reserves, which is especially crucial for the oil industry. And we will do this not only independently, but also in partnership with friendly states that clearly understand the geopolitical risks.

Russia stands for promoting comprehensive technology cooperation among energy producing countries while ensuring that these ties are immune to sanctions and external pressure. I am speaking about a genuine sense of partnership based on sharing knowledge, experience and creating industrial alliances. Moreover, all the stakeholders involved in this effort must benefit from this partnership.

As for equipment, you know the way things stand. I have just mentioned this, and I referred to nuclear energy. Russia is indeed second to none in this domain. We do not depend on anyone. Everything we make in the nuclear sector, we make it in Russia. And we will achieve the same level of self-reliance in all energy-related sectors, which also applies to oil and gas equipment.

Colleagues,

We have been increasingly hearing from business leaders and experts that the world is entering an era of energy realism. The reckless and I would even say irresponsible steps by some of the Western elites created a situation where the parameters of energy transition or the focus on comparing pollution from various kinds of fuel were relegated to the background. At the same time, access to fuel and energy, the availability of power grids and pipelines, and power grid capacity are playing an increasingly important role.

Against this backdrop, ensuring that extraction operations and reserves benefit from smart management practices while promoting technological development and advancing on the environmental agenda is becoming an imperative for supplying the domestic market, achieving the national development goals, as well as delivering on our international commitments. We have always acted this way, and of course, will continue to honour our obligations – this is one of our unquestionable priorities.

Russia is aware of the objectives and challenges it faces and will strive to consolidate its global leadership in the energy sector, while also promoting partnerships for building a fair and sustainable global energy model in the interests of future generations.

I do hope that holding the Russian Energy Week will serve as a meaningful contribution to our combined efforts. I wish all the participants and guests of this forum every success and all the best. You have surely had many useful meetings, conversations and discussions already. If so, this makes us happy. This means that the goals we had when inviting you to Russia were achieved.

Thank you for your attention. Thank you very much.

State Migration Policy Concept of the Russian Federation for 2026–2030 approved

2025年10月16日T13:25:56+04:00

Vladimir Putin signed Executive Order On the State Migration Policy Concept of the Russian Federation for 2026–2030.

The Presidential Executive Order approved the State Migration Policy Concept of the Russian Federation for 2026–2030.

The Concept sets out the goal, main principles, objectives, and key areas for implementing the state migration policy of the Russian Federation in 2026–2030. It is based on the analysis of current practices regulating the entry into and exit from the Russian Federation of foreign citizens and stateless persons, the terms of their stay and residence in Russia, migration registration procedures, granting of temporary asylum in Russia, and the acquisition of Russian citizenship, as well as on the modern understanding of national and global issues of international migration.

The legal basis of the Concept is formed by the Constitution of the Russian Federation, generally recognised principles and norms of international law, international treaties of the Russian Federation, and Russian legislation.

Corresponding instructions have been given to the Government of the Russian Federation.

Regional authorities and local self-government bodies are advised to be guided by the provisions of the Concept in carrying out their activities in the sphere of migration.

Executive Order on marking the 90th anniversary of Yury Luzhkov’s birth

2025年10月16日T13:24:56+04:00

The President signed Executive Order On Marking the 90^th Anniversary of the Birth of Yury Luzhkov.

In connection with the upcoming 90^th anniversary of the birth of Yury Luzhkov to be marked next year, the President resolved to hold events dedicated to this occasion in 2026.

The corresponding instructions have been issued to the Government of the Russian Federation.

* * *

Russian statesman and political figure Yury Luzhkov (1936–2019) served as Mayor of Moscow from 1992 to 2010.

Meeting with Government members

2025年10月15日T22:53:28+04:00

Vladimir Putin held a videoconference meeting with Government members.

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin delivered a report on the main topic of the meeting: road construction. Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Fayzullin reported on the start of the heating season and the country's utilities readiness for the coming winter; Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexei Chekunkov briefed the meeting on the progress of supplying essential goods to Russia's northern territories; Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut gave details on this year's harvesting campaign and efforts to ensure Russia's food security.

The meeting was held on the eve of Road Workers’ Day and Motor and City Passenger Transport Workers’ Day.

During the meeting, Vladimir Putin took part in the ceremony for launching several road infrastructure facilities across the country. In the Republic of Karelia, a section of the A-215 motorway connecting the region with the Leningrad and Vologda regions was reopened after major repairs. In the Republic of Tatarstan, a bypass road around Sokury – the main exit from Kazan to the M-12 motorway – was inaugurated. In the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area, the southern bypass around Surgut, including a bridge across the Ob River, was officially opened.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon,

We are meeting ahead of two professional holidays in the transport industry: Road Workers’ Day and Motor and City Passenger Transport Workers’ Day.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone working in these important sectors. Thank you for your responsible attitude, professionalism, and dedication. Special words of gratitude – and we always highlight this on such occasions – go to the veteran workers of the road and motor transport industry.

The quality of life for millions of people, the development of trade and logistics, tourism, industry, businesses, our cities and communities, and rural areas – in short, the entire country – directly depend on reliable and uninterrupted transportation.

I would like to note that motor transport ranks first in terms of freight volume, and its share continues to grow. This has been made possible, in particular, by the accelerated pace of road infrastructure upgrading in recent years. This is a trend that must definitely be maintained.

Roads are not only vital for transport and logistics but also play a major role in the growth of automobile tourism which is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the development of high-speed motorways such as the M-4, M-12, and M-11 Neva. It is therefore essential that all planned road construction projects be completed.

By 2030, at least 85 percent of federal motorways and roads in major urban areas, as well as roads forming Russia’s backbone network, must meet established standards. At least 60 percent of regional motorways must comply with requirements and standards.

I expect the Government, as well as municipal and regional authorities, road construction and transport companies, relevant research organisations to continue working consistently and in coordination to upgrade the road system, develop international transport routes, improve passenger traffic, and more actively introduce state-of-the-art IT solutions and high environmental standards.

Let me reiterate: all these measures are vital for the sustainable development of the regions and the entire country, and for achieving our key objective – improvement in living standards.

Today, we are taking another step in this major, comprehensive undertaking by opening a number of new road infrastructure facilities.

These include a section of the A-215 motorway in the Republic of Karelia, the Sokury bypass in the Republic of Tatarstan, and the southern bypass around Surgut with a bridge across the Ob River in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area. I congratulate everyone on these important achievements.

Before giving the floor to our colleagues from the regions, I would like to ask Mr Khusnullin to report on the measures being implemented to develop the country’s road infrastructure. After that, we will get down to our regular agenda.

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