Brussels, 29 March 2025
Trip to Murmansk – 6thInternational Arctic Forum: The Arctic – Territory of Dialogue
March 28, 2025 at 3:12 PM
At the beginning of his working trip to Murmansk, Vladimir Putin visited the Defenders of the Arctic memorial. The President laid flowers at the monument to the Defenders of the Soviet Arctic during the Great Patriotic War.
The President chaired a meeting on the development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and the Arctic Transport Corridor. Vladimir Putin was also shown master plans for backbone communities in the Russian Arctic Zone.
The President addressed the plenary session of the 6thInternational Arctic Forum, The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue, and had a working meeting with Murmansk Region Governor Andrei Chibis.
During his visit to Atomflot, Vladimir Putin took part, via videoconference, in the official ceremony to launch the new nuclear-powered submarine Perm. He inspected the Arkhangelsk nuclear-powered cruiser submarine and spoke with its crew.
Additionally, the President visited the Atomflot Maritime Operations Centre and spoke with participants in the Icebreakers of Knowledge, a Rosatom programme for children’s research and educational expeditions to the North Pole.
Also, Vladimir Putin took part, via videoconference, in a ceremony to launch the coal shipment operations from the Lavna transshipment terminal.
Source – The Russian Kremlin: Visit Website
The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue international forum
Mar 27, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Vladimir Putin addressed a plenary session of the 6th International Arctic Forum, The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue
International Arctic Forum is a key platform to discuss current issues regarding the comprehensive development of Arctic territories, establishing effective mechanisms for the joint use and exploration of the Arctic region’s abundant resources at various levels.
In 2025, the forum’s events are being held in Murmansk on March 26–27 under the motto “To Live in the North!”
* * *
President of Russia Vladimir Putin:
Colleagues, friends, ladies and gentlemen.
I welcome the participants and guests of the 6thInternational Forum, The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue.For the first time, it is being hosted by Murmansk – the capital of the Russian Arctic, a Hero City, which is developing dynamically today, as are our other northern cities and regions, while launching landmark projects for the entire country.
Russia is the largest Arctic power. We have consistently advocated for equitable cooperation in the region, encompassing scientific research, biodiversity protection, climate issues, emergencies response, and, of course, the economic and industrial development of the Arctic. We are prepared to collaborate not only with Arctic states but with all who, like us, share responsibility for ensuring a stable and sustainable future for the planet and are capable of adopting balanced decisions for decades to come.
Regrettably, international cooperation in northern latitudes is currently facing significant challenges. In the past few years, numerous Western nations have opted for confrontation, cutting off economic connections with Russia and ceasing scientific, educational, and cultural exchanges. Discussions on safeguarding Arctic ecosystems have come to a standstill. Politicians, party leaders, and even the so-called greens in some Western countries address their citizens and electorates about the significance of the climate agenda and environmental conservation, yet in practice, their policies are entirely contradictory.
As a reminder, the Arctic Council was set up to cooperate in addressing environmental issues, to prevent emergencies above the Arctic Circle and to jointly respond to them if they emerge. However, this tool has degraded by now. Meanwhile, Russia did not refuse to communicate in this format – it was the choice of our Western partners, Western nations. As they say in such situations: Don’t do it if you don’t want it. We will work with those who want it.
Meanwhile, the role and importance of the Arctic for Russia and for the entire world are obviously growing. Regrettably, the geopolitical competition and fighting for positions in this region are also escalating.
Suffice it to say about the plans of the United States to annex Greenland, as everyone is aware. But you know, it can surprise someone only at first glance. It is a profound mistake to treat it as some preposterous talk by the new US administration. Nothing of the sort.
In fact, the United States had such plans as far back as 1860s. As early as that, the US administration was considering possible annexation of Greenland and Iceland. However, the idea did not enjoy support in the Congress then.
Let me remind you, by the way, that by 1868, the purchase of Alaska from Russia was ridiculed in the American press – it was called “madness,” “an ice box” and “President Andrew Johnson’s polar bear garden”. Therefore, the Greenland proposal failed.
But that acquisition, I mean the purchase of Alaska, is probably viewed very differently in the United States today, just as President Andrew Johnson’s actions are.
Thus what is happening today is not really surprising, particularly since this story only began back then, and it went on and on. In 1910, for example, a trilateral land swap deal was negotiated between the United States, Germany and Denmark. As a result, Greenland would have gone to the United States but the deal fell through then.
During World War II, the United States stationed military bases in Greenland to protect it from Nazi takeover. After the war, the United States suggested Denmark should sell the island. This was quite recently in terms of world history.
In short, the United States has serious plans regarding Greenland. These plans have long historical roots, as I have just mentioned, and it is obvious that the United States will continue to consistently advance its geo-strategic, military-political and economic interests in the Arctic.
As to Greenland, this is an issue that concerns two specific nations and has nothing to do with us. But at the same time, of course, we are concerned about the fact that NATO countries are increasingly often designating the Far North as a springboard for possible conflicts and are practicing the use of troops in these conditions, including by their “new recruits” – Finland and Sweden, with whom, incidentally, until recently we had no problems at all. They are creating problems with their own hands for some reason. Why? It is impossible to understand. But nevertheless, we will proceed from current realities and will respond to all this.
I must emphasise: Russia has never threatened anyone in the Arctic. However, we are closely monitoring developments in the region, formulating an appropriate response strategy, enhancing the combat capabilities of the Armed Forces, and modernising military infrastructure facilities.
We will not tolerate any encroachments on our country’s sovereignty and will steadfastly safeguard our national interests. By upholding peace and stability in the Arctic region, we will ensure its long-term socio-economic development, improve the quality of life for its residents, and preserve its unique natural environment.
The stronger our positions and the more substantial our achievements, the greater our opportunities will be to launch global international projects in the Arctic involving partner nations, friendly states, and perhaps even Western countries – provided, however, that they demonstrate a genuine interest in cooperative efforts.I am confident that the time for such projects will undoubtedly come.
Friends,
The Arctic Zone accounts for over a quarter of the Russian Federation’s territory. Nearly two and a half million our citizens live and work here, making a significant contribution to the nation’s progress. Current estimates indicate that the Arctic generates 7 percent of Russia’s gross domestic product and approximately 11 percent of our exports. At the same time, we see enormous potential for the region’s further comprehensive development. A critical priority is strengthening the Arctic’s transport and logistical framework.
Let me note that this year marks the 500thanniversary of the first historical records mentioning the daring concept proposed by Russian seafarers and Pomor trappers: a prospective trade route through the northern seas to the East, reaching China via the so-called Northeast Passage – the precursor to the Northern Sea Route.
Over the past decade, cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Route – spanning from the Kara Gates Strait to the Bering Strait – has substantially increased. In 2014, a mere four million tonnes of cargo were transported via this corridor. By last year, that figure had risen to nearly 38 million tonnes – five times the Soviet-era record. We anticipate, with confidence, that volumes will reach 70–100 million tonnes by 2030.
Yet our plans – in terms of cargo volumes, geographical reach, and expansion of the Arctic fleet – are far more ambitious. The Northern Sea Route is poised to become a pivotal segment of the Transarctic Transport Corridor, stretching from St Petersburg through Murmansk to Vladivostok. This corridor is designed to connect global industrial, agricultural, and energy hubs with consumer markets via a shorter, safer, and more economically viable route. This is widely acknowledged – experts across the East and West recognise its significance.
Cargo shipments along the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor are set to increase on the back of growing minerals production and the advanced processing of these resources right here in the Arctic, and due to rising international transits. I would like to stress the importance of linking this Trans-Arctic corridor with our domestic railway network everywhere from the northwest to Russia’s Far East, reaching all the way to the Baikal-Amur Mainline and the Trans-Siberian Railway.
By the way, even today the concept of building the Trans-Siberian Railway, which stretches across the entire country to the Pacific, exemplifies a strategic, forward-looking vision for us. It addressed not only the country’s immediate needs and circumstances but also took into account our national interests within a horizon of several centuries. We must be guided by this approach as we develop the Trans-Arctic corridor.
What are the priority objectives in this regard?
First, Russia already operates the world’s biggest icebreaker fleet. We must consolidate our leadership in this sector by building new-generation icebreakers, including nuclear icebreakers. Today, only Russia has them – no other country has a nuclear icebreaker fleet.
Four of these icebreakers belong to the latest Project 22220, and are already operating in the Arctic. Three more nuclear icebreakers from the same series – Chukotka, Leningrad and Stalingrad – are currently under construction. There is also the mighty 120 Mw icebreaker Rossiya. It will allow for more efficient year-round icebreaker support to large-tonnage ships in high latitudes.
Let me emphasise that icebreaker support costs and shipping costs for the Trans-Arctic Corridor in general must be competitive and acceptable to the market. This is a major prerequisite for guaranteeing that this route is relevant for businesses and creates added value for them. My colleagues from the Government and I have recently discussed these matters, and I fully agree that this offering must be competitive on the market.
Second, Russia is a sovereign nation, and as such it needs a merchant fleet of its own in the Arctic, including cargo, search and rescue ships for operating shipments in northern seas, as well as within our internal waters in the Arctic. We must recognise that for now we cannot rely exclusively on our domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
In this connection, we must work on all fronts by building and ordering ships that have already been built, working with manufacturers around the world and developing the domestic shipbuilding industry based on the strategic objectives we have.
Of course, this message is primarily intended for the Government: we must support our shipbuilding corporations and shipyards in their efforts to upgrade and expand their capabilities and build international manufacturing chains. I also ask the Government to review opportunities for building new, cutting-edge, advanced, high-technology shipyards in Russia.
Third, Russian shipping companies that transport petroleum products and liquefied natural gas are already successfully operating in the northern seas. Now we need to create enabling conditions for effective domestic operators who will be shipping containers, coal, bulk and other goods across the Arctic. We are also open to create joint ventures in this segment. International logistics operators could make profitable investments in such companies. Moreover, in addition to capital and technology, they could contribute part of their merchant fleet to such projects.
Fourth, plans are in place to increase the capacity and turnover of our northern ports through the introduction of innovative and environmentally friendly solutions, including unmanned and automated cargo handling equipment. This will happen soon enough. For example, the capacity of the Murmansk transport hub should be amplified at least three times over in the next few years due to the construction of new terminals and the expansion of railway links.
I would like to add that our partners from Belarus, China, the United Arab Emirates and other countries are showing keen interest in this project and in the development of the Arctic transport infrastructure in general. It is a very interesting undertaking from a business point of view.
We plan to create large multimodal hubs to operate as key logistics centres of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor. Not only will these hubs serve as ports where convoys of ships are formed or Russian and foreign cargos are handled; they will include industrial facilities for the production of manufactured goods.
To improve the logistical stability of the Trans-Arctic Corridor, I ask the Government to draft plans to expand the capacity of existing seaports in the Arctic, and decide where on the Arctic coast new ports should be built, and how soon the adjacent infrastructure needs to be developed. I am primarily referring to the links between the sea harbours and the national railway network.
In this regard, fifth, we will need to develop the Arctic Operating Domain – similar to the Eastern Operating Domain, which includes the Baikal-Amur Mainline and the Trans-Siberian Railway. The project must include the modernisation of the Northern Railway in the Komi Republic and the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area.
We are aware of the situation at Russian Railways today; we know what challenges the company is facing. However, we need to think about what I just said, about the development of the Northern Railway – and we need to start today.
What opportunities will this open? The regions of Siberia, the Urals, and Russia’s North-West will receive direct access to the North, to the Arctic ports, which will lessen the load on the Trans-Siberian Railway and promote effective use of sea transport. In addition, there will be new points of access to the Arctic from the North-South corridor, which connects us with Central Asia and the Gulf states.
Source – The Russian Kremlin: Visit Website
Meeting on the development of the Arctic Zone and the Arctic Transport Corridor
Mar 27, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting on the development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and the Arctic Transport Corridor.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin:
Good afternoon, colleagues.
Today, we are convening and working in Murmansk – the largest city beyond the Arctic Circle – to comprehensively discuss the development of the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route.
I would note that both the city itself and the Murmansk Region serve as an example of dynamic, progressive development for all Arctic regions. Here, large-scale and in many ways unique industrial and logistics projects are being implemented, such as the construction centre for large-tonnage marine structures in Belokamenka, the development and modernisation of the Murmansk transport hub, including the opening of new terminals and the expansion of railway approaches.
Furthermore, Murmansk is the home port of Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet. As is well known, it plays a decisive role in the exploration of Arctic shipping routes and the Arctic as a whole. Finally, the Kola Peninsula hosts our most powerful Northern Fleet, which safeguards Russia’s Arctic frontiers.
Earlier today, I met with colleagues who shared updates. Yesterday, I discussed these matters with the leadership of the Defence Ministry, and the Chief of the General Staff [Valery Gerasimov] reported on the performance of our sailors in combat – I wish to once again thank everyone for their service and the courage demonstrated by Northern Fleet personnel during the special military operation.
I reiterate: in the Arctic, this strategic and vital region for us, we face large-scale and systemic tasks. We must strengthen transport and logistics infrastructure, expand economic and business opportunities while ensuring the mandatory protection of the Arctic’s fragile ecosystems.
It is imperative to persistently improve urban environments, develop residential areas in the Far North, and comprehensively enhance the quality of life for residents. This includes providing meaningful, well-paid employment, modern education and healthcare systems, and ensuring that living in the Arctic is truly comfortable and attractive.
Clearly, addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach, well-defined long-term plans, and the combined efforts of federal ministries, regional teams, business and academic communities, and public associations.
This work is underway within the Government and the Marine Board. I am aware that prior to today’s meeting, events were held by a specially established State Council Commission on the Northern Sea Route and the Arctic, chaired by Governor of the Murmansk Region Andrei Chibis.
These platforms are fostering discussions on the Arctic’s strategic development and preparing proposals for our review today. At the same time, I urge participants to focus on achieving concrete financial, executive, and legislative decisions following these deliberations.
Let me remind you: we previously agreed with the Government on the need to finalise a detailed development model for the Northern Sea Route, ensuring that its cargo flows are supported by infrastructure and fleet. Organisational aspects were to be resolved. Regrettably, decisions on this matter remain pending, and the model has yet to be formulated. I draw my colleagues’ attention to this.
Undoubtedly, we must account for current objective problems, challenges, and constraints. However, this must not delay the launch of development projects critical to the Arctic and Russia as a whole. Colleagues, I ask that today’s reports be guided by these considerations.
Let us begin. The floor is yours, Mr Trutnev. Please proceed.
Source – The Russian Kremlin: Visit Website
Visit to Atomflot Maritime Operations Headquarters
Mar 28, 2025 at 12:34 PM
At the Atomflot enterprise, the President familiarised himself with the work of the Maritime Operations Headquarters, which supports safe navigation on the Northern Sea Route.General Director of the Main Directorate of the Northern Sea Route (GlavSevmorput) Sergei Zybko briefed the President on the headquarters’ operations.
Vladimir Putin spoke, via videoconference, with captain of the Arktika nuclear-powered icebreaker Alexander Skryabin and the crew.
Director General of Rosatom Alexei Likhachev reported on the possibilities of low-capacity nuclear power generation.
In addition, the President met, on the premises of Atomflot, with participants of Rosatom’s children’s scientific and educational expeditions to the North Pole.
Director General of Rosatom Alexei Likhachev:
Mr President,
Let me introduce you to the Maritime Operations Headquarters, Main Directorate of the Northern Sea Route, Glavsevmorput. This control centre for all maritime traffic on the Northern Sea Route was established in 2022. Historically, Glavsevmorput is the Main Directorate of the Northern Sea Route, first under the USSR Council of People’s Commissars, and then under the USSR Council of Ministers.
Legendary figures, Otto Schmidt and Ivan Papanin, were its first heads. Sergei Zybko, former commander of a Northern Fleet submarine and later captain of Christophe de Margerie gas carrier, heads Glavsevmorput today.
I would like to give him the floor now, if I may.
General Director of Glavsevmorput Sergei Zybko:
Mr President,
Mr Likhachev has said a few words about history earlier. Yes, a law was signed, and in 2022 the Main Directorate of the Northern Sea Route was created. That year marked the 90thanniversary of the legendary sea crossing – Otto Schmidt’s expedition when the first passage from Arkhangelsk to the Bering Strait was completed in one shipping season. This is, without a doubt, a great achievement. In 1932, the Main Directorate of the Northern Sea Route was established. As we pay tribute to it and appreciate its achievements, we decided to give its successor the same name.
Mr President, you are now at the Maritime Operations Headquarters of the NSR Main Directorate which carries out the same functions as the space flight control centre for space missions. Our directorate controls everything on the Northern Sea Route. All information – ship traffic, satellite and analytical ice charts, and weather information, as well as dispatch messages from ships – end up here.
All of the above makes it possible to carry out our mission which is to ensure safe navigation along the Northern Sea Route.
Safety depends on proper alignment of icebreakers, the routes that we have developed, and monitoring vessel traffic. We use the multimedia screen to monitor all vessels online. At this point, there are 50 vessels in the NSR waters that are highlighted in red on the screen, and nine nuclear and non-nuclear icebreakers are in operation as well.
Note that active shipping is carried out in the western part of the Northern Sea Route, the Kara Sea.(Points to the screen.)Look at that point. This is the nuclear-powered icebreaker Ural. It is now working on NOVATEK’s Yamal LNG which is one of our key projects, and it is waiting for the Rudolf Samoylovich vessel to arrive in order to take it through the sea channel.
In the Yenisei Gulf, the Arktika nuclear-powered icebreaker is waiting for the Aym motor vessel to arrive. Aym is about to finish unloading construction cargo in the Sever Bay for Rosneft-operated Vostok Oil project. Unloading for Vostok Oil is taking place not only at ports, but also on dedicated ice platforms. The time the river is covered with ice is the best period for delivering construction cargoes along the entire length of the pipeline construction. This cannot be done in the summer.
Mr President, every voyage is important to us, as we need to gradually ease the Northern Sea Route into operation and set it in motion. We have performed some unique pilotage projects. In 2024, the largest container ship operated by a Chinese company passed along the NSR for the first time, and while the usual passage time is from seven to ten days, that container ship made it in five days and 21 hours. We have experience in piloting large-capacity vessels. Regular gas carriers carry 75,000 tonnes. The largest vessel to travel the Northern Sea Route, the bulk carrier Jingo, transported twice the amount, 164,500 tonnes.
Mr President, I would like to point out that you have been watching the demonstration of the headquarters’ operation on Russian software, on the unified digital services platform.
The satellite radar imagery layer is displayed on the screen at the moment. We have begun to use artificial intelligence to analyse these images. This is one of the processed images. You can clearly see the water, which is dark blue, and the ice, which is light blue.
It should be noted that the ice situation has deteriorated over the past few years, and the conditions have become more challenging. Although there is much discussion today about global warming and ice melting in the Arctic, the recent findings by the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute have not confirmed this. According to their observations, no significant changes in the ice cover are expected in the winter-spring period until 2050.
Vladimir Putin:
In other words, the navigation period will not become longer?
Sergei Zybko:
No, it will not. And not only that, but this year, we had ice in that area which did not melt below Wrangel Island.
Vladimir Putin:
Yes, I was told that it was blown by the winds.
Sergei Zybko:
And it never melted. In fact, it has served as a cold generator, and the route we have been using for years has changed.
Vladimir Putin: So, until 2050, you do not see any signs that navigation will be longer than it is now, do you?
Sergei Zybko:
No, we do not expect it.
Vladimir Putin:
Interesting.
Sergei Zybko:
We might not yet have enough data to draw long-term conclusions. What we see now, and what scientists say, is objective.
Vladimir Putin:
Thank you. That is where the icebreaker Leader should help, right?
Sergei Zybko:
Oh, yes, the Leader will help tremendously. As the captain of the Margerie, I know how important it is that the width of the icebreaker coincides with the width of the vessel. If that is the case, we will be able to save a great deal on the operation of ships when there are no additional loads on the hull of a gas carrier or an oil tanker. My golden dream. I didn’t see it come as the captain of the Margerie, but hopefully, I will witness it as the general director of Glavsevmorput.
Mr President, as it happens, our primary source of information for route planning has been radar satellite imagery from Sentinel, a satellite operated by the European Space Agency. For obvious reasons, there are problems with obtaining these images. While we are finding ways to bypass these issues, the images are not always available for the areas we need for navigation. Consequently, we must purchase imagery from China. We are aware that Roscosmos is working on this, with satellites such as Condor, currently operating in test mode. We eagerly anticipate receiving these images for our work.
Yes, there is a problem with obtaining ice data, but we have alternative methods. One of these new options…
Vladimir Putin:
Excuse me, but are you prepared to pay for our images the same way you pay our Chinese friends?
Sergei Zybko:
We do not pay the Europeans, but we do pay the Chinese. If Roscosmos presents a reasonable commercial offer, we will certainly pay, no less than we pay the Chinese.
Vladimir Putin:
Yes, that is the concern. I understand this is about precision. But what if all these conditions are satisfied? This is not just about Rosatom or Atomflot; it is about the economy as a whole. If everyone receives these services for free, then Roscosmos will lack a financial foundation for development. This is a matter that requires careful consideration.
Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin:
We have adopted a law that allows for paid services.
Vladimir Putin:
Yes, the law permitting this has been adopted, and now we need to take the next step.
Sergei Zybko:
Tactical ice reconnaissance using unmanned aircraft systems is one of these new options for obtaining data. Of course, it will not replace satellites.
Typically, when conducting reconnaissance under unclear navigation conditions and in the absence of satellite coverage, the icebreaker must leave the vessel in challenging conditions, navigate around, identify a route, and then return. This process takes both time and fuel.
Instead, the icebreaker can deploy a drone to capture an image and send it directly to the captain’s bridge. This data is also transmitted to our unified digital service platform, which is very important. I would like to note that icebreakers have been operating 365 days a year for the past two years, as Russian companies have already redirected three million tonnes of cargo from the Suez Canal to the Northern Sea Route during the summer-autumn period, and these are the results of the latest navigation. As I mentioned earlier, ice conditions remain challenging even in summer, and at times we do not have enough icebreakers. We recognise this need. Therefore, we believe that building more icebreakers is essential, as demand is high. We are already building bridges across rivers, even in areas with limited transport. Where icebreakers are present, traffic will increase.
I believe that captain of the Arktika nuclear-powered icebreaker Alexander Skryabin, to whom I am passing the floor, will agree with me. Like myself, he is a graduate of the Higher Naval School and served as an officer in the Soviet Navy.
Please give him the floor.
Vladimir Putin:
Please, Mr Skryabin.
Captain of the Arktika nuclear-powered icebreaker Alexander Skryabin:
Mr President, good evening.
I fully agree with Mr Zybko. We need to build icebreakers, particularly universal nuclear-powered icebreakers.
At present, the flagship multipurpose nuclear-powered icebreaker Arktika is in the Kara Sea, the Yenisei Gulf, waiting for the Aym motor vessel to be ready to leave the port of Sever Bay in order to pilot it to the western ice edge in the vicinity of Cape Zhelaniya, the northern end of Novaya Zemlya.
The weather report is as follows: temperature outside is six degrees below zero, south winds 12–15 m/s, and visibility is about two kilometres. It is snowing. Ice depth in the area of the icebreaker is about two metres for shore ice and up to 1.5 metres for sea ice.
Mr President, the hardest period of navigation is about to start in the water area. The ice will stop growing thicker only in May when low temperatures will start going away. Effective operation of the Northern Sea Route in these harsh conditions can be ensured only with the help of the nuclear-powered icebreakers.
Mr President, all of us here, sailors of the icebreaker fleet, Baltic Shipyard shipbuilders and, I am sure, all shippers can see and sense your direct and immediate involvement in expanding the NSR nuclear icebreaker fleet and the Arctic region as a whole. Thank you very much for that.
Mr President, as a long-time sailor and captain, I can say with confidence that multi-purpose nuclear-powered icebreakers are excellent vessels. For more than 13 years I was captain of the nuclear-powered icebreaker Vaygach. I can say that the new-generation icebreakers are much better in terms of manoeuvrability and, accordingly, passability. Project 22220 is one of a kind. These icebreakers have enhanced bow outlines. As was mentioned earlier, they leave a much wider trail of open water behind them, which is critical for safe piloting in the Arctic latitudes. I believe these multi-purpose nuclear-powered icebreakers will make the Northern Sea Route Russia’s effective transport artery.
That concludes my report.
President Putin:
Thank you, Mr Skryabin.
The new ones are better than the ones that we had before. It is the way it should be and it is excellent news. I hope that the ships we will build later… How many are we building now?
Alexei Likhachev:
Four are operating, and four more are under construction.
President Putin:
And there should be the fifth one, correct?
Alexei Likhachev:
Correct.
President Putin:
And you haven’t come up with a name for it yet?
Alexei Likhachev:
No. We have Leningrad and Stalingrad under construction at this point. We are asking for two more, seventh and eighth, but we have yet to decide on the names.
Mr President, may I add something to what the captain just said? All I need is a minute of your time.
President Putin:
Of course, go ahead.
Alexei Likhachev:
They are well aware of it but clearly take it for granted. After all, your visit in 2000, in April, when you visited the Rossiya icebreaker, also resulted in an instruction to develop a Project 22220 icebreaker. The decision to develop this project was made back then.
Your second visit in 2007 resulted in an instruction to begin the construction. So, this entire new family of icebreakers that are unmatched in the world has its roots in your instructions. Of course, sailors remember that, and all the books that you signed are kept in the museum. We very much hope that this visit of yours will give another boost to continued expansion of the nuclear icebreaker fleet.
President Putin:
We will do just that.
Source – The Russian Kremlin: Visit Website
Vladimir Putin visited Arkhangelsk nuclear-powered cruiser submarine
The President toured the cruiser’s control centre, the crew quarters and weapons storage facilities, and also spoke with the crew members
Presidential Aide Alexei Dyumin and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Alexander Moiseyev accompanied Vladimir Putin aboard the cruiser, while the submarine commander, Alexander Gladkov, provided details.
The Arkhangelsk nuclear-powered cruiser submarine is a Project 885M Yasen-M ship, the latest fourth-generation multipurpose nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying any sea-launched missiles and effectively hitting targets both at sea and on land.
The Arkhangelsk joined the Russian Navy on December 27, 2024. Its crew has recently completed its basic training and is now ready to carry out its duties at sea.
* * *
Meeting with crew members of the Arkhangelsk cruiser submarine
President of Russia Vladimir Putin:
Comrades, good evening.
I am glad to see you all. It is a pleasure for me to once again visit a missile cruiser like this, or any missile ship. This is my first time on a missile-carrying submarine of this kind. I have visited other submarines, as you probably know, and taken part in their exercises. But your submarine is special since it is our latest model.
You see, we launched its construction in 2015, launched it in 2023 and the cruiser was handed over to the Armed Forces and joined the Navy in 2024. This, I must say, is a very solid timeframe for complex units like this one. This is a state-of-the-art vessel.
We saw another submarine of this kind today and took part in its launch. It is quite similar, while adding the capability to carry and launch the Zircon missiles, which is something we can be proud of. After all, to some extent, the Zircon missiles can be viewed as strategic weapons. What range do they have? Is it 1,200?
Remark:
There are two versions, and one of them has a slightly bigger range.
Vladimir Putin:
I see. Considering how effective, precise and fast this weapon is, it can certainly be considered a strategic system.
We are aware of the role of the Navy. Russia has been a major naval power for centuries, and we will do our utmost to maintain this status, building new naval surface vessels and submarines and improving their performance. They must meet modern requirements while remaining combat-ready and effective in the immediate – in every sense of the word – historical perspective, because these weapons that should serve our country for decades, form the basis of our strategic security.
We will do everything towards this, just as we will do everything necessary to train professionals like you. These are one-of-a-kind men, if I may say so. Their jobs call for a special character and readiness to implement any tasks to ensure national security. You are such people. I have no doubt about that.
The traditions of our Navy were established long ago, and you continue to honour them. There is a special bond in the brotherhood of naval officers, especially in the submarine fleet.
I would like to congratulate you on being appointed to serve on this warship, our most modern vessel armed with the latest equipment and capable of fulfilling a wide range of missions. You know this better than many, but it is an extremely important issue. You can work against surface and submerged targets, as well as stationary ground targets. It is difficult to name the tasks which our missile carriers or similar warships cannot fulfil. They can do anything, and we will continue to improve all their capabilities. I have just now spoken with the commander-in-chief, your commander. Everything must be adjusted to modern and future requirements. We must look to the future.
I am happy to see you. I congratulate you on being appointed to serve here. As I have said when we were outside, I also congratulate all our naval personnel on today’s event, the launch of the Perm, a new submarine of the same class.
If you have any questions, I will be happy to take them. Please.
Commander-in-Chief of the Navy Alexander Moiseyev:
Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief, allow me to give the floor to the submarine commander.
Vladimir Putin:
Yes, certainly.
Submarine commander Alexander Gladkov:
I would like to say a few words about our so-called exposition, the four submarines, all named Arkhangelsk.
The first battleship named Arkhangelsk was transferred to the Soviet Navy as part of war reparations in 1944 and remained in service under that name until 1949.
The next warship named Arkhangelsk was the K-525, the leading submarine of Project 949, which remained in the Navy until 1996. After it, the name Arkhangelsk was bestowed on the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine TK-17 Arkhangelsk. You know about it. Our submarine of the Yasen-M class (Project 885M) is the fourth vessel to be named Arkhangelsk.
Mikhail Lakomkin:
Mr President,
Commander of the damage control division, Lieutenant-Commander Lakomkin. The Arkhangelsk crew members are proud to be part of the glorious Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Currently, the crew is undergoing combat training and is preparing to perform important missions at sea. Work is progressing according to plan, and I am confident that the crew and our cruiser will be ready to fulfil their mission once it is assigned.
A cruiser of this generation is our source of pride, as few countries in the world are capable of building such a formidable weapon.
Could you please comment on the future prospects and plans for the development of the Russian Navy?
Vladimir Putin:
Do not worry. As I said, it is our belief that the Navy is one of the main guarantees of Russia’s state security and global strategic stability, because there is a certain strategic balance between Russia and the United States, and we will treat this balance with the utmost care. We will act in a measured and timely manner.
Historically, Russia has faced certain challenges at all times. Being a land power, with a huge territory, there is still a reason that Russia began shaping its traditions of shipbuilding and the Navy under Peter the Great. In fact, some of them existed even before that, but Peter the Great created a solid foundation to rely on, which was new. We, in turn, will make every effort to preserve this major component of the Russian Armed Forces, and to strengthen it.
We have just witnessed the launch of the fifth Project Yasen-M cruiser. Plans are in place to build five more such ships and three more Borei-A ships. However, our plans for the development of the Armed Forces and the Navy are not limited to this. Other plans call for building surface ships and strategic missile carriers.
I will not go into details now. There are different opinions and different approaches to achieving our ambitious plans. Still, disputes and debates among researchers, designers, the Armed Forces, and various enterprises are part of a positive process aimed at choosing the best, optimal ways to develop the Navy. This is what we need to do.
I will not go into details now, although I am deeply immersed in them. The commander knows – we do not meet as often as we should, but this discussion is ongoing nonetheless, and decisions are also made eventually. This is not just about adjusting our respective stances – these discussions lead to decisions on the development of the Navy. We made long-term, future-oriented decisions, for decades to come – until 2050 and beyond.
In response to my instructions, a strategy for the development of the Navy is currently being drafted, along with a programme for the construction of surface ships and submarines until 2050. You will be part of this work as well.
There was no irony in what I just said. I meant it seriously, because feedback from those who operate the equipment – ships in this case – drives our future development plans. I hope that during your service, if you notice something or have an idea, please share it. We will be glad to hear your practical comments.
Mikhail Lakomkin:
Thank you.
Vladimir Putin:
You are welcome.
Anton Frolov:
Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
Communications department commander, Captain III rank Frolov.
Submariners like us have an important mission when it comes to ensuring our national security. That said, we also understand that the main objective right now for all of us and for the country in general is to fulfil the objectives of the special military operation.
Could you share your assessment of the latest developments and how the special military operation has been unfolding?
Vladimir Putin:
Of course, I can.
To put it briefly, we are gradually moving towards achieving all the objectives we set for ourselves at the start of the operation. Some would have liked these advances to happen at a quicker pace, but we have gathered steady momentum and have been confidently advancing our positions. But I would like to frame this question in a different way.
What I want to say is that we were not the ones who started or launched hostilities. It all started in the wake of the 2014 coup d’etat in Ukraine. Western countries supported it, and this was how hostilities broke out in southeastern Ukraine.
We tried to resolve these issues by peaceful means for eight years. Taking Crimea and its people, as well as the people of Sevastopol under our wing was something we had to do. And we went to great lengths and were unrelenting in our efforts to resolve all matters concerning Donbass and Lugansk by peaceful means.
It turned out, and everyone knows this today, that both the Ukrainian authorities and their Western curators were unfortunately misleading us and trying to trick us. Former leaders who used to stand at the helm of several leading Western nations, including former President of France Hollande and Ms Merkel, the former German Chancellor, stated openly that they needed these Minsk agreements merely to deliver more weapons to the Ukrainian regime and to prepare it for a military confrontation with Russia. However, during these eight years, the people in Donbass, Lugansk and Donetsk faced outright genocide, and I mean real genocide. But the Ukrainian regime’s Western curators preferred to turn a blind eye to these developments, forcing us to try to stop the war which started in 2014 by military means. We were not the ones who started it.
By the way, even when the armed conflict escalated into open confrontation in 2022, we were still offering to settle all the outstanding issues by peaceful means. Moreover, as I have said many times, we reached an agreement with Ukraine during our talks in Istanbul. I must mention that we had an agreement on matters that are being raised all the time these days and are viewed as something impossible. I am referring to de-Nazifying and demilitarising efforts. In fact, we had a deal on these issues, and it was all set forth in the agreement, I mean its draft. Ukraine’s head negotiator initialled a summary of this document. They initialled and signed this document, which means that it was acceptable to them.
We know what happened next. After that, their European curators arrived, including former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who convinced the Ukrainian leadership to keep fighting until there are virtually no Ukrainians left and to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.
He probably forgot that we have crews like the one you are in, and that we have means like this submarine. He probably forgot, or maybe they ignore altogether what the Russian people represent, what they stand for and what they have in their hearts and souls when it comes to defending their Fatherland.
Overall, we can clearly see what is happening right now. Our troops have the strategic initiative along the entire contact line. Only recently, I said that we would squeeze them into a corner, but now we have reason to believe that we are set to finish them off. I think that people in Ukraine need to realise what is going on.
Our Armed Forces have been gathering momentum and acting increasingly effectively. Major General Mikhail Gudkov, who took part in combat action, can tell you about it.
He commands the Pacific Fleet’s 155th Naval Infantry Brigade. I believe that this is one of the best brigades in our Armed Forces. The Defence Minister and the Chief of the General Staff believe that Major General Gudkov’s achievements must be replicated across our Armed Forces, primarily by the naval infantry units, which have been quite effective in combat. They are actually very good. It would not be an exaggeration to say that these are elite units within the Armed Forces, just like the paratroopers and the special operations units.
Although I should note that earlier today, just before arriving here, I received another report from the Chief of the General Staff. Other units of the Armed Forces have gained significant momentum.
Regarding the marines, I have already stated that they are performing superbly. Since both the Defence Minister and the Chief of the General Staff believe that your experience should be replicated across other units, I have decided to transfer you to a new position, elevating your level of responsibility. You are hereby appointed Deputy Commander of the Navy of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
Mikhail Gudkov:
Aye, Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
Vladimir Putin:
Please, be seated.
Your area of responsibility will include command over all Marine Infantry of the Navy, as well as all missile and artillery coastal forces.
The task is straightforward yet extensive: despite the fact that all marines are demonstrating exemplary performance, these units must be brought to the same level of combat readiness and effectiveness that you have achieved with the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade of the Pacific Fleet.
Additionally, the General Staff of the Defence Ministry has approved a programme to reorganise the Marine Infantry. We will gradually transition brigades into Marine Infantry divisions. This year, two divisions, including the 155th Brigade, will be established; next year, two more divisions; and the following year, another division.
This is a major undertaking that requires, first and foremost, the organisation of combat training, informed by your experience in commanding the 155th Marine Infantry Brigade of the Pacific Fleet during active operations. Consideration must be given to structural changes as brigades transition into divisions, as well as to weaponry, communications systems, and other matters. In essence, this constitutes a substantial endeavour.
I will shortly outline further immediate steps. The Commander has endorsed this proposal, and I am confident that you will succeed. I wish you good luck.
As regards the situation along the line of contact, let me reiterate, emphasise: across the entire frontline, the strategic initiative lies unequivocally with the Russian Armed Forces.
The Lugansk People’s Republic has been 99 percent liberated, while the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions stand at over 70 percent. Our forces, our troops, are advancing daily, liberating territory after territory, area after area.
Ivan Domnin:
Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
Petty Officer II class Ivan Domnin. Today, the entire world’s attention is focused on the negotiations between Russia and the United States. Unexpectedly, we have begun dialogue and rapprochement with our main rival. If possible, I would like to hear first-hand about the progress and the outcomes of these talks.
Vladimir Putin:
Do not concern yourself with this; simply carry out your service and fulfil your duty. (Laughter.)
That was a joke. I understand that everyone in the world and in our country is closely following these developments. In this regard, I would like to state – first and foremost – that, in my view, the newly elected President of the United States sincerely wishes to end this conflict for a number of reasons – I will not list them now, as they are numerous. But in my opinion, this aspiration is genuine.
It is clear that the conflict I have just mentioned and briefly characterised in terms of recent developments, remains complex and requires thorough discussion and consideration.
We stand for resolving all these issues by peaceful means, as I have just stated, reinforcing the measures we have taken from the very beginning – first, second, and third.
Therefore, we advocate resolving these issues through peaceful means, but with the elimination of the root causes that have led to the current situation. We must undoubtedly ensure Russia’s security from the long-term historical perspective. Any step taken to achieve this objective will be welcomed by us, and we will work with any partners who strive towards this goal. This includes not only the United States but also the People’s Republic of China, India, Brazil, South Africa, all BRICS nations, and many others, such as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, with which we have a signed treaty. Article 4 of this treaty outlines in detail our mutual obligations for support. Cooperation with this country is also progressing in both military-technical and defence spheres.
We are prepared to work with Europe as well, despite their inconsistent behaviour and constant attempts to lead us up the garden path. Nevertheless, we have grown accustomed to this. I trust we will avoid making mistakes rooted in excessive trust towards our so-called partners.
But in general, they have a problem over there, which is never highlighted, just mentioned in passing. I am highlighting it. What is it? Ultranationalists have had considerable influence in Ukraine from the start, in fact, since the collapse of the Soviet Union. These people hold openly neo-Nazi views, and they even use the term in Ukraine, so we were not the ones who invented it. Curiously, few people mention this now, either.
In 2017, the United States Congress added a provision to the government spending bill that prohibited financing or having any relations with units like the Azov militia unit. An American lawmaker directly described that paramilitary group as terrorist and anti-Semitic.
Moreover, although the amendment was not supported by the Senate at that time, in a year or two, its sponsors, including the oldest member of the US Congress, supported that legislation, and it was adopted by Congress. The US Congress recognised Azov as a terrorist, anti-Semitic, and neo-Nazi organisation.
Has anything changed since then? No. Essentially, Azov has not changed. It has remained the same. However, in 2022, the State Department decided that US military aid could go to that controversial unit because it had been integrated into the Armed Forces of Ukraine – apparently, the bill allowed this interpretation. The fact that it was integrated into the official armed forces changed nothing. Their views and actions remained the same as they were at the start.
If anything, it has become worse, because now they plan to strengthen these units, including Azov, and elevate them to divisions. This means that such people now have even more weapons at their disposal. They have more supporters, people they have persuaded to fight for them by implanting their views.
What happens next? As a result, the current civil authorities in Ukraine have no legitimacy in accordance with the country’s constitution. Ukraine has held no presidential election, while according to the constitution, all key officials are to be appointed by the president, including regional government bodies, governors and so on. So, if the president is illegitimate, so are all the others.
So, under these circumstances of de facto illegitimacy, neo-Nazi formations receive additional weapons and recruit new personnel. What does this lead to, what could it lead to? It results in de facto power being in their hands. This, in turn, means that it is already unclear with whom to sign documents and what effect such documents might carry, for tomorrow new leaders may come to power through elections and declare: “We do not know who signed those papers, so goodbye.”
The issue is not just this uncertainty; it is that these neo-Nazi formations, such as Azov, among others, are effectively beginning to run the country. This raises the question: how is it possible to conduct negotiations with them?
In such situations, international practice follows a well-established path. Within the framework of the United Nations peacekeeping operations, there have been several cases of what is termed external governance or temporary administration. This occurred in East Timor, I believe in 1999, in parts of the former Yugoslavia, and in New Guinea. In short, such precedents exist.
In principle, it would indeed be possible to discuss, under UN auspices with the United States and even European countries – and certainly with our partners and allies – the possibility of establishing a temporary administration in Ukraine. To what end? To conduct democratic elections, to bring to power a competent government that enjoys public trust, and only then to begin negotiations on a peace treaty and sign legitimate agreements that would be recognised worldwide as consistent and reliable.
This is just one option; I do not claim that others do not exist. They certainly do. At present, there is no opportunity – and perhaps no possibility – to lay out every detail, as the situation is evolving rapidly. But this remains a viable option, and such precedents exist within UN practice, as I have already noted.
Ultimately, we advocate for the resolution of all conflicts, including this one, through peaceful means. But not at our expense.
More questions? Feel free to ask.
Alexander Belyayev:
We, serving afloat, spend most of the time at sea, away from their families. When we are away, our families wait for us, living in closed towns at a considerable distance from the regional centre and big cities.
I would like to thank you for taking care of our families’ well-being and to ask you about your plans for the development of infrastructure in closed towns.
Vladimir Putin:
We discussed this issue today. Your commander-in-chief attended that meeting.
As you know, the economy and finance of our state can be described, thankfully, as satisfactory, to put it mildly. The situation is stable in terms of government finances and the economy as a whole.
Of course, there is never enough money. I do not remember in my current capacity over the past years anyone in charge of the economy and finance saying, “We have money to spare.” This never happens. On the other hand, when oil prices were high, we had enough money to keep it in a reserve fund. It had a different name, but this does not matter.
Overall, even when we had enough money to keep in reserve, it was never sufficient. Here is what I mean: if you do not keep money in reserve, you will have macroeconomic problems, including inflation. You must have a reserve fund, using the rest to devise programmes connected with budget spending.
The situation is the same now. It is stable and normal. With a 4.1 percent economic growth rate, Russia is the fourth largest country in the world in terms of the size of its economy and purchasing power parity. The top three are China, the United States and India, then Russia. All the other economies, including Japan and Germany, are smaller.
I am not talking about Great Britain, which is pouncing at us and otherwise behaving aggressively, while its economy is only the ninth or tenth largest. This explains the size of its armed forces, which 170,000 or 180,000 personnel. This is the armed forces Great Britain has.
What did I say? I said that you are always short of something. The commander-in-chief [of the Navy] attended a meeting today. As for the development of closed towns, the Closed Administrative-Territorial Unit, I believe that we have allocated over 39 billion rubles over the past two or three years for this purpose, for the development and improvement of these closed towns.
Alexander Moiseyev:
These funds have been allocated for 2024–2026.
Vladimir Putin:
Today I listened to what your commander-in-chief reported on the development plans for these closed towns in light of the growing size of our armed forces and navy, as well as the build-up of our ground forces.
That is why I have issued instructions for the Government and the Finance Ministry, which will implement them, to approve the allocation of at least ten billion rubles annually over the next few years.
I hope that our achievements are visible to all. I mean spending on kindergartens and schools, on the improvement of housing and utility services, your streets and courtyard spaces, etc. I hope this is something you can see.
Alexander Moiseyev:
Yes, absolutely.
Vladimir Putin:
Really?
Alexander Moiseyev:
Take my word for it.
Vladimir Putin:
But they [the sailors] are silent. (Laughter.)
Alexander Moiseyev:
They are modest people.
Vladimir Putin:
I see. In short, we will do it. We have a programme, and the funds will be earmarked for it.
Alexander Moiseyev:
Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief, I would like to express my gratitude to you. Thank you.
Vladimir Putin:
Thank you.
Source – The Russian Kremlin: Visit Website
Launch of the Perm nuclear-powered submarine
March 28, 2025 at 9:59 AM
During his visit to Atomflot, Vladimir Putin took part, via videoconference, in the official ceremony to launch the new nuclear-powered submarine Perm
The Perm is a fourth-generation multipurpose nuclear-powered, the sixth in a series of Project 885/885M Yasen-class submarines being constructed at Sevmash.
The Perm will become the first Project 885M nuclear-powered submarine to carry Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles.
* * *
Speech at the ceremony to launch the Perm nuclear-powered submarine
President of Russia Vladimir Putin:
Comrades,
I would like to congratulate Russia’s sailors and shipbuilders on this landmark event. Today, the Permnuclear-powered multipurpose submarine is being launched at the legendary Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk.
We continue with the serial production of modern missile submarines, and this is already the fifth Project Yasen-M nuclear-powered submarine. Next year, it is expected to join the Navy to embark on combat missions.
I want to thank the staff of the Malakhit Design Bureau, Sevmash shipbuilders and the teams at all affiliated enterprises for successfully completing their assignments and for their conscientious and high-quality work.
I would like to emphasise that Project Yasen-M missile submarines feature state-of-the-art navigation and communications systems, as well as advanced sonars. They also carry high-precision weapons and robotic systems. The Perm has become the first multipurpose submarine to carry Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles.
We have and will continue to strengthen the Navy, including its strategic component, while steadily increasing the pace and scale of construction for both surface warships and submarines across various projects, equipping them with the latest weapons, technology and communications systems.
These submarines and warships will enhance the power of our fleets, strengthen the security of Russia’s maritime borders and safeguard the Northern Sea Route. They will help uphold Russia’s national interests in various parts of the World Ocean, including the Arctic zone, which is gaining tremendous economic, logistical and transport significance amid growing global competition. We will continue to do everything in our power to reliably defend Russia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and to enhance its status as a leading maritime power.
I would like to congratulate you once again on this major, historic event. I wish the crew every success in serving Russia and our nation.
Thank you.
Source – The Russian Kremlin: Visit Website
Meeting with Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko
March 29, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Governor of the Leningrad Region Alexander Drozdenko.
Alexander Drozdenko began his report with support for participants in the special military operation and their families.He noted that people from the region were actively involved in the special military operation, in particular, serving in the named units such as the Leningradsky, Nevsky, and Ladozhsky battalions. The Leningrad Region has 84 regional measures to support SMO participants, their family members and especially children.A cluster for comprehensive rehabilitation and adaptation of participants in the special military operation, the first in the north-west, was created.It comprises a prosthetics and a rehabilitation centres. It also includes workshops and classes for retraining as well as an ice arena and a swimming pool. Veterans can study, get prosthetics, rehabilitate, and play sports using cutting-edge equipment. They are also assisted in finding employment. By agreement with employers, a subsidy of one million is paid from the budget to create a job, and 873 veterans have already been employed.
The Governor also spoke about the Leningradsky Frontier (Rubezh) Foundation, which works on large projects such as mobile water purification systems for the military and buses repurposed for evacuating the wounded. The foundation also has experience in creating underground hospitals in the frontline zone. In addition, grants are allocated for the “people’s military-industrial complex”: for example, the manufacture of devices for small arms or creation of a sewing workshop – starting out in a garage, they grow then into a fully-fledged workshop with the help of grants. A training centre has also been established for training in UAV control, detection, and suppression systems. New training areas and workshop buildings are under construction, because it turned out to be very popular.
The discussion also touched on the unification of volunteer clubs in the region. All 165 volunteer clubs now receive centralised assistance and support in the form of consumables, machine-tools, and equipment.
The Governor also reported on the progress in the Donbass territories under the region’s patronage, in particular, on the restoration of historical buildings in Mariupol and the Donetsk People’s Republic.
As for the economy, the share of investments in gross regional product reached 55.4 percent. In 2024 investments amounted to 1,110 billion rubles; with the total of 354 projects worth seven trillion rubles being supported. GRP has more than doubled since 2015, and the region has a very good industrial production index. Industry accounts for 36 percent of the economy. The agricultural sector is also developing: the region produces 41 percent of all food products in the North-West and hence has a leading position in Russia in terms of eggs, poultry, and fish production. Agricultural indicators have been growing for the seventh year in a row, though the region is located in a risky farming zone.
Source – The Russian Kremlin: Visit Website
Meeting with Murmansk Region Governor Andrei Chibis
The Governor reported to the President on various aspects of the region’s socioeconomic development and informed him about regional support for participants in the special military operation
Andrei Chibis began his report with support for participants in the special military operation and their families, in particular, about resolving their everyday problems.The Heroes of the North regional project was launched for the participants in the special military operation who want to acquire new knowledge and skills; 290 applications have already been submitted to date.A spiritual rehabilitation and sports centre has been opened. It combines sports, medical rehabilitation and an opportunity to go a place of worship and pray. A unified volunteer centre is operating; it is prime goal is to help fighters with serious injuries.
The Governor also thanked for extending the closed administrative-territorial entity renovation programme and for introducing some sections in the new national projects on the Arctic, which should include many regional facilities.
According to Andrei Chibis, the region is among the country’s top ten in terms of per capita domestic regional product and ranks ninth nationwide in terms of average per capita monetary income and total salary due. Arctic tourism is growing, which creates increased demand and opens up additional opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.
The Governor also mentioned the region’s strategic plan, To Live In the North, which is aimed at ensuring investment growth and increasing people’s incomes and quality of life. Over the past five years, 1.5 trillion rubles have been invested in the economy and national projects. Despite all the sanctions, last year investments totalled 315 billion. In other words, investments in fixed capital have started to grow again.
Andrei Chibis also spoke about another regional project that attracts people to the region – Pivot to the North. As part of this project, 400 people have already moved to the Murmansk Region.
Source – The Russian Kremlin: Visit Website
For regular updates on European security developments, consider subscribing to our Insight EU Security Monitoring: