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Old May 24th, 2020 #81
Alex Him
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Meeting on floods and wildfires in the regions



Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, on measures to prevent and recover from natural emergencies in the Russian regions.



April 27, 2020 - 15:25 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, Aide to the President Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Transport Yevgeny Ditrikh, Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Natural Disaster Relief Yevgeny Zinichev, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dmitry Kobylkin, Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic Alexander Kozlov, Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Construction and Housing and Utilities Vladimir Yakushev, Head of the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography (Rosreestr) Oleg Skufinsky, as well as governors of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Trans-Baikal Territory, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Amur Region, Kemerovo Region – Kuzbass, Novosibirsk Region, Tyumen Region, and the Jewish Autonomous Region.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues, good afternoon,

We understand very well that all the efforts are now primarily concentrated on countering the spread of the coronavirus. However, this must not divert our attention from other potential threats to people’s lives and safety. Moreover, as we also know, the spring and summer time has come, which means that there is a significant increase in the risk of seasonal natural disasters – wildfires and floods, especially in the Far Eastern and Siberian federal districts. The current situation in several regions is already quite difficult, and today we will discuss this in more detail, focusing on concrete decisions that must be made now.

In general, every Russian region must be one hundred percent ready to respond to any emergency, to any development, and all the necessary resources must be fully mobilised.

This is why I am asking you first of all to provide the latest information on the current state of affairs in general and to make a prognosis on where the situation with floods and wildfires might deteriorate and which preventive measures are being taken in this regard; what has already been done and what is planned in order to increase the protection of populated areas and key facilities of vital infrastructure.

I am also asking you to focus on the work carried out by the Emergencies Ministry and the regions to promptly inform people and ensure their safety in general.

I am marking this issue as special. Right now many people are staying at home, in self-isolation or quarantine, their movements are objectively restricted. Hospitals, orphanages and nursing homes are working in special mode.

With this extraordinary situation unfolding, we have to specify all the plans for warning citizens of threats, for organising efforts to evacuate and to offer them temporary accommodation, if necessary, and for providing medical and other assistance.





Once again: all these issues should be considered thoroughly, including in order to avoid natural emergencies leading to local spots or outbreaks of the coronavirus infection.

And, of course, special control should be taken over all cases that involve families or citizens who have lost their property, homes or flats, and are now left without any bare essentials. Financial and material assistance, as well as payments and compensations, should be made instantly. I am aware of the problems that regional budgets are facing now, but providing help to the affected citizens and ensuring their safety is a priority. Federal agencies should engage in these efforts and respond promptly and without prevarication.

I would like to ask colleagues from the regions today to thoroughly discuss such cooperation between the regions and the Federation, and make sure there are no so called debts or outstanding obligations by the federal budget regarding the implementation of previously adopted decisions and measures aimed at emergency prevention and relief efforts.

Another important thing to note. I know that our rescuers are working competently, fearlessly and courageously, and they are ready to perform their duties in any circumstances and take risks to save others. But now they themselves have to strictly observe preventive measures.

I am instructing you to pay special attention to ensure maximum safety of the Emergencies Ministry teams, as well as staff members of all agencies and services, and volunteers involved in natural disaster relief efforts.

Let us get down to work.





<…>


Vladimir Putin:

In conclusion, I would like to thank you for today's substantial discussion. I think it is important that we have made a comprehensive analysis of the current situation. It seems to be stable and under control in general, although we know how fast things can change.

In this connection, I instruct you to continue with the ongoing monitoring and take all necessary measures to prevent risks, particularly at early stages. Once again, I ask all of you and your colleagues in the regions to be ready to take emergency action.

Now I will speak about the problems that have been mentioned and specified today.

First, this year we are working amidst the coronavirus pandemic. We have already mentioned this, as I said. We are well aware of this. In this regard, I ask you, taking into account the forecast for the situation in certain regions as well as for epidemiological situation, to decide on the required volumes of personal protection equipment for members of Emergencies Ministry teams and other services and organisations, as well as volunteers, and to urgently prepare necessary and sufficient reserves.





Second, at last week's meeting on developing the national automotive industry, I spoke about the decision to purchase additional 25,000 vehicles for federal agencies. I instruct you to provide, on a priority basis, extra rescue, fire-fighting and other equipment to regional Emergencies Ministry subdivisions as part of such purchases, particularly in those regions that are facing the highest risks of fires and floods.

Finally, third: today, our colleagues from the regions have mentioned problems with receiving funding from the federal budget. Decisions have been adopted and coordinated but there are no results. This is not only due to a shortage of funds. We have worked it out and see now that the Road Fund has the finances but they have not been forwarded for proper goals due to unnecessary formalities. The roads that were damaged by last year's floods in the Amur Region have yet to be repaired, and people have to drive over potholes. Just try to take a drive on such roads, and you will understand that actions need to be taken faster.

Another similar example of decisions not being executed. A year ago, I instructed the Government to implement a set of measures to strengthen fire protection of the Trans-Baikal Territory. Now the Governor said that the work is going slowly. In the autumn, a corresponding plan was developed, but then the procedures, including at the federal level, were delayed, and the region still has not begun the actual implementation of this plan. But look, there are questions of paramount importance and there are secondary ones. Everything is important, but when it comes to the consequences of emergencies, or the prevention of emergencies, this should be a priority. As a result, there are fires again, and the fire infrastructure is still underdeveloped.





As I said last week, it is not enough just to announce the decisions. This is not enough. They should be fully implemented so that they have a tangible, real impact on people's lives.

I am asking our colleagues both in the Government and in the regions to resolve the issues mentioned as soon as possible. I am asking the regional heads to organise the relevant work on the ground. I am instructing you once again to analyse the entire mechanism for providing financial assistance and other measures to support citizens. We just talked about this in relation to those whose houses burned down. To provide assistance to business, and at the federal level – to regions in the event of natural disasters. To search for systemic problems and inconsistencies, and to make specific proposals for resolving them.

And in general, I am asking the Government to consider all the proposals made today by the regions, including on legislative changes, and to be sure to take them into account in practical daily work.

I would like to express hope that we will all work more consistently, and this will lead to the results that the country and the people need.

Thank you for your attention. Thank you. All the best.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63281






Meeting with regional heads on countering the spread of the coronavirus



The President held a meeting, via videoconference, with heads of the Russian regions on countering the spread of the coronavirus infection.



April 28, 2020 - 19:00 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko, Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, presidential aides Igor Levitin and Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, presidential plenipotentiary envoys to the federal districts, the Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare – Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation Anna Popova and Head of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency Veronika Skvortsova.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues, good afternoon,

I hope everyone can see and hear me.

Today we are having a videoconference with the heads of all Russian regions. We will discuss the results of our joint work, developments in specific regions and the tasks we have to address together.

Let me remind you that on April 2 I signed an Executive Order declaring the period through April 30 as non-working days, and the regional heads were given additional powers to establish a list of specific preventive measures.

All of this made it possible to ensure a flexible approach without applying one-size-fits-all restrictions to people at random but introducing truly necessary measures in every region and municipality.

What have we managed to do so far?

We have concentrated and mobilised all our industrial resources. Let me give you several numbers. They are growing and being constantly updated. For example, at the beginning of this year we produced 60–70 ventilators per month, while in April this figure is over 800. There will be 2,500 in May. Protective mask production grew more than 10 times: from 800,000 per day early this year to 8.5 million in April.

Russia has launched from scratch the production of an entire range of medicines necessary to treat the coronavirus infection.

Over March and April, our industry has increased the production of test kits nine times. While the number of tests carried out in Russia at the beginning of March was 2,500 per day, now we conduct approximately 150,000 per day. That is a sixty-fold increase. The coverage will constantly expand.

A total of 3,000 protective suits per day were made in January. By the end of April we will produce 100,000 suits. By mid-May – over 150,000 suits. Yes, this is a lot compared to what was available before, but it’s still not enough compared to what is needed now.

Ready-made sets of protective suits for doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, all those who work in the most risky, so-called “red zone” are being distributed immediately.

Despite these measures, the substantial increase in domestic production and large import purchases, there is still a shortage of some technical items, equipment and disposable materials. I instruct the Government and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to continue this work and organize it in a way that will allow increasing the production every day. I would like to ask you to ensure strict and permanent control over the fulfilment of these plans and to use the maximum industrial capacity in the regions, as well as small and medium-sized companies.

Further, we have managed to considerably increase the margin of safety in healthcare. Let me recall that the regions were charged with the task of installing an additional 95,000 specialised beds equipped with everything necessary for treating patients with the coronavirus.

I receive daily reports on this issue. I know that on the whole this task has been fulfilled on time. In fact, 116,000 beds are ready, even more than initially planned. But this is a general picture of the country. It is important for every region to be 100 percent ready to fight for every life. We need to avoid a situation where it is feast or famine region by region.

I think it’s important to emphasise one more point. The world is facing the coronavirus epidemic for the first time. But thanks to the researchers and doctors, we know much more about this dangerous disease today than we did only recently. So, we can be more accurate with forecasts and in developing strategies and tactics to counter the disease. Moreover, both our own and foreign experience in countering the epidemic shows that decisions made yesterday may not be enough tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

Therefore, I am instructing the Healthcare Ministry to continuously monitor the situation in the country in general, and in every region specifically, and to regularly update its plans considering that the situation changes almost every day.

To repeat, we must act proactively like before and, if necessary, immediately take measures to deploy additional specialised beds in regions where existing capacity may not be enough in the coming weeks. We must consider all possible scenarios and be ready for them.

I am addressing now the heads of the regions. If your plan on preparing specialised beds is completed, this is no reason to stop working on this, to report and believe it is finished. Please, use every opportunity to increase the resources and preparedness of the healthcare system in your region without waiting for orders from above.

It is also essential that, at this point, specialised beds are the priority. However, the entire healthcare system must work effectively to successfully counter the epidemic. If there is a problem somewhere, or not enough personnel, or specialists are overloaded working with patients then people will suffer. If they cannot receive assistance in time then they will end up in the hospital with serious complications.

Let me repeat that everything must work smoothly; every link must work like a single machine: local therapists, specialised doctors, admission and diagnostics rooms and emergency medical services.

I know that today, April 28, unofficially marks the establishment of emergency medical services in Russia. I would like to congratulate doctors, paramedics, nurses, medical attendants and drivers on this day and thank them all for their so much needed work. During these stressful days and weeks, you have shown courage and your best personal qualities. And I think it’s appropriate to declare this date your professional holiday: Emergency Medical Service Worker Day. We will do this.

It is clear that right now our main medical efforts are focused on countering the coronavirus. But, unfortunately, nobody has the power to eliminate other dangerous diseases like cardiovascular, oncological and other serious and chronic diseases. We cannot abandon people with these diseases either. We cannot just say: wait and be patient. Despite today’s extraordinary situation, people must get all the medical help they need.

Next, in order to support the economy and Russian families and maintain employment and personal income, we have adopted several packages of measures and have allocated unprecedented resources for them. Decisions were worked out in only hours and became the basis for draft laws right during the working meetings.

But work on their implementation must be just as precise and quick. The heads of federal agencies and the heads of the regions are personally responsible for this.





Let me highlight: these decisions will only be considered fulfilled when people, large families and medical personnel receive the payments due to them and when enterprises actually use the support measures.

As long as there is even a single case, which might seem like an individual problem, people will talk about it, and the issue of control will remain.

Finally, the key subject I want to talk about, reviewing the last few weeks.

We have managed to slow the epidemic. This is the result of working together and the responsibility of millions of people who listened to the recommendations of doctors and specialists, who care about their health and their families and who comply with the authorities’ instructions.

The daily number of new cases of the disease has become relatively stable. But we cannot relax. The situation is still very difficult. Experts and scientists – and we maintain constant contact and check our plans and actions – say that the peak is still ahead of us.

We are facing a new and perhaps the most intense stage in countering the epidemic. The risk of infection is reaching a peak; the threat and the lethal risks of the virus remain, and everyone is at risk.

I would like to talk about what we will have to do in this sense.

We must all be as focused, disciplined and mobilised as possible. We must do everything we can to make the wave of the epidemic recede and finally decrease, which will give us a chance to slowly, step by step, lift the restrictions and return to a normal life, which everyone, of course, misses. Everyone is waiting for this. But, if all of us, all Russians, strictly comply with the necessary requirements and follow the quarantine and self-isolation rules, we will get through this sooner.

Of course, we all wish to see the end of the forced discomfort as soon as possible. But let me repeat that it would be careless to hope that the threat has ostensibly subsided and that we will now certainly avoid it. This would be even dangerous.

I have made the following decisions in this context.

First, we will soon have the long May holidays and working days in between them: May 6, 7 and 8. We know that in a normal situation, many people would not be working, would take days off or a vacation. But now it is all the more important not to risk it. Therefore, I consider it appropriate to make these three days paid non-working days.

Thus, taking into account all the May holidays, the period of non-working days will extend to May 11 inclusive. But please note that this will take place on the condition of strict observance of preventive measures adopted in the regions.

Second, regional heads will keep their additional powers. I would like to ask all of you to be at your workplaces. Please note, colleagues, that it is necessary to act carefully, in proportion to the level of threat and the real situation in a given region. Do not take decisions charged with emotions or copied from other places. What is justified in some regions may do harm in others.

The third point in this context. We understand that the situation is different in different regions. Some were the first to face the epidemic and in other places the threat emerged later. The restrictions and preventive measures are also different. We must take into account the entire complexity and multidimensional character of these processes.

When the country as a whole passes the peak of the epidemic, the situation may still remain tense in individual regions. The threat will not disappear everywhere at once. And it is simply unacceptable to speak about an instantaneous lifting of restrictions.

We must be ready for the uphill road ahead. We must foresee all risks and show common sense, responsibility and stamina so that we do not retreat and do not lose everything that we have achieved in the past few weeks.

In this regard, I instruct the Government and Rospotrebnadzor, along with the State Council working group, to draft over the next week, that is, by May 5, recommendations, specifically criteria and parameters of successive steps, to ensure a phased exit from lockdown restrictions starting May 12. Of course, this should be firmly tied to the current epidemiological situation and its stable outlook.

Please note that the regions should receive such recommendations in advance. That is why I am setting the deadline for May 5. This way regional governments will have another week to prepare and plan their actions for after May 11. At the same time, they, as before, should have room for manoeuvre, for flexible independent decisions. They will need to make appropriate decisions based on the situation on the ground and consulting with specialists.

In some of the regions, tight restrictions will need to be maintained or even strengthened for a while, while in others, some of them can start to be relaxed, of course, with a clear understanding of all the risks. I am referring to the gradual lifting of self-isolation regime, reopening industrial enterprises, companies in the services and retail sectors, construction, agriculture, other organisations and institutions.

Again, we must brace ourselves for a complex process ahead, and accept that it is not going to be as fast as we would like it to be. But it is not worth rushing and risking a reversal.

And finally, the fourth point. The coronavirus pandemic has hit the economy and business hard. The most acute problems are faced by individual entrepreneurs, self-employed citizens, small companies, including family-owned enterprises. People have spent years developing those businesses, investing their energy, hard work, savings, and hopes. We must support them. Give them confidence in the future.

Therefore, I instruct the Government to develop a new package of urgent measures to support the economy and citizens, as soon as possible.

But that is not all. I ask the Government, together with the regions and businesses, to start preparing for the future a large nationwide action plan to normalise business life, to restore employment, peoples’ incomes and economic growth.

We must begin this work without delay. We must begin drafting the necessary decisions and consolidating the necessary resources for them now, so once we can launch this programme, it can be deployed at full capacity, in concert, simultaneously with the phased exit from the epidemiological situation and the restrictions associated with it.

Please take note of the strategic objective for this nationwide action plan – not just to stabilise the country, but also to promote long-term structural changes in the Russian economy to incorporate the new reality that is now taking shape around the world.





<…>


Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues,

We are in constant contact. Today’s discussion has shown that, on the whole, there is onward movement, in the right direction, in the right amount, at the right pace. As I said, now is not the time to relax. We will keep working.

Thank you for your ideas, for your proposals that were mentioned during our discussion. Of course, all this will be analysed and taken into account in practical work.

And now I would like to address not only my colleagues in the regions and members of the Government of the Russian Federation. I would like to address all citizens of Russia.

For each of us, the most precious thing is life, the health of our loved ones, safety of our parents and children. We feel it especially acutely now, we worry for our families, for our friends, trying to protect them from this dangerous threat.

And yet it may, and does, seem to some that it’s not so bad. Many people do not see the threat and just do not feel it. After all, even in Moscow with the largest number of cases – 48,000 people – this is only 0.4 percent of the capital’s residents. But first, we are talking about the lives and health of real people, and there are plenty of them. And, second, the danger that the disease will spread further has not passed. It is still very high.

Among our relatives, colleagues, people whom we know well, there are more and more of those who have been directly affected by the disease, who were infected or admitted to the hospital with complications. My dear friends, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to everyone who has been touched by grief, who are experiencing the irreparable loss of a loved one.

I understand how difficult it is: the bitterness of the loss and the burden of fatigue, anxiety and uncertainty. This certainly exhausts and psychologically depletes people. Material, financial and household problems are piling up. And each of us just wants to exhale and say: it is finally over, it is all behind us.

Especially when it is spring, and warm and sunny days come not only to the south of Russia, but also to the Urals, Siberia, and the Far East. Many people have planned to spend May holidays in the countryside, where it is possible. And of course, this should be done.

But friends, I am asking you to be responsible and take every precaution, and do not go to your friends or neighbours, do not gather in large groups, and avoid unnecessary travel.

We all must not allow any missteps in the fight against coronavirus. The upcoming May holidays will be decisive. We are extending the non-working period and restrictive measures in the regions through May 11 precisely to avoid such missteps.

Observing all safety requirements and the self-isolation order, we will still celebrate our sacred holiday, Victory Day. The entire country will do this together, no matter what. This day and its spirit will forever be in our hearts.

On May 9, aircraft, modern warplanes and helicopters will take to the Russian skies to fly in formation in honour of our heroes. The traditional fireworks will go ahead in city centres at night.

We will commemorate the soldiers of the Great Patriotic War who are no longer with us. And, of course, we will congratulate our veterans. Even if we cannot hug them, we will find an opportunity to share some warm words. Together with our children and grandchildren, we will look through old family photo albums and tell them what we heard about the war from our parents and grandparents. We will sing songs – Victory Day, Katyusha, Zemlyanka – songs we love and know by heart.

Everything we have planned to mark the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory will definitely take place. We will hold the main parade on Red Square and the march of the Immortal Regiment.

We will celebrate this major anniversary once we are sure it is completely safe, above all for our veterans.





Friends,

Perhaps for the first time after the war the world faces such trying times. Of course, we cannot compare it to the ordeals of war, and thank God for that. But we must understand that today we are fighting an enemy. We cannot underestimate its threat to people’s lives, health and welfare. We can see the impact of the spread of the coronavirus all over the world, and we are doing everything we can to stop it.

Of course, our medical professionals are absorbing the main blow. They risk their lives every day saving others, and they are urging us all to be careful and self-isolate as required. They are truly on the medical frontline. They are out there doing battle for us all. Their word carries a lot of weight for us to realize the critical importance of the restrictions that have been introduced.

Yes, any bans, even if justified, that upset the normal course of life are certainly annoying and may even make people angry. But it is hard to agree when people’s irritation grows into disrespect for other people, with vanity and shouting about violating personal freedom and constitutional rights.

In this context, I would like to explain again what my decisions are based on.

Freedom is, of course, an absolute value in modern civilisation. I am referring to the freedom of every citizen. But every human’s life is inimitable and is also an absolute value given to us from above. And we must protect it so that people can experience joy, love, raising children and just living.

Let me also recall a well-known adage: the freedom of everyone is limited by the freedom of others. This is very appropriate during the pandemic. If some people prefer to behave differently and raise their unlimited personal freedom above the interests and freedoms of others, then they are threatening their lives. In this case, freedom becomes irresponsibility, egotism and, to a certain extent, violence as regards others and could trigger serious trouble.

And one more point – about the ethical, moral choices we are facing today. Some people in the world in general and Russia in particular maintain that it is more important to think about the economy and material prosperity, which is, of course, important.

But what is being implied here? Basically, it implies moving forward, by stepping over everything and everyone without looking back. This basically implies ignoring the risks of the epidemic and simply lifting the restrictions as soon as possible. And if some people get sick, then they will be sick and become incapacitated or even die and this is their lot. It comes down to survival of the fittest, where everyone is only out for himself.

We know from history and world literature that in primitive times, seniors, sick children and weak people were simply abandoned for the sake of the survival of an entire tribe. Perhaps, there was simply no other way to get through those times. But we live in the 21st century and I will say straightaway that those who suggest sacrificing people today and leaving them to their own devices are only calling for a return to savagery and barbarity.

Legends say that in ancient Sparta, ill-born babies were tossed into a chasm at the foot of Mount Taygetus, but most historians and archaeologists now dismiss this as myth. Yet, we do know that the Spartan society operated on rigid orders. However, even that did not help; ultimately, Sparta lost its statehood. A revealing story.

Let’s now recall a very short – just a few pages – but poignant story by Jack London, The Law of Life, which can move one to tears. It describes a tribe that abandons its old people who became a burden. Their children gave them some food and left, leaving their parents to be eaten by animals, leaving them to die. But the old father, left alone by the fire, trusted and hoped until the end that his sons would return for him. Can you imagine for a moment that we would treat our parents, our grandparents like that, like they did in that story? I will never believe it. This is not our genetic code.

Because we take from our ancestors who taught us completely different things. Russia has lived a thousand years with values such as mutual assistance, mutual support and solidarity. And today these are the main pillars of our statehood. We inherited them along with Orthodoxy. These values are also ​​at the core of other religions professed by the peoples of Russia – Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism. A philosophy of humanism has helped us survive for centuries. And today the future of our families, the fates of other people, depend on our responsibility.

I repeat – people and their lives are what matters most to us now. Any other choice would be unacceptable for our people. I know, I am fully confident that the absolute majority thinks so, and acts in good conscience.

We need to save people, to keep them alive, and the rest will follow. We will certainly rectify things and make up for everything; we will defeat this coronavirus and when it’s all over we will bail out the economy together, bolster prosperity, and will certainly support those who have lost their jobs and savings, those going through hard times now; we will prop up our struggling businesses, help them save jobs, and get strong again. More state support measures will be added and expanded.

And now, each achievement, however small, but still a real success, especially each life saved, is strengthening our hope and confidence in a victory over the pandemic.

We will force it to retreat. Life will get better, I promise. And it lies in our power to make this happen as soon as possible, so we will not only overcome these trials and tribulations, but also create a reliable context for future development.

Thank you all. Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63288






Extension of measures to ensure sanitary and epidemiological safety of population in connection with the spread of the coronavirus infection



Vladimir Putin signed Executive Order On Extending Measures to Ensure the Sanitary and Epidemiological Safety of the Population in the Russian Federation in Connection with the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19).



April 28, 2020 - 19:05



To further ensure the sanitary and epidemiological safety of the population in the Russian Federation in connection with the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and in accordance with Article 80 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the President has declared May 6 to May 8, 2020 non-working days with full pay, and also instructed the top officials in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation to extend, from May 1 to May 11, 2020, the measures to ensure the sanitary and epidemiological safety of the population as set forth in the Presidential Executive Order No. 239 of April 2, 2020.

The Executive Order lists the organisations it does not apply to. These include organisations with uninterruptible technological processes; medical facilities and pharmacies; organisations providing food and essential goods; organisations conducting urgent work in this emergency situation; and organisations providing financial services for urgent functions.

The Executive Order may apply to systemically important, as well as research and educational organisations with approval from the Government of the Russian Federation.

The federal government bodies, the governing bodies of state non-budgetary funds, regional government bodies of the Russian Federation, and local governments are instructed to determine the number of employees needed to ensure the operation of these bodies from May 1 through May 11.

Similar instructions were given to mass media outlets.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63287






Instruction to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin



April 28, 2020 - 19:10



Vladimir Putin instructed Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to establish a professional holiday – the Emergency Medical Service Worker Day – and mark it on April 28.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63286






Meeting on developing fuel and energy sector



Vladimir Putin held a meeting via videoconference on developing the fuel and energy sector.



April 29, 2020 - 16:20 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






Taking part in the meeting were First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov, Aide to the President Maxim Oreshkin, Energy Minister Alexander Novak, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, heads of major fuel and energy companies, including Lukoil, Rosneft, NOVATEK, Gazprom, Gazprom Burenie, Gazprom Neft, Surgutneftegaz, Kuzbassrazrezugol, Tatneft, Inter RAO, Rosseti and Siberian Coal Energy Company, as well as the heads of Sberbank of Russia, Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation and Renova Group of Companies.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

Today we will consider the situation in the fuel and energy sector of Russia: how coal, oil and gas, generating and network companies are operating in the current conditions, and how the standards and requirements to protect the health and safety of enterprise employees are being observed.

We all know that energy is a key sector of the national economy, which directly affects the development of the processing industry, transport, agriculture, our cities and villages, and the country’s territory as a whole, and, of course, largely determines the export capacity of Russia and the state of public finances.

I will add that the modern Russian fuel and energy sector, which, by the way, employs 2.5 million people, is a high-tech industry where unique specialists work, and projects that have no analogues in the world are implemented using the most advanced digital technology solutions, including those on the Arctic shelf and in the harsh conditions of Eastern Siberia.

Both the Russian and the entire global energy industry have gone through serious upheavals in the recent months. These problems are of a systemic nature and extend beyond national borders.

The spread of the coronavirus and forced restrictive measures have had a most unfavourable impact on the world economy, making it slow down. The global GDP is shrinking, and the demand for energy resources – both in individual countries and in the world in general – has declined. Price quotations followed suit.

Today I would like to hear your views, colleagues, the views of business people regarding the trends on energy markets. Your opinions and forecasts of how the situation will develop are very important.

I would like to point out that this is not the first time that the global energy market has faced sharp, dramatic fluctuations. True, there has never been anything like this. I have seen some of your public statements, and I agree: it has never been like this before. However, to mitigate such trends and their impact on the world economy and economic life, we need joint efforts, including such as the recent OPEC Plus agreement.

We will continue to establish effective cooperation with our foreign partners, reaching understandings on balancing out the energy market and searching for solutions that enable enterprises to implement their long-term plans, invest in development and create new jobs.

What do I want to point out in this connection? Energy is a complex and diversified industry. Each sector and each company has its own needs and approaches to overcoming the difficult situation. However, our main, common task is to provide for long-term stability in the entire Russian fuel and energy industry: from resources production to their transportation and deep processing, including small and medium-sized businesses that render services to the industry and support the production process.

I want to remind you that the leading companies of the Russian fuel and energy industry on the list of vital companies. The operation of various economic sectors depends on their rhythmic and stable work. We need to preserve the reliability of these cooperation and production ties, and by no means can we tolerate a fuel shortage on the domestic market or a limited power supply to enterprises or populated areas.

And, of course, we need to continue major infrastructural projects in the energy industry that are meaningful for Russian regions and enterprises in the real sector of the economy. We are launching new projects in, for example, healthcare – they must be connected to the grid on time. Power generation should be sufficient, and the grid facilities should meet the new objectives.

The projects that place orders with Russian construction companies, our large projects that influence machine building and manufacturers of equipment and technology – if we observe all these conditions – will undoubtedly preserve the jobs and incomes of our citizens.

In conclusion, I will say that our fuel and energy industry has always been able to respond to challenges. The industrial and technological potential as well as the human resources of our energy industry allow us to resolve the most complicated problems. I am sure that the experience and capacity of the Russian energy companies will also help them get through today’s difficulties with dignity.

Let us start discussing the proposed issues.

Mr Novak has the floor. Please.





Energy Minister Alexander Novak:

Good afternoon, Mr President.

First of all, I would like to thank you for your close attention to the fuel and energy industry. As you have noted, it is truly a key industry of the Russian economy. Last year, the fuel and energy industry accounted for 25 percent of Russia’s gross domestic product, almost one-fourth of all the investment in the Russian Federation and almost 40 percent of the federal budget.

Like all other industries, today the fuel and energy industry is operating in conditions of slowing global and national economic activity due to the decisive measures countries are taking to counter the pandemic.

Let me note that the situation is in fact difficult, but not critical. The sectors continue to fully meet their commitments to clients and provide energy to people and industrial users, as well as supplying petroleum products, gas and coal to the domestic market. The export of products and all the key investment projects also continue.

I would like to briefly report on the developments in each sector.

In the oil and gas sector, the demand for oil is still very low due to the global economy downturn and a drop in the movement of people all over the world because of reduced air and car travel, among other things. We can say that we are nearing the lowest possible demand for oil: today it is about 25–30 million barrels per day compared with last year. The period of unprecedented volatility also continues at global stock exchanges.

The storage facilities for oil and petroleum products continue to fill. Uncertainty also remains around the timeline of global economic recovery. Trading in May futures can serve as a good example: recently, last week, American WTI oil saw prices dip into negative territory.

I would also like to mention an important detail. Mr President, we can see green sprouts of growing demand on the market. The demand for petroleum products in northern and central Europe fell by 10–15 percentage points, that is, from 70 percent to 55–60 percent. We also hear a number of countries talking about gradual relaxation of restrictions in May.

With this in mind, and also taking into account the fact that the OPEC+ agreement, which you mentioned, will become effective on May 1, the supply-demand imbalance should decrease in the second half of May. There is some optimism caused by improvements on the global petroleum market starting in the second half of the year.

These numbers make it possible to delay overstocking until demand begins to recover and to promote speedy market recovery in 2021. This will help keep investments in this sector at an acceptable level, increase predictability, and make it possible to preserve jobs and the industry itself.

Regarding the situation in the domestic market, I would like to note that, in April, the retail demand for petrol fell by 40–50 percent, and for diesel fuel by about 30 percent. The fall in consumption of jet fuel exceeded 50 percent.

I would also like to add that prices at the pump are stable. Petroleum prices have not changed since earlier this year, and price increases for diesel fuel are within inflation values.

The Ministry of Energy is monitoring the situation on a weekly basis. The headquarters holds meetings with oil companies every two days to discuss the market situation and any necessary measures to ensure petroleum product supplies on the domestic market. In general, the situation with fuel supplies in the regions is stable.





Mr President, in accordance with the agreements reached by the OPEC+ countries on April 12, the companies are currently preparing to cut production. In May, this reduction will be about 19 percent compared to February 2020. Based on the first four months of the year and a gradual increase in production starting in the second half of the year, production will have fallen by about 10 percent by late 2020 as compared to 2019.

This, in turn, will reduce the volume of oil shipped through the Transneft system, lower electricity consumption, and will, of course, significantly affect oilfield services.

I would like to focus specifically on the oilfield services sector. The fall in demand for oilfield services can amount to anywhere between 30 and 40 percent and, in some cases, even more. The oilfield services sector is important for the oil and gas industry. It accounts for about 1.5 trillion rubles in revenue and employs over 150,000 people. Of course, it is an important part of the oil production sector.

It is important for us to preserve this sector in order to be able to quickly restore production volumes in the future, when the global economy begins to recover. To this end, it is necessary to maintain demand in this sector. Corresponding proposals have been drafted, and sector representatives will talk about them in greater detail today. I would like to say that, among other things, they include outside-the-box approaches. We believe it is important to create proper conditions for continued drilling even when there is no need for that.

To do so, it is necessary to finance drilling wells without injecting them so that they can be quickly launched into operation in the future when the need arises. We held preliminary consultations with the development institutions, banks and companies, and they support this approach. I would like you, Mr President, to support it as well. The companies will say more about this.

In conjunction with the companies, we have developed a number of industry-specific regulatory measures, which the participants will cover in their reports.

With regard to the electric power industry, one of the key tasks today is to promptly implement the projects for the technological hookup of socially important sites that are primarily used to combat the coronavirus such as newly built hospitals and existing hospitals that have been turned into coronavirus hospitals, as well as other medical and social sites.

Rosseti and other grid companies are working in a high-alert mode and maintain a reliable energy supply to medical facilities, both existing and pre-fabricated hospitals. Rapid response teams have been reinforced. The emergency supplies are readily available, and backup energy sources are on hand. In all, 398 medical facilities in 75 regions were placed under special control.

In order to ensure uninterrupted power supply, together with the regions we monitored capacity and checked power backup sources. Currently over 50,000 diesel generator units are ready to provide power for medical institutions and ventilators, among other things. Fast response field teams, which are comprised of more than 65,000 people and 23,000 pieces of equipment, has been provided for.

Regarding the main indicators of electricity use, I would like to note that, of course, self-isolation has also affected the power industry. The decrease in electricity consumption has been about 3 percent since March 30, 2020. This is without the temperature factor, which means this is a real decrease. In this respect, several industries have reported a decrease in consumption, for example, 22 percent in engineering, 7 percent in railway transport and 3 percent in metallurgy.

We have also noted a significant decrease in areas like restaurants, shopping malls, health resorts, offices and hotels, which are the businesses whose operations are restricted as part of the measures to counter the virus.

Mr President, I would like to focus on bill payment discipline in the electricity sector.





Over the first quarter of this year, we recorded a stable situation in terms of paying utility bills, but since April, we have seen a decrease in consumer payments for energy – electricity, heat and gas – compared with the same period last year. Since the beginning of April, payment activity has been 88 percent for electricity and 80 percent for heat, from the same period last year.

The main decrease can be seen in housing maintenance and utilities, which fell as much as 63 percent from last year. Unfortunately, public sector entities have also decreased payments by approximately 10 percent.

In these conditions, declining revenue is common in the electricity industry. It is very important at this point to offer loan support, both to ensure the consistent operation of the industry and to reliably meet consumer demand; and to be able to prepare for the next autumn and winter. It is also important that public sector entities provide 100 percent of their payment for the energy used in a timely manner.

I would like to say a few words about the current situation in the coal industry. Due to the reduction in global demand and prices, as in other branches of the fuel-and-energy complex, the main production indicators have decreased compared to 2019. In April, coal production dropped by 10.3 percent compared to the same period last year. Domestic market distribution has also dropped by about 6.3 percent.

Nevertheless, all collieries intend to maintain capacity as much as possible and return to their previous output levels after the crisis. To achieve this, it is important to carry out the adopted decisions on developing the infrastructure.

Mr President, I would also like to report that all fuel-and-energy facilities are mostly working around the clock. During the threat of the coronavirus, they are operating under high alert and in strict observance of all measures on countering the epidemic.

Under the circumstances, our main job is to protect the workers in the fuel-and-energy industry. These companies are carrying out a set of measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Thus, in the electric industry about 30 percent of the personnel have been working remotely. Employees in the risk group are in self-isolation, as much as possible.

All work places are regularly disinfected. We have streamlined production processes by introducing isolated shifts and dividing operational and repair staff. The operational staff is now being tested for the coronavirus infection.

Most companies provided additional insurance for employees against the coronavirus. In order to reduce risks to their own workers, companies have some staff on reserve, and employees are also working in shifts.

Companies have made great efforts to switch to remote forms of customer interaction. It matters that during this time of self-isolation, it is possible to read meters, pay electricity bills, apply online to get connected to the grid, as well as pay contact-free for petrol at the filling stations. All public services provided by the Ministry of Energy are also provided online. The existing services make it possible to address most issues without coming down to the offices in person.

Mr President, in conclusion, I would like to note that the Ministry of Energy is conducting real-time analysis of the current situation in all areas of the fuel and energy sector – we have our finger on the pulse. The Ministry has established a monitoring group and ensured regular contact with companies.

Fuel and energy enterprises are included in the list of critical enterprises; 99 enterprises are included in the list approved by the government commission headed by Mr Andrei Belousov, where we work closely with our colleagues from other federal authorities to carry out the anti-crisis measures being implemented by the Government of the Russian Federation in line with your instructions.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63292






Meeting with permanent members of Security Council



Vladimir Putin held a meeting via videoconference with the permanent members of the Security Council.



April 29, 2020 - 17:50 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







A detailed discussion took place on countering the coronavirus with an emphasis on the developments in Russia’s regions, where the number of infected people has been increasing in recent days.

In terms of international issues, the participants touched upon developments in the most acute regional conflicts, in particular, in Libya.

They also dealt with the current issues of the socioeconomic situation in Russia.

Taking part in the meeting were Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin, and Special Presidential Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63293
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Meeting with participants in nationwide campaign We Are Together



Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, with participants in the nationwide campaign We Are Together for supporting socially oriented organisations.



April 30, 2020 - 15:50 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, friends.

Can all of you see and hear me?

I am very glad to see all of you. Regrettably, we cannot invite everyone to our meeting, all those who are involved in charity and volunteering.

You know, I simply wanted to meet with at least those who could be here and, welcome and thank everyone, represented by you, as they say in such cases, all those who listened to their heart and responded to the problems facing people.

I would like to start our meeting with words of sincere gratitude to everyone who is now helping people. I am referring to volunteers, employees of non-profit organisations, entrepreneurs, cultural figures, athletes and journalists, in general, all those who did not stay on the sidelines in these difficult days, who showed generosity and sometimes even civic heroism, without any exaggeration.

Russia has always had a reputation for its generous and bold people. An exploit and selfless devotion to a cause are synonymous here.

We have always, in all historical eras, dealt with adversity all together, by pooling our efforts. This is a tradition of our people. It is in their bones, their genetic and cultural codes.

Now we are again together. You are proving this by your selfless work, your readiness to respond to pain and take care of those who need help, to respond to the problems of other people, to be where people are waiting for you and need your help.

Volunteers and socially oriented NGOs have united and backed the state and society. They are working in medical and social facilities, helping the elderly and people with disabilities to purchase medications and food. Let me repeat that you are where help is needed. This is the main thing.

I would like to ask participants in our meeting to tell us about their work. I am convinced that you have much to be proud of, and your example is bound to inspire others. And, of course, I would like to hear about the problems you are facing, what help and support your need yourselves.

I would be glad to hear what you think about the current situation and how all of us should move forward in your opinion in order to overcome the difficulties we are facing.





<…>


Vladimir Putin:

In conclusion, friends and colleagues, I would like to say a few words.

I have just spoken about this, and I would like to repeat it. Here we have many people in different Russian regions, in populated areas, large cities and villages. But, of course, these are not all who work as volunteer in the broadest sense of this word.

We do not know their first or last names. Nobody knows them. But they do this from their hearts. This is what is most valuable. I would like to emphasise that this is in our blood, in the genetic code of our people. During this trying time, everyone is showing who they really are and what they can do.

I will be honest: countering the coronavirus has become a real test of humanity, compassion and mutual help for us all.

We have proven that we are together. We are a united country. We share common values that our ancestors passed on to us. People, their lives, health and future prevail. Your selfless work is the main proof of this. It commands pride and endless respect. I am saying this without exaggeration.

Volunteers and employees of NGOs are doing a very good job as a powerful, creative and life-affirming force. You have taken on a colossal scope of tasks.

I would like to tell the heads of regions and municipalities that volunteers and NGOs are our most reliable, like-minded partners. They must receive all the necessary assistance. And not just now, in these extraordinary conditions, but always, in any situation, because solving today’s and even long-term problems Russia is facing largely depends on volunteers and people who work at NGOs, on their energy and civic initiatives. We always need your labour, energy and kindness, friends, always. Thank you very much once again.

As we agreed, we will do everything necessary to preserve your staff and help those who work in difficult conditions. And, of course, we will create stable long-term conditions for your activities, for your expanding involvement in the country’s life.

Now let us focus on the specific decisions following today’s meeting based on the proposals made.





First, I think it is necessary to grant socially oriented NGOs additional support similar to that already adopted for small and medium-size companies hit by the consequences of the coronavirus. I already said this today but would like to emphasise it at the end of our meeting.

These measures include a six-month suspension of payments of taxes and social fund insurance premiums and deferred lease payments for state and municipal property in line with the earlier adopted decision. I will emphasise once again, six months later the accumulated debt payments may be made gradually, in installments, not in a lump sum.

I am instructing the Government to determine clear-cut, understandable criteria for supporting NGOs.

Second, the Government will provide direct assistance to small and medium-size companies hit by the epidemic. This is designed to maintain salaries for April and May in the amount of one minimum monthly wage of 12,130 rubles per employee. Let me recall that payments for April will come on May 18 and for May on June 18. Of course, it would be better to do this sooner but such are the administrative procedures.

It is necessary to establish such a mechanism for socially oriented NGOs as well. However, considering the peculiarities of their work, it would not be good to just copy the existing pattern. I am instructing the Government to suggest a simple, understandable and most importantly, convenient mechanism for the direct financial support for NGOs to pay salaries. An easy loan programme for NGOs for partial payment of salaries should follow the same logic.

I would like to emphasise that all support measures must primarily be granted to NGOs that have already shown their value as reliable partners to the state and to society. I am referring to winners of competitions held by the Presidential Grants Foundation, the relevant funds of ministries and agencies, as well as by regions and municipalities.

Third. To the regional governors: you need to maintain the scope of social service purchases from NGOs. All financial commitments under contracts with NGOs that provide social services must be met on a monthly basis. There can be no delay in this respect.

Fourth. Today I have already said that many private companies and companies with state participation are providing significant charitable aid in the fight against the coronavirus. I hope that more and more representatives of the business community will be actively involved in such initiatives. And of course, we should support entrepreneurs who consider charity to be a matter of their heart and soul. And they do it when they are also going through difficult times. This was also said today.

Which is why the following decision has already been made. When calculating income tax, the expenses of companies related to the purchase of products and goods that are donated to those in need may be deducted. I ask the Government to expedite as much as possible the submission of the corresponding draft law to the State Duma, and I ask the deputies for their support, as well as to propose other additional benefits for organisations that help the volunteer movement and socially oriented non-profits.





Fifth. It is necessary to provide targeted support to socially oriented and charitable organisations that are actively involved in the fight against the coronavirus.

I believe that this can be done through the Presidential Grants Foundation. I propose to allocate an additional 3 billion rubles from the Presidential Reserve Fund to implement the special programme, including mandatory funds for the purchase of personal protective equipment for employees and volunteers of non-profits.

Sixth. We should support volunteers who work in high-risk environments. I instruct the Government, together with the Association of Volunteer Centres, together with businesses, to work out proposals for additional support for volunteers in the current difficult conditions.

And finally, seventh, which is very important. For the duration of the fight against the epidemic, I consider it necessary to provide additional material incentives for employees of social institutions (something that our colleagues have just spoken about here) that are home to people with disabilities, elderly people, and other citizens who need special care. I ask the Government to determine as quickly as possible the procedure for such payments and their parameters, taking into account the special working conditions and additional workload on these people, including working directly with people who have the coronavirus.

I also propose to begin making payments to employees of socially oriented non-profit organisations, who during the epidemic take temporary guardianship of elderly and disabled people from social institutions. Our colleagues spoke about this today as well. I propose to offer such incentive pay for two months in the amount of the minimal wage or higher, and to take into account the number of citizens taken under temporary guardianship.

My dear friends, always, under any circumstances, in all situations, we must remain human, help each other, and show solidarity. This is the only way we can bear any burden, overcome any challenge and do the work before us. We will certainly do so, because we are together.

I wish you success. Take care of yourself.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63294






Meeting on economic issues



Vladimir Putin held a meeting on economic issues via videoconference.



April 30, 2020 - 17:30 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







Taking part in the meeting were Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Alexei Gromov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office, Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Presidential Aides Dmitry Kalimulin and Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Labour and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and Head of the Federal Tax Service Daniil Yegorov.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues, good afternoon.

Welcome to all. Let us get down to work.

This week, during a meeting with heads of regions, I instructed the Government to develop a national action plan to normalise business life and restore the economy, employment and people’s incomes.

Let me stress, we must not just stablise the situation. We know the world is changing. The crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic is affecting key markets and the system of cooperation ties.

Companies, including Russian companies, are searching for and quickly adopting completely new business models based on digital and other advanced solutions. The importance of scientific and technological development is growing dramatically; and many countries that have such potential are developing it.

Let me repeat that, when planning a long-term strategy, we must consider all these factors and this new reality.

In addition, I have asked the Government to draft another package of urgent support measures for people and the economy. I am referring to decisions that must come into force very soon.

Colleagues, you know that the situation that people and companies daily face is complicated and requires new steps, actions and prompt response.

Relevant specific proposals are being drafted. I know that the Government, the Presidential Executive Office and all of us will work on this. Today let us discuss these in more detail.

But before we get started, I would like to say, or to be more precise, repeat the following.

It is important to not simply adopt the decisions that are being proposed. They must be implemented with tangible results for the people, business and the economy. This is the basis, the essence of all our work.

In this context, I would like to ask you to prepare and present detailed reports on the implementation of the extraordinary measures that we adopted in March and April, including the following specific decisions. I will remind you of them.

First, the organization of additional federal compensation to doctors, paramedics, nurses, junior medical personnel, and ambulance crews that are directly working with coronavirus patients. These decisions have been adopted. The main point now is when exactly they will receive the money.

Second, what about the special insurance for the specialists that are now helping these patients, risking their lives and health? We agreed on introducing a system similar to the insurance system for Armed Forces personnel. Has the necessary documentation been prepared?

Third, what about the additional monthly payments of 5,000 rubles for a child up to 3 years old to families that are entitled to maternity capital? Let me remind you that these payments are due for April, May and June.

Fourth, those who lost their jobs after March 1 will receive the highest unemployment benefit of 12,130 rubles, in April, May and June. Families with children where the parents are currently unemployed will be issued an additional payment of 3,000 rubles per underage child a month. I would like you to report on the implementation of these measures and whether this aid is perceptible for the people.

Fifth, it has been decided that low-income families will receive payments per each child aged between three and seven not from July 1 as planned, but from June 1. Moreover, the income of a given family will be calculated based on the current situation. I expect you to provide detailed information on whether these payments can be made strictly on time.

Sixth, starting on May 18, small and medium-sized companies in the affected industries that have preserved their personnel must receive financial assistance to pay April and May salaries to their staff. The payments will amount to one minimum wage per employee. Please report on the streamlining of this support mechanism and whether it is clear and convenient for the businesses.

I expect you to report on these and other matters by May 6. I would like to remind everyone that by May 5 the Government and Rospotrebnadzor, working together with the working group of the State Council, are to submit their recommendations on the gradual easing of the self-isolation rules after the May holidays.

Together, these reports and recommendations will be used to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken and to determine the further steps to be carried out by the federal and regional authorities.

Now let us get back to discussing the decisions we are to implement in the near future. Let us hear our colleagues from the Government.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63295






Conversation with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin



Vladimir Putin had a conversation, via videoconference, with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.



April 30, 2020 - 19:45







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good evening, Mr Mishustin.



Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin:

Good evening.

Mr President, I have just found out that I tested positive for the coronavirus. As such, according to the requirements of Rospotrebnadzor, I must self-isolate and follow doctors’ orders. I must do this to protect my colleagues.

The Government will continue to operate as normal. I plan to keep up regularly with my colleagues by telephone, and by videoconference with you, Mr President, on all major issues. I suggest appointing Andrei Belousov as Acting Prime Minister.



Vladimir Putin:

Mr Mishustin, what is happening to you now could happen to anyone. I say this all the time.

You are a very industrious person and I would like to thank you for all you have done up to now. Obviously, Government members and colleagues from the Presidential Executive Office are at high risk because despite all the restrictions on interpersonal contact, it is impossible to adopt decisions without working directly with others, with one’s colleagues. Of course, this comes as no surprise.

But I would like to say that I hope you will be in good enough shape to work and remain actively involved in formulating the decisions that we discussed at today’s meeting on extending support to people, the economy in general and its individual industries, especially those that have been hit hardest recently by the coronavirus pandemic. You will not just take part in formulating these decisions. I want to tell you that the final decisions will not be adopted without your participation.

I would like to wish you the speediest recovery possible. Get well soon.



Mikhail Mishustin:

Thank you, Mr President.

In the current circumstances, I would like to once again ask all citizens of our country to take the coronavirus and its spread as seriously as possible.

The May holidays are ahead, and I ask all of you to stay at home and observe all necessary restrictions. I am sure that together we will be able to defeat this virus and return to normal life. The Government is taking and will take all necessary steps for this.

I ask you all to remember that today, the date when the country can return to normal life depends on the discipline and willpower of each of us.

Take care of yourselves and your loved ones.



Vladimir Putin:

Mr Mishustin, your proposal regarding the nomination of Mr Belousov for the position of Acting Prime Minister of the Russian Federation is accepted. Today I will sign the corresponding Executive Order.

Get well as soon as possible.



Mikhail Mishustin:

Thank you for your support and kind words.



Vladimir Putin:

When you arrive at the hospital, please call me. I will be awaiting your call. Talk to you later.



Mikhail Mishustin:

All right. Take care.



Vladimir Putin:

Take care.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63297






Executive Order on performing Prime Minister’s duties



The President signed the Executive Order On Performing the Duties of Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.



April 30, 2020 - 19:50



In order to ensure the continuous functioning of state authorities, in accordance with Article 8 of the Federal Constitutional Law On the Government of the Russian Federation, the President ordered that the duties of Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin shall be carried out by First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov

The Executive Order comes into force upon its signing.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63296






Meeting with Director of the Federal Service of National Guard Troops Viktor Zolotov



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with the Director of the Federal Service of National Guard Troops and Commander of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation Viktor Zolotov.



May 6, 2020 - 14:25 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Zolotov, we have introduced a scope of restrictions. And a lot of work to ensure that these restrictions are observed is being shouldered by the National Guard Troops. How is the work of the National Guard Troops organised today?





Director of the Federal Service of National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation and Commander of the National Guard Troops Viktor Zolotov:

Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

The troops are performing the tasks with due consideration to the coronavirus infection. We have set up a response centre, which coordinates the troops’ operation during this period. Based on the recommendation from the Ministry of Labour, we have ordered women with children under the age of 14 and people over 60 to self-isolate, and we have taken measures to protect the military personnel and employees; we are giving out medicine, individual protective gear, and antiviral drugs, taking the temperature of the personnel, disinfecting buildings, premises, units, and the grounds of military units. We are also reorganising three military hospitals to additionally allocate 287 beds for patients with the coronavirus. The total number of hospital beds today is 1,127.

We are discussing with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Healthcare the purchase of 280 ambulance cars and equipment for them. The Ministry of Finance has allocated us 1.3 billion rubles for the procurement, including medicine for the treatment of the coronavirus infection.

Over 20,000 military personnel daily participate in the enforcement of the lockdown restrictions, protecting citizens, and guarding healthcare facilities – those where patients with coronavirus are hospitalised.

We also control the circulation of weapons and perform private security and detective activities. I have issued an order to extend the validity of people’s weapon permits; this way, they will not have to renew them until September 1, 2020 and will not be fined.

Furthermore, we also provide extradepartmental security services and protect people’s homes and property. We have over a million such facilities under our protection. We also continue to guard important state facilities – we have 72 such contracts, including facilities that are located in the Arctic and in the ports along the Northern Sea Route. In 2019, we were contracted to guard a floating nuclear power plant in Pevek.

From 2016 to 2020, the Government increased the funding of the National Guard by 40 billion; we used the financing to pay social benefits and consolidate resources, in particular, procure enough food, fuel and lubricants, and to pay material guarantees.

We have also purchased marine equipment for the protection of the facilities in the Kerch Strait and overhauled our helicopters. With the additional funding, we have purchased 680 armoured vehicles and special equipment to replace the obsolete BTR-70s with BTR-80s and 82M vehicles.

Our troops maintain their service without any disruption. We carry out joint tasks with the Combined Forces in the North Caucasus and the limited contingent in the Syrian Arab Republic. The 115th separate special-purpose brigade is performing the service tasks that are assigned to it, protecting, as I already mentioned, facilities and transport in the Kerch Strait. They complete their tasks without failure.





Vladimir Putin:

Mr Zolotov, you know that I have instructed the Government, including for the purpose of supporting the automotive industry, to organise additional purchases of special vehicles for law enforcement agencies. Do you need any more of these?



Viktor Zolotov:

Yes. We need more cars for extradepartmental security service.



Vladimir Putin:

You can procure other vehicles, not just cars. Any vehicles, military equipment, special vehicles – whatever.



Viktor Zolotov:

We have just purchased special equipment, 680 vehicles, but we could still do with some more.



Vladimir Putin:

Please draw up an application for both cars and special vehicles and submit it to the Government as soon as possible.



Viktor Zolotov:

Will do.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63302






Meeting on implementing measures to support the economy and the social sphere



The President held, via videoconference, a meeting on implementing the adopted measures on supporting the economy and social sphere. The agenda also included proposals on the stage-by-stage lifting of anti-epidemic restrictions imposed to counter the novel coronavirus infection.



May 6, 2020 - 16:35 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






Taking part in the meeting were Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Acting Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, deputy prime ministers Tatyana Golikova and Marat Khusnullin, Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Transport Yevgeny Ditrikh, Minister of Labour and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, Minister of Trade and Industry Denis Manturov, Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Governor of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina, Acting Minister of Construction and Housing and Utilities Nikita Stasishin, Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare – Chief Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation Anna Popova, Head of the Federal Taxation Service Daniil Yegorov, and the heads of federal districts and all 85 regions of the Russian Federation.



President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

Before starting our today’s meeting, I would like to pass along best wishes and greetings from Mr Mishustin. He is recovering. Everything is okay. He is running a temperature, as often happens in his condition, but he is getting better. I am in contact with him every day, and he takes part in drafting all our decisions. Let us wish him a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, he sends you his best regards.

Our meeting today consists of two parts: first, reports on implementing the March and April decisions on supporting people and the economy during the coronavirus epidemic, and second, steps on lifting restrictions.

I would like to recall two packages of measures that were introduced gradually, expanded and supplemented each other according to a uniform logic of actions. Considering the development of the situation, we did this gradually. The decisions were adopted taking into account the problems that people, as well as small and medium-sized businesses, are now facing.

Priority decisions included direct payments to families with children and employees of medical facilities and emergency medical services; increased allowances for those who temporarily lost their jobs after March 1; state subsidies and easy payroll loans for companies that retain their employees, their teams; and deferments of tax, loan and rent payments.

Additional support measures were adopted during a series of meetings on the situation in key sectors of the national economy: the automotive industry, the construction industry, the banking sector, the fuel-and-energy complex, the defence industry and the aerospace industry. I would like to add that tomorrow we will discuss the transport situation.

Today, I would like to hear how these support mechanisms are working in practice, and most important, how many people, families and working teams have already received this support or will receive it very soon – not sometime in the future but within the deadlines.

I would like you to report in detail on any obstacles – what has been done for prompt, immediate resolution, including adjustments in the legal framework.

And there is one more important item on our agenda. I said we would discuss two questions.

As you know, I asked you to prepare, by May 5, recommendations on the parameters for the careful, gradual lifting of the forced restrictions. The Government and Rospotrebnadzor have evaluated this in cooperation with the State Council working group. Today we will listen to the proposals.

I would like to remind all regional governors that they, in turn, must draft their own action plans for the period after May 11, based on these recommendations.

Of course, life is much more complicated than any pattern or plan. Nevertheless, it is important to have a justified algorithm of actions for every region with due account for expert opinion.

As we have seen, the spread of the coronavirus varies region by region. And as we have discussed, some regions need to maintain and even step up tough, justified prevention measures, whereas other regions may plan a reasonable loosening of restrictions, but such decisions must be made with consideration for the opinion of researchers and experts and taking into account all factors and potential risks.

I would like to emphasise that we cannot skip ahead. Any negligence or haste can lead to a breakdown or a backlash. The cost of even a minor mistake is the safety, life and health of our people. This is why our colleagues from the Government and the regional governors bear extremely high responsibility for each adopted decision. We can never forget this.

Let’s go over to the first item on our agenda, notably, reports on implementing our adopted decisions.





<…>


Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko:

Good afternoon, Mr President, colleagues,

To date, over 165,000 cases of the new coronavirus infection have been recorded in Russia. There are about 80,000 people with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis at hospitals, including 1,133 patients on ventilators, four of them children, and four adults who are on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

We note that severe symptoms of the disease are more common in patients over 60, patients suffering from arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity, and we can see that it is more severe for men than for women.

Over 1.4 million people have completed emergency training programmes to gain the necessary skills for providing quality medical care, and over 110,000 doctors, more than 236,000 paramedics, female and male nurses, 46,000 junior medical personnel, and 31,000 ambulance drivers are now providing medical assistance.

We have also attracted about 41,000 students, residents and graduate students, and I will note that these are only the students who gave their consent and do not have medical contraindications in terms of working in high-risk ”red zone“. Of course, all of them underwent additional training on safety and medical assistance. Volunteers are actively involved, including over 5,000 of them among doctors.

Under your instructions, since April 1, the Government has allocated 45.7 billion rubles for incentive payments for special working conditions when providing medical assistance to patients with the coronavirus.

(Further, the Minister reported on specific issues regarding incentive payments and life and health insurance for medical workers.)

In order to ensure medical assistance, a number of measures have been taken, which actually helped change the system for providing assistance.

We talked about the fact that 95,000 beds were to be provided before April 28. To date, a greater number of beds have been repurposed and put into use, because a number of regions have a more complex situation. A total of 126,000 beds are available today. Moreover, we are monitoring the workload at resuscitation beds, because we have an information system that allows us to see each patient. Today, 36 percent of the total number of beds are vacant, so we do not have any shortage or problems with hospitalisation.

In the regions, access to this information system is provided from the federal level, so that each region sees the situation for each medical institution in its region. A special analytical group helps to quickly analyse all this information.

We see that at this point, the number of people hospitalised is more than the number of those discharged from hospitals, so the healthcare system is still under stress.

We are still focusing on maintaining emergency assistance for other patients, those with cancer or on dialysis because this is a very sensitive issue for people and definitely a high priority for everyone including medical workers.

Monitoring personal protection equipment availability in medical facilities lets us confidently say that the situation is stable. In addition, reusable suits for medical staff are being produced domestically and have been certified and registered.

Research and assessment of immunity among medical staff are ongoing. As of today, test systems by several domestic producers have been registered. The development and registration of test systems for PCR diagnostics also continues.

An active search for medicines is on. As I mentioned, a number of medicines are showing promise. Importantly, these are medicines with a fully integrated production cycle from active ingredient to finished dosage form. We will avoid making any early predictions, but we see that the institutions involved in this search are exchanging data, seeing results and want to be part of the clinical research studies.

To conclude, I would like to say that work on a vaccine continues and at the same time, manufacturing sites are being audited for production capacity.

Thank you very much. This concludes my report.



Vladimir Putin:

I read reports on your contact with your foreign colleagues. I hope this will also be helpful. Information exchange in this difficult period for the world is most important. I see that our colleagues are committed to positive cooperation.



Mikhail Murashko:

Yes, we are in contact with those healthcare ministers who have the most experience. Thank you very much for your help, including the arrangements for these contacts.


<…>


Vladimir Putin:

There is something else I would like to say in conclusion. First, everyone – individuals, businesses and their executives, shareholders and owners – should know and have all the necessary information about the support measures that are offered by the Government. They need to have full and accurate information.

Second, everyone should know how they can use these benefits; these measures must also be accessible for people.

Finally, the most important point: everyone must be certain that they will receive this support. To that end, it is necessary to broaden this work as far as possible. Some payments are planned for the middle of the month, as our colleagues have mentioned. So it is necessary to make sure everyone understands what will happen in the next few days because many business executives and owners will make critical decisions immediately after May 12. I ask you to pay attention to this matter.

Let us move on to the second issue. Ms Popova, head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare and Chief Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation, will make a report on the proposed measures related to the gradual lifting of antiepidemic restrictions. Please, Ms Popova.





Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare and Chief Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation Anna Popova:

Mr President, colleagues,

At your request, Mr President, we have drafted the guidelines for determining the grounds for a phased lifting of restrictions.

I would like to note that the prompt measures we have taken have allowed us to slow down the spread of the epidemic in Russia by two months and to study the experience of other countries in lifting restrictive measures. My colleagues – researchers and practitioners – are closely monitoring the developments in Russia and other countries and analysing them.

Naturally, the situation in Russia is unique due to our country’s own features. In some regions, the growth rate of COVID-19 cases does not exceed three percent.

By your Executive Order, heads of regions received additional powers to develop a list of concrete measures to curb the epidemic. The recommendations that we have prepared for lifting restrictions are a clear guideline for this. It suggests lifting the restrictions in three stages, and at each stage, regional heads, guided by the opinions of the regional sanitary doctors, will be able to make decisions on concrete measures.

When considering lifting the restrictions, we suggest assessing three main criteria: the growth rate of coronavirus cases, that is, the number of new cases; the number of free hospital beds for COVID-19 patients; and the test rate to see how far the infection has spread in a region. All these criteria are assessed in retrospect for the past one or two weeks given the incubation period of the virus.

We have drafted the guidelines bearing our main goal in mind, which is to preserve the people’s health. Self-isolation helped us smooth out the incidence peaks and avoid an explosive increase in the incidence rate. Now, in self-isolation, the people are in touch only with their families or colleagues if they continue to attend their workplaces.

At each stage, there will be more public spaces where the people will get in contact with each other. The first stage will include outdoor exercise and sports, outings with children, and opening small retail and services outlets while observing social distancing.

The second stage will include family outings, opening larger retail and services outlets while limiting the number of customers served simultaneously. Educational institutions will be opening during this stage as well.

During the third stage, recreation facilities will be opening, such as parks and other green spaces provided social distancing is observed, retail and services outlets of all sizes without limit on the number of customers served at the same time, all educational institutions, hotels and restaurants.

To reiterate, in accordance with the proposed recommendations, regional heads will be the ones to decide on the phased lifting of restrictions. Should the epidemic get worse, restrictive measures may be resumed.

Already today, Rospotrebnadzor has drafted and released specific guidelines for organising work for each type of business in compliance with all safety and prevention measures. We know from our experience that when people follow these recommendations, the risk of getting ill is at its lowest.

Today, backbone, life-supporting agricultural enterprises and major construction projects continue to operate. Their work was organised in strict compliance with the coronavirus prevention recommendations, which made it possible to avoid the spread of the disease at these sites during the entire period under report.

The focus of our attention has at all stages remained on the people who are at higher risk, such as the elderly and people with chronic diseases. Of course, they should take extra precautions when leaving home.

A number of regions, 68 in all, have already introduced mandatory face mask wearing. Of course, this helps reduce the spread of the virus.

To reiterate, the phased nationwide lifting of restrictions will only work if everyone acts responsibly. We have one more week to go, and we must definitely preserve the positive trend that we can already see in a number of regions.


<…>


Vladimir Putin:

In conclusion, I would like to give the floor to Mr Belousov.

Mr Belousov, do you have anything to add, or do you want to sum up what your colleagues said?





Acting Prime Minister Andrei Belousov:

Mr President, colleagues,

I can say that as far as the economy is concerned we are entering a phase that will actually be even more challenging. We have granted a reasonably wide range of benefits to most small and medium-sized enterprises in affected sectors, and we have seen over the past two weeks that small businesses have been quite active at using these instruments.

Suffice it to say that more and more companies are taking out payroll loans on preferential terms, with about 2,000 new applications every day. As of the end of April, these applications totalled almost 80 billion rubles. This is a substantial amount that exceeds our initial projections. We see that if this momentum carries on, the limits that we have set will have been reached by mid-May, or after May 20 at the latest.

We can also see that the banks have been overwhelmed, since the number of approved applications has not been growing as quickly as the number of submitted applications lately. I think that this is attributable to technical reasons. I am aware that Sberbank and VTB have been relentless in their efforts, and cancelled many verification procedures they used to follow in ordinary times. Still, there is no doubt that we need to shift into a higher gear on this front.

Do I see any challenges? I fully agree with what you have said on the risk of disruptions in value added and production chains as companies get back to work. This is a challenge. We see two options for dealing with this. The first option is that these deliveries mostly go to large and medium-sized companies from the list of “systemically important” businesses.

I would like to take this opportunity to address the heads of the Russian regions. We sent every region a list of backbone enterprises that fall under their responsibility and are located in the corresponding regions. We asked regions to report on these enterprises twice a week. In these reports, the regions have to tell us to what extent these companies are operating: 30 percent, between 30 to 60 percent or over 60 percent. Right now we need to get this information promptly, so that the Government information centre can sum up these data. With these data, we can see the whole picture, since we understand how these chains operate, but we need to be able to see what is going on and identify the bottlenecks.

Second, since we understand that payments will be the bottleneck, since in these uncertain times many companies will opt for saving money and holding onto it, primarily for paying salaries, we launched a lending programme for financing the working capital. In fact, funds under the programme were depleted before we actually launched it. What I would like to say is that businesses have been filing applications at such a pace that the programme has already reached its limit. The banks granted four loans so far, but judging by the applications the programme has almost ran out of funds. We had to intervene to make some adjustments in order to relegate the interests of the banks into the background, while prioritising the interests of the economy and businesses, above all those from the affected sectors. This all refers to large companies.

I would like to ask the heads of the Russian regions to keep a close eye on this process. I believe that payment arrears currently pose the biggest threat to production chains. The companies’ ability to keep their staff employed and steadily operate will depend on whether we succeed in offsetting payment arrears and defaults.

These are the two points I wanted to make. Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.

Colleagues, as you know, in an effort to effectively counter the coronavirus infection, we have introduced restrictions throughout most of Russia’s territory and have transferred considerable authority to the regional governors for obvious reasons. We have a large country, and as I said, the situation varies and so we had to use a case-by-case approach to what is happening in different areas.

Practice shows that we have done the right thing. Moreover, we are seeing that many other countries have followed suit. And it is good if they are also succeeding.

At the same time, I would like to address Mr Belousov as the Acting Prime Minister and our colleagues in the Government and the regions of Russia. We have a State Council working group, which is headed by the Moscow Mayor. However, it is the Government of the Russian Federation that must be in charge of the general coordination of the quarantine measures and of lifting them, and also measures for the economic rebound.

I am hoping that the regions will listen to this and the Government itself will work actively to directly influence the situation both in the economy and the social sphere because we are now moving to a fairly important stage. As I said in my opening remarks, we cannot jump ahead only to fall back again; it is pointless to go around in circles. We must move forward gradually. So, Government coordination is absolutely essential. I am hoping we will work hard together, just as we have been up to now.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63303
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Meeting on transport sector development



Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, on transport sector development.



May 7, 2020 - 15:40 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






Taking part in the meeting were Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Acting Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, presidential aides Igor Levitin and Maxim Oreshkin, Transport Minister Yevgeny Ditrikh, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Transport and Construction Yevgeny Moskvichev, Head of the Republic of Buryatia, who also heads the State Council’s Transport working group, Alexei Tsydenov, Head of the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service Igor Artemyev, as well as heads of major companies and organisations operating in the transport sector.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

Today, just as we agreed, we will discuss the overall situation in Russia’s transport sector.

However, I would like to ask you to begin by reporting on the measures taken in the transport sector to protect people from the coronavirus, and what is being done to protect passengers and staff considering the sector’s specific nature. These issues are at the centre of our attention at the moment.

Of course, we will discuss with senior executives from the leading companies and business associations urgent measures to support the sector, as well as its development prospects, taking into account strategic long-term objectives in terms of national economic development.

Russia’s transport sector employs about 4.5 million people, whose consistent and reliable work serves as a steady growth driver for businesses and regions, as well as the entire country as a single whole.

Just like other key industries, the transport sector is having a hard time due to the coronavirus pandemic and the enforced restrictions.

We are witnessing the shrinking of cargo and passenger traffic, falling revenues and growing financial problems; many companies are suffering losses.

I would like to note that even under such difficult conditions, our transport and logistics companies continue their uninterrupted operations, provide reliable transport services between the regions and territories, which is a strategic task for our vast country.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank the employees of transport companies for their hard and responsible work during these difficult times. It is important to support the people engaged in the transport industry and ensure the general sustainability of the Russian transport sector. Companies must be able to pay salaries, maintain their fleet and infrastructure and fulfil their financial obligations.

As with other industries, we decided to allocate over 23 billion rubles from the Reserve Fund as emergency assistance to airlines. These funds should be used to pay salaries to the crews and other employees, settle airport bills and leasing payments.

It is noteworthy that the situation with air transportation – both in Russia and around the world – is particularly difficult. We can see it, we understand it, and will devote a separate meeting to it to discuss the objectives of the aviation industry in general.

I would also like to remind you that we made a list of backbone enterprises in all types of transport and will provide them with special support, including preferential loans for working capital financing.

I want to emphasise that this is a federal list of enterprises. We must not forget that in each region, there are companies that fulfil important tasks for a certain territory. Most of them are companies engaged in bus and river transport, and commuter railways. In this regard, I ask the heads of Russian regions to develop mechanisms to support such enterprises.

We need to pay special attention to seasonal transport, primarily inland water transport. It only operates for just six months, from May to October, which means that if anything prevents the normal operation of the navigation season, and the fleet does not reach its usual capacity, companies and their staff will need additional support.





The drop in tourist flows is a common, crosscutting challenge for all passenger transport. International tourism has virtually come to a halt, and it will take time before it recovers to its pre-pandemic levels.

We need to use the reserves that become available within the transport sector for developing domestic tourism, region-to-region transport, as well as for offering quality and affordable services to our people, who will no doubt be eager to travel around the country once the restrictions are lifted. I suggest that we hear what other participants in this meeting think about this.

Moving on, as I have already mentioned, the domestic transport network saw a decline in its throughput. In this context, we need to come back to the question of prioritising cargo trans-shipment through Russian seaports.

Russian port facilities are quite competitive compared to foreign ports. Today, we have a real opportunity to make headway in attracting more cargo flows to Russian ports. Of course, this should be beneficial for transport businesses, as well as for Russian producers and exporters.

In this connection, I would like to remind you that I have already issued an instruction to set up a special economic zone in the Caspian Sea, which calls for creating a modern transport hub. I would like to hear a progress report on this matter today.

Overall, I would like to stress that the decline in global demand exacerbated competition on international markets, including fuel and raw materials, food and other products.

In order to win over these markets and make Russian products more competitive, our exporters must work together with transport companies. I hope that Russian transport companies offer effective logistics models to support and drive exports, including for high added-value products.

There is another important topic. Over the past years, the state was involved in the launch of a number of major projects to boost the capacity of railways and seaport approaches, as well as to develop the road network and waterways. This included the Eastern Polygon railway infrastructure development project, ports in the south and northwest, and efforts to develop the Central Transport Hub in the European part of the country. In addition, Russian companies have been showing positive momentum in upgrading their rolling stock, sea and inland fleets, as well as motor vehicles.

We need to preserve as much as possible investment programmes for the transport sector and infrastructure development in order to safeguard value chains, protect jobs in the sector and incomes earned by the people employed within the sector or in related spheres. I am referring to major long-term orders for the Russian industry, railway rolling stock manufacturing, automobile plants and shipyards, as well as construction companies, and producers of construction materials.

Let me emphasise that there will definitely be demand for transport capacity as the economy recovers and starts growing again. We believe this to be inevitable once demand for travel and cargo shipments begins to recover. The recovery pace for the economy and businesses will largely depend on whether transport and logistics companies are able to work together effectively.

In this context, I would like to note the obvious fact that once the epidemic subsides, we will need to take a serious look at the sanitary and preventive measures in all sectors, taking into consideration the experience we will have accumulated, including and maybe even primarily in the transport sector.

I would like to draw the attention of our colleagues from the federal agencies that they must avoid taking things too far, as they say, or submerging businesses with formalistic, excessive and sometimes nonsensical requirements. It is essential that the requirements are commensurate with the risks. What matters the most is that they help protect the people’s health and ensure their safety. This should be our continuing priority.

Let us now move on to discussing the agenda items.





<…>


Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues,

During today’s meeting, I wanted to discuss this topic from a comprehensive perspective in order to understand what is going on in the transport sector. I also wanted us to meet in this format, so that this dialogue does not take place solely within the Government between the Transport Ministry and the Finance Ministry or the Economic Development Ministry, but instead reaches outside the Cabinet so that both the Finance Ministry and the Economic Development Ministry can hear what people who actually work in this sector think, learn their perspective on the ongoing developments, as well as their opinion on challenges and ways of resolving them.

Today, we heard specific proposals on ways to support the transport sector. We will review all of them, as the Finance Minister has just said.

I would like to highlight a number of comprehensive solutions, and I ask you, or rather instruct you, to do the following in the near future.

First, I propose expanding the list of sectors most affected by the epidemic. We have just discussed this. The Finance Minister has just said that while many companies operating within the sector can use the existing support mechanisms, including small and medium-sized businesses, others are left out. There are gaps that need to be filled, so we need to look carefully into this issue and add inland water transport and commuter rail service to the list. We need to understand whether companies in these sectors can benefit from the measures that we have introduced so far. This is all there is to it. If not, in this case we need to think about how we can help these companies, so that practically all transport types and segments are covered by state support measures.

In this context, I would like to remind you that companies operating in the affected sectors of the economy can benefit from special support measures (Mr Siluanov has just mentioned this), specifically deferred taxes and duties, lower social insurance contributions, and a temporary moratorium on inspections.





In addition, companies of this kind are entitled to non-repayable financial aid and interest-free loans for paying out salaries if they keep a specific share of their workforce on the payroll.

I strongly believe that these support measures will do a lot to support shipping companies, especially now that inland navigation has resumed. They are also expected to have a positive effect on commuter railway service and ensure a reliable operation of commuter trains at a time when there are fewer passengers, which means lower revenues for railway operators.

Second, as I have already said at the beginning of the meeting, it is essential that investment continues to flow into the transport sector, and our colleagues mentioned this today. We need to carry out infrastructure upgrades and renew railway rolling stock. We need to look at the existing or potential requirements for new transport means. We all understand that not only does this provide a foundation for future economic growth, but also creates demand for the goods and services from suppliers and contractors down the value chain.

Russian Railways is implementing a large investment programme that will have a wide-ranging impact on the Russian economy. As we have heard today, the company plans to issue perpetual bonds to finance these investments. I support this proposal. I am asking the Government together with the Central Bank to quickly develop the necessary legislative and regulatory base. I think this will be a good tool for all participants in the process, so these bonds should be issued this year. We must do all we can to make it happen.

Third, I have already said that we have the capacity to work faster to redirect our cargo flows to Russian ports. We have the reserves to boost our competitiveness and effectiveness in all means of transport and logistics services.

For example, currently both Russia and foreign states are preparing or beginning to gradually lift restrictions. However, right now it is obviously difficult to say how it will go, including what foreign destinations will be open to Russians and when. This does not depend on us alone. It depends on developments and decisions made in other countries.

This means that we have to help bolster domestic tourism, or, to be more exact, to augment our capacities in this area involving, of course, transport companies (without which it is impossible to do anything), travel agencies and the hotel industry. All these resources must be tapped in order to create attractive routes and new offerings in Russia with easy access, where people would want to spend time.

The Government is currently developing a national action plan to reopen the economy, as well as a list of specific measures to restore employment, people’s incomes and growth in different sectors of the economy. I propose adding steps to develop domestic tourism to this plan and, let me stress this once again, to do so in close coordination with the business community.





Moreover, I propose adding to the national action plan measures to encourage transit container shipping (my colleagues were very convincing on this just now) and to explore profitable logistics routes, for our exporters to discover new prospective markets.

Let me repeat that as capacity is being freed up in the Russian transport system, it must be used to meet the needs of Russian companies and exploit Russia’s geographic advantages in the interest of the national economy and our people.

I would like to once again thank all the participants in today’s meeting for their work. Please give my best regards (I am talking to the representatives of businesses and our leading companies) to everyone who works at your enterprises and your companies. I wish them good health and the best of luck.

Thank you very much. All the best.

Yes. And of course, I am also asking the Presidential Executive Office together with their colleagues in the Government to prepare the list of corresponding instructions.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63309






Telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the United States Donald Trump.



May 7, 2020 - 18:10



The two presidents exchanged greetings in connection with the 75th anniversary of Victory over Nazism. They emphasised the historical importance of the allied relations that linked the two nations during World War II and allowed both countries to end a common threat. The leaders emphasised that based on these traditions, Russia and the United States can achieve much in resolving the urgent problems of our time, including maintaining strategic stability, the anti-terrorist struggle, settlement of regional conflicts, and gaining control of the epidemic.

Discussing the coronavirus pandemic, the presidents were positive about bilateral cooperation and agreed to continue enhancing coordination in this area. In particular, the US President offered to send a consignment of medical equipment to Russia.

The leaders mentioned the situation in the world oil market, noting the timely adoption of a new OPEC+ agreement, which was largely achieved with their cooperation. It entered into force on May 1 and has already helped stabilise oil prices.

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a dialogue and contact between Russia and the US in various areas.

They expressed satisfaction with their constructive and meaningful conversation.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63311






Telephone conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron.



May 7, 2020 - 19:15



The two leaders exchanged warm greetings on the 75th anniversary of Victory over Nazism. This anniversary is the common heritage of our countries. Vladimir Putin noted, in particular, that Russia will always remember the acts of the Normandie-Niemen Fighter Regiment who fought on the Soviet-German front. The presidents extended their heartfelt wishes for good health and wellbeing to the veterans of both nations.

During the discussion on combating the spread of the coronavirus, the importance of established bilateral cooperation along this line was stressed. Preparations for a videoconference with the leaders of the UN Security Council permanent members that will focus on cooperation in fighting the pandemic, were also touched upon.

The two presidents shared their opinions on current international issues, including settlement of the intra-Ukrainian conflict and the crisis in Libya.

It was agreed to maintain contact at various levels.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63312






Greetings on opening new Zoya Museum Complex dedicated to Hero of Soviet Union Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya



Vladimir Putin sent greetings to participants of the official ceremony to launch the Zoya Museum Complex dedicated to Hero of the Soviet Union Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya.



May 8, 2020 - 11:00



The message reads, in part:

”To mark the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory, at the initiative of the Moscow Region's authorities and the Russian Military Historical Society, a unique museum complex has been built to commemorate Hero of the Soviet Union Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya.

The unfadable act of courage by Zoya, a member of the partisan movement and a girl just out of school, is one of the Great Patriotic War's heroic, dramatic and poignantly bitter pages. Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya gravely suffered and stood firmly against the fierce enemy until the last moments of her short yet outstanding life. Neither horrific torture nor atrocious torment could break her will. She managed to withstand all of it and refused to betray her comrades. She lost her life but she did not succumb to the enemy. The young partisan's bravery and courage as well as her faith in the just cause empowered Soviet Army officers and soldiers, who went into battle to take revenge upon Nazis for Zoya. Today, her life continues to serve as an example of selfless devotion to the Motherland and duty.

I am confident that the new museum, which features both the exhibit that has existed since 1956 and a modern museum space, will carefully preserve priceless archival materials, photographs and personal belongings of Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya and other heroes. The new museum will also implement relevant educational projects that promote patriotism. And, of course, the room dedicated to the Immortal Regiment event will provide each visitor with an opportunity to bring valuable family memorabilia that tells about their parents or grandparents who took part in the war.

I wish the museum personnel every success in their noble work and extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on the upcoming occasion of Victory Day.“

Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya, who was publicly executed by the Nazis at the age of 18 in the village of Petrishchevo outside Moscow on November 29, 1941, was the first woman who was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union during the Great Patriotic War.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63321






Telephone conversation with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.



May 8, 2020 - 11:50



Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel exchanged greetings on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe and the world from Nazism. For both Russia and Germany, this date is symbolic and special. The two leaders emphasised the importance of preserving the historical memory of those tragic events. In particular, they expressed confidence that both countries will never forget about the German patriots who selflessly fought against the Nazi regime.

Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel agreed that Russia and Germany are partners in dealing with many current international issues. They reaffirmed their commitment to building constructive bilateral relations.

While exchanging opinions on developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the two leaders expressed their readiness to provide mutual assistance and continue the existing close cooperation in counteracting the spread of the coronavirus.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63315






Congratulations to leaders and citizens of foreign states on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War



May 8, 2020 - 12:00



Vladimir Putin sent congratulatory messages to the leaders and citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldavia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Abkhazia, South Ossetia as well as the peoples of Georgia and Ukraine, on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

The President of Russia underscored the sacred reverence felt in our countries for the memory of the heroes whose courage at the front and selfless labour in the rear helped secure the Victory over Nazism – our great shared heritage. “It is the sacred duty of today’s generations to preserve forever the memory of those who defended the freedom of their native land at the cost of innumerable sacrifices and hardships, and to surround our dear veterans with care and attention,” noted Vladimir Putin.

The Russian President again called for resolute opposition to any attempts to rewrite the results of the Great Patriotic War, to whitewash or consign to oblivion the inhuman crimes committed by the Nazis and their accomplices.

Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that the shared memory of the heroic deeds of our fathers and grandfathers would have a constructive impact on bilateral cooperation in a variety of areas and on partnering to confront modern threats and challenges like the coronavirus pandemic.

Vladimir Putin offered words of sincere gratitude and wishes of good health, long life, happiness and wellbeing to all veterans of the Great Patriotic War, partisans and homefront workers.

The President of Russia also sent greetings to the leaders and people of Great Britain, the United States of America and France.

In his message to Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Boris Johnson, the Russian leader noted, in part: “The Great Victory was a pivotal event of the 20th century with enduring significance for the fate of all humankind. It was achieved thanks to the joint efforts of the Soviet Union and the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition. That invaluable experience is no less needed today.” Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that the memory of our nations’ brotherhood-in-arms would help develop constructive Russian-British dialogue and cooperation in the face of current threats and challenges .

In his message to President of the United States of America Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin stressed that people in Russia remember with gratitude the contribution of the anti-Hitler coalition allies to our common Victory and will never forget about the Soviet-American wartime comradeship.

The President of Russia added: “The decades since WWII have brought new threats – from terrorism and regional conflicts to large-scale natural disasters, man-made catastrophes and epidemics. Russia and the United States are now at the forefront of the response to global challenges. Following the traditions of cooperation established in war time and acting in the ‘spirit of the Elbe’, our countries could do a great deal for the sake of international security and stability.”

In his message to President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, Vladimir Putin said in part: “The heroism of the Normandy-Neman Flight Regiment pilots, who fought at the Soviet-German front, will be forever in the hearts of Russians. Thousands of Soviet patriots who joined the French Resistance also made a considerable contribution to Victory.” The Russian leader underscored the need for Russian-French cooperation now given the difficult international climate.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63313






Address to people of Austria on 75th anniversary of Europe’s liberation from Nazism



Vladimir Putin supported the initiative advanced by Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Sebastian Kurtz and addressed the Austrian people on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Europe’s liberation from Nazism as part of a special commemorative event organised and coordinated by the Chancellor’s Office. Video addresses by the leaders of Russia, the United States, Great Britain and France were broadcast on ORF, Austria’s central television channel.



May 8, 2020 - 12:30






President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Dear friends,

Liebe Freunde,

Good afternoon. Grüß Gott.

I would like to thank the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Sebastian Kurtz, for his proposal to address the Austrian people on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Victory over Nazism.

In the spring of 1945, Soviet troops took Berlin by storm. It took them almost four years to get there through the inferno of the bloodiest war in human history.

They did not need this war, they did not want it. It was imposed on the Soviet Union. The Nazis attacked treacherously and stealthily, thus putting an abrupt end to the peaceful and quiet life of our country and its multi-ethnic people.

The Soviet people’s path to Victory was heroic and sacrificial. We bow low to their courage, determination and fortitude. They were able to overcome inhuman trials and defend their homeland. They determined the outcome of World War II, liberated Europe, and won the Victory that the entire world was waiting for.





Of course, we will remember the contribution made to defeating Nazism by our allies in the anti-Hitler coalition and all those who fought in the anti-Nazi underground resistance, remember the millions of people, the elderly, women and children who were murdered by the Nazis, and we will remember the tragedy of the Holocaust.

The Great Victory saved humanity. It paved the way to the revival of an independent and dynamically developing democratic Austria. Over 26,000 Soviet soldiers gave their lives for its liberation.

The Austrian soil is home to more than 200 military burial sites. We are grateful to the Austrian government and people for their caring and respectful attitude to these memorials that are dear to us.

The memory of the fallen, the events of the war, the defence of the truth about it and the honour of genuine heroes is not just our common duty. It is a matter of our conscience with regard to the entire generation of victors. They spared nothing so that we, their descendants, never know the tragedy of war. Today, we, too, must do our best to make sure that no one ever dares to unleash it again. This is our common responsibility to the future generations.

In closing, I would like to wish the friendly nation of Austria prosperity, peace and well-being. And, of course, I wish you success in combatting our common new threat, the coronavirus. We are together in fighting this pandemic. It is vitally important that we support each other in these difficult times.

Thank you for your attention. Vielen Dank für Ihre Aufmerksamkeit.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63316
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Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu at the initiative of the Israeli side.



May 8, 2020 - 12:45



Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu exchanged greetings on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, which Israel officially celebrates on May 9. The President of Russia wished good health and wellbeing to the Great Patriotic War veterans who live in Israel.

The two leaders emphasised the fundamental importance of preserving the truth about the events of the Second World War and counteracting attempts to revise its results and falsify history. In this context, Benjamin Netanyahu noted the decisive contribution of the Red Army to liberating Europe and defeating Nazism.

Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu also discussed the COVID-19 pandemic, informing each other about the measures that Russia and Israel are taking to prevent the spread of the disease. They agreed on regular interaction between the relevant agencies, including in research and development of a vaccine.

They also touched upon current issues on the bilateral agenda, as well as various aspects of the developments in Syria.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63317






Telephone conversation with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.



May 8, 2020 - 12:55



The two leaders warmly congratulated each other on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and noted that this is a major common event for Russia and Tajikistan. Both countries venerate the memory of those who heroically fought at the front-line and worked on the home front.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63318






Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giuseppe Conte.



May 8, 2020 - 15:15



Vladimir Putin and Giuseppe Conte exchanged greetings on the 75th anniversary of Victory over Nazism and expressed their confidence that the lessons of the tragic events of World War II will promote the international community’s consolidation in countering today’s threats and challenges.

The two leaders also discussed successful Russian-Italian cooperation in combatting the coronavirus pandemic. Giuseppe Conte thanked Russia for its timely aid during the difficult period of the epidemic in Italy and noted its effectiveness and the high skills of the Russian military experts and doctors, who are now completing their humanitarian mission. It was agreed that close cooperation between the specialised ministries and agencies would continue.

A positive assessment was given to the current level of friendly Russian-Italian relations. The sides stressed that it was important to further develop interaction in trade, the economy and other spheres, as well as to strengthen cooperation in international affairs, including in the context of the Libyan and other regional crises.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63320






Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Great Britain Boris Johnson



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Great Britain Boris Johnson.



May 8, 2020 - 16:05



The President of Russia and the Prime Minister of Great Britain exchanged greetings on the 75th anniversary of Victory over Nazism, which became one of the greatest events of the 20th century and an example of unprecedented cooperation between the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition.

Vladimir Putin noted in part that Russia remembers the exploits of the British sailors, participants in the Arctic convoys, owing to which the Soviet army and industry received arms and equipment needed during the war.

In turn, speaking on behalf of the British people, Boris Johnson expressed gratitude for the decisive contribution of the Soviet Union and its Armed Forces to the victory over the common enemy. It was stated that the combat community of the wartime years is a reminder of the importance of pooling efforts in countering current challenges and threats, including the coronavirus pandemic.

Both leaders expressed willingness to develop dialogue and cooperation on matters on the agenda of Russian-British relations and in solving urgent international issues.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63322






Meeting with permanent members of Security Council



Vladimir Putin held a meeting via videoconference with permanent members of the Security Council.



May 8, 2020 - 16:10 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The discussion focused on the current issues of the socioeconomic situation in the country and countering the coronavirus.

Vladimir Putin informed the participants in detail about his telephone contacts with foreign leaders that took place over the recent several days.

The President also congratulated the Security Council members on the upcoming Victory Day.

Taking part in the meeting were Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Secretary of the Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin, and Special Presidential Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63319






Telephone conversation with President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov.



May 8, 2020 - 16:15



The two leaders exchanged warm greetings on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. They emphasised the special value of this anniversary for the peoples of the two countries, and the importance to preserve the memory of the heroism of the soldiers and homefront workers.

When discussing issues related to the fight against the coronavirus, Sooronbay Jeenbekov expressed his appreciation for Russia’s comprehensive assistance.

The two leaders also touched upon some other current issues regarding Russian-Kyrgyz cooperation.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63323






Telephone conversation with President of China Xi Jinping



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping at the initiative of the Chinese side.



May 8, 2020 - 17:50



The President of China warmly congratulated the President of Russia on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. He noted the special importance of this date for the peoples of both countries that sustained the heaviest losses as a result of the actions of aggressors. Vladimir Putin thanked Xi Jinping for his consideration on matters related to preserving the memory of thousands of Soviet soldiers and volunteers that perished in China. The resolve of both countries to oppose attempts to revise the results of World War II was underscored.

Discussing the challenge of countering the coronavirus, the presidents praised the high level of cooperation between the two countries that have been helping each other from the very start of the epidemic, and reaffirmed that cooperation would continue with the aim of developing vaccines and medications, consolidating the efforts of the international community to control the pandemic, and preventing the politicisation of this issue.

Other current matters related to the further development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and China were also discussed.

It was agreed to continue contacts and resume the exchange of visits as soon as the epidemiological situation allows.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63326






Telephone conversation with President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez



The Russian President had a telephone conversation with President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, at the initiative of the Cuban side.



May 8, 2020 - 18:05



The President of Cuba warmly congratulated Vladimir Putin on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The heads of state also exchanged greetings on the 60th anniversary of the restoration of Russian-Cuban diplomatic relations marked today.

When discussing the coronavirus pandemic, the focus on expanding healthcare cooperation of relevant departments was confirmed. The Russian side particularly noted the significant contribution made by Cuban medical workers to assist many countries in combatting the coronavirus.

The presidents also agreed to continue contacts at various levels as the epidemiological situation normalises.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63327






Executive Order on one-time payments to certain categories of Russian citizens residing in Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transnistria, in connection with 75th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War



Vladimir Putin signed the Executive Order On One-time Payments to Certain Categories of Russian Citizens Permanently Residing in the Republic of Abkhazia, the Republic of South Ossetia and the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, in Connection with the 75th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.



May 8, 2020 - 18:40



In connection with the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, the President ordered that a one-time payment be made in May-June 2020 to certain categories of Russian citizens permanently residing in the Republic of Abkhazia, the Republic of South Ossetia and the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, specified in Federal Law No. 5-FZ On Veterans of January 12, 1995. Among them are persons disabled in the Great Patriotic War, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, former juvenile prisoners of concentration camps, ghettos and other places of forced detention created by the fascists and their allies during World War II, former adult prisoners of Nazi concentration camps, prisons and ghettos, widows (widowers) of military personnel killed during the war with Finland, the Great Patriotic War and the war with Japan, widows (widowers) of deceased persons disabled in the Great Patriotic War, and participants in the Great Patriotic War.

The Executive Order also specifies the amount of payments.

The corresponding instruction was issued to the Government of the Russian Federation.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63328






Greetings on 25th anniversary of Great Patriotic War of 1941- 1945 Central Museum



Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the staff of the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 on its anniversary.



May 9, 2020 - 09:00



The message reads, in part:

“Greetings on the 25 the anniversary of the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. Millions of our country’s citizens took part in its establishment, people of different ages and professions, factory and office workers, students and schoolchildren.

It is encouraging that the museum celebrates this anniversary as a major cultural, educational and research centre. Its collection is truly priceless as it contains rare archival photos and films, weapons and military equipment samples, pieces of art, personal effects and documents that bear evidence of the unparalleled courage of the Red Army soldiers and officers, partisans, underground fighters and homefront workers.

It is of great importance that your staff is working creatively and enthusiastically at pursuing sought-after educational, investigative and patriotic projects and initiatives, which narrate the key events and heroes of the most ruthless war of the 20th century. Thus, for the 75th anniversary of Victory, The Feat of the People extensive exhibition was prepared jointly with the Russian Military Historical Society, which is unparalleled in Russian museum practice. Unique technologies and sets restored with astounding authenticity make it possible for the visitors to learn about new, previously unknown pages of our country’s combat history, and to fully realise the harsh atmosphere of the war years.”

The Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War is Russia’s principal military history museum covering the topics of the Great Patriotic War and World War II, and one of the world’s largest military history museums. It makes up the biggest part of the memorial complex on Poklonnaya Hill in Moscow.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63335






75th anniversary of Victory



On the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the President laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden.



May 9, 2020 - 10:15 - Moscow






The ceremony at the memorial ended with a march of the guard of honour and a military band.

The President also laid flowers at the obelisks of hero cities and the monument honouring the cities of military glory.

Following the ceremony on Ivanovskaya Square of the Moscow Kremlin, Vladimir Putin watched a flypast marking the 75th anniversary of Victory.

The President instructed Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu to pass on his words of appreciation to the airborne personnel and ground services of the Russian Defence Ministry who performed and supported the flypast over Moscow and other Russian cities on Victory Day.

Vladimir Putin congratulated veterans and all Russians on Victory Day.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Dear citizens of Russia, veterans, friends,

With all my heart, I greet you on Victory Day.

This day is our most important and most cherished holiday, which we celebrate solemnly across our nation, all together.

Victory Day will always have a tremendous spiritual and moral significance and be a sacred date for us.

















It is our memory and pride, the history of our country and of every family. It is a part of our souls, passed on to us by our parents and grandparents.

Today we strongly feel the magnitude of their fates as we remember those who are no longer with us and look lovingly at their photographs of different years. We wish our veterans a long life and bow to the glorious generation of victors.

They did so much for our Motherland that it is impossible to measure or repay. They saved our country and the future generations; they liberated Europe, protected peace, restored cities and villages and achieved enormous success.

We pay tribute and endlessly honour the monumental and selfless heroism of the Soviet people, people of different ethnicities who stood shoulder to shoulder with each other in combat and on the home front. Their courage, unity, nobility and truly unfaltering willpower are timeless.

















Friends,

This place by the Kremlin Wall is sacred to all of us. The Eternal Flame burns here night and day, in tribute to those who fell during the Great Patriotic War. It is here that the Unknown Soldier lays. We come here to pay our respects to him, as well as to all the defenders of our Motherland.

We pay tribute to the heroes lying in unknown mass graves near Moscow and Smolensk, Stalingrad and Kursk, Sevastopol and Minsk, Kiev and Riga, Berlin and Vienna, at the Pulkovo Heights, and on the banks of the Neva, the Dnieper, the Danube, the Vistula and the Oder.

















Millions of those who fell did not live to see the Victory they dreamed of, believing that they would prevail over the enemy and return home. This is what they fought for to their last breath. They sacrificed their lives so that we, our children and grandchildren, and those who are yet to be born live in a world saved and preserved by the Soviet soldier.

We bow our heads in tribute to those who did not return from the war, commemorating our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, great grandfathers, husbands, wives, brothers and sisters, comrades in arms, relatives and friends.

Let us observe a minute of silence.

(A minute of silence.)

















Friends,

The Great Patriotic War ended 75 years ago. We will celebrate this anniversary properly and on a grand scale, as we always do, since this is the debt we owe to those who achieved Victory through their sacrifice.

We will have the main parade on Red Square, and the people’s Immortal Regiment march to show our gratitude and the unbreakable and living bonds of kinship linking generations.

Our veterans fought for life and against death, and we will always try to live up to their spirit of unanimity and resilience.

















We are united by our shared memory, hopes and aspirations, as well as a sense of shared responsibility for the present and the future.

We know and strongly believe that when we stand together, we are invincible.

Congratulations to all of you on this holiday.

Happy Victory Day!

Hooray!

(Russia’s National Anthem.)




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63329
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Presidential Regiment review



On Victory Day, Vladimir Putin reviewed the march of the dismounted and equestrian guards of the Presidential Regiment on Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin.



May 9, 2020 - 12:15 - The Kremlin, Moscow






President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, comrades.

Greetings on Victory Day to you, to all Russian military personnel and to our dear veterans.

Seventy-five years ago, in May 1945, the Red Army put an end to the tragedy of the 20th century and triumphantly ended the most violent battle in history.





It was a just, heroic and selfless battle for the entire Soviet nation. It was the Soviet people who defeated Nazism and crushed that monstrous force that brought death, grief and suffering upon millions of people.





I am certain that decades and centuries later, the grateful world will remember this act of heroism, and for the people of Russia, the perseverance, strong will and unity of the generation of victors will always be the highest example of a sacred feeling towards one’s homeland.





Today, a flypast in Russian skies honoured all the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. A ceremonial military march will take place here, in the heart of our country, on Cathedral Square in the Moscow Kremlin.





The heirs of the Great Victory are standing in these ranks today. And I am certain that each and every one of you, all the soldiers and officers of the Russian Armed Forces try to live up to our veterans, to the bravery of front-line fighters, their dedication to military duty and their Oath, their loved ones and their Fatherland, for which they fought never sparing themselves, fought to the last breath at the legendary frontiers and nameless heights.





The Russian Army and Navy are faithful to these martial traditions. Modern-day defenders of our Motherland have proved this in battles against international terrorism, solving extremely difficult tasks of ensuring our country’s security.





We remember the lessons of the war. I would like to stress once again that all the development plans for the Russian Army and Navy will be fulfilled. Nobody should doubt that.

Our Armed Forces have been and will continue to receive the latest military equipment. Most importantly, we know that these weapons are in safe hands. They were entrusted to people who are inspired and guided by love for their Fatherland, their people, dedication to our historical memory and the great legacy of the Victory soldiers.

Glory to our people, the nation of victors!

Glory to the valiant Russian Armed Forces!

Happy Victory Day! Hooray!




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63330






Telephone conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.



May 9, 2020 - 12:45



The presidents exchanged warm greetings on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, stressing that the two nations revere the memory of the unmatched heroism of front-line fighters and home front workers who saved the world from Nazism.

The leaders discussed the measures taken in Russia and Azerbaijan to combat the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate its consequences. They noted the importance of continuing closely coordinated work in this area.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63331






Immortal Regiment event



May 9, 2020 - 15:00 - The Kremlin, Moscow






The Immortal Regiment nationwide event is held on Victory Day in Russia and abroad. During the march, people carry photos of their family members who took part in the Great Patriotic War. The first march was held in Tomsk in 2012.

On the 75th anniversary of Victory, the Immortal Regiment event is held remotely, online.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Friends,

I would like to address those of you who answer the call of your heart and regularly take part in the Immortal Regiment march with photos and portraits of your family members and loved ones who took part in the Great Patriotic War.

Whether we march in a single formation or stay indoors like today, our heroes are always with us in our hearts. And this will always be so; they will remain with us forever. Meanwhile, we will have another chance to walk the cobblestones of Red Square to pay tribute to our heroes.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63334






Instructions following meeting on plans to implement support measures for the Russian economy as regards bank lending



Vladimir Putin approved a list of instructions following a meeting on plans to implement measures to support the Russian economy insofar as it refers to bank lending, held on April 23, 2020.



May 9, 2020 - 19:00



The instructions to the Government of the Russian Federation concern, in particular, changing the criteria companies should meet to qualify for state support in the situation resulting from the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19); determining the size of loans to backbone companies to replenish their working capital; and postponing the annual general meetings of shareholders of credit institutions co-owned by the Russian Federation to the third quarter of 2020.

The Government, jointly with the Bank of Russia, has been instructed to prepare an action plan to achieve the accelerated implementation of online technologies in the financial sector, allowing the provision of branchless services by credit and other financial institutions.

The Bank of Russia, together with the Government, has been advised to work out measures aimed at maintaining stable dynamics in lending to individuals and legal entities after the end of the temporary measures implemented to support individuals and companies affected by the situation resulting from the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63339






Greetings to graduates of Russian higher military schools



May 10, 2020 - 00:05






President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Comrades officers, friends,

Greetings to all the graduates of the Defence Ministry schools and academies on Victory Day and congratulations on successful graduation.

This is always a milestone and a memorable event in the life of each officer. For you it is particularly solemn and meaningful. It is a great honour and responsibility to begin your service on the sacred day for all of us, May 9, when our Motherland and the entire world celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory, paying homage and respect to the immortal deed of the Soviet people, the valour and bravery of the Read Army soldiers and officers who defended their Fatherland, crushed Nazism and saved humanity from slavery and extermination.

Our officer corps has always taken pride in the historical continuity of many generations of defenders of our Fatherland. Legendary traditions of Russian warriors have always been and remain the source of our army’s spiritual strength and power.

You, Russian officers, are heirs to the Great Victory, and I am confident that you will always align yourselves with the generations of victors and will serve your Motherland honestly and loyally, as they did.

You have a big and responsible job ahead. The lessons of the Great Patriotic War, the entire history of our country teach us that our army must always be strong, capable of meeting any challenges and threats, defending Russia’s sovereignty and national interests, and the security and peaceful life of our people.

This is why we will continue developing and upgrading our Armed Forces. Whatever the circumstances, we will realise our plans to strengthen all branches of the military, to provide them with advanced weaponry and equipment, including unmatched strategic high precision and hypersonic systems, unmanned and automated assault systems.

I want to emphasise that in the coming years it will be necessary to intensify combat training, including practicing new forms of interaction between troops during unplanned inspections with the use of the most cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future image of Russia’s army and navy.

I am confident that you will take part in tackling all these extensive challenges with professionalism and honour, make effective use of the skills and knowledge you obtained at military schools and academies during operational and combat training, in exploring modern weapons and equipment. And, of course, you will pay maximum attention to training your subordinates, teaching them in the spirit of patriotism, responsibility and army discipline.

The state and our people rely on you. We will be doing everything possible to offer you good conditions of service and living standards.





Friends,

On this remarkable day I would like to express my appreciation to your mentors, all those who taught you “the science of winning” in the classrooms and in the field ranges, taught you to be loyal to the unwritten laws of military honour and camaraderie.

I am sure that you will also preserve the feelings of deep respect and appreciation for your mentors.

Once again my congratulations on your graduation. I wish you success in the honourable and noble cause of military service to the Fatherland. I wish your loved ones good health and happiness.

Happy Victory Day!




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63332






Meeting on sanitary and epidemiological situation



Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, on the sanitary and epidemiological situation and new measures to support the country’s population and the national economy.



May 11, 2020 - 16:45 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region



Taking part in the meeting were Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Acting Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko, Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Labour and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Governor of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina, presidential plenipotentiary envoys to the federal districts, Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare – Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation Anna Popova, Head of the Federal Taxation Service Daniil Yegorov, and the heads of 85 constituent entities of the Russian Federation.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues, good afternoon,

We have the heads of all regions and federal agencies connected.

Today we will discuss the principles we will follow in our joint work during the upcoming, extremely important period of the gradual, phased relaxing of restrictions related to the coronavirus epidemic.

As a reminder, by today, all the regions were to have drafted their respective plans based on the recommendations from the Government, Rospotrebnadzor and the State Council working group.

As we agreed, your plans must take into account the real situation on the ground, ensure strict requirements for safety, the protection of people’s health and lives, and must be based on the verified assessments of the level and degree of the potential threat. The final say rests with the doctors and specialists.

Their opinions were taken into account in the Executive Order I signed today. It will be the legal basis for continuing the cooperation between the federal authorities, the regions and the municipalities in countering the coronavirus epidemic.

You are aware of my position, it hasn’t changed. The key priority for us is people’s lives, health and safety.

The period of non-working days announced earlier expires today, May 11. Overall, it lasted for more than six weeks, beginning March 30.

This extraordinary measure enabled us to slow the epidemic, giving us the time we needed to substantially improve readiness of the entire healthcare system in case the epidemiological situation took a turn for the worse.

The number of specialised hospital beds equipped for treating severe cases was increased from 29,000 to 130,000, and we have built up equipment and supplies reserves, including a reserve capacity of ventilators, which has critical importance for us. Thank God, of course, that so far we have had to use only a small fraction of this stand-by capacity.

What matters the most is that every region is ready and has everything it needs to help people that might suffer from severe complications, and offer them specialised medical services, including intensive care. Let me emphasise that almost everyone who needs this care is receiving it.

Another very important thing is that the doctors now know much more about this disease than at the outset of the epidemic. They have gained first-hand experience as well as learned best practices from their foreign colleagues. Newly developed treatment methods rely on effective medicines, and we have been expanding their production.

Foreign experience showed that it was the failure to make the necessary preparations as well as an overwhelmed healthcare system that were the main causes of a high mortality rate, making it impossible to save those who could be saved. Let me reiterate that we are now able to provide this kind of assistance. It would not be an exaggeration to say that measures taken in advance helped us save many thousands of lives.

Of course, doctors, nurses (by the way, tomorrow is your professional holiday, so please accept my congratulations) and all healthcare workers have played a decisive role in these efforts. We, the citizens of the country, will not stop thanking you for your dedicated work. We understand the hardships you face, and see the courage and dignity with which you have been performing your professional duties.

I would like all senior officials, including at the supervisory agencies, to take note that today we must help our medical workers, provide them with everything they need, and, more than that, stop getting on their nerves and wasting their time on excessive reporting and inspections. I would like to ask the Government to take the most thorough decisions regarding this.

What else has changed dramatically over the past few weeks? Coronavirus testing has increased many times over. We performed 2,500 tests in early March. The current figure is some 170,000 a day. This is one of the highest figures in the world. But it is not figures that matter.

The main thing is that we are now able to identify coronavirus patients at an early stage, including asymptomatic coronavirus patients. This helps us prevent grave consequences, the development of the disease, and protect these carriers and those nearby, namely relatives, colleagues and other people, and so stop the spread of the coronavirus infection.

Of course, people are worried about the daily reports of new coronavirus cases. This is understandable. But the potential danger is in the number of cases we might miss. As I have said, the more efficiently we conduct the testing and identify new patients, including asymptomatic patients, the sooner we will overcome the epidemic.

Already by mid-May, we will practically double the number of daily tests to 300,000. I would like to ask the Government and the Healthcare Ministry to further step up these efforts.

The measures we have taken, those I mentioned above, allow us to move to the next stage in the fight against the epidemic, that is, the gradual lifting of restrictions.

This period has several fundamentally important parts. First of all, this cannot be done overnight. We must do this gradually, carefully, one step after another. Moreover, the relaxing of the restrictions must be accompanied by strict compliance with the conditions and sanitary requirements needed to ensure people’s safety.

And one more key point. We have a big country. The epidemiological situation varies across the regions. We factored this in before, and now at the next stage, we have to act even more specifically and carefully. We cannot just follow a general pattern because in some regions certain actions might produce unjustified risk for people while in others it could lead to unjustified restrictions for people and businesses.

Thus, effective tomorrow, May 12, this period of non-working days for the entire country and all branches of the economy comes to an end. But the fight against the epidemic goes on. The danger remains even in those territories where the situation is relatively good and where new cases are in the single digits.

But we cannot allow any failure, a backslide, a new wave of the epidemic with a higher number of severe complications. Let me reiterate: the relaxing of the restrictions will not happen overnight. It will require a significant amount of time.

This is why, starting on May 12, it will be necessary to maintain both general sanitary requirements and additional preventive measures in the regions during all stages until the complete end of the epidemic. I am instructing the Government and the heads of the regions of the Federation, and the sanitary authorities to ensure control over compliance with them.

Of course, public events are out of the question throughout the entire country; and we definitely need to strictly follow the sanitary rules. This includes organisations, companies, retail, services and public transport.






The enhanced safety measures must also remain in place for people over 65 years and for patients with chronic diseases.

I am now addressing our older people. My dear citizens, I understand how hard it is for you to constantly stay at home, often separated from your children and grandchildren. But you have to be patient. These are not empty words, this is a matter of life. We are maintaining the restrictions because we are concerned about you and we are doing everything we can to fend off the threat of the virus from you so that this danger passes faster.

And now I am addressing everybody in this meeting, it is very important to pay close attention to orphanages and nursing homes. People who live there need special care and, due to their age and chronic diseases many of them may have, they are especially vulnerable.

Social workers are now carrying an extra workload and higher risks. Therefore, I think we need to introduce extra pay on a national level for the three months between April 15 and July 15. I would like to make it clear that the pay that was already allocated for April will reach people regardless.

Doctors at social institutions will receive an extra 40,000 rubles for a two-week shift. Those who are working directly with coronavirus patients will receive 60,000 rubles.

Social workers, teachers, mid-level medical and administrative staff will receive 25,000 rubles and if they are dealing with infected patients – 35,000 rubles. Junior medical staff will receive 15,000 and 20,000 rubles, respectively. Maintenance staff will receive 10,000 and 15,000 rubles, respectively.

Further, once again, the situation varies from region to region. This is exactly why the regions were given flexibility with their decisions that were commensurate with the level of risk. Today’s Executive Order reaffirms their authority. The regional heads will be making decisions on restrictive and preventive measures based on the analyses of their specific situation and the opinion of their respective chief sanitary doctors. They will be deciding in which order these restrictions may gradually be relaxed or extended and, if necessary, even expanded with more measures.

Now, I will specifically elaborate on the operation of various facilities.

Of course, like before, all government bodies and municipal authorities will continue working, as well as facilities with a continuous production cycle, medical institutions, pharmacies, financial bodies, grocery stores and stores selling essential products.

Additionally, starting May 12, wherever possible, it is necessary to create conditions for resuming the operations of backbone industries, which include construction, industrial production, agriculture, communications, energy production and extraction of mineral resources.

These industries involve a significant number of workers and working there means the income and wellbeing of their families. It is also important that these operations do not involve direct contact with consumers – so it is possible to resume operation with low risk. Naturally, all sanitary regulations must be complied with.





At the same time, the heads of the regions retain the right to restrict or even suspend business operations, taking into consideration the developments on the ground, the advice coming from chief sanitary doctors, and subject to approval by the Government, including in cases where ensuring compliance with sanitary security requirements is clearly impossible.

If decisions like this are taken, people employed by companies whose operations are suspended will not lose their salaries, just as before. This is a matter of principle. I am instructing the regional heads to keep this under control.

In this context, I would like to stress that the work restrictions that were enacted from March through May had a negative effect on many sectors of the economy. We drafted and constantly expand a list of the affected sectors and companies, we offer federal support, so that small and medium-sized companies, as well as backbone companies preserve jobs, keep their teams in place, and do not accumulate wage arrears.

We will definitely keep the support measures that have been adopted so far in place. However, as we move towards reviving business activity I have decided to introduce a new package of measures to support individuals and the economy, having thoroughly discussed this with the Government. I will set forth these measures today separately.

At the same time, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that should the heads of the regions decide to suspend business operations for companies that are not on the list of affected sectors, they will have to offer their own support mechanisms for these companies and for maintaining jobs. These initiatives will have to be coordinated with the federal Government as well.

Regions and government institutions at all levels now bear exceptional responsibility for literally every step they take. This applies to preventive measures, as well as having a clear and reasonable policy for lifting restrictions or determining how specific companies should operate.

Individuals, companies and all of us are interested in getting the economy back on track as soon as possible. The experience of many regions, including Moscow where construction and industrial companies will go back to work tomorrow, shows that they can operate steadily and at the same time safely even in this challenging epidemiological situation.

Let met reiterate, however, that the heads of the regions must carefully consider these decisions. Jumping ahead too soon would be reckless and dangerous. At the same time, sitting idly and evading responsibility is not an option. It is a question of choosing between Scylla and Charybdis.

I am asking my colleagues in the Government and the State Council working group to continue providing the necessary assistance to the regions, including in terms of expertise, as they gradually move toward lifting the restrictions.

We have a complicated and long journey ahead of us, with no room for mistakes. I expect you to give as much attention as possible to this matter and ensure maximum preparedness in order to be ready to promptly respond no matter how the events play out.

Colleagues,

The epidemic and the restrictions it caused were a major blow to the economy and the social sector that have affected the well-being of millions of Russians. Many have seen their incomes decline, while unforeseen expenses and debt have been piling up. This has happened to people working in various sectors, as well as entrepreneurs with small businesses.

From the outset, we took a principled decision to focus on helping people, those of our citizens who need this support. Maintaining employment and salaries so that workers can earn their income has been a key criterion for supporting businesses and backbone enterprises.

At the same time, now that we are taking the first steps in lifting the restrictions, with people and businesses facing so many challenges, we need to do more, and offer people direct assistance.





Friends,

I would now like to ask for the attention of those who are directly concerned by the proposed support measures. You must know your rights and the authorities must ensure them by all means.

So, first of all, families with children. They always have a lot of things to take care of, but now if a family loses its income it is very difficult. All the more so if one of the parents, or worse, both of them, have lost their jobs. Unfortunately, this is happening in some cases.

As you know additional benefits are being specified for families entitled to maternity capital in the amount of 5,000 rubles a month per child under 3. The family will be getting this monthly amount for three months from April through June.

In addition, families with parents who lost their jobs are entitled to 3,000 rubles a month for each underage child. These benefits will also be paid for three months.

Next. We have made a decision that families with an income per person below the subsistence minimum can apply for benefits for children aged 3 to 7, inclusive, starting June 1 rather than July 1 as originally specified.

I draw you attention to the fact that these benefits are calculated, as I said in the Address, from the beginning of the year. Thus, a family who applies in June will get all the benefit it is entitled to in the first half of the year. On average (let me stress – on average) this can add up to 33,000 rubles per child, and a family like this will be getting regular benefit payments every month. The national average is 5,500 rubles per child per month.

However, I believe that this not really enough these days. Many more families with children need direct support from the state. The favourable macroeconomic conditions we have created in recent years for the progress of the economy, the rehabilitation of the banking and financial system in the country and the reserves we have accumulated allow us to take more decisions on supporting people.

In this connection I suggest, first of all, that the minimum child allowance be increased from 3,375 rubles to 6,751 rubles. This benefit is to be paid to non-working citizens, including students. As a rule, these are young parents and young mothers. It is important that we support them.

Second, I mentioned additional payments for children under 3 years old in the families that are eligible for maternity capital. But many families are not eligible because their children were born before January 1, 2020 when the new parameters for receiving maternity capital, including for the first child, were approved.

In light of this, I suggest that 5,000-ruble monthly payments be approved for such families. Moreover, they should receive this amount not only in May and June, but also for April, that is, retroactively. In this way, all families in Russia with children under 3 years old will receive 5,000 rubles a month.

And last, one more child support measure: from June 1, families will receive a one-off payment of 10,000 rubles per child aged between 3 and 16 years.

I would like to point out that this is not the time for people to waste a lot of personal time collecting all kinds of certificates and statements. Therefore, we have taken the only fair decision, as I see it, that no formal criteria are adopted for this one-off payment. The only condition is that assistance must be provided to everyone who needs it.

As I said, every family in Russia with children between 3 and 15 years inclusively will be able to submit a request for this one-off assistance starting tomorrow, online via the Gosuslgi [Public Services] Portal or through the Pension Fund, and receive 10,000 rubles per child starting June 1.

Overall, in accordance with the decisions we took today and our previous decisions, assistance will be provided to 27 million Russian children, from babies to schoolchildren. I believe that this is what state priorities should be like, especially now that we must above all take care of our elderly people and support families with children.





Colleagues,

As you know, we hold meetings with the participation of the business community on supporting and developing key economic sectors almost every week. Moving forward, we will definitely keep this process in place for devising targeted solutions and fine-tuning earlier decisions. We will discuss developments in agriculture, textiles, communications and the IT sector.

However today I wanted to draw your attention to one urgent and system-wide problem. According to the latest official figures, the number of unemployed people in Russia has reached 1.4 million, having doubled compared to early April.

This is quite a challenging situation that requires comprehensive efforts to stabilise employment and support those who have lost their jobs. I ask the Government to draft resolutions to this effect. We will discuss them at a separate meeting that will take place before the end of May.

Let me tell you outright that our main goal is to reduce the risk of any further increases in the unemployment rate as much as possible, so we need to be proactive in this area as well. After all, a qualified workforce is a major development driver for the country, just like the creative entrepreneurial spirit is for the business community. We need to safeguard these assets.

Consequently, there is no question that measures to support the economy, and primarily those designed to keep companies on a sustainable footing, will have to be carried out. We need to maintain jobs, professional teams, business infrastructure and capacities so as to avoid any further sharp fall in employment, while enabling business owners to restore their teams, expand operations and get the economy back on track.

Let me remind you that we have offered direct government subsidies to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as socially-oriented NGOs in the affected sectors, so that they can pay their employees salaries for April and May. The key requirement for receiving this support is to keep at least 90 percent of their employees on the payroll compared to April 1. This measure could potentially cover 4 million workers.

At the same time businesses need to understand their prospects; they need to see the horizon of the unfolding situation so they can make decisions, as I said, with a planning horizon rather than just for the next month or two.

So, we have a number of other measures.

First. I suggest that a special employment support loan programme be launched effective June 1. All businesses in the affected industries as well as socially-oriented NGOs should be eligible for it. This measure could potentially sustain 7 million jobs.

Loan volumes will be calculated based on a formula of one minimum wage per employee per month for a period of six months. The loan maturity date will be April 1, 2021.

It is crucial that these loans are accessible to businesses while banks should be interested in working with this programme. The final interest rate for the borrower will be a preferential 2 percent rate. Everything above this will be subsidised by the state. The interest will not need to be paid monthly, it will be compounded. In addition, 85 percent of the loan will be guaranteed by the state.

And the key is that if the company keeps 90 or more percent of its current jobs, after the loan matures, it will be completely written off as will the interest on it. These costs will be covered by the state.

If the number of jobs is kept to least at 80 percent, half of the loan and compounded interest will be written off.

Such loan could be used with some flexibly for paying wages and, for example, to refinance earlier no-interest, so-called “wage loan.” As you know, we are already using this employment support tool.

However, even with all the freedom to manoeuvre for businesses and other organisations, I must instruct the Government to ensure control over the basic premise: businesses must spend the funds primarily to pay wages. Any schemes like “paper jobs” or jobs with wages below minimum wage are to be excluded, totally excluded. I ask you to strictly monitor this.

And of course, along with the loan, businesses will have to co-finance wages with their own funds.

What I want to stress here is that we have supported and will continue to support businesses, but those who care about their employees are the priority. Once again, the point of providing government support is to motivate businesses to retain jobs and maintain wages.

Second, affected industries have already been granted tax and social insurance contribution deferrals for six months and will be able to pay it back in instalments over the course of a year – as business representatives asked me to do at one of the meetings. However, to simply postpone tax payments is apparently not enough right now.

Therefore, I propose cancelling these payments for the second quarter of this year, except for VAT. This measure will apply to private entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses in the listed industries and socially-oriented NGOs.

Once again, to be clear, in this case, taxes and social contributions for the second quarter will not just be deferred, they will be cancelled – for April, May and June, the months that businesses find themselves in a difficult situation and are still experiencing hardships. More than 1.5 million companies will be able to benefit from this measure.

Third, last year, in four regions – Moscow, Tatarstan, the Moscow Region and the Kaluga Region – self-employed citizens, including those providing transport services, rental property owners, tutors, babysitters, etc., got an opportunity to do their businesses officially, rather than in a so-called grey area and pay income tax at a reduced rate of 4 or 6 percent. Some 340,000 people used this opportunity last year.

These people trusted the government and believed the guarantees for secure and civilised work. So, I think this aspiration should be supported and even encouraged. I propose tax rebates for taxes paid by the self-employed for the 2019 fiscal year in full.

The fourth proposal is related. Currently, people can register as self-employed in 23 regions. The number of officially registered self-employed workers is now over 650,000. I propose providing all self-employed citizens with a tax credit in the amount of one minimum wage they could use to pay taxes this year, thus retaining their own income.

Fifth, we also need to lower the fiscal burden on the self-employed in the most heavily affected sectors. I suggest that this year they be given a tax deduction in the amount of one minimum wage from their insurance payments, which will come as additional support to them at this difficult time.

And finally, the sixth measure. Government agencies providing microfinancing support for the self-employed, family enterprises and small businesses have been established and are working efficiently in all Russian regions.

I suggest that additional capitalisation be provided to small but efficient regional development institutions without delay and that 12 billion rubles be allocated for this purpose. These funds have been earmarked for the national project on small and medium-sized businesses for the next few years. I believe that this financial resource must be used now, in 2020.





Colleagues,

It is obvious that we will have to revitalise normal business life gradually, step by step. At the same time, we will need to tackle strategic tasks and respond to the challenges of the new reality that is now taking shape in the world, as global markets and global trade are experiencing a shock and as the technology race accelerates.

Therefore, I have instructed the Government to start formulating a national recovery plan for employment and for individual incomes, as well as for long-term economic development.

I would like to note that this plan should aim not only at restoring the pace of our business activity but also at moving forward apace towards the achievement of our national development goals, at ensuring economic revival and a new quality in the economy through radical improvement of the business environment and conditions for doing business, deep structural changes, the creation of efficient high-tech jobs in all sectors, the launch of large-scale investment projects, as well as infrastructure and spatial development projects.

Of course, such plans call for huge financial resources and for increasing the availability of loans in the real economy. The Bank of Russia has already lowered the key interest rate and has said that they are prepared to take more steps in this direction. I hope that these decisions will support demand in the national economy in the second half of the year and will provide additional resources to our companies, which will ultimately accelerate the re-employment.

I want to emphasise the fact that we are taking complex decisions in challenging times. Of course, they need to be prepared in a timely and professional manner. Even more importantly, they need to be fully implemented, in order to ensure that the substantial funds allocated by the government find their way to specific families, people and companies.

Here is my message to all our colleagues: friends, you will be personally responsible for these efforts. Let me reiterate that these instructions will be deemed fulfilled only when every person entitled to government assistance gets it.

In this connection, I would like to remind you that back on April 8, which means more than a month ago, I proposed making a special federal payment to doctors, paramedics and nurses, and to ambulance drivers who were dealing with coronavirus patients.

However, I was informed that as of May 9, only 56 regions had made these payments, and that 56,000 people had actually received it, which is less than half of all healthcare workers entitled to these payments.

The regions already received the funds for making these April payments. I am instructing the heads of the regions to have these April payments made to healthcare workers by May 15, and we are at May 11 today, and so I am instructing the Government and the Healthcare Ministry to coordinate and continuously monitor these efforts.

Friends, please be aware that I will personally review the progress on this matter in every Russian region.

There is one more question I will keep a close eye on. On May 6, I signed an Executive Order offering additional insurance guarantees to healthcare workers, similar to those granted to Armed Forces personnel. This insurance coverage applies to everyone who has contributed to fighting the epidemic from the outset. This is a matter of principle.

Overall, I am asking the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects working group, together with the Russian Popular Front, to review the progress on this and other key instructions on supporting people and the economy, and to submit a detailed report to this effect. These controls will be carried out regularly moving forward.






And now I would like to address all Russian citizens.

Friends,

We are beginning to gradually, very carefully and cautiously, relax the restrictions. The period of non-working days that was declared across the country is coming to an end.

Yes, restrictions are still in place for some territories and some businesses. I am sure that you are aware of the situation in your region and will understand the decisions.

Meanwhile, I ask the heads of the regions, provided all health safety requirements are observed, to let people, wherever possible, leave their homes, walk with children, train alone, and do it in such a way as to minimise the threat of spreading the virus.

Friends, please use extreme caution. Please maintain and even step up your personal efforts to prevent catching the virus.

I understand and I mentioned earlier that it is next to impossible to endure all these restrictions. But it would be much worse to catch the virus, to get sick and become temporarily disabled.

We have chosen a path designed to preserve people’s lives and health, and we have achieved a lot, we have done a lot and have overcome much. And increasing the number of regions that can return to normal depends on every one of us.

Thank you.

And now I, along with my colleagues from the regions and the Government, will move to the meeting itself.





<…>


Vladimir Putin:

I would like to say the following in conclusion.

Colleagues,

First, I would like to address the Cabinet and the regions as well, because the State Council working group has also worked with the Government. The proposed measures to support our citizens, the social sector in general, support the economy are absolutely unprecedented and large-scale. I believe that never before in our modern history has the state allocated such resources to support our people and certain sectors of the economy. I do not recall anything like this, even in the hard times of 2008–2009, during the world financial and economic crises.

These measures were prepared by all of us here. We believe they are not only expedient and feasible, but also implementable. This means they should be implemented. We must take all of this seriously. As I said in my opening remarks, this is the only way we will be able to say that we are achieving our goals and will strive to create the conditions that will be a springboard for us to restore not only our normal economic and social life but also to create conditions for the long-term development of the country, the economy in general and for the support of our people.

I ask you to take this as seriously as possible.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63340






Executive Order on extending measures to ensure sanitary and epidemiological wellbeing of the population



The President signed Executive Order On Procedure for Extending the Measures to Ensure Sanitary and Epidemiological Wellbeing of the Population in the Regions of the Russian Federation due to the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19).



May 11, 2020 - 16:50



In order to further ensure sanitary and epidemiological wellbeing of the population in view of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the President ordered the highest officials in the Russian regions to determine, based on the sanitary and epidemiological situation and specific features of the spread of the infection, the territories within the borders of their specific regions where, if necessary, the restrictive measures to ensure sanitary and epidemiological wellbeing of the population may be extended; to suspend or to restrict operation of specific organisations or private entrepreneurs on such territories; and, if necessary, to regulate the movement of persons and vehicles.

The instructions to the highest officials in the Russian regions also concern measures of support aimed at maintaining employment for the organisations and private entrepreneurs who operate in sectors that are not on the list of sectors of the Russian economy most affected by the downturn resulting from the spread of the novel coronavirus infection.

The Executive Order also lists organisations that must continue operating during the period of measures to ensure sanitary and epidemiological wellbeing of the population in the Russian regions due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63341






Amendments to Executive Order On Additional Measures of Social Support for Families with Children



Vladimir Putin signed Executive Order On Amendments to Executive Order of the President of the Russian Federation No. 249 of April 7, 2020 On Additional Measures of Social Support for Families with Children.



May 11, 2020 - 16:55



The amendments specify and complement clauses of the Executive Order On Additional Measures of Social Support for Families with Children concerning monthly payments to such families, as well as the introduction of additional one-off payment for each child aged between 3 and 16.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63342
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Meeting with Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin



During the meeting, the President and Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin discussed the situation in the oil and gas industry. Work on the Vostok Oil project was discussed separately.



May 12, 2020 - 13:50 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Sechin, we had a meeting – online, but still a full-fledged meeting – with nearly all representatives of our major oil and gas companies, with representatives of the industry. We discussed the situation unfolding in the industry today in these, frankly, difficult times, challenging for the oil industry workers as well as for energy sector workers in general, for gas workers – well, really the entire power industry.

Rosneft is our leading company, the biggest company, the largest taxpayer, one of the largest, in any case, maybe the largest. This is why I wanted to have this one-on-one meeting with you, as we agreed, to talk about how you, as the head of our largest company, see the situation in the industry, how is Rosneft doing, and which problems you consider the most pressing ones. It is clear that the drop in global demand is the most important problem for everyone; but for us, for the Russian power sector, for Russian oil industry workers – what issues do you consider the most relevant and how, in your opinion, does the state need to support the industry?



Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin:

Mr President, thank you very much.

Indeed, last year Rosneft showed high production and financial and economic results and was the largest taxpayer, having generated 18 percent of the federal revenues. Rosneft operations support our corporate ecosystem of 2.5 million people – these include contractors, equipment manufacturers, and service companies. Last year our investment programme amounted to about 950 billion rubles.



Vladimir Putin:

You have mentioned a very important topic, by the way. What was the plan this year?



Igor Sechin:

Let’s say that, considering the general dramatic state of the global oil market and the decisions made on cutting the production, we, of course, will have to minimise part of the capital costs. We will try to preserve our investment programme at about 750 billion.



Vladimir Putin:

Was it 950?



Igor Sechin:

950.



Vladimir Putin:

So you want to decrease it by 200 billion?





Igor Sechin:

About 200 billion. Due to the decrease in production, Mr President, we will have to make such decisions on optimisation to maintain the company’s financial and economic stability.

At the same time we understand our main responsibility: to preserve the health of our employees, their families and other people. In order to do this, the company has organised 250 isolation facilities and also 68 observation rooms in the regions of its operations where workers have to go before their shifts. We have extended the time between shifts from 30 to 90 days; people are very understanding. This has its results.

The situation is fully under control. We work constantly with the regional authorities and Rospotrebnadzor offices. This work is daily and we will try to monitor the developments daily, too.



Vladimir Putin:

Still, 200 billion is a large reduction in capital costs. It is very important for us to preserve the entire chain of your contractors and subcontractors, because your orders provide work to a large number of industrial enterprises.

What does the state have to do to support you and preserve your investment as far as is possible?



Igor Sechin:

Mr President, we will try to maintain investment growth. Our main priority, where we require the state’s help, is to ease the banking policy on the accessibility of loans and working capital. As you have noted, this is not only important for us, but also for our contractors and subcontractors. If there was an opportunity to increase the limit per lender, this would help us to support our investment programme and even help us start some new ones bearing in mind than in two or three years we will overcome the crisis and will have to provide new volumes of hydrocarbons to the market.

So I would like to present our new project.



Vladimir Putin:

You are not talking about beneficial loans, but simply about the accessibility of loans?



Igor Sechin:

Mr President, this is about the accessibility of loans under the terms that are currently approved by the Central Bank: ruble loans within the limits of our banking system.

In addition to this, Mr President, we would like you to take note of the developments in exploration. If the payment of taxes from exploration projects were postponed until a later period, this would help us to better prepare for emerging from the crisis.

Another key subject for us is the adjustment of the transport monopolies’ tariffs to current market prices. Oil cost some 1,100 rubles in 2008 and the current price is 1,200 rubles, which are comparable figures. But oil transportation cost 822 rubles per tonne in the past, while the current cost is 2,100 rubles.





Vladimir Putin:

I understand your concerns. We will certainly discuss them.



Igor Sechin:

We are not asking for any special benefits, but such an adjustment in light of the falling oil prices would do us a great deal of good. At present, transportation costs account for 32 percent of the price of oil.



Vladimir Putin:

The end price?



Igor Sechin:

Yes. This is a great deal for us.



Vladimir Putin:

Speaking about exploration, we had a similar discussion with your colleagues on the establishment of a fund for drilling companies. The idea is comparable.



Igor Sechin:

Not quite. As far as I am aware their idea was a bit different. It concerned a local project to complete certain wells that have almost been completely drilled down but not right to the bottomhole. They wonder what would happen if they fail to complete this job. Would they be able to use these wells in the future? In this sense, it is a local project, which most likely needs to be given support.

What we are asking for is funds for exploration.



Vladimir Putin:

So we are talking about exploration in general.



Igor Sechin:

Yes, about exploration in general and also about exploration drilling. We would like to ask you to postpone the payment of taxes from these hard times to a period when the prices are higher.





Vladimir Putin:

Now I see. Do you have your proposals written down?



Igor Sechin:

Yes, of course.



Vladimir Putin:

Very good then.



Igor Sechin:

One of our new and promising projects, which can produce a new volume after market stabilisation, is Vostok Oil, where we have started exploration drilling. Here is the situation on Taimyr.


(Demonstration of a video about the Vostok Oil project.)


Igor Sechin:

The first Aframax tanker that can run on natural gas motor fuel has been completed at the Zvezda Shipyard.



Vladimir Putin:

Congratulations.



Igor Sechin:

Nobody believed we would do this either.



Vladimir Putin:

I know. It is a real victory. My congratulations.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63346






Telephone conversation with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.



May 12, 2020 - 15:40



The two presidents exchanged warm greetings on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. They noted the importance of this common anniversary for the peoples of the two countries, who cherish with pride the memory of the unparalleled feat of the combat veterans and home front workers.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sincerely thanked the President of Russia for sending a Defence Ministry delegation to attend Victory Day celebrations in Turkmenistan. The President of Turkmenistan expressed special gratitude for the delivery by Russian representatives of a copy of the Victory Banner and the original combat banner of the 748th rifle regiment of the 206th division of the Second Ukrainian Front, in which his grandfather Berdimuhamed Annayev fought heroically during the war.

The presidents also discussed the situation around the coronavirus pandemic and agreed on further contacts between relevant ministries and departments of the two countries.

They also reviewed a number of other bilateral issues with an emphasis on invigorating trade and economic cooperation.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63347






Meeting on supporting aviation industry and air transportation



Vladimir Putin held a videoconference on supporting the aviation industry and air transportation.



May 13, 2020 - 15:50 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






Taking part in the videoconference were Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Acting Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov, Presidential Aides Igor Levitin and Maxim Oreshkin, Transport Minister Yevgeny Ditrikh, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Special Presidential Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov, Head of the State Council working group on transport and Head of the Republic of Buryatia Alexei Tsydenov, First Deputy Minister of Transport and Head of the Federal Agency for Air Transport Alexander Neradko, Director General of Russian Post Maxim Akimov, Director General of the United Engine Corporation Alexander Artyukhov, Director General of State Corporation for the Promotion of the Development, Manufacture, and Export of High Tech Products Rostec Sergei Chemezov, Director General of United Aircraft Corporation Yury Slyusar, Chairman of the State Development Corporation VEB.RF Igor Shuvalov, as well as the heads of Russian Helicopters, Red Wings Airlines, Utair Aviation, State Transport Leasing Company, Aeroflot, Azimuth Airline, S7 Group, and the International Airports Association.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

Let us get down to work.

However, before we discuss measures to support our air carriers and the aviation industry, I would like to say the following. We hold regular meetings on the individual industries, but the crucial part is that all of our plans and projects are implemented on time and in full.

This is what I have in mind. On May 11, after a serious discussion with the Government and the Executive Office, I proposed a set of measures to support the people and businesses. On the next day, over a million requests had been posted on the Public Services Portal by those who hope to receive the one-time assistance of 10,000 rubles per child aged through 15 years. Then the portal crashed. I know that our colleagues from the Communications Ministry have now repaired it, but I would like you to take notice of this, as well as of other such similar matters.

Even during these difficult times – it is also difficult for the budget, because budget revenue has decreased considerably due to the falling prices of our traditional products, that is, oil and energy – we nevertheless found the means to support our people, the economy in general, as well as individual industries and companies. Once we started doing this, we must carry it through, for otherwise we will not achieve the result that we want and that the people expect us to achieve.

This also concerns, as I mentioned last time we met, additional payments to our medical personnel. As I said on May 11, regrettably, these payments have been made in far from all of the regions. As of now, only two or three regions have not made these payments. We only had to point at the drawback, and it was immediately remedied. Why cannot we do everything properly from the very start?

I am asking you to pay more attention to performance standards.

As I have already mentioned, we regularly hold industry meetings to support the economy and jobs, employment and the incomes of citizens. Today, as agreed, we will discuss the airline industry. Together with business representatives, we will consider the current state and development tasks of domestic airlines, airports, as well as aircraft manufacturing enterprises.

As I have already noted, due to the coronavirus epidemic, air traffic – both in our country and abroad – is facing forced restrictions. Perhaps the most serious decline among all types of transport occurred in aviation. The numbers of users on domestic flights decreased significantly, by 88 percent. International air traffic has almost stopped: there is a reduction of more than 90 percent. The number of passengers at Russian airports has dropped to a minimum.

Companies, airports are losing revenue, which certainly affects their financial situation and, most importantly, their employees and the well-being of people involved in air transportation.

Let me remind you that we have already decided to allocate emergency assistance – over 23 billion rubles – to Russian airlines so that they can pay salaries to crews, personnel, airport services, leasing expenses and other purposes and thereby ensure the stability of enterprises.

I would like to ask business representatives today to tell us how this work is being organised and whether all the issues have been resolved. Although I do know that not all the issues have been resolved, and in fact, the organisation of this work within the allocated funds requires more serious consideration. Let us talk about this today. Let us talk about how effective and sufficient the incoming support is.

I would also like to note that last week, following a meeting on transport, I gave instructions to especially support airports during the epidemic, to allocate federal funds – almost 11 billion rubles – for their urgent needs. I would like to ask the heads of the federal departments to report on how the decisions made are being implemented.

Let me emphasise that our common task is to provide for reliable, high quality and safe airline service in Russia. Meanwhile, it is important for the industry to see the prospects of its development and further growth. However, it is also important for the Government to understand these prospects. I think that any of our actions to support this or that sector should proceed from a clear long-term model of its operation. I am asking the Minister of Transport to tell us today which structural changes in the industry are expected in the years to come and what the Government is going to do in this respect.

We are talking not only about major aviation. I suggest talking about small, specialised, sanitary aviation operating in remote areas where it, in fact, has no alternative.

And, of course, in the current circumstances it is necessary to support the foundation of the industry, namely the aircraft-building enterprises, and give work to those complex and, in many ways, unique production facilities.

Russia is, by the way, among the few countries that can produce the entire range of military and civil planes and helicopters. It is a huge competitive edge and an embodiment of our industrial, economic, scientific and educational potential.

Russia-made aircraft can compete in many specifications on equal terms with their foreign counterparts and global market leaders and, by the way, speaking of combat aircraft, largely surpass them.

In addition, the capacity of the Russian aircraft industry makes it possible to work on new and promising models. Above all, I mean the MS-21 medium-range civil airliner that is being tested. I believe, it has already made over 300 flights, which is a third of the required number.

I have already said that it is a matter of principle to provide our aircraft plants with orders and raise the demand for Russia-made aircraft. It will encourage the creation of jobs, the upgrade of production facilities and the development of new aircraft models.

I believe that the right thing to do would be to take the following decisions in this regard:

First, we need to launch a support programme for the leasing and operation of Russian aircraft. To this end, I propose offering leasing companies state guarantees in 2020–2021, as well as subsidies in order to reduce the per-hour flying cost for Russian aircraft. According to our estimates, this programme will enable Russian plants to manufacture 59 new civilian aircraft in the first two years alone.

At the same time, we need to simplify and streamline these leasing subsidies for carriers and aircraft manufacturers, including by directly linking the purchase of a specific aircraft to receiving the subsidy. In other words, the money will follow the aircraft.

Second. We are paying a great deal of attention to developing regional air services by subsidising direct region-to-region flights bypassing the Moscow Aviation Hub. We are doing this primarily in the interests of the people, the passengers, since non-stop flights are much more convenient and of course cheaper.

Every year, the government earmarks about 8 billion rubles from the federal budget to this effect, and regions chip in as well. However, the demand for subsidies largely exceeds the allocated funds.

We need to consider the possibility of expanding this programme. In addition, we need to fine-tune this mechanism in order to prioritise destinations operating Russian aircraft.

I would also like to remind you about the decision adopted in December 2019 when I asked you to draft proposals on creating a dedicated airline operating a fleet of Russian-made passenger and cargo aircraft in Russia’s Far East, including hard-to-reach territories. I would like to hear a progress report on this instruction.

Third. The state will have to place more orders to support demand. This is a universal and effective approach that we use to support automobile manufacturers, other industrial sectors, as well as infrastructure construction. Of course, for the aviation industry this could be even more relevant than for any other sector.

We have planned to purchase aircraft as part of the national projects and state programmes. I propose fast-forwarding these transactions in order to give work to our manufacturers right now, when they are going through a challenging period. I am referring, among other things to the purchase of 66 helicopters as part of the programme to develop air medical services. I strongly believe that expediting these deliveries will be totally worth it.

State-owned companies must become involved as well. I know for example that Russian Post will have to modernise its cargo fleet in the near future. I would like to ask the company’s chief executive to report on its long-term plans for buying aircraft.

Actually, this applies to other companies that are fully or partially owned by the state. Overall, in this situation we have to be very rational and generous. We need to look at what aircraft our state-owned companies wanted to buy and in what quantities, including oil and gas companies and other businesses, sum up this data to understand the magnitude of these orders, and make the corresponding adjustments. It may be the case that we should also expedite defence procurement orders.

Let us get down to work. I would like to give the floor to Deputy Prime Minister Borisov.

Please, go ahead.





Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov:

Mr President,

Aircraft manufacturing companies have been able to fulfil defence procurement orders, provide for the combat readiness of the Air Force, and carry out civilian aircraft manufacturing programmes, and all this thanks to your unwavering attention to this sector and the timely and expeditious government decisions.

At the same time, we need to recognise that the troubled loans that have been pilling up over the past years have a negative effect on this sector in general. United Aircraft Corporation alone has over 400 billion rubles worth of these debts and spends over 30 billion rubles in interest on arrears every year.

The government commission that was established under your Executive Order reviewed the long-term financial restructuring programme of United Aircraft Corporation. This programme provides for government support measures, including a capital increase and the restructuring of UAC’s troubled loans for a 15-year term; streamlining the corporate structure and governance within a three-year term and overhauling UAC’s R&D block within a five year term, which is expected to save about 300 billion rubles; and divesting the corporation’s non-core assets for an estimated 17 billion rubles.

The commission carried out a detailed review of UAC’s financial restructuring scenarios by comparing the key indicators, and analysed the aircraft line-up and the manufacturing programme for the entire programme period.

The financial restructuring programme will enable UAC to complete the investment stage of the ongoing aviation programmes and step up serial manufacturing of new aircraft, as well as create stable conditions for carrying out civilian and defence aviation programmes in the future. The restructuring programme provides for expanding UAC’s capacities for assembling MC-21, Il-114 and other aircraft.

In addition, we brought forward the timeframe for import substitution projects, including changing the deadline for completing the Sukhoi SuperJet import substitution project to 2023 instead of 2024.

The government commission adopted the financial restructuring programme on May 12, 2020, taking into consideration the adjustments to state support measures that the Industry and Trade Ministry and the Transport Ministry will report on today, as well as having agreed with the Defence Ministry on cancelling fines and penalties under defence procurement orders for the past few years.

In order to place the financial restructuring programme on more stable footing, I am asking you, Mr President, to instruct the Industry and Trade Ministry together with the Defence Ministry, the Finance Ministry, the Economic Development Ministry and Rostec state corporation to find ways to minimise the penalties for failure to perform or improper performance under state contracts over the past few years.

It goes without saying that the corporation’s executives will be personally liable for fulfilling the programme’s main parameters, as we have agreed.

The financial restructuring programme that has been adopted, along with the additional measures to support the aviation sector and ensure air transportation that the participants in this meeting will present, will lay the groundwork for putting the aviation sector on sustainable footing.

Thank you.





Vladimir Putin:

Thank you, Mr Borisov.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63348






Meeting on developing genetic technology in Russia



Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting, via videoconference, on the development of genetic technology in the Russian Federation.



May 14, 2020 - 15:20 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






Taking part in the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Presidential Aide Andrei Fursenko, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Director of Kurchatov Institute National Research Centre Alexander Blagov, Director of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology Alexander Makarov, Director General of Vektor State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology Rinat Maksyutov, Director General of Biocad biotechnology company Dmitry Morozov, and Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

Over the past we week we have dedicated our efforts primarily to countering the coronavirus epidemic and preparing urgent measures to support the people and the economy. It goes without saying that we will be consistent in these efforts moving forward. Let me reiterate, however, that as the situation changes we can once again focus on matters on our current and long-term agendas. We never lost sight of them but now that life is getting back to normal, it is essential that we deliver in a proactive and effective manner on the strategic objectives and large-scale projects with a long planning horizon and generate momentum. We will discuss one such priority today.

Let me remind you that a little over a year ago, in April 2019, we launched a programme to develop genetic technology in Russia. Today, we will review the progress made over the past 12 months. We will also discuss further steps, considering, among other things, the challenges we are facing at this moment.

To begin this discussion, I would like to note that it took us several years of consistent efforts before we could launch this complex, large-scale project. We reinforced the existing research schools and created new ones, including with input from our compatriots at leading research centres and universities. It is important that more and more young, promising scientists work on genetic research. We dedicated significant resources to developing this sphere and to life science in general, including human resources, as well as financial and institutional assets.

Genetics research is helping us to create testing systems, vaccines and medicines, including against the coronavirus. I would like to express gratitude to our geneticists for contributing to our battle against this threat.

However, it should be noted that although high-tech medicine is highly important it is not the only objective of genetic research. You know this all too well, or at least, the participants in this meeting know this better than I do. This sector as a whole focuses on people’s life, health and safety.

What is then our main objective? I believe that Russia must have an entire range of studies on the prevention and treatment of serious diseases, increasing life expectancy, improving the environment, cleaning our soil, water and air, as well as using biofuels. In other words, we are talking about a whole range of sectors, from medicine and agriculture to manufacturing and energy, where genetic technologies offer colossal opportunities.

We must use them to our advantage and in the interests of our people, developing and building up our own research and technology potential. When it comes to the scale of our objectives, the breakthrough efforts needed, and its importance for the nation, the genetics technology programme is comparable to the nuclear and space exploration projects of the 20th century. And the programme’s management system and structure must be adjusted to this high objective, so that we not only lay the groundwork but convert our achievements without delay into practical results, in other words, into technologies and products that will be competitive not only in Russia but also around the world.

This is why three world-scale genome centres are being established under the Science national project. Each of them will constitute a consortium of research institutes and universities, plus manufacturing and innovating companies, spanning from Novosibirsk to Crimea.

Rosneft has become our main technological partner. Mr Sechin, you have reported very recently that an agreement to this effect has been signed with the Government. I would like you to tell us today about the practical moves and projects Rosneft has launched within the genetics technology programme. I would like to ad that I have requested the heads of our other companies to join the mainstream development projects using their funds. Today we will be discussing the progress made in one of the key spheres – genetics – to see if any problems should be given emergency attention so that we can speed ahead.

I give the floor to Ms Golikova. Go ahead, please.





Deputy Prime Minister Tatayana Golikova:

Good afternoon, Mr President, colleagues.

Mr President, as you said, the Federal Research Programme for Genetic Technologies Development until 2027 was approved in April 2019.

The Science national project, which you approved by executive order, allowed us to hold a contest to select three world-class genome centres, which are not ordinary organisations but consortiums. These three genome centres are focused on the main four spheres of the programme: biosecurity, medicine, agriculture and industry. The head organisation is the Kurchatov Institute. A special council was set up in accordance with your executive order to manage and implement this programme. It consists of representatives of the federal authorities, the Academy of Sciences and research foundations, as well as our leading geneticists and representatives of our industrial partners.

As per your executive order and the objectives of the Science national project, these centres are focused on making breakthrough achievements that will be competitive internationally. Although these genome centres have only started working, they have produced the first results. I would like to say a few words about these, bearing in mind that our colleagues from these three genome centres will speak about them in more detail.

The first is the Biosecurity Centre set up at Rospotrebnadzor’s Research Centre for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology together with two other Rospotrebnadzor institutions. In late 2019 and early 2020, the centre compiled an electronic catalogue of clinical isolates and laboratory reference strains for the creation of innovative medicines for infectious diseases, screened over 2,000 bacterial strains and launched the compilation of a national interactive catalogue of pathogenic microorganisms and biotoxins for purposes of biological security. In addition, the centre researchers have adapted and introduced a new system for identifying Risk Groups 1 and 2 organisms. They have developed a method that allows them to rapidly diagnose diseases, including infectious diseases.

Why did I start with the Biosecurity Centre? Because these issues that are considered by the centre and other laboratories established in Russia have proven their effectiveness, and as you have already noted, that includes the new coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to the experience we have gained, including the infrastructure that we created in late 2019 – early 2020, we very quickly, as you also noted, got down to the work of creating the appropriate diagnostic tools and also started to develop vaccines against the new coronavirus.

It is already obvious that these areas are expanding the scope of the genetic programme, and here we would ask for your consent to make changes, particularly to the research plan, since we believe these studies to be relevant not only now but also for the long term.

The second is the Centre for Genetic Technologies in Medicine, based at its parent organisation, the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology. Here different work is done on the development of next generation medicines and biomedical cellular products. The first variants of oncolytic viruses were assembled here – these are modified viruses that selectively kill tumor cells.

I would like to say that this topic is also very relevant today, as not only the genetic centre is engaged in it, but it is a priority of the Healthcare national project in view of the significant funds allocated for combating cancer.

To conduct preclinical studies, the centre has developed unique strains of viruses that can destroy brain cancer cells and breast cancer cells. These results could prove to be real breakthroughs in cancer treatment. And I think that they will be of interest to the international scientific community.

The centre is also building up capacity to create highly sensitive HIV detection tools. Today, as we see, there is nothing of this kind in the world, but I think that our colleagues will address this topic in their reports.

The third centre was created at the parent organisation – the Kurchatov Institute – and is active in agriculture and industrial microbiology. In 2019, this centre created strains of bacteria that produce metabolites and enzymes used in agriculture as feed additives for farm animals, and modified bacterial genomes that produce a variety of amino acids that hold a lot of promise in agriculture.

In addition to genomics centres, the activities under the programme are being carried out, as I have already mentioned, by a number of laboratories that conduct corresponding research and work in conjunction with genomics centres. As many as 326 structural units have been created at 100 research and educational institutions located in 27 regions. They are conducting corresponding genomic research projects. Of them, 90 structural units have been set up at universities and 236 at research centres. I will not dwell on these laboratories’ performance, which is quite consequential for achieving the genomic programme goals. I will focus on our managerial achievements and unresolved problems instead.

In order to ensure competitive results, we have instructed the stakeholder ministries to work on the introduction of restrictions and terms for admitting certain types of foreign products made with the use of genetic technology to the Russian market. Primarily, this concerns agriculture. Such proposals have already been submitted by the Kurchatov Institute, and work in this area is underway.

In addition, the Government instructed the line ministries to support the genomics research centres as they register intellectual property, including abroad. We are now planning to register about 30 intellectual property items.

I would like to draw your attention to yet another issue, Mr President. This has been repeatedly discussed at both your meetings and the council sessions. I am referring to the list of equipment that we are buying for the implementation of the genetics programme. We were very careful in compiling this list and set up a working group for this purpose. We certainly wanted to use mostly domestic equipment. I would like to say a few words about that. At the same time, we wanted to make sure this equipment was fully used and did not just sit there. We still have problems with domestic equipment and domestic expendable materials. Therefore, we have planned certain steps in the council to overcome this dependence.

But first I would like to say that the demand for modern genetic equipment is fairly high now that all countries are working with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Of course, we are assessing the risks linked with delays in equipment supplies or shortfalls in delivery. We are assessing these risks now under the Science national project. We will complete this work by July. I believe we will be able report the results to you.

As I said, we are working to reduce our dependence on foreign made equipment. I must say that following the instructions of the council, the Kurchatov Institute drew up the requirements for the development of a domestic instrument base with consideration for the proposals of all centres for genetic technology development. Importantly, this includes not only equipment but also the information systems that are needed for the genetic programme.

Today, there are about eight domestic companies that have experience in developing prototype models and the small-scale production of equipment. But we understand that this is not enough. So now, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is studying the issue of developing domestic laboratory and research equipment.

I would like to draw your attention to another issue that is also a very important part of the agenda for this programme. It is biological resource collections. Russia currently has around 80 bioresource collections. I must say that while these collections contain unique samples, they are fragmented and mainly used by scientists from their home organisations. It is important to us to consolidate scientists’ resources and the resources of the academic community so that there is demand for these collections. At the same time, they must be well protected. We are working on this. I think that there should be a common procedure for expanding, building and using such collections.

Another important aspect that we are working on is staffing, not only for the genome programme but also for genome research. In your opening remarks, you noted that people are eager to join this industry because it is modern and has become quite popular recently. However, we believe that the number of young people defending theses in genetics is still not high enough and there is still great potential there considering that 103 higher education institutions in 61 Russian regions offer genetics programmes. We instructed the Ministry of Science and Higher Education to submit proposals by November 1, 2020, on monitoring the number of students enrolling in the kinds of genetics research programmes that are important right now.

And finally, I would like to discuss another important topic. You have already mentioned it and we discussed it at length at a meeting of the Genetics Technology Council. In fact, we have made headway in this area lately. But I think that our now leading partner in the genetics programme, Rosneft, and other partners that were selected by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture will allow us to not only conduct genetic research for scientific purposes but also to find practical applications for its results.

Once again, a wide range of potential partners have been identified in addition to our key industrial partner, Rosneft. Today we instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to inform these partners about available opportunities and the types of research conducted by the genomics centres – in order to motivate our industrial partners to invest their financial resources and participate in the development programme.

That is all, Mr President. I think that my colleagues will add more about their own progress. I want to thank everybody for continuing to work despite the difficulties created by the novel coronavirus.

Thank you.





Vladimir Putin:

Thank you very much. But before giving the floor over to the rest of the participants in the meeting, which is exactly what I plan to do, I would like to ask Mr Sechin to share his thoughts. Go ahead, please.





Head of Rosneft Igor Sechin:

Good afternoon, Mr President. Good afternoon, colleagues and Government members.

Mr President, in line with your instruction, Rosneft is acting as a technological partner of the Federal Science and Technology Programme for the Development of Genetic Technology in 2019–2027. In cooperation with the Government of the Russian Federation, as well as the country’s leading research, educational and medical institutions, Rosneft has embarked on implementing a series of priority measures.

The plan of measures that was presented to you recently was drafted and approved with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and Presidential Aide Andrei Fursenko. I would like to thank them for their attention and continuous involvement in our work.

The main goal of the plan is to provide personnel with interdisciplinary education that meets the highest global standards. To reach this goal, our company has created a master’s programme entitled Genomics and Human Health at the biology faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU). The programme is supervised by the chair of genetics of the MSU biology department, twice winner of the State Prize and Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences Yevgeny Rogayev. The first students of the master’s programme will begin studies in September 2020.

On April 29 of this year, Rosneft registered a non-profit organisation in the field of genetics. It is a kind of universal platform where market participants, research institutes and medical institutions can elaborate proposals on improving regulation, as well as discuss and develop approaches to introducing global best practices.

The non-profit format was chosen primarily because it broadens the range of opportunities for information exchange, helps involve Russian and foreign partners in cooperation and makes it possible to localise technology by using, whenever necessary, Rosneft’s managerial and organisational experience and its ties with business partners. The non-profit will follow all applicable laws in its work, including requirements to protect personal data.

Participation in improving the legislative and regulatory framework is one of the autonomous nonprofit organisation’s goals. This activity will help implement high quality and timely genetic diagnostics in patients with hereditary predispositions and diseases.

Today, for example, Russia’s list of medical services has no sequencing, so the results of genetic studies are technically not a medical opinion. Many modern hardware systems and reagent kits have no registration certificates. There are many other issues that can be resolved by the single industry approach to the regulatory agenda.

Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Presidential Aide Andrei Fursenko and Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov have agreed to join the supervisory board.

The biotechnological campus will be among the main projects. Its priority goal is to conduct physical exams of Rosneft employees and their families. There are 350,000 employees on the company’s payroll, and obtaining primary genetic data in the interests of healthcare and research is of great importance.

The biotechnological campus pilot site will be located on the grounds of the Academicians Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bio-organic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow and will become operational this year. In the future, the biotechnological campus will be located in a new building that the company plans to build.

This biotechnological campus will combine two technological platforms made available by industry leaders, one of them Western and the other one a leading Asian company for sequencing short DNA sections and long DNA sections. Preliminary talks have been held, and our partners are interested. This approach is typical of high-performance global centres for genomic sequencing that have been created recently and boast the highest level of accuracy.

Among other things, it will help detect epigenetic DNA modifications, that is, to identify changes that have accumulated in the course of human life under the influence of an aggressive environment. This should promote research and applied work to diagnose new genetic diseases and to determine the best methods for treating a number of oncological diseases and addressing other important healthcare issues.

Rosneft will become an anchor customer of the biotechnological campus. The company will not only give its employees an opportunity to be the first to perform full-scale genomic sequencing but will also give them a venue for pediatric research for partner medical facilities. This will make it possible to screen workers with critical and dangerous jobs, as well as to elaborate new approaches to ensuring industrial security and providing social support, which may become the standard throughout most of the Russian economy.

The company has already drafted agreements on cooperation and information sharing with its colleagues from Italy, China and Great Britain. Based on your agreement with the Prime Minister of Italy, an agreement was reached with the Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine to execute a contract for developing genetic technology and for scientific and academic exchanges.

To incentivise the development of Russian genetic technology we will focus on adopting the world’s best practices and working closely with the Kurchatov Institute, MSU, academic institutes and other partners.

More broadly, I would like to note that Rosneft will act as a technological and organisational partner for the initiatives of key Russian genetics companies. We must maximise the synergy of collaborative work, supporting and supplementing areas where our participation makes the most sense.

Our cooperation with the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Centre of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology is a good example. Therefore, we are grateful to you, Mr President, for the opportunity to discuss development goals under your guidance, and we will work actively with everyone in this video conference. And, of course, we will cooperate with the leading institutes represented here: with Alexander Blagov, Alexander Makarov and Rinat Maxyutov.

I would like to ask you, Mr President, to support the initiatives of our company as the technological partner of the federal research programme for developing genetic technology in the next few years and to consider the possibility of exempting Rosneft investments in genetic technology from taxation. This decision would encourage greater support for investment in the Russian genetics industry.

Thank you for your attention.





<…>


Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues,

I would like to round off our discussion today and to make several proposals for the development of our joint efforts in the vital sphere of genetic technology.

First of all, I would like to express gratitude to the Council for the Development of Genetic Technology and all participants of this programme.

As you know, we are now working on a long-term economic development plan. Its main objective is to ensure not only economic revival but also a new growth quality, including through deep structural changes and accelerated technological development in all spheres.

Genetic and biological technologies are developing rapidly in the world, and we must lay the groundwork for ensuring our competitiveness in these spheres for decades ahead. We must not limit ourselves to the existing programme but look much further, over the horizon.

We must begin, just as we did in all other sectors of research and technology development, by creating conditions for young entrepreneurs working in the technology sector, for our young people.

The first point I want to make – it has just been mentioned here – is that our university students and graduates, as well as young researchers, must have an opportunity to receive the best knowledge in the field of genetics and to acquire new skills. Therefore, taking into account the rapid development of genetic technology, we must create a modern system of training, just as the [Education] Minister has just said. Our education system must remain thorough, yet we must also ensure an ongoing process of renewing our educational programmes. A major step in this direction is the Genomics and Human Health master’s degree educational programme launched by Rosneft and Moscow State University, which Mr Sechin has mentioned.

Secondly, it is important, in fact, it is essentially a strategic task to inspire the younger generation to become trailblazers in genetics and join the programme for developing genetic technology now. It was already mentioned that the experience of Sirius shows that school students have many interesting, meaningful ideas. Using the best practices of Sirius, I suggest launching educational courses, individual sections on genetics for schools and extracurricular education centres and a mechanism of upgrading the skills of teachers. It has just been mentioned that teachers are not always ready for this work. It is necessary to create conditions for this.

Third. An opportunity to work on cutting edge equipment is a serious impetus for choosing science and solving complicated research tasks. Ms Golikova has also spoken about this. And we must be independent in this sensitive and meaningful area. I expect the Government to make specific proposals on creating a domestic instrument base that will make it possible to conduct genetic research at the global level. Ms Golikova, please summarise all the proposals and present them. I will certainly support them.

Fourth. The success of genetic research is largely determined by digital technology and access to the array of data. The bigger it is, the more authentic and reliable the results are. This is clear. Just as in research instrument making, we must ensure our sovereignty in this area. I suggest establishing a national base of genetic information, using our considerable expertise and best practices in bioinformatics. The head of the Kurchatov Institute spoke about this.

It is necessary to ensure on the basis of uniform standards the protection of data, its storage and transfer, and the development of software for searching, analysing and modelling information. I would like to ask the Government to organise the funding of this project. This will have to be done from federal budget funds. I would also like to draw your attention to the need to reliably protect the personal data of our people and other sensitive information.

Fifth. The scientific collections of our research institutes, some universities, and some institutions of ministries and agencies are also a foundation for new discoveries in genetics, as my colleagues have already mentioned as well. I would like to mention that academic institutions alone have over 250 such collections. Importantly, it took years and even decades to compile these collections, many of which are unique. They were created by many generations of our scientists.

The collection of seeds and plants compiled by Nikolai Vavilov back in the 1920s and kept by the National Institute of Plant Science has acquired worldwide notoriety. It would not be an exaggeration to call this collection a national treasure, and we need to preserve, systemise and analyse it. For this reason, we need to create a single network of bioresource centres so that these chains emerge in all areas of genetic research. Let me reiterate that this includes medicine, agriculture, industrial biotechnology and biosecurity.

Consolidating these data would pave the way to developing common standards for preserving and expanding collections and digitisation. Most importantly, this would enable us to build an effective mechanism, and establish clear rules on how these collections can be used by both Russian and foreign researchers. This, among other things, would lay the groundwork for undertaking international research projects in genetics and in other research disciplines here in Russia.

My sixth point is that we are open to cooperation in science and technology, as I have said. It is essential that it is in Russia that those who are prepared to achieve breakthroughs find the opportunities they need. I hope that Rosneft, represented at this meeting by its CEO, contributes to these efforts in a proactive and direct manner, alongside other companies operating in other areas. I am referring to investment in training staff, funding research and helping research teams launch much-needed and commercially viable products. I am also asking the Council for Genetic Technology to stay in close contact with researchers and Russian companies, and remove any obstacles they may face. This primarily relates to human resources, research infrastructure, funding and creating a favourable legislative framework.

There is another important matter. We all understand the power of genetic technology. For this reason, we need to build a system for supervising its use. Working together with those involved in the programme, we need to balance the freedom of research, technological development and interests of the people with the imperative to protect their interests and comply with ethical norms. I am asking you to proceed from this premise.

Colleagues, I wish you every success. Thank you very much for your work and for today’s conversation.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63350






Telephone conversation with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic at the initiative of the Serbian side.



May 14, 2020 - 21:45



The heads of state exchanged warm greetings on the 75th anniversary of the Victory over Nazism noting the special significance of this anniversary for the peoples of Russia and Serbia who hold sacred the military brotherhood of the war years.

While discussing the issues of combating the coronavirus pandemic, Aleksandar Vucic, on behalf of all citizens of the Republic, expressed sincere appreciation for the assistance rendered by the joint detachment of the Russian Defence Ministry, which will be completing its humanitarian mission shortly. The importance of continuing coordination between the respective agencies of the two countries’ efforts in fighting the spread of the virus was stressed.

The presidents expressed a mutual commitment to step up the Russian-Serbian strategic partnership and multifaceted cooperation, including joint projects in energy, transport and technology.

It was agreed to further maintain a regular dialogue.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63351






Greetings on the 85th anniversary of Moscow Metro



Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the staff and veterans of Moscow Metro named after Lenin on the occasion of its 85th anniversary.



May 15, 2020 - 10:00



The message reads, in part:

“Moscow metro is the most convenient and popular means of transportation for city residents and visitors. Its history has many bright and unforgettable pages and examples of selflessness and courage displayed by metro builders and staff during the Great Patriotic War. Of course, Moscow metro is famous throughout the world for the unique and unparalleled beauty of its stations, many of which are rightfully regarded as monuments of architecture and art.

Today, Moscow Metro is rapidly developing and offers reliable connection between the city centre and residential neighbourhoods. Large-scale construction work is ongoing in the metro virtually non-stop, with new lines being opened and new technology being introduced that contribute to cutting-edge standards of reliability and user comforts. However, the main thing is that the metro staff remain famous for their goodwill and sincere attention for passengers. This is especially important during these difficult times, when you are facing the vital task of protecting people’s safety amid the increased threat of the coronavirus epidemic.”

Moscow Metro, the Moscow Central Circle (MCC) and the Moscow Central Diameters (MCD) together comprise 333 stations, including 238 metro stations, 31 MCC stations, 58 MCD stations and six monorail stations.

In 2019, Moscow metro carried over 2.5 billion people. It is the world’s top metro system in terms of on-time departures and arrivals (99.98 percent) and traffic intensity (30 to 40 pairs of trains an hour during rush hours on main lines). Over 12,500 trains run on the 15 lines of Moscow Metro every day. Moscow metro has the world’s second largest number of carriages, over 6,000.

More than 17,000 cameras ensure public safety in metro. There are over 900 escalators making up a total length of over 37 kilometres. At 84 metres underground, Park Pobedy is the deepest station in Moscow.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63356
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Opening of Defence Ministry’s medical centres for treating patients with COVID-19



A videoconference was held on the opening of multifunctional medical centres in several Russian regions, built by the Defence Ministry to treat patients with the novel coronavirus infection.



May 15, 2020 - 15:15 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






The videoconference was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare – Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation Anna Popova, heads of the Republic of Buryatia, Kamchatka Territory, Khabarovsk Territory, the Voronezh, Kaliningrad, Omsk and Rostov regions, St Petersburg and Sevastopol, as well as heads of the medical facilities that will open soon.



President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

Everyone can see and hear me. Let us begin.

Today we open eight new multifunctional medical centres built by the Defence Ministry to help coronavirus patients. The first such centre, in Nizhny Novgorod, opened on April 17, and then seven more were commissioned on April 24 and 30. In just two months, as planned – honestly, it was hard to believe, but we managed to do it – as many as 16 Defence Ministry centres have been created and fitted out with the necessary equipment, all across the country, from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka. They were built in record-breaking time and to a high standard.

I know that those engaged in the construction were working almost round the clock, making use of new technological solutions.

At the same time, high-level, skilled medical teams were formed for the new centres: over 2,000 doctors, nurses and other medical staff who underwent additional training at the Kirov Military Medical Academy in St Petersburg.

I would like to thank the Defence Ministry leadership, civil engineers and military personnel for the precise and prompt performance of the task, and I would like to wish success to the medical personnel who will be working at the new centres.

I want to underscore that all the new facilities are fitted out with modern equipment and life-support systems, and they have stockpiled the necessary medicines. This enables treating patients with any forms of the disease, even the most severe ones. I am confident that the new centres will help to more effectively fight the coronavirus infection and, in general, will strengthen the healthcare system’s potential in our regions, as civilians will also receive treatment there.

But again, these specialised hospital beds deployed in the regions must be kept at the highest level of preparedness. I must note that as of May 14, the Russian regions had more than 148,000 such beds equipped with everything necessary.

Today, of course, I would like to hear from the heads of the new centres about how they see the tasks they are facing, what you plan to do, and how you plan to organise your work. And I also ask the heads of the regions to report on the epidemiological situation in their regions and the effectiveness of the measures taken, including whether there are enough specialised beds. I know that there is a plan, and it is being implemented, fulfilled, but the situation is changing. What is your opinion on this issue? Do you think we have done enough?

Also let me remind you that I have instructed the regions to make all April payments to healthcare workers directly involved in treating patients with the coronavirus infection by May 15.

Listen to me. Listen carefully. We have agreed, and it was clearly and unambiguously stated, that this money should be paid for working with patients with the coronavirus infection, not for some hours or minutes they are putting in. There are specific dates and specific figures set for these payments. At the beginning of next week, we will discuss in detail and sum up the results from all the regions – I want to emphasise this: all regions, without exception, will report on how they carried out this instruction.

Let us move on to reports.

But before we begin, I would like to hear from the Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu.

Go ahead, please.





Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu:

Thank you.

Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

The work on preventing the spread of the coronavirus infection in the Armed Forces has been organised with due account for the anti-epidemic measures taken in the country. This work in the army units is monitored by the Defence Ministry’s control headquarters. I must say that starting on May 8 and throughout the following week more people have recovered than fallen ill. This is a major success, and I hope that it will result or has already resulted in a daily decline in the number of infected people in the Armed Forces.

The work of the army conscription commissions in the regions of the Russian Federation has been adjusted, which has allowed us to reduce by five times the number of conscripts summoned by the military commissariats. That said, the established conscription plan is fulfilled in full. Military traffic is planned in a way to prevent conscripts from coming into contact with other people. Strict face mask requirements are in place. Over 230,000 test kits and two million masks have been delivered to the military commissariats for this purpose. All conscripts have been provided with protective gear and express tests. New arrivals are put on a two-week quarantine in army units.

Following your instruction, our military experts have completed activities to counter the coronavirus infection in Italy, Serbia, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, and continue working in Armenia.

The Armed Forces have created forces and facilities for countering the spread of the coronavirus in the regions of this country. They are ready to be put into use at your decision.

At present, a temporary centre for treating patients with the novel coronavirus infection with 1,420 beds has been established in cooperation with the Moscow Region Government in Kubinka in the Moscow suburbs at the Patriot Convention Centre. Over 600 medical specialists of the Armed Forces have been engaged in its work.

Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

In line with your instruction, 16 multifunctional medical centres have been built at military hospitals in 15 regions – from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka and in the south of Russia, including Crimea. Their capacities will allow them to simultaneously render medical care to1,600 patients, both military and civilian. The construction of eight centres has been completed as of April 30. Today, we are putting into service another eight centres in Kaliningrad, Pushkin (Leningrad Region), Sevastopol, Rostov-on-Don, Omsk, Ulan-Ude, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Khabarovsk.

All of the centres have received the latest equipment, which allows them to deliver the required medical support at a high technological level. These medical centres have been provided with a reserve of personal protective gear for the staff and medications.

In all, the centres have 2,200 employees. The specialists have undergone the necessary training in diagnosing and treating the coronavirus infection at the Kirov Military Medical Academy.

This concludes my report.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you, Mr Shoigu.

I discussed this issue with you at the very beginning. I said this in my opening remarks and you remember that even I had doubts that it was really possible to do so much so quickly and with good quality. But you have done a good job. Thank you.

Mr Ivanov, Deputy Defence Minister in charge of the construction sector.

Go ahead please.





Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov:

Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation,

This report is being presented by Deputy Defence Minister of the Russian Federation Timur Ivanov.

Today, we have finished the construction of eight medical centres in Sevastopol, Pushkin (Leningrad Region), Kaliningrad, Rostov-on-Don, Ulan-Ude, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Khabarovsk. Thus, your instruction on building 16 multifunctional medical centres with 1,600 beds and a total area of over 120,000 square metres has been fully carried out.

The construction of the medical centres started on March 20 of this year in all military districts – from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka – on the grounds of existing military hospitals. From the very first days, the construction of these facilities was carried out around the clock in three shifts. Over 12,000 people and more than 550 units of equipment were involved in this work. The National Defence Control Centre of the Russian Federation supervised the construction around the clock.

All the requirements for treating the new coronavirus infection were taken into account during the construction of the centres. All 16 of them are fully staffed with doctors that have received special training in diagnosing and treating coronavirus patients at the Military Medical Academy. In all, over 2,000 specialists have undergone training.

These medical centres have received the latest medical equipment, including ventilators, CT scanners, ECMO and ultrasonography machines as well as resuscitation equipment to provide the necessary aid at the highest technological level. A reserve of individual protective gear for the staff and medications has been created at the medical centres.

I would like to emphasise that these new medical centres will be used not only in the current situation of the coronavirus but also in the future, considering the multipurpose nature of these facilities.

Also, starting from April 25 of this year, the Defence Ministry has organised the construction of an infectious diseases centre for 200 beds with an area of 10,000 square metres on the territory of the Voronezh Clinical Hospital. It is based on the Defence Ministry’s standard design for medical centres. As of today, construction is 20 percent complete. Approximately 650 people and 61 pieces of equipment are involved in the project, which is being carried out around the clock. All works will be completed before June 30, 2020.

This concludes my report.





<…>


Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues, I want to thank all of you for your comprehensive reports. And now I would like to address all the participants in our meeting, including my colleagues in the Government. I ask you to continue to pay close attention to all issues related to strengthening local healthcare systems and stepping up anti-epidemic measures.

I want to particularly note that the military construction arm of the Defence Ministry has mastered the method of rapidly building standard permanent medical centres that have between 60 and 200 beds. The cost of one fully equipped in-patient bed totals 5.5 million rubles, while the construction period varies from 28 to 60 days, which means they can be set up within several weeks in any region of the country, if need be.

Colleagues have already approached us with requests to build such facilities; we have just had an opportunity to speak to Voronezh in this regard. As has just been mentioned, on April 25, the Defence Ministry started building a centre with 200 beds in Voronezh. They have just reported that the facility, when finished, will be transferred to the region in July.

I ask the Government to consider expanding such measures together with the Defence Ministry. More importantly, we should share relevant technologies and experience with the regions to allow them to independently and rapidly set up such multipurpose centres. I also ask the Government to analyse all requirements and procedures necessary for construction works and present specific proposals to simplify them.

We are all aware that sooner or later we will defeat the epidemic and it will stop; yet, both right now and in the long term, we are facing major tasks of developing healthcare infrastructure in the regions – its primary care and other spheres as well. To this end, we should make use of the experience we have gained during these days and months, and apply the most advanced technological, construction and organisational solutions in the future.

We know how the work is proceeding. When I discussed the construction process with the [Voronezh Region] Governor, who had requested that an infectious diseases hospital be built, he told me that the design work would take a year while the construction would take another two years. And yet, the facility will be put into operation as early as late June.

I am well aware of what is happening in this sector. We have discussed many times that various pseudo-participants get involved in the process. Listen, they should be cleared out, and things should be put in order. We have repeatedly mentioned this. The Defence Ministry's efforts in this regard are a perfect example of how work should be organised in terms of deadlines and quality. I ask the Government to properly review this, consider all these issues comprehensively, and present proposals soon.

Concluding today's discussion, I would like to once again thank the Defence Ministry and its leadership, as well the construction workers and all those involved in organising and completing the work we have mentioned today. This much-needed work was done in a short period of time and with the proper quality. All I have to say is thank you.

All the best.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63355






Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council



Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, with permanent members of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.



May 15, 2020 - 16:30 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The participants discussed domestic political issues and world affairs, taking into account the need to ensure Russia’s national interests.





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




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63357






Instructions following meeting on sanitary and epidemiological situation



Vladimir Putin approved a list of instructions following a meeting on the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the Russian Federation held on May 11, 2020.



May 15, 2020 - 21:35



Instructions to the Government of the Russian Federation concern special federal additional pay for employees at in-patient social service institutions for special working conditions; a larger minimum monthly benefit for the first child; additional monthly allowances for families with children under 3; and a one-off payment for each child aged between 3 and 16.

Instructions to the Government also concern, in particular, certain tax exemptions as well as lower insurance contributions for self-employed, small and medium-sized businesses, and socially-oriented non-profit organisations operating in the sectors of Russia's economy most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government and heads of regional authorities have been instructed to ensure the monitoring of activities of in-patient and residential social service institutions, including residential care homes and nursing homes, including non-governmental ones; monitor the provision of additional federal pay to healthcare workers who provide medical care to COVID-19 patients; increase coronavirus testing; oversee the observance of sanitary and epidemiological requirements during the gradual lifting of measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection; and keep in place the self-isolation restrictions for residents over 65 as well as persons with chronic illnesses.

Corresponding instructions have been given to heads of government bodies in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

In addition, the Government of the Russian Federation has been instructed to consider providing additional monetary support to Russia's constituent entities to finance measures to support citizens and economic entities in connection with worsening of the situation amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63358






Greetings to Benjamin Netanyahu on assuming office as Prime Minister of Israel



Vladimir Putin sent a message to congratulate Benjamin Netanyahu on assuming office for another term as Prime Minister of the State of Israel.



May 17, 2020 - 17:30



“I greatly appreciate the relations established between us, which create opportunities for a detailed and efficient discussion of any issue on the bilateral and international agendas, even the most complicated ones. I expect that the new government under your leadership will continue the trend of developing friendly relations and mutually advantageous cooperation between our nations. It obviously meets the interests of the peoples of Russia and Israel and is in line with the need for peace, security and stability,” the President of Russia stressed in his message.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63361






Meeting with leaders and public representatives of Daghestan



Vladimir Putin held a meeting via video conference with the leaders and public representatives of Daghestan. The epidemiological situation in the region was the main item on the agenda.



May 18, 2020 - 14:50 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







Taking part in the videoconference were Head of the Republic of Daghestan Vladimir Vasilyev, Chairman of the People’s Assembly of the Republic of Daghestan Khizri Shikhsaidov, Mufti of the Republic of Daghestan Ahmed Abdulayev (Sheikh Ahmad Afandi), Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Minister for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Natural Disaster Relief Yevgeny Zinichev, Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu and Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare, Chief State Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation Anna Popova.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

Today we are in touch with Head of Daghestan Vladimir Vasilyev, Chairman of the republic’s National Assembly Khizri Shikhsaidov and Mufti of Daghestan Akhmad-khadzhi Abdulayev.

Muslims are marking the holy month of Ramadan, a month of strict fasting. This year it began on April 24 and will end this week, on May 23, before the huge festivities of Uraza Bayram [Eid al-Fitr].

I know how people in the republic perceive this event and how they preserve their traditions. I am also aware that the Muslim religious leaders are urging believers to celebrate this event at home, not to pray collectively and meet up with lots of friends, as is the tradition. I really do hope that their authoritative appeals will definitely be heard.

Despite the relative stabilisation, the coronavirus is still threatening the entire country, and the current situation in Daghestan is far from easy. More and more cases of the disease and its grave complications are being established. In the past few days, the healthcare system of the region has been shouldering a heavy burden. Despite the selfless efforts of doctors and medical nurses, the number of tragic outcomes is growing, in part, among medical workers themselves.

People are also saying that they do not always receive timely and proper medical aid. At the same time, specialists maintain that any serious complications in the region are primarily caused by delays in asking for medical aid and self-treatment at home.





It is necessary to analyse once again how the recommendations of sanitary doctors on self-isolation and restrictions of large-scale events are being carried out.

I would like you to report in detail today in what specific areas Daghestan needs federal assistance. I will certainly immediately give instructions to the heads of the departments that are also in touch with us.

The republic will certainly receive all required financial, material and personnel assistance.

According to my information, the republic is still short of test systems and laboratory capacities. This problem must be resolved as soon as possible.

I would like to hear about your supply of medical equipment, transport, personal protective equipment for medical teams and additional payments to medical workers.

I would also like you to tell me how work is organised on the ground, and what additional decisions on protecting the life and health of the people, including senior citizens, you are going to make. I am referring to the decisions that must be commensurate with the situation and the level of risks, including the preservation or toughening of self-isolation regulations and other preventive measures, and ensuring the safe functioning of companies and medical facilities.

Now let us get down to the issues that I mentioned.


<…>




Vladimir Putin:

To sum up our conversation today, here is what I would like to say.

Just as before, we will definitely follow the developments related to the coronavirus infection in all the regions of the Russian Federation. However, the situation in the Republic of Daghestan is challenging and obviously requires additional urgent measures and effective coordination between the regional government institutions and the federal government. Let me reiterate that Daghestan must get all the assistance it needs.

In this context, I will outline a number of instructions.

First, I am instructing the Healthcare Ministry to coordinate the following efforts: develop and carry out, together with other federal agencies and regional authorities, a detailed plan setting forth the steps to be taken to overcome the challenging situation in the region, provide additional assistance to Daghestan’s healthcare system, including test kits, medicine, equipment and staff. We discussed this already today.

Second, I am instructing the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare to monitor the epidemiological situation in the republic on an ongoing basis and to issue recommendations on preventive and other measures to reduce the risks and to prevent any new outbreaks.

Third, I am instructing the Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Natural Disasters to undertake a far-reaching decontamination effort in the republic with a special emphasis on social institutions, healthcare facilities and other public spaces.

If you reach agreement with the republic and the relevant agencies, we will discuss after this meeting who will be tasked with building a clinic. That said, considering the Defence Ministry’s positive experience in building multifunctional medical centres in the regions, I am instructing the Defence Ministry to promptly launch the construction of a centre of this kind in Daghestan with at least 200 beds. Just as in Voronezh Region, this centre will be handed over to the region afterwards to improve Daghestan’s healthcare system.

Friends,

I am now addressing the people of Daghestan directly.

I recall my meeting with the great Rasul Gamzatov in September of the year 2003 and his very words: “What matters the most for Daghestan’s happiness and prosperity is the integrity, inviolability and unity of all the peoples and ethnic groups of Daghestan, the feeling of being a single family.”

I am well aware that the people of Daghestan have carried through the centuries their commitment to traditions of camaraderie, honour, courage, mutual assistance, and respect for senior citizens. They could rely on these traditions during the harsh years of the Great Patriotic War, and in 1999 when Daghestani fighters defended their mothers, wives, children and the elderly, and stood up to the aggression mounted by international terrorists. Since then, there has always been a special place for Daghestan in my heart.

You have done a lot to have peace in Daghestan. Together, we have taken the path toward resolving the economic and social challenges the republic faces, and we will stand by your side as we continue these efforts.

Today, our joint action, efforts by all the people of Daghestan, your cohesion, resolve, responsibility and commitment to following the advice coming from doctors and experts will enable Daghestan to overcome the threat posed by the epidemic as soon as possible. We must preserve what matters most, which is people’s lives.

I am counting on you. I want you to know that the entire Russian Federation stands with Daghestan. We will get through these hard times together. This is how it will always be. We will do all it takes to help you overcome this common calamity.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63362






Telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.



May 18, 2020 - 16:30



The two presidents discussed in detail efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic, stressing the importance of promoting further cooperation between the relevant agencies of the two countries, including on treatment methods and vaccine development. Vladimir Putin thanked his Turkish partners for facilitating the repatriation of compatriots from Turkey, as well as for providing humanitarian assistance to a number of Russian regions.

Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan once again exchanged views on the developments in the Syrian Arab Republic. They expressed their shared commitment to stepping up joint efforts in order to implement the Russia-Turkey agreements on the Idlib de-escalation zone, including the Additional Protocol to the September 17, 2018, Memorandum, adopted on March 5 in Moscow.

The presidents of Russia and Turkey voiced their concern over the escalation of hostilities in Libya. They noted the need to immediately resume the permanent truce and the intra-Libyan dialogue based on the resolutions of the Berlin International Conference on January 19, 2020, approved by UN Security Council Resolution 2510.

They also touched upon topical matters related to bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The two presidents agreed to maintain regular dialogue at various levels.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63363






Meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council



Vladimir Putin took part in a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council held via videoconference.



May 19, 2020 - 12:30 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






The meeting was also attended by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov, President of Moldova Igor Dodon (head of the EAEU observer state) and Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission Board Mikhail Myasnikovich.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Once again, good afternoon, colleagues.

You have already noted that we are going through a difficult period – it would be fair to say that these are hard times, because of the pandemic. Recent events have directly affected our cooperation, the economy and contacts between people and, therefore, created certain problems with implementing our joint agenda.

That being said, the presiding country, Belarus, has been able to find opportunities for us to continue to work together – and work extensively. I would like to thank the President of Belarus for holding this second meeting. Members of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council already met via videoconference on April 14. The EEC is also working hard with a representative of Belarus, which is also a good example to follow, I believe.

Of course, we all are interested in ensuring our union’s dynamic development. It has existed for over five years now and brought tangible benefits to all of our states. It has contributed to solving major tasks with regard to developing our national economies and improving the quality of life for our citizens.

The draft Strategic Directions for Eurasian Economic Integration Development until 2025, prepared for our meeting today, is aimed at the further development of all-round cooperation among our five countries. This document sets out comprehensive objectives aimed at completing the development of a common market of goods, services and workforce, improving our customs and administrative regulations and developing a digital environment. Our colleagues have spoken about this, and I agree with them that it is an extremely important sphere. Another objective is to create a system of management for our joint projects in high performance sectors.





The strategy provides the basis for stimulating import substitution, industrial localisation and joint pro-integration initiatives. Our countries must create new enterprises to ensure our food security and to produce basic necessities and other critically important goods.

The Strategic Directions envision the development of cooperation between the EAEU member states in research, technology and the humanitarian sphere. Our plans provide for launching major joint projects in vocational and university education, training personnel, enhancing academic mobility and implementing multilateral educational programmes.

Of course, these ambitious development plans for the Eurasian Economic Union in the period until 2025 imply even more active interaction and even closer coordination between the member states. But overall, we believe that this is a truly comprehensive document that sets out the EAEU course for the immediate future and the medium term. Its adoption will create a reliable basis for deepening integration, continuing the rapprochement of our economies and expanding the spheres of our cooperation.





Almost the entire draft has been approved, expect for a single paragraph on gas transport tariffs. The President of Kyrgyzstan, who spoke before me, also mentioned this. There is a formula supported by three countries – Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Under this approach, the agreement on gas prices could be reached later as part of talks on building a common gas market within the EAEU. Our Armenian and Belarusian colleagues have not accepted this formula so far. They have their own point of view on this matter. If they agreed to this approach, there would be no other obstacles left for approving the Strategic Directions.

As for the single tariff for gas transport and transit services, as proposed by our friends from Armenia and Belarus, we believe that we can have a single tariff only within a single market with a single budget and taxation system. The EAEU has yet to reach this advanced level of integration, as we all know. For now, gas prices must be market-based, taking into consideration suppliers’ costs and investments, as well as ensuring a reasonable return on investment. Colleagues, please note that this is common practice around the world.

If the position of our Armenian and Belarusian friends remains unchanged, removing the paragraph on gas from the draft Strategic Directions altogether could be a viable option, so that we could approve the document today. This way, we can continue the discussion on gas pricing at the expert level within the Eurasian Economic Commission. By the way, it has special responsibility for achieving the strategic objectives that we are about to outline. To do so, we need to increase the Commission’s institutional weight and give it more responsibility, including for implementing the resolutions of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.





It would be advisable for the Eurasian Development Bank and the Eurasian Fund for Stabilisation to become more actively involved with the Eurasian Economic Commission. These regional financial mechanisms can and should contribute to major joint integration projects.

Of course, it is essential that we continue efforts to step up the EAEU’s mutually beneficial economic cooperation with its interested foreign partners.

A number of countries and integration structures have already established direct ties with the EAEU, and the ranks of its partners are growing. The EAEU signed international agreements with China, Vietnam, Iran, Serbia and Singapore. Talks with Israel and Egypt are at an advanced stage, and trade consultations with India have been launched.





Of course, maintaining various dialogue formats with other EAEU partners, primarily within the CIS, is also a priority. We need to expand ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. I strongly believe that by working together with these major regional associations, as well as through continuing the efforts to coordinate the EAEU’s activity with the Chinese Belt and Road initiative we will be able to deliver on the project to establish the Greater Eurasian Partnership.

We have set ambitious, large-scale objectives for our union. We will have to go to great lengths to achieve a definitive victory over the coronavirus epidemic, restore economic growth and resolve social issues. Of course, Russia will remain in touch with its colleagues and friends at all times. We will find ways to work, the way Belarus has. Let me emphasise once again that Russia is interested in developing our union. I would like to thank all our colleagues for today’s work and express my special gratitude to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.

Thank you very much.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63367
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Meeting on implementing economic and social support measures



Vladimir Putin held a meeting on the implementation of earlier approved measures to support the economy and the social sphere.



May 19, 2020 - 15:40 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, deputy prime ministers Tatyana Golikova and Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Labour and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, Minister of Trade and Industry Denis Manturov, Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Maksut Shadayev, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, presidential plenipotentiary envoys to federal districts, Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare – Chief State Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation Anna Popova, Head of the Federal Treasury Roman Artyukhin, Head of the Federal Taxation Service Daniil Yegorov, Head of the Executive Committee of the Russian Popular Front Mikhail Kuznetsov and the heads of 85 Russian regions.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

We agreed to return to monitoring the implementation of measures to support the citizens, the social sphere and the economy in general, at the beginning of this week. We are to evaluate the efforts taken at all levels; whether people and specific organisations are receiving prompt support and whether they are receiving it in full. First of all, I would like you to report on implementing the resolutions to provide additional aid to the medical workers who work at hospitals, outpatient clinics and ambulance services.

I would like to remind you that several consistent decisions were adopted regarding support for medical workers. Back in March, we made provisions for incentive payments. These incentives will be paid throughout the year based on the workload. We allocated 10.2 billion rubles for these purposes from the federal budget.

Later on, on April 15, special extra payments were introduced for working in hazardous conditions during April, May and June. These extra payments were provided for those who directly rendered aid to the novel coronavirus patients. Another 41.8 billion rubles were transferred from the federal budget to the regions for this purpose. Out of the total sum allocated for the said payments and benefits, which amounts to 52 billion rubles, the regions of the Russian Federation received 50.1 billion rubles, that is, almost everything. That said, as we agreed, regional payments and additional pay must be preserved as well.

All settlements with people for April were supposed to have been completed by May 15. However, to my knowledge, far from all those that were entitled to these payments received them. True, in the past two or three days, and even yesterday, the situation was changing in the right direction. I hope to hear your reports today.

Regrettably, in some regions people were paid sums that had nothing to do with what we discussed at our meetings. These sums were certainly different from those I gave instructions to pay to medical workers. In every region of the Federation and at each medical facility, and even for individual categories of medical workers, these payments were first calculated in different ways.

Let me add that on May 6 I signed an Executive Order on introducing mandatory national life and health insurance for medical workers. As we agreed, it was to be applied retroactively. In other words, all those that took part in countering the epidemic and were affected while performing their professional duties were supposed to receive lump sum insurance payments.

At the meeting on May 11, I instructed the Government and the Healthcare Ministry to coordinate the actions of the regions on federal benefits and insurance payments. I would like to ask the Healthcare Ministry and regional governors to report on whether all workers that are entitled to these benefits and payments have received them in full.

I am also instructing the Government, the Healthcare Ministry, the Labour Ministry and the regions of the Federation to monitor the allocation of all established payments.





Let me emphasise that absolutely everything must be transparent and clear: who receives the money and what for. All information on the acts that regulate these issues has been brought to the knowledge of people and explained in detail. A feedback system has also been set up, which is extremely important, and I would like to draw your attention to this.

Next. Online purchasing of prescription-free medicine is a sensitive and important matter for people, especially senior citizens. I signed the relevant Executive Order on March 17. To my mind, everything is proceeding not as quickly as one might have wished. Today, I would like to ask you to dwell on this matter in great detail and to report when Russian citizens will, at long last, receive an opportunity to order medicine online, when this matter will be logically resolved, and when the entire essential regulatory framework will be issued.

Here is another significant subject. On May 11, it was decided to stipulate a 10,000-ruble lump sum payment for all children aged 3 through 15. This measure became highly popular. As of May 18, parents have submitted 11 million applications requesting these lump sum payments via the Government Services website. To the best of my knowledge, their number has increased even more and covers almost 12 million children. Russian families are to receive payments for about 22 million children, and this support measure will apply to over 50 million people nationwide, if we use the 1.8 coefficient, and substantial extra federal-budget funding is stipulated for these purposes. Regardless of the current complicated conditions, we were able to allocate 197.2 billion rubles.

Besides, monthly 5,000-ruble payments for children under three applies to families with their first babies born between April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019. In all, we will be able to support about five million children under three. Today, I would like to hear a progress report on these payments.

Please report what measures have been adopted for ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the Government Services website. I know that it has recently started functioning in an appropriate manner. Please report on this matter separately today. How many applications of citizens have been processed, and what new and more convenient services are to be launched?

Next. A number of decisions have been adopted to support the economy. At the first stage, these included delays of tax and insurance payments, a programme of easy-term interest-free wage credits, as we call them, direct government subsidies to pay wages for April and May.

An unprecedented decision to write off taxes and insurance payments for the second quarter of this year was approved as part of a new package of measures submitted on May 11. We have never done this. I will not go into any details as to why we did not do this, but this measure is needed in today’s extraordinary environment. It applies to the self-employed, small and medium-sized companies in hardest-hit sectors, and social non-profit organisations. Apart from this, the self-employed can reduce their 2020 insurance payments to the public extra-budgetary funds by one minimum monthly wage; self-employed individuals will be able to receive from the federal budget non-recurring support amounting to one minimum monthly wage to pay professional income tax. I repeat and will reiterate that they will be fully reimbursed for what they paid in these specific taxes in 2019. Please report today how many individuals and small and medium-sized businesses will be able to enjoy all these support measures and within what timeframes.

Let me also note the decision to grant organisations and the self-employed easy-term loans with an interest rate of 2 percent for the borrowers. This measure is designed to preserve jobs and enhance business stability. Banks should issue these loans as of June 1. I would like to hear how work is proceeding in this area.

In conclusion, let me remind you that I certainly expect the Working Group of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects to make a detailed report on the implementation of all these measures intended to support individuals and the economy.






I would like to give the floor to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who will comment on the agenda. I would like to congratulate you, Mr Mishustin, on finally getting rid of this virus. The last few tests, as the doctors told me, were negative. Therefore, you can perform your duties in full measure, although you did carry out, despite this disease, practically all your work even before. Nevertheless, this is also an important event and I congratulate you on having taken the upper hand over this contagion


<…>


Vladimir Putin:

Now a couple of issues that are not directly related to today’s topic. As I see in the documents, inflation is slowing down a bit and the ruble has begun to grow. I would like Mr Reshetnikov to comment on this. Ans Ms Nabiullina, could you please give us your assessment of these developments, and tell us what to expect in the near and mid-term.

Please, Mr Reshetnikov.





Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov:

Mr President,

Currently, the situation with prices and the consumer markets is fairly stable. The devaluation effect we were seeing has mostly stabilised now as well. These are not always good indicators, but the fact that there has been a certain decrease in demand (due to the quarantine measures), of course, had a noticeable anti-inflation effect.

We are, eventually, expecting that inflation will not exceed our forecast of 4 percent annual rate by the end of the year. The regular dynamics we see today confirm this.

Regarding the recovery of the economy, the latest numbers do show growth. Restrictions are being lifted, as we see in heavy industry, construction and agriculture. The restrictions have been lifted in key industries; we can see this in the growing consumption of electricity and transport.

As of today, our daily indicators have increased significantly. Previously, they were only about 67 percent of what we had before the crisis, and now they are 71–72 percent and growing. In other words, we can see that the economy is beginning to recover.

On the one hand, we can see that perhaps the depth of the depression will be less that we had thought, but of course, we will still have to get back to a path of full recovery. It will take time and the national plan Mr Mishustin spoke about; and the main goal we are working for is to return to growth as quickly as possible. All the measures we monitor, we assess from this point of view: the restoration of employment, people’s incomes and investment, because nothing will be possible without these, including the recovery of growth trends.

However, Mr President, I do not want to build too high an expectation here. It will certainly take time, and it will take effort. Going into detail, we are now completing a forecast report that will be presented to the Government of the Russian Federation tomorrow; we have forecast everything quarterly, including our estimates. But again, now we are synchronising it with the national plan, which we are also completing and will submit to the Government on Monday. We are working closely with the Central Bank under Mr Andrei Belousov.



Vladimir Putin:

Fine. Thank you.

Ms Nabiullina, you have the floor, please.





Governor of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina:

Thank you very much.

Mr President, colleagues,

Indeed, we could see an increase in prices of certain goods in March-April. This was due to the dynamics of the exchange rate and due to an increased demand for a number of products, primarily long-term storage items. Nevertheless, we see that in late April – early May, the pace of price growth is generally decreasing. This indicates a weakening of inflation factors, and we see that so-called disinflation factors will dominate in the short term.

At this point, inflation has stabilised somewhere around 3.1 percent per annum. And, very importantly, after some growth, inflation began to decline. All this gives us the opportunity to pursue a soft policy.

We have already reduced the key rate, and if the situation develops in accordance with our expectations, with our forecast, we have the capacity to further reduce the interest rate in order to maintain demand in the economy, especially as the restrictive measures are gradually lifted.

As for developments in the financial markets, the situation has remained stable in general. Ruble exchange rate volatility has decreased, and so have risk premiums on Russian financial assets. We can see this in yields on federal loan bonds; they have also decreased in our country. This is also very important, because federal loan bond yields also influence interest rates in the economy as a whole. And there are quite positive trends here.

Thank you.





Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues,

Here is what I would like to say in closing. The current situation is absolutely unique for our country and the world alike. Nothing like this has ever happened in living memory. This affects all spheres of life, including personal lives, professional activities, the economy and everything else.

Therefore, the solutions that we are developing and offering to the country, the economy and the people in order to support them are also largely unique. We have never before done anything like what we are doing right now. We have never used such enormous resources to provide support, either. Thank goodness, we have them as a result of our previous financial and macroeconomic, as well as our economic policy, in general. To reiterate, these solutions are largely unparalleled.

There is nothing unusual about the fact that some setbacks occur when we put these decisions into practice. Here is what I would like to say in this connection. I would like to go back to what I have already mentioned. The feedback is extremely important in this regard. We must clearly understand what is happening to our decisions in real life. If we talk about supporting our people, or companies, or economic sectors, we must have a clear idea of how it is really working in real life. Once we have this feedback, we should be able to provide an instant response in order to ensure the unconditional implementation of our decisions, otherwise they will be worthless. What is the point of the work that we are doing then?

Therefore, I urge you to keep working precisely like that being fully aware of what is happening on the ground and responding to the ongoing developments. Again, setbacks are not something that is out of order. Most importantly, we must quickly respond, remedy the situation and see the solution to its logical end. This is my first point.

Secondly, let us not forget about the current work, including national projects. Clearly, for a number of objective reasons, some of our programmes – we have already discussed this and will do so in the future – may be postponed and, as they say, put on the back burner. We will not be able to implement them this year purely for objective reasons. It is imperative to be fully aware of what we are doing when we are making these decisions. But if we make them, we must know what we are going to do with the resources that will be freed up and not used this year. They need to be used properly in these circumstances and sent to where they are needed most.

Please look at the situation and our work from this perspective. We will get back to this soon.

Thank you for today's work. All the best to you all.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63369






Meeting on agriculture and food industry



Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, on the situation in agriculture and food industry.



May 20, 2020 - 15:45 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region



The meeting was attended by Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, Deputy Prime Minister Viktoria Abramchenko, Aide to the President Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture – Head of the Federal Agency for Fishery Ilya Shestakov, Head of the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) Sergei Dankvert, heads of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, Russian Railways, Federal Corporation for Developing Small and Medium Business (SME Corporation), Chamber of Commerce and Industry, heads of the Republic of Crimea, Udmurtia, Altai Territory, Kamchatka Territory, Astrakhan, Kursk and Rostov regions, heads of major associations as well as organisations in the field of agriculture.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues, good afternoon,

We continue the series of meetings concerning the basic, supporting sectors of the Russian economy.

Today, I propose discussing, with the heads of companies and business associations, the challenges facing the agricultural sector, as well as related sectors that are closely tied to agriculture. I am referring to agricultural machinery, food industry equipment, fertiliser production, and a number of other industries.

I already mentioned that in recent years, and everyone is aware of this, Russia’s agro-industrial sector has been showing fast and proactive growth and it has been consolidating its positions as a modern, high-tech industry with good potential for qualitative growth.

Grain harvests in Russia have exceeded 100 million tonnes for six years in a row and this year we also have a good outlook. Today we’ll probably talk more about this.

Russia fully provides itself with the basic foodstuffs, is consistently exploring global markets, and is one of the leading exporters of a number of goods.

I would like to use the opportunity to thank our farmers, the workers of agricultural companies for their hard work and its results that are so important for the country.

Against the backdrop of challenges facing the Russian and global economy, it is crucial that we keep up the dynamics attained in our agricultural sector and our farmers’ belief that they will be able to continue working sustainably and to preserve their cooperation ties. We must ensure reliable supplies to the domestic market and assess the opportunities our companies now have, including the opportunity to export their produce.

Experts believe that agriculture and the food industry have not been affected by the restrictions due to the coronavirus epidemic as seriously as other industries, although their incomes can indeed decrease and spending can increase.

It is especially important at the height of the spring sowing campaign to support our farmers and to ensure stable functioning of our companies so that they have the funds to buy fuel, fertiliser, to purchase and process raw materials. The [Agriculture] Minister reported on the developments in this sector before, but I suggest that we discuss this matter once again. Of course, we must not overlook the matter of remuneration either.





I would like to point out that we are talking here not only about large farms and agricultural holdings, but primarily about small enterprises and family farms. They feel any change on the market especially acutely. We will be talking about this as well.

Of course, while discussing the current issues in this sector or any other industry, we must not forget about our strategic objectives.

We must improve the competitiveness of Russian agricultural produce so that the demand for our products and foodstuffs grows on the domestic market and abroad.

This is an important or even the key parameter, which we must take into account when developing our agricultural, industrial, education and science policies, a system of supporting and encouraging exports, developing high-level processing of agricultural raw materials.

Russian companies have achieved impressive results in the production of meat, especially poultry and pork, vegetable oils and sugar, granulated sugar. I have already said that, over the past 10–20 years, the output of these items has grown significantly. We must look to the future now, to develop such areas as horticulture, viticulture, and beef and dairy production.

It is important to fully employ the capabilities of the industry science, to focus their research on the needs of real production as much as possible, so that Russian projects in breeding, genetics, and biotechnology serve to boost the output of safe, high-quality products.

First of all, we are talking about import substitution of seeds and feed additives. I know that there have been difficulties in the last few months, but I hope they have been overcome.

It is equally important to grow pedigree cattle and manufacture veterinary drugs. I want to emphasise – it is not just an applied task for science and business, but also a key condition, the key to food security and independence of our country.

Furthermore, the development of the agricultural sector is not just about achieving high production levels, but also about creating more jobs, increasing incomes and improving the quality of life for millions of people.

We also need to move swiftly in the development of infrastructure and social services in rural areas, including healthcare, education and culture, as well as in addressing people’s housing problems. We need modern, safe roads and utility networks and, of course, the development of digital infrastructure, which both citizens and businesses need.

I invite representatives of the regions and industry leaders to report on all these topics.

Let us move on to discussing all of the proposed issues.


<…>





Vladimir Putin:

This number was already mentioned today: $25.5 billion worth of our agricultural products were exported last year. This is incredible compared to previous years. Ten or fifteen years ago no one ago could have even imagined this would be possible.

I myself compare this to arms and special-purpose equipment exports which are worth $15 billion. This is an absolutely tremendous number, which makes us the world’s second largest arms exporter.

However, first of all, our exports were down by 1 percent last year. I know the reason, this was due to objective reasons. However, the volume of agricultural imports remained unchanged at $30 billion. We don’t even buy that many weapons. What I am saying is that we have something to work on.

This is an integrated measure of where we are and what we are capable of. We still need to discuss this subject rather a lot. We know how much farm land we have. Indeed much of it is in the risky farming zone, we understand this all too well, but still this land represents a major Russian asset. I think you will agree with me here. There are things to work on, and this is our major competitive advantage, which we must take the opportunity to use.

Today, I would like to thank all of you for the substantive discussion and your specific proposals. I am confident that our colleagues from the Government and the regions – we have many governors joining us online today – will carefully review and work through these proposals.

Here is how I would like to sum things up and also to identify priority tasks. Sales are critical for business which was mentioned many times today by the heads of industry unions and farms. The problem is common, and the state must, of course, lend a helping hand to our producers.

We are primarily talking about lucrative and reliable supply chains. It is imperative to help the delivery of goods to the consumers, as they say, from the field to the counter.

We recently discussed the situation in Russia’s transport sector and opportunities to redirect freight traffic based on the general economic situation and considering the change in customers’ needs.

Let me recall that we agreed to support container traffic, including by railway. I would like to ask the Government and Russian Railways – Mr Belozerov is here with us – to prepare, in cooperation with Russian meat and vegetable producers, proposals on how to efficiently transport these goods from central Russia and Siberia to the Far East.

In turn, as was also brought up, to deliver Far Eastern fish products, it is necessary to make broader use of the Northern Sea Route, and I agree with this. This will reduce the costs of transporting fish products, including to the European part of Russia and, thus, make fish more affordable for our people. I would like to ask the Ministry of Transport, Rosatom and other related agencies to study this issue. We heard a proposal to create a working group. This is fine, it is possible to set up a working group, but it is necessary to arrive at a common decision.

I would like to note that building up the potential of the Northern Sea Route and using it more as a domestic transport corridor is becoming more important, including the goal of developing the port infrastructure of the Far East and Russia’s northwest, including the Murmansk transport hub. I would like to ask you to monitor this work.

I would also like to mention the marketing of farm products. My colleagues talked about this today. Let me repeat that it is certainly necessary to support business initiatives in rural areas, industrious and enterprising people who know how to work the ground and love it, and who create new jobs.

Apparently, as we have said over the years, it is difficult for them to access retail systems, and they do not have enough resources to set up their own marketplaces to sell their products. They simply lack the funds for this – even without such expenses every ruble counts. I would like to ask the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture to come up with additional proposals on expanding the marketing of products from farms and agricultural co-ops.

It has just been mentioned here that such aid is being offered. But this is not enough for our producers.

I am addressing the regional governors: farmers rely on your support, also in terms of organising temporary retail facilities. You said you are doing this but it’s not enough. There must be more fairs and other marketplaces where they can go and sell their produce and not just somewhere on the outskirts but in places that are convenient both for customers and vendors.

Next, I consider it necessary to take additional measures to support the modernisation of our farms, to supply them with modern equipment.

I would like to remind you that we have approved subsidies for the purchase of Russian-made agricultural machinery, goods, combine harvesters and processing equipment, as we were told today. There are easy-term leases for specialised equipment, for example, for land reclamation, something that was also mentioned today.

Overall, we plan to allocate 14 billion rubles for these purposes this year. I agree with the proposal to increase this support, for example, by 4.5 billion rubles to begin with, so that our farmers have additional resources for development and our equipment manufacturers receive new contracts.

In this connection I would like to say a few words about the leasing of agricultural equipment. As mentioned earlier, starting in April, Rosagroleasing approved special preferential terms for this instrument – with a lower interest rate and deferred payments.

To encourage technical equipment upgrades at our farms, I suggest, or rather I support the proposal to increase the capital of Rosagroleasing. I believe somebody mentioned 6 billion rubles. Let’s approve this, so the company can lease an additional 1,500 machines to our farmers.

One more thing: we have approved several instruments, including special investment contracts and competitiveness enhancement programmes, to support Russian agricultural machinery, equipment and fertiliser manufacturers.

This issue was discussed today. I understand that the investment plans for our machinery, fertiliser and other industrial manufacturers could be adjusted in this situation for reasons beyond their control, such as problems in the operations of raw material suppliers or contractors. This was an especially big problem in the first quarter.

So, I agree that the implementation of our businesses’ investment obligations under special investment contracts and competitiveness enhancement programmes can be postponed. The terms of this decision should be further discussed. I would like to ask the Government to do this together with the industry-specific associations and regional authorities.

In conclusion I would like to say the following. All of our decisions to support and maintain stable and dynamic development in agriculture must be as much to the point as possible, as well as effective. The funds we allocate must be quickly transferred to businesses without delay, so that they produce the desired results. I am asking my colleagues to take an extremely responsible attitude.

I wish everyone success and all the best and want to thank you for this meeting.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63371






Meeting with Head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov



Vladimir Putin had a meeting, via videoconference, with Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.



May 20, 2020 - 16:55 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The discussion focused on measures to counter the coronavirus infection and issues pertaining to the development of the Republic.

Rustam Minnikhanov briefed the President on the stiff restrictions imposed in Tatarstan, including maximum self-isolation, the suspended operation of enterprises and institutions, on incentive payments for medical workers and the increased number of hospital beds. The number of tests conducted in the Republic every day has increased to almost 4,000. Industrial facilities have been adjusted to manufacture personal protection equipment and antiseptics.

As of today, there are 2,475 confirmed coronavirus cases in Tatarstan. Of this number, 954 have been hospitalised and 21 are on artificial lung ventilation. Regrettably, eight people who had chronic diseases have died. But 1,362 patients have recovered. Overall, the situation has stabilised.





The republican authorities have decided to gradually lift the restrictions. In early May, all enterprises resumed operation but continue to strictly comply with sanitary requirements. Rustam Minnikhanov said that this had allowed them to prevent a plunge in production figures. The industrial production index in April amounted to 94 percent of the IPI for April 2019. Electricity consumption has decreased by only 7 percent.

Price fluctuations on the oil and petrochemicals market and falling demand for these products have had a major impact on export-oriented companies in the oil and oil processing sectors, which has decreased budget revenues. Rustam Minnikhanov said they need federal assistance to support these exporters, because Russia’s Western partners are introducing additional duties and restrictions.

The Head of Tatarstan thanked the President for the decisions to support the automobile and aircraft industries as well as the defence, fuel and energy, construction and transportation sectors. In April, KAMAZ turned out 3,113 vehicles and at least 2,800 will roll off in May. The republican helicopter and aviation plants continue working.





Agricultural companies are functioning normally, and the construction and road-building sectors have not suspended operation.

The implementation of national projects is a clear priority as 50 republican programmes are being implemented within their framework.

Vladimir Putin and Rustam Minnikhanov also discussed support for families with children and those who had lost their jobs, as well as assistance to businesses, the development of cooperation ties and the encouragement of domestic demand. The Head of Tatarstan put forth a number of proposals in these fields.

Vladimir Putin asked him to focus on the social problem of the growing number of unemployed and added that he planned to hold a videoconference on this issue. The President also promised to support the construction of an infectious diseases hospital and the Greater Kazan Ring Road.





Vladimir Putin also raised the issue of the upcoming Muslim holidays. He told the Head of Tatarstan that he had discussed it with the leaders of Daghestan in light of the coronavirus epidemic. Rustam Minnikhanov assured the President that they were not planning any mass events in Tatarstan and that celebrations would be held at home. He added that they were in agreement with the religious leaders on that score.

Rustam Minnikhanov recalled that celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Tatarstan were scheduled to be held this year. He said that the main event would be held on August 30 and invited the President to attend it.

The Head of Tatarstan noted that his term in office would expire in September and that he was prepared to continue working and could run for re-election. The President said he would support Rustam Minnikhanov’s nomination as candidate for the head of the republic, thanked him for his contribution during his previous terms and wished him success in the next term.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63372






Greetings on Polar Explorer’s Day



Vladimir Putin congratulated employees of the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring and all Russian polar explorers on their professional holiday, Polar Explorer’s Day.



May 21, 2020 - 10:00



The message reads, in part:

“We can be truly proud of the outstanding achievements of many generations of our polar explorers. They were among the first researchers in the harsh Arctic latitudes, and 200 years ago, participants in the Russian south pole expedition led by Faddei Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev discovered Antarctica. Our polar explorers laid new sea and air routes, carried out large-scale surveys and made a significant contribution to strengthening the country's economic, scientific and defence capability and to building up our presence in these strategically important regions of the planet.

It is gratifying that you continue the wonderful professional traditions of your predecessors, develop the richest mineral deposits, including on the Russian continental shelf, actively participate in the implementation of national and international programmes to preserve the unique nature of the Arctic and Antarctic, and honestly and conscientiously serve our Fatherland.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63378






Birthday greetings to Sergei Shoigu



May 21, 2020 - 12:00



Vladimir Putin congratulated Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on his 65th birthday and signed Executive Order on awarding the Minister with the Order for Services to the Fatherland, I degree, with swords.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63375
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Meeting on the situation in education system



Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, on the situation in the education system amidst the coronavirus epidemic.



May 21, 2020 - 15:50 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







Taking part in the meeting were Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, presidential aides Maxim Oreshkin and Andrei Fursenko, Minister of Labour and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Kirov Region Governor and head of the working group to prepare a State Council meeting on general education in Russian regions Igor Vasilyev, Moscow Mayor and head of the State Council working group to counter the spread of the new coronavirus infection Sergei Sobyanin, Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) – Chief State Sanitary Doctor Anna Popova, Acting Head of the Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science Anzor Muzayev, Moscow State University Rector Viktor Sadovnichy, St Petersburg State University Rector Nikolai Kropachev, Director of the Presidential Physics and Mathematics Lyceum No. 239 (St Petersburg) Maxim Pratusevich, and Head of the Talent and Success Foundation Yelena Shmeleva.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

As planned, today we will discuss the situation in the education system, tasks for the future and current issues of concern for the people, in particular for children and parents.

It is apparent that the end of this academic year is complicated. However, I would like to say first of all that the Russian system of education and our pupils, students and their teachers have passed this test very well.

One of the first measures we immediately took in the battle against the coronavirus epidemic was to transfer our schools, colleges and universities to online classes. It was a difficult option, but I am confident that it was an absolutely correct decision. We did so because we believe, and I said so more than once, that our main goal was to protect lives, in this case the lives of our children, young people and their teachers.

I understand full well that it is difficult to teach and study in such extraordinary conditions. The teachers’ workload increased considerably and it became necessary to quickly master new technologies, to adjust equipment and to prepare for lessons in a different way. Teachers had to communicate with students remotely all the time, and not just during lessons. They had to offer help, advice and assistance and to explain the material. I believe that parents have also reassessed the importance of teachers’ work in the past few weeks. They were able to observe the entire academic process because their children stayed home. Parents and grandparents could see how much the teachers were investing in their students.

School pupils also saw this as a serious test that assessed their sense of responsibility and independence when one’s desire to study is the main motivation. I am convinced that this experience will certainly prove valuable in the future, all the more so since it is now necessary to continue acquiring new knowledge during one’s entire life.

I would like to thank all students, teachers and parents for their patience and mutual support. I would like to address the warmest words to high school and university students who, apart from their studies, were actively involved in volunteer projects and helped their neighbours and senior citizens.

Of course, there were problems in the organisation of nationwide online studies. That is only natural because Russia and the whole world had no practical experience in this area. It is necessary to objectively assess the results and to test the knowledge obtained during this period. If necessary, extra time will have to be allotted for revision in order to master the material in full. And it will be necessary to correct any arising problems.

At the same time, I will say this again: all of us have acquired unique experience which should help boost quality, make education more accessible and develop advanced online education technologies. This will enable students, no matter where they live, to listen to lectures and lessons by leading teachers. Besides, teachers will be able to work individually with the students who need additional support. In this connection, it is necessary to expedite our work to develop the modern IT infrastructure in the field of education, including the installation of broadband Internet at schools.

Digitalisation and telecommunications are a source of incredible opportunities, you know that very well. But, of course, they will not replace face-to-face communication between a teacher and a student, or the creative teamwork and camaraderie at school, college or university. I consider any rumours and false claims that online education will completely replace and supersede in-person classes and that conventional schools and universities will be closed as blatant provocation. Especially because the purpose of the education system is not only to teach but to instil moral values and, to a large extent, shape a student’s personality, and pass on the fundamental values and traditions of our society. I said this in the Address to the Federal Assembly this year and it was then that we decided to pay extra 5,000 rubles per month to classroom teachers who are particularly responsible for the upbringing and work with children. This measure will take effect at the start of next academic year.

Also, I submitted amendments to the Law On Education to the State Duma. The point of these amendments is to strengthen and focus on the mentoring aspect of the national education system.

I propose that these and many other system-wide issues be discussed in detail at the upcoming State Council meeting this autumn, which will focus on education as we agreed.





Colleagues,

Almost 692,000 schoolchildren in our country are to graduate this year. I would like to particularly address the issue of concern for the graduating students and their parents, which is what is going to happen with the National Final School Exam (EGE).

Frankly, there have been numerous proposals regarding EGE, including cancelling it altogether this year considering the difficult situation.

What should be stressed is that, despite the many problems that there have been and which we know about, in more than a decade, the National Final School Exam has become an efficient assessment mechanism. The rules of this examination are clear, fair and, in my opinion, convenient.

Considering the steady slowdown of the coronavirus epidemic, I think it is necessary to hold the National Final School Exam all over the country. It will be held on June 29. Schools can help students prepare for the exam remotely.

Let me emphasise that the National Final School Exam will be taken only by those school leavers who are going to enrol at universities this year. As for school-leaving certificates, they will be issued to all school graduates without exams. This temporary decision is an exception.

It is possible to apply to several universities simultaneously based on the National Final School Exam results and without personal attendance. What is particularly important now is that the applicants will be enrolled in August. Moreover, the students who will not be able to take exams in the National Final School Exam format in June will have an opportunity to do so in August and take up the remaining places at universities. This will allow them to start studying in autumn, without losing a whole year.

I hope that, taking into account the epidemiological situation, all first-year students will start studying without losing too much time. We have already agreed with the Defence Ministry to delay conscription for school leavers this year.

And one more point. I think it is necessary to envisage additional periods for taking the National Final School Exam or exams in this format not only in summer, in June and August, but also during the next academic year.

Of course, it is important for us to ensure access to free higher education and to support young people. I suggested in the Address to the Federal Assembly increasing every year the number of state-financed openings at universities in priority socioeconomic areas, starting in 2021. These openings must be primarily given to regional universities. I think that we should take this step already this year and create additional state-financed openings so that at least 60 percent of school-leavers could qualify for free university education.

Today, I would like to ask you to report in detail on how the National Final School Exam will be conducted. This primarily concerns the students’ security and strict observance of all sanitary requirements, which fully applies to their summer holidays.

This issue is very important for millions of Russian families. Why is it particularly important today? Because companies and organisations will fully resume their business activity in the next few months and not all parents will be able to take holidays and spend enough time with their children. This is why all aspects of summer holidays must be thought through in detail.

I suggest discussing separately additional measures to support universities and other federal institutions and also issues of student job placement. This is a big package of issues that we will have to address together.

Let’s go over to the discussion of all these topics.


<…>





Vladimir Putin:

Let’s sum up some of the results of our conversation, and pinpoint the areas that I would like you to pay special attention to.

First, we have already mentioned this many times, but I want to emphasise it once again, the life and health of our children and young people, and all our people in general, as well as the safety of all educational institutions are of paramount importance and constitute top priority for us. In this regard, it is vital to toughen sanitary standards and enforce strict compliance at the standardised exam places and children's holiday spots. In addition to this, I want the Government to come up with more stringent sanitary standards for organising in-person classes at all educational institutions. Such standards should be in place by the time schoolchildren and students – we covered this today – return to their classes and lecture halls.

Second, based on the situation and the sanitary services’ opinion, the regions should determine tentative dates for opening children's recreation centres and facilities. It is likewise important to make provisions for children's recreation, leisure and creative activities in urban and rural areas. To this end, all education institutions should be put to good use. Urban summer day care camps should be set up not only at schools, but also at extracurricular institutions, such as Quantoriums and Youth Innovation Creativity Centres and the like, which our colleagues just mentioned. Decisions must be made quickly, but every minute detail must be accounted for. There are no unimportant things here, everything is essential. It is necessary to set up health monitoring for children and staff. Filing applications and necessary papers should be hassle-free for the parents as well.

Third, it was decided, and Ms Golikova just mentioned this, to send 41.4, even a little more, I think, almost 42 billion rubles to support federal education, research and cultural institutions. These funds will mostly be used to pay salaries, including to the university professors. Such measure of support will help offset the declining extrabudgetary proceeds of such organisations.

I want the universities and all higher educational institutions to realise that today's difficulties cannot be used to revise, let alone sharply raise, tuition fees. This is not an option. On the contrary, I want you to carefully consider each case where a student is struggling to pay for tuition and to come up with effective mechanisms for supporting them, including assistance in concluding employer-sponsored education contracts with companies in the real sector. This will help improve the situation with tuition payments.

The fourth point. As I have already mentioned, we will be making free higher education more accessible, first of all, in the regions that are short of highly skilled specialists.

But young people must also have other opportunities to receive education, including by paying for it with an educational loan on the easiest possible terms. In this context, I would like to ask the Government to study, in cooperation with the Bank of Russia, ways of reducing the interest rate on educational loans from the current rate of over 8 percent to 3 percent, to extend the term for repaying such loans and to increase tax deductions during their repayment. Importantly, deductions must be made from both a loan and the interest on it.

The fifth point. It is necessary to substantially expand opportunities for university and college students to get work experience, and, which is no less important, earn some extra money. We have agreed with the participants in the movement of the Russian student teams to give intramural students an opportunity to acquire a trade without having to pay for it. I am reminding you of this because it is necessary to introduce relevant amendments to the law without delay.

I would also like to address the major agroholdings. Yes, student teams will work everywhere. We have just spoken about this at the meeting. But I suggest that our colleagues from the agroholdings and student teams organise additional summer work in agriculture. I am sure that you will acquire reliable, good assistants while young people will not only make some money but will also have a chance to take a break outdoors.

Furthermore, a law must be adopted in June, which will allow upper-year students of pedagogical and other universities to work in educational institutions both on a temporary and permanent basis. As a first step, they could take part in organising holidays for children this summer. By and large, this is already being carried out. This must simply be done on a larger scale.

One more field where students may be of use to this country and our people. I am referring to the tasks of the digital economy. It is necessary to propose convenient, well-paid jobs for students of IT- and engineering specialties.





Colleagues,

Today, we discussed issues that concern millions of Russian families. All measures that we have formulated must be carried out in full. The matter deals with our children, young people and, without any exaggeration, the future of this country. We must monitor all these issues, and I am going to do this personally.

I would like to encourage you to engage in joint positive work that is gaining ever more speed with the passage of the coronavirus infection in this country. I would like to wish you all every success and thank you for your collective work at today’s meeting.

Thank you very much.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63376






Working meeting with Governor of Krasnodar Territory Veniamin Kondratyev



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Governor of Krasnodar Territory and head of the local administration Veniamin Kondratyev via videoconference.



May 21, 2020 - 16:50 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







They discussed the spread of the coronavirus and other current issues in the region.

The Governor reported that the number of coronavirus cases in the region today is 2,974, and the number of recovered patients is 1,644 people, or 55 percent of the total number of cases. For the second week, the number of recovered people exceeded the number of total cases.

There are 21 hospitals designated for coronavirus treatment in the region. The total number of beds for coronavirus patients is 4,254, of which 60 percent are equipped with oxygen and 530 with mechanical ventilators. By the end of the month, another 276 ventilators will be received as a reserve. It is possible to create up to 6,000 beds, if necessary.

The situation is under control, which allows certain economic actions to be taken to relax the restrictive measures including the self-isolation and quarantine restrictions.





According to the Governor, today there are no problems with masks, rubber gloves, or antiseptics. Thanks to support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade in the supply of raw materials, companies in the region are able to provide what is needed. They are distributing these items not just in the region but also to the country as a whole. It is also possible that rubber gloves can be exported because of their high quality.

As for the economic situation, since May 12 all agricultural, industrial and communications enterprises have been operating. On May 23, the construction industry and related enterprises will begin to operate. Companies associated with residential services will also start back up.

A special pass is still required to enter the region and travel within it.

The Governor spoke about measures to support the economy, businesses and residents in the region, as well as about payment benefits for medical workers.





He also addressed the reopening of spa and resort facilities, since people go there from all over the country. But these decisions are still being determined by “intuition.“ The President noted that it is necessary to take into account the real situation and make appropriate decisions in close cooperation with specialists.

The Governor asked the President for support in the spa and resort industry so as not to lose the investment made in resort facilities, including hotels and resorts where construction had begun. The request also concerned assistance for agricultural enterprises that were recently affected by freezing temperatures. The President said he would issue instructions on this.

Mr Kondratyev also raised the question of the expiry of his term as Governor of Krasnodar Territory and the possibility of being reelected for another five-year term.

Vladimir Putin said the people in the region would decide this at the election, noting that, based on the results of Mr Kondratyev’s work in previous years, he would certainly support his candidacy if he decides to run in the next election, and wished him success.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63380






Meeting on sanitary and epidemiological situation



The President held a videoconference meeting on the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the Russian Federation.



May 22, 2020 - 16:10 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Sport Oleg Matytsin, Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova, Moscow Mayor and Head of the State Council working group on countering the spread of the novel coronavirus Sergei Sobyanin, Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) and Chief State Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation Anna Popova, Deputy Director of the Rospotrebnadzor Epidemiology Institute Alexander Gorelov, General Director of the Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Centre of the Healthcare Ministry Oleg Karpov, Director of the Rospotrebnadzor Mikrob Russian Anti-Plague Research Institute (Saratov) Vladimir Kutyryov, and Chief Physician of Moscow City Hospital No. 52 Maryana Lysenko.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

Let us get down to work. You, our experts and scientists provide me with estimates and assessments of the development of the coronavirus pandemic both in Russia in general and in every region on a daily basis.

This allows us to react promptly to the dynamically changing situation and the arising problems and to provide the necessary assistance to the regions in their plans to gradually abandon the restrictive measures; if the situation is still difficult, it allows us to make decisions regarding emergency support and additional federal assistance and curbing the risks of the spread of the virus.

As you remember, this week we had an in-depth discussion on the situation concerning the coronavirus in the Republic of Daghestan. A number of practical measures were approved, including the construction by the Defence Ministry of an infectious disease hospital, which will be later turned over to the republic – later we also decided that two temporary hospitals should be built there to provide emergency aid; also disinfection efforts to be made by Emergencies Ministry personnel, including at social, healthcare and other public facilities. The Healthcare Ministry has sent teams of doctors and other medical personnel, and provided other assistance related to the delivery of equipment and medicine to the republic. Ms Golikova has reported that the Deputy Healthcare Minister was supposed to go there. She will tell us today if this has been done or not.

I would like to hear reports today on the implementation of these instructions and on the developments in Daghestan and other Russian regions where the situation remains complicated and calls for special and continued attention.

I believe that the following should be given special attention today before we hear the reports. According to objective information and expert assessments – I hope we will hear them today – the situation is stabilising throughout the country. The number of new coronavirus cases registered daily in Moscow, which was the first to be hit by the epidemic, as well as in many other regions of Russia is decreasing. This positive dynamics is not yet developing as rapidly as we would like it to, and although it has been unstable so far, it does exist.

Only a week ago, the number of new coronavirus cases was growing by 5.9 percent across Russia, whereas it is 3.5 percent today. It is important that the decrease has been registered against the background of the ever increasing number of tests, which helps medics to identify the disease at an early stage, as I have already said, and to prevent serious complications and raise a barrier to the spread of the virus. Over the past two weeks, the volume of testing has increased by nearly 3 million. We take an average 240,000 tests every day.

As we agreed, it is necessary to continue ramping up this work all over the country. Once again, the hidden danger lies in the fact that the disease may not be detected promptly and an asymptomatic person will not be warned about the threat to their own health and to that of their loved ones.

I would like to stress once again: right now, as we are gradually lifting the restrictions and key industrial sectors and agricultural companies are resuming operation, it is vital to carry out large-scale testing and to strictly and scrupulously adhere to all sanitary requirements in order to reduce and localise risks, consolidate the success that we have achieved in fighting the epidemic, make sure we do not slide back, and protect the lives, health and safety of our people. These are extremely important things, and they fully comply with the WHO recommendations.

I would like to point out another significant fact in the same context. It is the precautions and extensive testing that allow our healthcare system to operate with a good reserve margin right now. Some 110,000 out of 165,000 hospital beds specifically allocated for treating patients with severe coronavirus complications are currently in use, which is around 66 percent. But, again, this entire bed supply must remain readily available.

I would like to point out once again that it is necessary to fully resume regular scheduled medical care for patients with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, endocrine disorders and other conditions, as soon as possible. In fact, we have already discussed this many times. This concerns ambulances, outpatient clinics, hospitals and specialised medical centres.

Colleagues, now I would like to hear your opinion on where we stand right now, so to say, and your views on the measures taken and their results so far. And, of course, I would really like to hear the opinion of experts – representatives of the medical community – about the outlook regarding this situation.





<…>


Vladimir Putin:

I would like to ask Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko to review our discussion.

Please, Mr Murashko.



Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko:

Mr President,

First, I would like to add a few words on Daghestan. It is true that a third group of specialists is working in the republic; these are specialists from federal institutions at the highest level headed by a deputy healthcare minister now. There is an emergency response group in Derbent, among other critical locations.

It is very important that over the last week the situation both with the number of hospitalisations and intensive care patients has begun to stabilise. We have enough unoccupied beds in intensive care, and the number of patients there has not increased, which is a good sign and a reason for hope.

We have 8,828 beds, which is enough today. Still, together with the Defence Ministry, we are opening two infectious disease hospitals in Botlikh and Buinaksk, and three infectious disease departments with 60 beds each are under construction. We have trained over 2,400 doctors in Daghestan and can see that webinars have improved the quality of treatment and that the specialists feel more freedom when dealing with this infection.

Now we are training specialists for the new infectious disease departments under construction, because they must have local personnel; the medical academy in Daghestan has already begun this training. We have also added specialists and patients to advanced and clinical research. New medicines that have proven their effectiveness in the first stage are already being used in the region.

The action plan has been drafted; today it will be completed and signed, and we will present it to you. The question is that it looks like additional money will be needed for several measures: this is clear, because today the group is to present its budgeting estimates. We have included the mandatory supply of medicines for outpatient care in the republic. Today we will complete the concept plan, and it will start tomorrow. Next week 30 C-class ambulances will arrive there, which will also strengthen the ambulance service in the region.

Summing up the results, we see that the situation with medical assistance has in fact stabilised. The country has created over 160,000 beds; ICU beds allow us to feel more confident, and there is no overload on them. The number of patients has stabilised over the past week; we have about 108,000–109,000 people in general units and about 2,500 people in intensive care units. I repeat once again, federal specialists consult each patient in an ICU bed or on a ventilator.

And a very important element that I would like to note. Despite the fact that the spread index is decreasing, patients with chronic ailments, especially cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases, have a higher risk of their chronic diseases getting worse even if they have mild symptoms of the coronavirus.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask our people and patients with such chronic diseases, as I have already mentioned, to follow their regular treatment. First of all, this concerns people with arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease – taking your regular medication helps prevent the infection from developing.

Mr Karpov [General Director of the Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Centre] spoke about how well mobilised his staff was. This is unique unity and a unique experience for specialists. We can see this in all the “hot red zones.” Medical workers learn new skills and fight against the new infection, and the team spirit grows stronger. This is very important for the healthcare system. And of course, all medical workers today feel public support.

Thank you very much.





Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.

You just mentioned the beds that were created throughout the country. Actually, based on the epidemic situation, the regions increased the number, created new beds – there is a total of 165,291 beds now. Currently we are using 66 percent of the beds, that is, thank God, we have not exhausted our capacity.



Mikhail Murashko:

Yes, that is right. Several regions, where the epidemic is stable and no growth is seen, are proposing re-designating some hospital beds back to normal healthcare use because the treatment of patients who need surgery or other procedures has been postponed. This is why we have a sufficient reserve today.





Vladimir Putin:

This is exactly what Mr Karpov was saying. I would like to go back to this.

Look, there are 165,291 beds and only 66 percent are being used. As for special purpose beds, I mean beds equipped with lung ventilators, the plan for equipping them with these systems has not been completely fulfilled. But 91.8 percent of the beds with lung ventilators are not being used; in other words, thankfully, only a small number are needed. As for beds with oxygen, the target has been exceeded, but not all of them are being used either, 34 percent of the available beds are free.

In this connection, I would like to say the following. First, we have not resolved all the problems yet. Secondly, once again, you told me yourself that subsequent waves are possible, including a second wave – this is what the World Health Organisation says as well – in the autumn, at the end of October or November and the beginning of December. You must certainly analyse in detail what we need and in what quantities. You know better how many beds with lung ventilators and oxygen and so on we need. But we definitely need a reserve. I ask you to take this seriously.

Second. I am asking the Government to consider today's discussion and prepare further recommendations for overcoming the coronavirus epidemic, further activities to fight COVID-19. We certainly need expert opinion in deciding on how to return to a normal life in the country, how to proceed in opening the economy, what approach we should take and how fast. I expect your reports soon.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63382






Meeting with Russian Railways CEO Oleg Belozerov



Vladimir Putin met with Russian Railways Chief Executive Officer – Chairman of the Executive Board Oleg Belozerov to discuss the operation of the Russian railway system and the company’s investment activity.



May 25, 2020 - 13:15 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Belozerov, not so long ago, we discussed the current situation in the transport sector in general and agreed to have a meeting specifically on the state of the Russian railways. Historically, it is the key transport sector for Russia considering the size of its territory, the amount of cargo operations and its significance for the national economy in general.

However, I asked you to particularly focus on the company’s investment activity. Investment programmes of our largest natural monopolies serve as an important factor for the economic and social wellbeing of workers as well as the economic status of many industries that provide services to Russian Railways, among other companies.

Let’s start with this issue.



Russian Railways CEO Oleg Belozerov:

Mr President, first of all, I would like to thank you for your constant attention to the railway industry and the decisions that were made at the recent meeting. Those decisions were of great help to us. Our performance was quite solid even before 2019. But in 2019, according to the official auditors’ report, we achieved unprecedented results – all this was due to our investment programmes. Of course, we needed your support in order to maintain the scope of investment and move forward.

I would like to start by saying just a few words about our healthcare subdivision. RZD-Medicine is involved in fighting COVID-19. We are cooperating with constituents, with the regions on 17 territories. We are part of the effort to fight the infection in Moscow, Voronezh and on Sakhalin. In other regions, we have taken over emergency help. We changed the routing and are actively involved in this process.

As I already mentioned, we made a good headstart in 2019. It would be false modesty to deny that we are leaders in safety, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, and this has been confirmed by international organisations. Let us say our security index is 22 percent higher than the global average. We became the winners of environmental leaders’ contests. At the same time, I have pointed out environmental sustainability not just as a fact – it also gives us additional financial possibilities.



Vladimir Putin:

What kind of possibilities?



Oleg Belozerov:

We floated Green Bonds in March – a unique mechanism in terms of their coupon rate at 0.84 percent for six years, worth 250 million Swiss francs. This is the correlation I mentioned – environmentally friendly practices allow us to use unique mechanisms.

At the same time, last year, our net profit rose three times compared to 2018, mainly on the back of higher labour productivity, which grew more than 6 percent over the past three years.



Vladimir Putin:

A good level.





Oleg Belozerov:

At the same time, last year, the total length of tracks with overhauls overdue decreased by 1,000 kilometres. You pointed out the need to improve the network, and we have achieved this unique result.

At the same time, we wanted to preserve the programme, and thank you very much for your support. In the first four months, we have already invested 122 billion, and bought 163 units of traction rolling stock – locomotives, and that was more than five levels of conversion and reprocessing, as we have reported to you.

Our investment programmes concern almost 2 million workers. We needed the decisions to continue it, and these decisions have been adopted. At the same time, we are working in key areas.

Today, of course, the situation is different from before, but, as I said, within 10 days we had 100,000 employees of Russian Railways shifting to work online, without disrupting our customers’ access to Russian Railways. This was primarily achieved due to the digitalisation that we have been implementing for the last few years.

At the same time, as I reported to you, we continue to work on an unmanned Lastochka train and the virtual coupling of cargo train locomotives, all these being part of our investment programme.

As I reported, the major part of railway operations on Sakhalin switched to the Russian standard last year. Literally right up until last year, our trains were still running on Japanese tracks but last year, we switched to our Russian tracks and launched our new and unique Russian rolling stock. Also, we immediately signed an agreement on transition to prototypes powered by hydrogen fuel cells. This project will require time but we will accomplish it.

And we are not leaving quantum communications behind. In the first quarter of 2021, we want to complete the Moscow – St Petersburg line. It will be launched and we believe that it will increase reliability. Meanwhile, we have seen a growth of cargo operations in several segments. Despite the general decline, there has been an increase in container traffic because digital services are operating. Right now, almost any type of bill of lading can be submitted in one click, followed by all other necessary procedures.

You gave us the job of increasing the speed of trains running across Russia from China to Europe. We have achieved an unprecedented speed of 2,500 km in virually two days.

We are using Building Information Modelling in construction. This is a new technology of digital modelling. When we design a project, BIM provides us with its technical specifications so that we can get a clear picture of how we will use it, how soon and what digital performance indicators we will have. It helps us to significantly optimise expenses.

I would like to note that currently, we have 27,000 people working in construction. Thanks to your decision, by summer we plan to expand our staff by 10,000 people and primarily focus on the eastern territories. We will complete the task you gave us. Not only that but we will exceed your expectations.

It goes without saying that both the comprehensive plan and the performance indicators will be achieved. We have no doubts about this. Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

The eastern territories are quite extensive. There are different directions and each route has its own challenges. Which of them do you find essential?



Oleg Belozerov:

Mr President, in fact, we take into account shippers first of all, and we are looking at how to address the tasks that you have set. The key task is now the problem of Kuzbass. Following your instruction, we have finalized export volumes in the memorandum and support our colleagues, but at the same time, we are trying to develop the areas necessary to allow the economy of the Far East to develop too. This is a rather complicated mechanism since all processes are interconnected, but we are trying to find a balance in this area.





Vladimir Putin:

The miners of Kuzbass need help.



Oleg Belozerov:

Yes.



Vladimir Putin:

As far as I understand, your investment programme will shrink one way or another, won't it? How much?



Oleg Belozerov:

By about 200 billion rubles. It was 820 billion, and now it amounts to 620 billion. But we calculated what actions will influence which issues. First of all, we reduced investment, for example, in design, which can be slightly shifted.



Vladimir Putin:

Investment in design can be reduced, I agree. But investment in the real sector should not see drastic cuts.



Oleg Belozerov:

This is our priority – to support all production areas and all related industries. We support both small and medium-sized enterprises and made sure that these sectors receive our investment. Where there is little investment, we can shift a little without reducing staff.



Vladimir Putin:

Mr Belozerov, it is clear that it is not worth it investing down the drain or taking high risks. But still, I would ask you and your colleagues to carefully analyse once again the investment opportunities.



Oleg Belozerov:

Mr President, after you took the decision, my colleagues and I understand that we will be coming back with proposals in the near future. We have an option where we can further increase the volume using our funds without federal budget support. We know how to do this, but we need time to prepare.



Vladimir Putin:

All right.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63407






Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Iraq Mustafa Al-Kadhimi



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq Mustafa Al-Kadhimi at the Iraqi side’s initiative.



May 25, 2020 - 14:55



In addition to the message sent earlier, Vladimir Putin once again congratulated Mustafa Al-Kadhimi on taking office as the head of the Iraqi government. Both parties expressed mutual interest in consistently developing the traditionally friendly ties between the two states. The President and the Prime Minister also discussed a number of topical issues related to bilateral cooperation in trade, the economy and energy industry.

Vladimir Putin and Mustafa Al-Kadhimi spoke about coordinated efforts to stabilise the global hydrocarbons market. They offered a positive assessment of the agreements reached in the OPEC+ format with the participation of Russia and Iraq that are aimed at overcoming the acute phase of the oil crisis. The parties also noted the importance of continuing efficient collaboration on the matter.

When sharing opinions on the regional agenda, the President and the Prime Minister focused on the Syrian settlement. Specifically, they agreed to coordinate their steps to ensure a lasting normalisation in the Syrian Arab Republic, restoring its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Vladimir Putin also offered his greetings to the Prime Minister of Iraq and the Iraqi people on Eid al-Fitr.

It was agreed to maintain contacts at various levels.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63408
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Meeting with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting, via videoconference, with Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.



May 26, 2020 - 15:00 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







Vladimir Putin:

Mr Shoigu, good afternoon.



Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu:

Good afternoon, Mr President.



Vladimir Putin:

Mr Shoigu, as agreed, today we will hold a small online meeting on implementing the instructions of recent months and weeks. How is the work going on?



Sergei Shoigu:

Mr President, on the whole, quite active and, most importantly, productive work is underway on all your instructions. One of your main instructions was to monitor the defence industry and defence enterprises.

I want to report that today, 990 out of 1,013 enterprises in the defence industry, parent enterprises, are operating. Of these 990 enterprises, 896 enterprises have over 90 percent of the personnel, both engineering and technical, working on site.

This is naturally producing results. The results are that we have managed to stabilise all areas where we had some concern about a possible failure in fulfilling the state defence order.

Moreover, Mr President, in the first quarter – and I think the situation will be the same in the second quarter – since the beginning of the year, we have received more than 750 basic models of the latest weapons and military equipment. These includes 58 airplanes and helicopters, over 40 armoured vehicles, over 500 multi-purpose vehicles, and 75 sets of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Production capacity, if we take the entire defence industry as a whole, is up to 72 percent. This is where direct presence at a factory is required. The rest can work remotely, which, in fact, is happening.

The Armed Forces are carrying out the full range of anti-epidemiological measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection. Since March 14, the Operational Headquarters has been fully controlling the situation.

Under your instructions, Mr President, to help Italy, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Armenia in the fight against the coronavirus infection, 140 localities have been disinfected. Here we are talking about Italy and Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

At this point, the work of the combined units in these countries has been completed. All our units have been withdrawn, equipment and personnel returned to their permanent bases. All service members are fine, and are quarantined.

Overall, military transport aviation – another of your instructions, to support both the Healthcare Ministry and the Industry and Trade Ministry – military transport aviation has completed 134 flights, transporting over 2,500 tonnes of cargo for federal executive bodies, ministries and agencies and the regions of the Russian Federation.





Your next instruction, Mr President, was to join in the coronavirus response efforts on the territory of the Russian Federation. Since April 15, the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops (NBC Protection Troops) have disinfected facilities at 200 defence industry enterprises. We have already reported on the opening of 16 multifunctional centres. The NBC Protection Troops have disinfected 95,243 facilities with a total area of 22 million square metres, 157 aircraft, and 18,000 vehicles.

The 48th Central Research Institute of the NBC Protection Troops, together with the Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Healthcare Ministry, is developing a recombinant vaccine against the novel coronavirus. Currently, the institute’s specialists are completing preclinical trials for an experimental vaccine. This should be completed by June 1. Clinical trials are planned to be completed by the end of July.

On May 20, under your instructions for the Krasnoyarsk Territory, we provided assistance at the Olimpiada mining and processing integrated plant. A mobile hospital with 100 beds has been deployed there, and 57 patients are now being treated there. On May 21, a field camp for medical observation with 2,000 beds was transferred to the plant. A mobile unit has disinfected 161 facilities there. About 1,000 people have been quarantined at the observation facility.

Over 300 military personnel and about 100 pieces of special military equipment were deployed in the Republic of Daghestan to fight the pandemic; this instruction was issued a week ago. Two field hospitals with 100 beds each were deployed in Buinaksk on May 23 and in Botlikh on May 25. As of today, 126 people already came to the hospital, 25 of them were hospitalised. Moreover, there are three observation stations with a total capacity of 1,000 beds. We plan to build another medical centre with advanced equipment in Voronezh by June 30, in line with your instruction. The work is already underway, it is 40 percent complete. There will also be three centres in Daghestan: in Kaspiysk, Derbent and Khasavyurt with the total capacity of another 200 beds.

Now to other issues related to the Defence Ministry and military service. The graduation and holidays were organised for cadets at higher education institutions and students at pre-university schools. Out of 62,000 cadets at 36 higher education institutions, 218 are in hospital. All the rest are healthy.

We passed the peak of the infection outbreak in the Armed Forces in the second half of April. A total of 5,500 people have tested positive in the Armed Forces since early March. As of today, 3,500 were treated and discharged from hospitals. By the beginning of June, the situation in the Armed Force should return to normal.

Mr President, amid the new challenges due to the spread of the coronavirus infection, the Armed Forces didn’t allow any combat degradation and continue to carry out all planned events and education and military activities.

The nuclear triad is maintained at a level adequate to guarantee strategic deterrence. We requested this from you, Mr President. Thank you. After your commands, I mean testing, and the transfer of the new equipment – submarines and surface ships –to us, all the steps were taken and testing is proceeding as planned. I believe we will have the equipment on schedule.

Long-range aviation successfully patrols Russia’s borders. We have upgraded equipment here too: Tu-22 aircraft. These are almost new planes: I will not go into the technical specifications now. You have seen this plane. They are currently being upgraded at Kazan-based plants.





Our Navy ships are currently on active duty in strategically important regions of the world. Currently, 57 combat ships and logistics vessels are at sea, including 30 in remote maritime zones.

Russian troops in Syria continue to pursue peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.

Overall, the coronavirus situation has not significantly affected the activities of the Armed Forces.

The winter training programme was completed almost in full. Only a few events were rescheduled for June – August. These concern joint exercises with our foreign colleagues. Specifically, we have rescheduled military exercises in foreign countries for June through August.

The conscription process is proceeding smoothly. New recruits began to arrive at their military units after May 20. The complete list of measures is being followed to ensure safe conscription and arrival at the service units. Military commissariats have received 2.2 million test kits. Laboratories have been deployed at every facility. Apart from that, we naturally provided safe transportation of conscripts to their units, meaning they are separated from civilians in rail and air transport.

The summer training period will start in the units on June 1. It includes over 3,600 combat training events. Also, Mr President, per our annual tradition, we have started to prepare, under your instructions, for Sochi meetings on the military industrial complex, new weaponry and, of course, on deliveries and receiving into service. I hope we will able to hold the meeting and hear the reports.

We are focusing specifically on preparations for the Caucasus 2020 strategic command post exercise. A military group from six countries, including our partners in the SCO and CSTO, is to participate, like in the past couple of years.

In late August we plan to hold the Army International Military-Technical Forum and the International Army Games.

Overall, the goals you have set for 2020, will be fulfilled.

This concludes my report.






President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Shoigu, thank you for this detailed report.

I would like to once again commend the professional work of the military personnel. Military medics and the Defence Ministry units who provided support to the citizens of Italy, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as several other countries acted to the best of their ability in the fight against the coronavirus infection. It should be said that some of these countries have offered assistance to us as well. However, our specialists believe that we are past the peak of the coronavirus epidemic. But your efforts have contributed to cooperation with our partners around the world.

You are now working in Daghestan and other Russian regions. The Defence Ministry specialists are acting courageously and professionally, helping to promptly localise the outbreak.

You also acted rapidly to deploy 16 multifunctional medical centres in the Russian regions. I have no doubt that such up-to-date hospitals will open in Daghestan and the Voronezh Region on schedule, just as we planned.

It is extremely important that planned training continues in these difficult weeks and months, with vital national defence tasks fulfilled and this year’s conscripts safely protected thanks to the proactive measures that have been taken against the spread of the infection.

Since the situation in the country as a whole, including in the majority of the regions and in the Armed Forces, remains stable and is stabilising in other regions after we reached the peak of the outbreak, I consider it possible to announce the following decisions.

I am ordering the start of preparations for military parades to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow, the capital of Russia, and in other cities. We will hold them on June 24, the day when the historical Victory Parade was held in 1945 in Red Square by the defenders of Moscow, Leningrad and Stalingrad, those who liberated Europe and stormed Berlin.

You must ensure strict compliance with safety requirements during the preparation and the holding of the parade. The risks for its participants must be kept to a minimum or better still excluded.

Regrettably, we cannot ensure strict safety compliance during the Immortal Regiment march, which brings together millions of people who fill the streets of our cities. Of course, there can be no social distancing in this situation.

Nevertheless, I propose holding the Immortal Regiment march, although not after the June 24 parade but a month later, on July 26, when we celebrate Navy Day, one more day of our military glory. I order you to hold a traditional naval parade at the main bases of the Russian Navy on that day.

I would like to point out that we will be closely monitoring the developments to assess potential risks in the coming months. Of course, if medical specialists tell us that it would be impossible to ensure complete safety, we may have to postpone the Immortal Regiment march. But I hope that we will be able to hold all these events on the dates I have mentioned.

Once again, a responsible approach is what matters. As I have said, the life, health and security of people are the absolute value for us.

Proceed with the execution of my orders.



Sergei Shoigu:

Will do, Mr President.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63410






Meeting on floods and wildfires in Russian regions



The President held a meeting, via videoconference, on the situation with floods and wildfires in the Russian regions.



May 26, 2020 - 15:45 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region



Taking part in the meeting were Transport Minister Yevgeny Ditrikh, Emergencies Minister Yevgeny Zinichev, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dmitry Kobylkin, Acting Head of Komi Republic Vladimir Uyba, Trans-Baikal Territory Governor Alexander Osipov, Vologda Region Governor Oleg Kuvshinnikov, and Acting Governor of the Irkutsk Region Igor Kobzev.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

Mr Zinichev, we discussed floods and wildfires in the Russian regions exactly a month ago.

The situation is changing, and I would like to listen to your report and to what our colleagues from the other regions have to say about where the situation is more complicated and what measures the federal and regional authorities must take to resolve the problem and, most importantly, to support the people. Our current priority, that is, the fight against the coronavirus infection, must not overshadow the need to deal with the ongoing issues, which are rapidly becoming the key priority for many people, for hundreds and even thousands of people. Of course, the loss of your home endangers your very life.

Let us get down to work. First of all, I would like to hear the Emergencies Minister. Mr Zinichev, go ahead, please.



Emergencies Minister Yevgeny Zinichev:

Good afternoon, Mr President,

As for the floods, they are occurring around Russia in accordance with our forecasts, and the flood season is almost over. As usual, the breakup of ice and the spring floods in Yakutia presented problems, but they have not reached supercritical levels. We believe that the ice drift season in Yakutia and the rest of Russia will end this week.

During the flood in the republic, 73 household plots were flooded in two localities. As for business sites, I can note a runway at Zyryanka Airfield. But now the floodwater has already subsided, the runway is dry, and transport corridors have been organised.

In total, 231 temporary accommodation centres (TAC) were opened, but only one was actually used; six people stayed there.

An unusual flood situation has developed in the Northwestern Federal District. We can talk about this as a second wave associated with a protracted Atlantic cyclone, with a large amount of precipitation falling in the Arkhangelsk and Vologda regions, the Komi Republic and the Nenets Autonomous Area. In total, 544 residential buildings, more than 2,500 household plots, 12 low-water bridges, and 26 road sections were flooded in the Northwestern Federal District. I would like to note that the flooding of residential buildings is not critical.

The response involves the Unified State Emergency Prevention and Relief System consisting of 673 people and 262 units of equipment. Thirty TACs were opened. So far, only two are being used, where 21 people are staying. Targeted assistance is being provided, a damage assessment commission is onsite, and, according to our forecasts, the situation should stabilise in the next five days.

In total, as of May 26, 491 residential buildings, 1,461 household plots, 14 low-water bridges and 10 road sections are located in the flooded areas in 13 Russian regions. Boat crossings were organised in 22 localities that were cut off from the rest of the territory. The public life support systems have not been disrupted. The necessary efforts are being carried out.

As for fires, since the beginning of the year, 5,626 wildfires have been recorded in Russia affecting a total area of ​​over 852,000 hectares. But if we compare this with the same period last year, we should say that while the number of fires stayed practically the same, the area affected has decreased by 30 percent. As a result of fires spreading to localities, 251 buildings were destroyed, including 48 residential ones. Again, compared to last year, the number of residential buildings destroyed by fire decreased by almost 30 percent.

Currently, there are 73 wildfire beds in the Far Eastern Federal District, Siberia and the Northwestern Federal District affecting a total area of ​​3–4 hectares of active burning: the Far Eastern Federal District – 28 fire beds, the Siberian Federal District – 42 fire beds, the Northwestern Federal District – 3 fire beds.

State of emergency in forests was declared in four Russian regions – across the entire Trans-Baikal Territory, one district in the Republic of Tuva, one district in the Republic of Khakassia, and one in the Irkutsk Region. A special fire protection plan was introduced in 49 Russian regions. All the necessary work is carried out by the regions and the Aerial Forest Protection Service and the Emergencies Ministry, including aviation. The Emergencies Ministry made 109 flights to extinguish fires and discharged water 399 times during this season. We are working hard, Mr President.

This concludes my report.





<…>


Vladimir Putin:

I would like to draw the attention of our colleagues who are here with us and those who are dealing with their current problems and are not taking part in our meeting to the following: 36 localities have been flooded in the Northwestern Federal District alone, which includes 484 residential buildings.

Yes, I heard what has just been said – there is no emergency and no burned buildings. But we have just had a tragedy: all the buildings burned down in one locality. There are people living there who need our and your support. Therefore, I would like to draw the attention of all governors where such disasters happen to the following: you should not forget about the current, sometimes very important and complicated, problems everywhere where they occur in addition to the coronavirus problem. I would like to repeat this once again. It is necessary to get in touch with every family, to help these people, to lend your shoulder to them. I am hoping that you will work in this vein.

Mr Zinichev, I would like to ask you to sum up everything that is happening in the regions and report to me separately.



Yevgeny Zinichev:

Will do.





Vladimir Putin:

I have already spoken about the Irkutsk Region. Far from everything has been done there, and I have doubts about the pace of work. You said the pace of work is good. Maybe it is good in some places, but we need to look at what is happening in other areas. We will do this soon and make adjustments if need be.

Thank you everyone and all the best.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63411






Working meeting with Bryansk Region Governor Alexander Bogomaz



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Bryansk Region Governor Alexander Bogomaz via videoconference.



May 26, 2020 - 16:30 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The President and the governor discussed the socioeconomic situation in Bryansk Region and the measures against the coronavirus.

The governor reported that the region currently has 3,156 COVID-19 patients. More than 50 percent (1,681) people have recovered and 31 people have died. The current number of patients in hospital is 980 while 74 percent of allocated hospital beds remain available. Twenty patients are connected to ventilators.

The testing capacity is being constantly increased. Five laboratories are conducting 1,500 tests on a daily basis. Three thousand hospital beds have been created. Currently, 1,721 beds are functional, including 1,556 that are supplied with oxygen and 190 equipped with ventilators. As many as 2,153 medical workers are involved in treating patients. There are 131 ambulance teams and 250 ambulances available.

The region organised the production of personal protection equipment, specifically, 100,000 face masks per day. A new factory is operating in a trial mode and will become fully operational as of July 1 to produce 120 million masks per month.

The local economy is recovering; industrial and construction companies have re-started operations. Agricultural companies continued operating all this time, as did the road construction industry, housing maintenance and utilities and energy companies.

The governor also spoke about the support measures for small and medium-sized businesses and the public, including families with children.

Alexander Bogomaz asked the President for assistance in resolving two social issues. He reminded the President that Bryansk Region had been affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Currently, 353,000 local residents live in the area of radioactive contamination, which has an impact on their health. The Bryansk Regional Hospital built in 1976 currently needs a new outpatient clinic and an in-patient building, which requires funding from the federal budget.





The governor’s second request concerned residential construction. Over the first four months of this year, the region increased the scope of completed housing by 80 percent. Construction projects continue at two sites that will provide housing to over 35,000 families. The region needs financial aid to build a school there for 1,225 pupils.

The President promised to issue a respective instruction to the Government and stressed that the region should still co-finance the projects.

When asked by the President about the most important investment project in his opinion, Alexander Bogomaz mentioned the modernisation of the Bryansk Machine-Building Plant that is about to release a new shunting diesel locomotive, the Zhukovka Cycling and Motor Equipment Company, the Bryansk Car Company that is currently expanding production, the Klintsy Motorised Crane Company, a tannery launched in 2019 and a cardboard factory that plans to almost double its production. The agricultural industry also receives substantial investment.

Vladimir Putin stressed that it is necessary to address the problems of high quality drinking water supply to the people in the region, the level of personal income and issues of the construction industry in general, including residential construction.

Alexander Bogomaz noted that his term of office will expire in September and said that he would like to run for Bryansk Region Governor in the upcoming election.

The President said that he would not object to this decision but stressed that in the long run, it is for the voters to decide the final outcome. Vladimir Putin noted, however, that it would be the right decision considering the governor’s performance since 2015. The President mentioned such results as the increase in the gross regional product, the growth of industrial production and the increase in foreign trade and retail sales. All these indicators exceed the nationwide average. Investment into capital assets has also gone up. The unemployment rate has been rather low in the past years.

Vladimir Putin wished Alexander Bogomaz every success and thanked him for the progress achieved so far.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63412






Greetings to Russian National Library on its anniversary



Vladimir Putin congratulated the workers of the Russian National Library on the 225th anniversary of the foundation of the first national library in Russia as well as their professional holiday, Russia Library Day.



May 27, 2020 - 09:30



The message reads, in part:

“The establishment of the Russian National Library is closely connected with the names of outstanding state figures, authors and publishers, who were there when unique book, magazine, manuscript and research collections were forming and did a lot to educate a broad audience. They also founded librarianship in Russia.

You can be rightfully proud of your predecessors who made an enormous contribution to preserving our rich historical, cultural and spiritual heritage. Thanks to their selflessness, professionalism and hard and constant labour the Russian National Library is our priceless national treasure.

It is important that today too highly qualified experts also work there, in an atmosphere of creativity. You have managed to bring together the best traditions of the library and the most advanced technologies to create a modern and highly popular educational, research and information centre.”

The Russian National Library was founded on May 27, 1795, in St Petersburg. It is the first public library in Russia. It has one of the largest library collections in the world (sixth of the top 10) and the second largest in Russia after the Russian State Library in Moscow.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63414






Decision taken to postpone BRICS and SCO summits



May 27, 2020 - 15:00



In view of the coronavirus pandemic and the related restrictions, the Organising Committee to Prepare and Support Russia’s SCO Presidency in 2019–2020 and BRICS Chairmanship in 2020 decided to postpone the BRICS leaders’ meeting and the meetings of the SCO Heads of State Council, initially scheduled to take place on July 21–23, 2020, in St Petersburg.

The new dates for these summits will be determined on the basis of the epidemiological situation in the states participating in these associations, and around the world.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63415






Meeting with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin



The President held a videoconference with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin to discuss the sanitary and epidemiological situation in Moscow, the results of the gradual lifting of coronavirus restrictions and cooperation between the federal and Moscow authorities during preparations for the Victory Parade on June 24.



May 27, 2020 - 16:00 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, Mr Sobyanin.



Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin:

Good afternoon, Mr President.



Vladimir Putin:

We agreed to discuss the development of the epidemiological situation in Moscow and the results of the gradual lifting of preventive restrictions, including the operation of the manufacturing and construction industries, services, trade and other vital sectors of the Moscow economy where millions of people are working. I would like to know how the gradual lifting of the restrictions, that is, the first phase, has affected the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the capital.

I also propose discussing cooperation between the federal and Moscow authorities to prepare for the June 24 parade to mark the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

I would also like to know your views and proposals on the subsequent gradual easing of the self-isolation restrictions.

In general, I would like to hear your perspective on the socioeconomic situation in the capital. We hold regular discussions on this issue, but doing so again is extremely important given the current circumstances.

Mr Sobyanin, go ahead.





Sergei Sobyanin:

Thank you, Mr President.

Thank you for your close attention to the socioeconomic developments in Moscow, especially amid the pandemic when the regional and local authorities, businesses and the people must align their efforts. Such coordination is extremely important.

I would like to say that we had our doubts, even fears, when discussing with you the reopening of the manufacturing and construction industries, not knowing how this could impact the current situation. After all, the issue concerns hundreds of thousands of people who would return to their jobs.

Nearly all manufacturing facilities resumed operation in Moscow on May 12. The number of working enterprises increased from 366 on May 12 to over 700 today; they make up the backbone of the Moscow economy. Some 150 construction projects never stopped, including metro, railway and medical construction projects. Over a thousand construction projects have resumed now, which means that construction workers have returned to all construction sites, even if not in full capacity. They are building kindergartens, schools, outpatient clinics, housing, office premises, transport facilities and the like.

At the same time, we saw that the number of people using municipal transport and private cars was rapidly increasing. The daily traffic in Moscow has increased by nearly one million people. In other words, the reopening of these companies has increased interaction, transport and the movement of people around the city.

Of course, there was the risk that the epidemic in this country would take a turn for the worse.

To minimise and compensate for these risks, we imposed even stricter requirements for employers and transportation by adopting a mandatory mask and gloves policy: people must wear masks and gloves on public transit and in shops.

Clearly, such requirements are seldom welcome, but the result is as follows. On the one hand, by restarting a huge number of enterprises and increasing the passenger flow, and on the other hand, by putting in place stricter requirements for people and enterprises, we have managed to achieve, to my mind, very good results. From May 12 to the present day the number of seriously ill hospitalised patients not only stopped growing, but went down by 40 percent, which is a sure indicator, because it would have become clear if something was wrong: then the number of patients would have surged.

The number of COVID pneumonia cases detected by our CT imaging centres – such large-scale work is underway – also dropped by 40 percent.

The number of newly diagnosed COVID-19 patients has declined by more than 40 percent. Actually, today we had the lowest number – 2,140 people – whereas earlier, at the peak, we diagnosed over 6,000 such patients.

All this allows us to say that the measures taken after May 12 (opening industrial enterprises and construction sites and a number of other measures) alongside strict sanitary standards allowed us to not only stabilise the situation, but also to improve it considerably. And today we can speak about the next steps in overcoming this crisis.

What do we propose? We propose drafting appropriate regulatory documents by June 1 and releasing them in the next day or two on opening food and non-food retail starting June 1. All non-food retail. The sector employs about 300,000 people.

Of course, people also need the whole range of goods they cannot purchase online. This is an entire sector of important services and the economy. This is the first proposal. Second, we need to re-open some of the everyday services that do not require long contact between people, such as laundries, dry cleaners and repair services. These are also very important.

And, perhaps, the main thing for people who have been staying at home during these months, even without walks: it is important to have a chance to get out of the house and take a walk along the street or in a park. Of course, it is a very difficult decision, because if we just say, “Let us just walk around for as long as we like,” I am afraid that Moscow streets will look like a Labour Day rally.

This is a very difficult step, so we suggest launching it in test mode and making a schedule of when people living in different buildings will be able to take a walk. We should make the schedule as simple and accessible as possible, but not all at once, and test it for a week or two to see how the situation develops. I think everything will be fine, but still we have to take precautions here. This is my second proposal.

Third: as I have reported to you, Mr President, we have begun to transition a number of hospitals back to providing routine medical care. You have instructed all the federal agencies with medical institutions to help us. We have created a strong group to counter the COVID pandemic: about 23,000 hospital beds, 5,000 observation beds and about 15,000 temporary medical centres. This is, perhaps, the strongest group in global cities. It allowed us to stay safe in case of any scenario.

Thank God – we have spoken with you about this – we managed to avoid the worst scenario, and now almost half of the beds are unused. This means that we can gradually begin to introduce planned medical care, normal work. We have drawn up a schedule for this with the Health Minister and will get down to work next week. Moreover, we increased the opportunities for planned medical care in existing hospitals; this is also an important area.

I must say, I think we have control over the situation; I am sure that it will improve in Moscow. Despite, of course, all the “buts,” all the precautions and so on, and the high-alert mode, I think that it will improve.





Vladimir Putin:

Fine.

Mr Sobyanin, I would like to say in this regard, we have been in constant contact with you during all these weeks and months. I have seen how you personally were concerned about the situation that developed in the capital, how your team worked. And what would I like to say in this regard? This is both my assessment and that of the specialists, including international experts, international organisations: in general, your work and your entire team’s work was – of course, various things happened, we all saw it, minor failures are inevitable here, but overall the work was very responsible, focused and balanced, and every step was well thought out.

What is important, you were proactive and did not lose time. And the fact that Moscow created such a reserve, such a backup – I will speak more about this now – is extremely important and this gave us the opportunity not only to reduce stress, but also the opportunity to open in a timely manner those basic industries that you mentioned.

The situation in Moscow, as well as in the country as a whole, is indeed stabilising. Compared with the peak values in early May, the number of detected coronavirus cases in the capital has reduced twofold, while the number of tests is growing. Between late April and late May, the number of tests also doubled from 25,000 to 50,000 a day.

I want to point out a telling fact that you have also noted: many more people are being discharged from Moscow hospitals than are being admitted daily, while there are about 10,000 available beds. You have also said that. And I think it is extremely important that part of the earlier re-equipped beds for coronavirus patients, which you mentioned, will returned to use for routine medical care for patients with other, also serious and dangerous diseases. I will say it again: this is extremely important.

There is no doubt that the improvement is a direct result, as I have already said, of the measures taken by you and your team. And, of course, medical workers play an immense role in fighting the epidemic, in this case Moscow medical workers, who are acting professionally and selflessly, as I have said on many occasions.

I know that Moscow, as we can well imagine, was the first to encounter a large-scale outbreak, and at the peak attracted specialists from other regions, including on a temporary basis, and also built up substantial reserves of medical equipment, devices and medicines. Which, as you have rightly observed, other major world cities failed to do, or at any rate, did not do so as timely as you did it in Moscow. You also did it bearing in mind a worst-case scenario. Fortunately, it is already clear that we have managed to prevent such scenarios.

Moscow doctors, nurses and medical workers, in general, have acquired unique experience in coronavirus treatment and prevention. I know that Moscow doctors are assisting their regional colleagues in terms of methods and consultations. They are advising via videoconference on how to treat the novel disease, how to diagnose it and how to arrange most efficiently primary care and ambulance service during the epidemic. Such interaction should certainly continue.

Again, the epidemiological situation and the load on the healthcare system are gradually stabilising and decreasing in Moscow. Of course, now we need to help those regions – and we still have some – where the situation remains difficult so far, and additional help is needed right on the spot.

Therefore, considering your experience and the strong margin of safety in the Moscow healthcare system, I would ask you, Mr Sobyanin, to support the regions and send teams of Moscow medical workers to the regions that need support. Being the chairman of the corresponding working group of the State Council, you know that this support is primarily needed in Daghestan, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, as well as Trans-Baikal Territory. I would ask our Moscow colleagues to do this as quickly as possible. In addition, Moscow medical teams should be sent to Vladimir and Pskov regions in the coming days.

I would like to hear your opinion on how quickly this assistance can be provided to the regions I mentioned.

I mentioned that a large inventory of medical equipment and medicines has been accumulated in the capital. I ask you to also consider the possibility of transferring some of this reserve to the regions.

I have no doubt that Moscow will definitely help its colleagues, our citizens in other Russian regions, who still need this support. And the more effective this assistance is, the faster the situation will develop in these regions in the same way, in any case, the trends will be the same as those we are now seeing in Moscow.





Sergei Sobyanin:

Mr President, I am aware that this kind of assistance is needed and it should be done promptly because nobody will need it in a week or two. I think everyone will cope without it eventually. But it is critical to help the regions now when some of them are in difficulty.

You are correct that we have been cooperating with regions already; our leading clinics provide online consultations and support certain medical decisions. Recently you spoke to Chief Doctor of Clinic 52 Maryana Lysenko. They held seminars with 10,000 doctors across the country describing the latest clinical recommendations and approaches to coronavirus treatment. This is very important work.

Now the next stage of assistance is possible locally on the ground. We will move our teams to the first four regions you listed as early as tomorrow. We will also send doctors to Pskov and Vladimir Regions shortly. In addition to doctors, we will send personal protective equipment, lung ventilators and medications to provide comprehensive support to the medical systems in those regions. We will do everything we can, and I will separately report to you on the results.

You also asked about the parade. We have finalised the organisational and technical events with the Defence Ministry. We are absolutely ready to start holding practices and then the parade itself. Together with the Presidential Executive Office and the Defence Ministry, we will finalize the organisational measures that need to be finalised in terms of events on the day of the parade. I will also report to you on this.



Vladimir Putin:

All right, thank you. Good luck.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63416
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Old May 28th, 2020 #91
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Working meeting with Smolensk Region Governor Alexei Ostrovsky



The President had a working meeting with Smolensk Region Governor Alexei Ostrovsky via videoconference.



May 27, 2020 - 16:50 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The meeting focused on preventing the spread of the coronavirus, and the socioeconomic situation in the region.

As concerns the epidemiological situation, the Governor reported that as of today, the region has 1,853 confirmed COVID-19 cases; 742 people are in hospital, seven patients are on ventilators, 621 people have recovered and 25 lives could not be saved. The region has allocated 939 hospital beds for treating coronavirus patients, including 490 with oxygen supply. Over the period of the epidemic, the testing capacity has been increased more than four times and currently, more than 900 tests are being conducted in the region on a daily basis. More than 20 companies are producing 360,000 facemasks per day.

The Governor reported on the support of medical workers, incentive payments for challenging working conditions, provision of anti-exposure suits, masks and other protective gear.

The President and the Governor also discussed supporting businesses and providing social support to the public.





The governor extensively covered the agricultural industry as an important element of the region’s economy. He noted that the grain harvest has been growing annually over the past six years and in 2019, a record amount of 319,000 tonnes was recovered, which is definitely a success for a region with high risk farming. This year, the region also set the goal of increasing the grain harvest by another 10 percent and increasing the rapeseed harvest by 20 percent. In 2019, the region won back the title of the largest sower of flax in the Central Federal District and the second largest in the country. A modern flax processing factory will be finished this year, to close the circuit and produce value-added goods.

Alexei Ostrovsky also brought up a priority issue for himself, which is the end of his term of office as Governor in September. He noted that five years ago, the President appointed him Acting Governor and he was later supported by the region’s public during the election. Ostrovsky noted that over his term, there have been achievements but, of course, unresolved problems and difficulties remain. At the same time, the region, of course, has great potential and he himself has the energy and enthusiasm to continue working. Therefore, if the President vests his confidence in him, he will run again and, if supported by the region’s voters, would like keep working.

The President noted that in the current extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus, the regional administration is being rather productive. He pointed out, however, that only 30 percent of the tillable land in the region is efficiently cultivated, the growth rate of the processing industries leaves much to be desired, residential construction and any construction in general has significantly slowed down.

Vladimir Putin also asked the Governor to speak about the most important, promising and interesting investment projects that deserve particular attention and support from the regional and federal officials. The Governor said that he would like to rely on support with building the second power unit for the Smolenskaya NPP and said he appreciates the federal targeted programme for agricultural land reclamation.

The President said that overall, he considers the Governor’s work successful and he welcomes his decision to run again. However, it is the voters who will be responsible for the ultimate review of his performance during the upcoming election in September. The President wished Alexei Ostrovsky success in the election.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63418






Meeting on labour market situation



Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, on the situation in the labour market.



May 27, 2020 - 18:00 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







Taking part in the meeting were Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Labour and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov,Governor of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina, Kaliningrad Region Governor and Head of the State Council’s working group on small and medium businesses Anton Alikhanov, Novgorod Region Governor and Head of the State Council’s working group on social policy Andrei Nikitin, Chelyabinsk Region Governor and Head of the State Council’s working group on the economy and finance Alexei Teksler, Head of the Republic of Bashkortostan Radiy Khabirov, and Astrakhan Region Governor Igor Babushkin.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

Today, I suggest discussing, as planned, one of the most important issues in the current situation – the labour market. Let us see what positive results we have due to our measures on sustaining jobs, supporting families whose incomes have decreased, and helping people who have temporarily lost their jobs.

As I have said before, the coronavirus epidemic and the ensuing restrictions, as we all know, have had an adverse effect on the economies of every country without exception. Demand has dropped, business activity has declined and many cooperation ties and investment plans have been suspended. Our industries have also been hard hit: as you know, we are frequently not receiving parts and components from our partners.

Of course, this has had a negative i9mpact on the labour market around the world, a fact we brought up at the G20 meetng. The latest data show that the number of registered unemployed in Russia is also on the rise. In fact, there is nothing unusual about this for us. This number now stands at about 1.9 million people.

Here is what I want to say to the federal agencies and our colleagues in the regions: you should pay maximum attention, and I would like to stress that it should be maximum – to unemployment at all levels.

Once again, preserving the jobs and incomes of Russian families has been one of our top priorities since day one of our efforts to counter the epidemic. This, of course, is a fair approach and a fair principle, because people should always be our priority.

We have established a key, basic criterion for supporting businesses. From the outset, we have organised our work exactly this way: preserving the workforce and salaries is a priority. We offered incentives whereby companies and entrepreneurs who take care of their employees and strive to retain them, can count on greater support from the state. By that, I also mean direct subsidies to pay salaries at small- and medium-sized businesses in the affected industries in an amount equivalent to one minimum wage per employee in April and May, as well as easy-term loans with a 2 percent interest rate. These loans will be repaid by the state, as agreed, if staffing at a given company remains at the current level.

At the same time, we provided targeted assistance to people who lost their jobs during the crisis, primarily, families with children. Thus, in addition to unemployment benefits, families with one or both parents temporarily out of work will receive an additional payment of 3,000 rubles per month for each minor child. Starting June 1, the minimum childcare benefit paid to non-working parents, as a rule, young mothers, will double.

We simplified the procedure for applying for federal child support allowances, and we reduced a lot of the paperwork and certificates. Thus, the income received by an unemployed person in the previous period is not taken into account when assigning a payment.

Of course, increasing the amount of unemployment benefits was an important decision as well. Those who lost their jobs and filed an application with the employment service starting March 1 are eligible for the maximum amount of 12,130 rubles. You can file an application online through the Work in Russia website.

In this context, I would like to emphasise the following: I am addressing the executives at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the employment services and the regional governors. Colleagues, a lot in this situation depends on your smooth, efficient work. I would like to ask you to act with the utmost responsibility and do everything you can. This is most important in our work.

We need to analyse and look deep into the problems of every person that asks for help, especially elderly people and pre-pensioners. This also applies to graduates of universities, colleges and academies that are finishing their studies and starting to work.

It is necessary to look for suitable jobs in cooperation with companies, organisations and employers. These things must not be left to luck. It is necessary to offer snap courses, as well as education and retraining programmes for those who have lost their jobs.

Now a lot is being done remotely. When business life gets back to normal, this experience is bound to be very useful and much in demand. It must be used in any case because, as you know, this long-distance, remote format is convenient and necessary for both businesses and individuals. This applies to young mothers, people with disabilities and residents of small towns where the choice of jobs is not as broad as in metropolitan areas. In general, experts predict that the digital economy of the future will largely rely on networks when many people will work remotely, like from home.

I would like you to report today on how this approach to work is being carried out in practice, what legal and other problems are faced by companies and their employees and what, in your opinion, must be improved or adjusted without delay.

On the whole, I hope to hear a detailed report on the labour market situation. I would like to ask you to describe bottlenecks in labour relations, in part, as regards support for Russian families, and protection of the labour rights and interests of our people and to hear your suggestions on what needs to be changed in the current situation and the future development of the labour market.

Let us start working.





<…>


Vladimir Putin:

Thank you. We are running such support programmes. We need to look and analyse what is going on there. Perhaps, add or review some things. I fully agree.

Look, we have just heard our colleagues reporting on the labour market situation. Here is what I would like to draw your attention to. Mr Kotyakov, according to your Ministry, unemployment, from March 1 to April 20, was growing the fastest in Tyumen Region, Kaliningrad Region, the Republic of Chuvashia, Vologda Region and the Republic of Buryatia. The largest increases in registered unemployment among the gainfully employed population were found in Tyva, Kabardino-Balkaria, the Altai Republic and the Republic of Buryatia.

The reason I am saying this now is because I want the Government to carefully study and focus not only on the proposals that we heard today – I will talk about this shortly – but also the actual data provided by the Ministry of Labour. It is necessary to pay attention to these regions. The governors of these regions should, of course, work vigorously, but I also want the federal agencies to focus on this.

Of course, better employment numbers as a result of restoring the national economy is the main systemic condition for stabilising the labour market. It is about restarting enterprises, returning to normal, usual rhythm of work in the services sector, restaurants, hotels etc. So people can go back to work, provide for their families and know that they will be paid in time and in full.

Clearly, you cannot just wait for all this to get back on track by itself and for the economic engine to start working at full capacity on its own. The labour market – the Minister of Labour mentioned this – is unusual, but it calls for urgent and well-balanced actions. In this regard, I support today’s proposals that need to be implemented as soon as possible.

What have our colleagues been talking about? We have rules whereby different categories of people are entitled to unemployment benefits for a period of three to 12 months. When this period expires, payments are discontinued even if the person did not find a job. Considering the current difficult situation in the economy and the labour market, I agree with the following proposal, namely, to extend unemployment benefits for three months for those who lost their benefits after March 1 because of the expiry of the established term.

Let us agree that, as you proposed, this measure will be valid until October 1, 2020. Those whose unemployment benefits expired will simply have to address the employment service to receive these payments for another three months. Let me repeat that these payments will be made for another three months but no later than until October 1. Let us do this for the time being, and later on, we will proceed based on the situation that develops in the labour market.

Secondly, we have established additional payments for underage children, 3,000 rubles per child per month, for those who applied through the employment service after March 1. I agree, let us expand this to parents that are unemployed now but who lost their jobs before March 1 of this year. They will also be entitled to 3,000 rubles per underage child per month. This is fair because the situation in the labour market has worsened and today it is very difficult to find a job for people who became unemployed even before March 1.

Third. In addition to those who are employed, many individual entrepreneurs have also encountered difficulties. I fully agree with those who have just mentioned this. Now that the regions are gradually lifting restrictions, business activity is gaining momentum, including that of small companies. Nonetheless, I consider it appropriate to support individual entrepreneurs that had to close their businesses after March 1 of this year. I suggest establishing unemployment benefits for them at the highest rate, that is, 12,130 rubles, and paying them for three months as well.

Furthermore, people who do not have confirmed incomes, a sufficient service record in their former jobs or did not have official jobs at all, are also going to employment offices. Regrettably, there are cases like this as well. They are entitled to a minimum unemployment benefit of 1,500 rubles. Of course, this is not enough. I fully agree with you, colleagues. These people also need state support. So, let us retroactively, starting May 1, increase the minimum unemployment benefit threefold, to 4,500 rubles. This will also be paid over three months, until August 1. I asked the Finance Minister these questions for a reason. The estimates have been made and the funds are available.

I would like to ask the Government to promptly prepare the regulations for the decisions made today and to coordinate its cooperation with the regions. I would also like to ask it to make separate proposals on upgrading labour legislation, in part, with due account for the experience of the past few months. I am referring to the use of digital technology in documenting labour relations. Incidentally, we have discussed this issue many times. It is also necessary to simplify the regulations for remote jobs. The main point is certainly to protect and fully ensure the rights of employees. This is a key requirement and an absolute priority.

I want to emphasise to the federal agencies and our colleagues in the regions: your attention to the labour market situation and the problems of the unemployed must be maintained at all levels of authority.

One of the key tasks is to create conditions for people to return to work, but, of course, while observing the safety requirements. We must open the economy, its key industries step-by-step. In effect, this is what we are doing. This is certainly the foundation for restoring employment.

But it goes without saying that we should not forget that reducing unemployment is also part of our macroeconomic policy. A high unemployment rate shows that economic capacity is underutilised and that there is still a tangible shortage of demand.

Resolving these problems is a major task in the national plan for economic recovery. Please pay the utmost attention to this. Needless to say, all these actions, the actions we have discussed today must be correlated with the unique situation we are in. I am referring to the safety of our people.

Thank you for taking part in today’s meeting.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63419






Telephone conversation with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud.



May 27, 2020 - 18:50



The sides continued their discussion of the developments on the global energy market. Both sides noted the importance of the joint efforts to reach the OPEC+ agreements on reducing oil production in April. They agreed to continue close coordination on this issue between the energy ministries.

They also touched on current issues of bilateral cooperation following Vladimir Putin’s visit to Riyadh last October.

Vladimir Putin extended his greetings to Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud on Eid al-Fitr.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63420






Greetings on Border Guards Day



Vladimir Putin congratulated current and former personnel of the FSB Border Guard Service on their professional holiday, Border Guards Day.



May 28, 2020 - 09:00







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Comrades,

Greetings to the personnel and veterans of the FSB Border Guard Service on Border Guards Day, and heartfelt congratulations to your families and loved ones.

Today we are honouring those who protect the Russian borders, the courageous and brave people who preserve the security of our Motherland and our citizens.

The Russian border service has a long and glorious history. For centuries, it has been the frontier guards who were always the first to push back against the enemy and fight to the last.

This year, we are marking 75 years of the Great Victory and bowing to the valour of the border guards and soldiers who accepted battle on June 22, 1941, and fought for every single outpost from the Polar region to the Black Sea; who marched along the frontline roads from Moscow and the Volga River to Berlin.

In the past years, our border service personnel have proved their utmost professionalism multiple times. They look up to the generation of victors and perform the most challenging tasks with integrity, setting an example of perseverance and strong spirit in combat situations time and again.

We will always remember the service personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and those who selflessly defended their people and their country.

Comrades,

Today’s generation of border guards is an honourable successor of the legendary traditions and a faithful protector of Russia’s national interests and security. I would like to thank all of you for your honest service, devotion to your duty and the oath.

We understand all too well that the modern world is still fraught with many threats and risks. The objectives you face today are quite serious and demanding.

The primary task is to secure access to Russia from international terrorists and criminals, set up solid defences in the way of trans-border crime, drug trafficking and illegal migration. This requires developing the border infrastructure consistently and building up our operational, technical and workforce capacities.

I am confident that you will continue to perform your duties and serving Russia with dignity, honour and conscience.

Once again, congratulations on Border Guards Day. I wish you good health and every success.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63421






Commissioner for Entrepreneurs’ Rights Boris Titov submitted annual report to President



Commissioner for Entrepreneurs’ Rights Boris Titov submitted a report on his performance in 2019 to the head of state.



May 28, 2020 - 10:00



The report includes an assessment of the conditions under which entrepreneurial activity takes place in the Russian Federation, as well as proposals on improving the legal status of entrepreneurs with regard to where this falls within the Commissioner’s purview.

The report notes that a total of 79,990 appeals have been received during the entire period that the institution of the Commissioner for Entrepreneurs’ Rights has been in existence, of which 15,602 were addressed to the federal Commissioner and 64,388 to his regional counterparts.

The main topics of the messages sent to the Presidential Commissioner for Entrepreneurs’ Rights are related to appeals against criminal prosecution, problems of small and medium-sized businesses, land and property relations, the cadastral register, trade, construction, housing and utilities and other issues.

Based on the processed appeals, expert polls and other materials, the report presents the Commissioner’s opinion on how to protect entrepreneurs’ rights, as well as on system-wide problems of the Russian business community. The document also features opinions of the regional Commissioners on the key problems affecting businesses in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and on ways of solving them.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63422






Meeting with Transneft President Nikolai Tokarev



Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Chairman of the Management Board and President of Transneft Nikolai Tokarev to discuss the company’s performance in 2019 and its development plans.



May 28, 2020 - 13:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Tokarev, we had a meeting on the overall situation in the transport industry not that long ago, but we did not discuss pipelines at the time. However, pipelines are an essential part of Russia’s expansive transportation system and play a significant role in the national economy.

For this reason, I wanted to hear what you think about the situation within the company, especially since this is linked to hydrocarbon deliveries to the domestic market, as well as to export markets that are going through challenging times, as we know. This is the first topic I wanted to raise.

Second. Transneft’s investment plans have great importance for the national economy, since your company is one of the largest consumers for our industrial manufacturers. I would like to hear about the situation here.

Overall, what is the situation within the company, considering today’s challenging epidemiological situation? Go ahead, please.



President of Transneft Nikolai Tokarev:

Mr President, the company improved all of its basic key manufacturing and economic indicators in 2019 compared to 2018, and had positive momentum in its performance. Our cargo turnover increased by 2.5 percent, and oil deliveries into the Transneft system were up 1.5 percent. Russia’s oil exports increased by 4 percent in 2019, defying all ill-spirited predictions to the contrary.

In addition, financial performance has also been quite positive. Revenue increased with Transneft reporting over 1 trillion rubles in revenue for the first time. Tax payments were 14 percent higher, and all the funding under the 270-billion-ruble investment programme was put to work. We also fulfilled all our obligations under loans and credit facilities, and are consistent in paying them out.

Overall, last year we completed a number of large strategic projects. We reached the targets set for the first and second phases of the East Siberia-Pacific Ocean (ESPO) pipeline. The capacity of the pipeline from Taishet to the Chinese border is 80 million tonnes, and the capacity of the pipeline from Skovorodino to Kozmino on the Pacific coast is currently 50 million tonnes. At the same time, we increased the capacity of the Kozmino oil port to 36 million tonnes. In other words, it is currently the most promising region for export; oil companies are eager to work on this Asia-Pacific market.

We have built 10 and modernised six oil pumping stations. We have created 1,100 new jobs in the region, in addition to the 9,500 jobs we had under the ESPO project.

We have also completed a large project to modernise the petroleum product pipeline system in the Moscow area, so that now all the consumers in the region have the necessary amounts of motor and aviation fuel. We completed the project quite rapidly by using modern technology plus automation and dispatcher systems. In a word, the Moscow area now has one of the best and most advanced systems.

We have commissioned the plant in Tatarstan, which has been built from scratch under the import substitution programme to produce anti-turbulence additives. It can satisfy the requirements of both Transneft and the consumers from the former Soviet republics. In fact, we are turning from importers to exporters and are entering the international market.

Overall, over the past 10 years Transneft has invested 2.5 trillion rubles into building new pipelines and overhauling and modernising the existing systems. We have built 19,000 kilometres of new oil and product pipelines and three ports. In the past three years, we have built three large plants under the import substitution programme – two in Chelyabinsk and one in Tatarstan, as well as expanding production at our pant in Tyumen.

Now these facilities fully meet Transneft’s requirements for main pumps, electrical drives and motors. Moreover, these products are needed not only in the oil industry but will now be supplied to shipbuilders as well. And wind farms will also be able to use our plant’s technology too.

Overall, as part of the import substitution programme over the past 10 years we introduced 25 product categories that used to be imported. Today, Transneft’s import substitution level has reached 96 percent, with products that simply cannot be manufactured in Russia accounting for the remaining 4 percent.

As for the social dimension, the company has 117,000 employees, and pays corporate pensions to 30,000 retirees. Company staff members get private medical insurance and generous employment benefits.

Turning to our 2020 plans, considering the pandemic and the OPEC deal, we are now working to include new stress factors into the budget so that we do not have to cut our investment programme. We planned to spend 257 billion on it. We hope that this will be the case, although revenue and freight turnover are expected to drop by about 10 percent, according to preliminary estimates. We have already submitted our proposals to the Government on how to prevent the cashflow from drying up and keep the investment programme unchanged. There are a number of proposals and a positive response on some of them. I think that we will be able to find acceptable solutions.



Vladimir Putin:

This is very important. I would like to ask you to make this a priority.





Nikolai Tokarev:

Transneft currently focuses on modernising, rebuilding and overhauling its existing infrastructure, since about 40 percent of the existing networks have reached the limits of their operational capacity. Mechanical and technological equipment, energy supplies and linear sections of oil pipelines need to be replaced. This is what we will focus on over the next five years, as approved by the Board of Directors. We hope that we will complete the review of our budget considering the existing stress factors, and will find the solutions we need.



Vladimir Putin:

Good.



Nikolai Tokarev:

As for the pandemic, we now have 23,000 people working from home. Within just a few days, we were able to transfer corporate communications online thanks to the company’s IT systems.

We have reserve teams on standby in the regions in case a state of emergency is declared in any of them. These teams include key employees, such as dispatchers, operators, and specialists for oil pump stations. We have this option ready, should the need arise.

We have 6,000 rotational workers. We decided to double the bonuses for them, increased the intervals between rotations, and also the rotational shift itself to three months. We had no other choice, and people understood and accepted these changes. We will do everything to make sure that this goes smoothly.

That is to say that the situation is under control, the response teams are operating on the ground and report to Moscow. I do not expect any unforeseen developments on this front.



Vladimir Putin:

Good.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63423






Telephone conversation with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.



May 28, 2020 - 13:50



The discussion covered topical matters on the bilateral agenda. The current level of cooperation was praised, primarily in the field of energy and investments. The parties voiced their mutual desire to further expand the entire range of Russia-Qatar ties.

Agreement was reached to launch direct cooperation between national healthcare ministries to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Further cooperation was agreed upon in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in Qatar.

There was an exchange of opinions on a number of key international subjects, including developments on the global hydrocarbon markets. While discussing the Syrian peace settlement, the parties noted the efficiency of Russian efforts to restore independence and territorial integrity of the Syrian state, underscoring the importance of normalising the humanitarian situation in Syria.

Vladimir Putin extended his greetings to the Emir of Qatar and the country’s people on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63424
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(c) Alan Alexander Miln
 
Old June 14th, 2020 #92
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Anna Kuznetsova submitted to the President the annual report of the Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights



Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Anna Kuznetsova presented her 2019 report to the President, including a review on the observance of rights and legitimate interests of children in the Russian Federation, as well as proposals to improve their legal status.



May 29, 2020 - 08:00



In 2019, the number of complaints filed with the children's ombudswoman grew by 27 percent to 8,661; the ombudswoman and her office received in person 28 percent more complaints than in 2018.

These complaints came from across the country. The top regions by the number of complaints were Moscow with 20.5 percent, the Moscow Region with 9.1 percent, the Krasnodar Territory with 5 percent, the Primorye Territory and St Petersburg with 2.8 percent each, the Rostov Region and the Sverdlovsk Region with 2.2 percent each, the Krasnoyarsk Territory and the Republic of Bashkortostan with 1.6 percent each, and the Chelyabinsk Region with 1.5 percent.

Key subjects of these complaints included: the right to legal protection and qualified legal advice, the right to housing, the right to live and grow up in a family, the right to education, the right to health protection, the right to social security, etc.

The ombudswoman placed special emphasise on the substantial increase – by almost 88 percent – in the number of complaints regarding the protection of health of minors. Most of these were related to the timely provision of medicine, challenges encountered when undergoing medical and social assessment, and the quality of medical services in the regions.

The number of favourable decisions issued following the review of complaints by the ombudswoman increased 2.2-fold in 2019.

Among other things, as a result of inspections carried out, more than 1,000 children in orphanages received assistance. The ombudswoman was personally involved in returning more than 120 Russian children from the Republic of Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic, and protecting their rights and legitimate interests.

The report also sets out recommendations to federal executive bodies and regional government bodies of the Russian Federation on ways to improve the state policy on protecting families, motherhood, fatherhood and children in the Russian Federation.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63425






Working meeting with Kostroma Region Governor Sergei Sitnikov



Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, with Kostroma Region Governor Sergei Sitnikov.



May 29, 2020 - 15:20 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The discussion focused on the socioeconomic issues and the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the region.

According to Mr Sitnikov, the region has been on high alert since March 17 to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection. In all, since the start of the epidemic, 691 people have been infected, 365 people recovered and 99 patients are undergoing medical treatment, including three patients on ventilators. Regrettably, 10 people with grave secondary diseases have died. In the region, the disease rate per 100,000 people is more than two and a half times smaller than the national average. Medical facilities have an adequate supply of the necessary medications and protective gear.

The Governor briefed the President on the support measures for medical workers and other residents, including families with children.

As for the operation of the real economy during the spread of the infection, the region did not suspended the activity of companies implementing investment projects and didn’t stop the construction of kindergartens, schools, medical centres and social facilities under national projects. Timber processing, agriculture and construction companies continue working, as well as enterprises implementing the state defence order and exporting companies. A total of 226 companies out of those whose activities was suspended have resumed their operation. In all, over 97 percent of people involved in the economy are working now.

The Governor said that the industrial production in the Kostroma Region increased by almost nine percent in 2019. The region’s own consolidated budget grew by 11 percent, while average salaries went up by over 10 percent. In the past three years, the region’s fiscal revenue grew by one-third.

In the past eight years, total investment exceeded 190 billion rubles, and new investment projects are underway. Segezha Group, an anchor resident of the Galich priority development area, has already launched a major project to build a plywood plant with investment exceeding 10 billion rubles. A SWISS CRONO project to build an oriented strand board plant in the city of Sharya is in the signing stage. The investment exceeds 21 billion rubles, and it will be Russia’s biggest production line.

Sergei Sitnikov asked the President to support one of the region’s backbone industries – jewellery. Almost 1,500 jewellery enterprises and individual entrepreneurs work in the Kostroma Region. The industry employs more than 15,000 people. Kostroma enterprises produce more than 50 percent of jewellery made in Russia.





In the current conditions, jewellery production has fallen by over 50 percent. The Governor asked the President to instruct the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Finance to consider including the jewellery industry in the list of economic sectors most affected by the spread of the infection and extend federal support to the jewellery industry. This will help preserve the unique workforce, maintain positions in the foreign markets and protect the Russian jewellery market.

The Governor also asked the President to instruct the Ministry of Transport to expedite decision-making in order to resolve a very pressing and painful problem for Kostroma related to the construction of a bypass road around the city, which is crossed by three federal motorways. The only bridge across the Volga River connects them all in the centre of Kostroma.

Vladimir Putin noted that this is indeed a problem. Kostroma is ahead of the Russian average in terms of traffic, but unfortunately not in terms of road quality. Almost 80 percent of regional and inter-municipal roads do not meet regulatory requirements. The President promised to instruct the Government to look into this issue as quickly as possible.

The President promised to discuss support for the jewellery industry with the Prime Minister.

Vladimir Putin discussed with the Governor the lack of medical personnel and construction, in particular, housing construction, and also noted shortcomings in the agricultural sector, but generally described the situation in the region as stable.

During the meeting, Mr Sitnikov raised another issue. In September, his term of office expires. He said there are a number of very important projects and tasks in the Kostroma Region that are already in the process of implementation or will be implemented in the coming years, such as the construction of a new bypass around Kostroma with a bridge and the launch of new, large investment projects. As the governor of the region and a native of Kostroma, Mr Sitnikov said he would like to see their implementation through. In this regard, he asked the President to support his intention to participate in the upcoming gubernatorial election in the Kostroma Region.

Vladimir Putin confirmed that since the Governor’s work is generally positive, he will be glad to support him. The President emphasised that the most important thing is that the people should support him and give their assessment of his work during the upcoming election. To do this, it is necessary to present the region’s development programme and show what has been done in Kostroma in recent years in a way that is convincing for voters.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63427






Executive Order on parades and salutes to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Victory Parade



Vladimir Putin signed Executive Order On Holding Military Parades and Artillery Salutes to Mark the 75th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 and the Victory Parade of June 24, 1945.



May 29, 2020 - 20:20



To mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 and the Victory Parade of June 24, 1945, to pay tribute to those who defeated the Nazi occupiers and honour the veterans’ great feat, heroism and sacrifice, the President resolved to hold on June 24, 2020:

- military parades involving armaments and military equipment and using the Victory Banner, the official symbol of the Soviet people’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in accordance with established procedure, on Red Square in Moscow and other Russian cities, at 10 am local time;

- artillery salutes in Moscow and other Russian cities, at 10 pm local time.

The Defence Ministry received corresponding instructions.

June 24, 2020 has been declared a paid non-working day.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63428






Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council



The President had a meeting, via videoconference, with permanent members of the Security Council.



May 30, 2020 - 13:50 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region



Taking part in the videoconference were Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin, and Special Presidential Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov.






President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues, good afternoon,

Let us get to work. We will discuss a number of issues today: current issues of domestic security and the international agenda. As for the latter, we have to finalise our position in view of the US withdrawal from the Treaty on Open Skies. Moreover, the New START Treaty will expire soon, yet there has been no success with launching meaningful talks on this matter, which is crucial not only for us but also for the entire world. This is why we have to discuss this topic.

Another current issue of great importance, in my view, is that many countries are lifting restrictions that were introduced during the coronavirus pandemic. The front runners are those countries whose economy strongly depends on tourism. That is clear. However, some countries that lifted restrictions earlier have been forced to return to measures to fight the coronavirus infection. We can see that too as it is happening before our eyes. For that reason we must try to understand, together with our specialists, medics and sanitary doctors, how to best organise our work in this area.

As far as I understand and judging from the reports available to me, we have not yet evacuated all Russian citizens who would like to come home, to Russia but got stranded abroad due to the pandemic-related restrictions. The flights that will evacuate them are still being arranged from different countries of the world.

In this connection I have a question for Mr Lavrov. Mr Lavrov, how many Russian citizens who want to come back to Russia remain abroad due to the measures introduced several months ago?

Go ahead, please.





Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov:

Based on the decisions taken by the Crisis Management Centre since March 18 of this year, we have evacuated 240,000 Russian citizens, or even slightly more. There are 25,200 remaining abroad, according to the lists that are being verified by the Crisis Management Centre. About ten flights are scheduled for the next few days. Each time our decisions are made with account of the epidemiological situation in our country.



Vladimir Putin:

So these are Russian citizens who, let me repeat, got stranded abroad due to the coronavirus infection-related restrictions?



Sergei Lavrov:

Yes. The verified lists contain 25,159 names, to be exact.



Vladimir Putin:

Many countries whose economy, let me reiterate this, depends on tourism are opening their borders or have declared that they are about to open them. We must discuss everything that will be going on not only inside our country but also around it.

Let us get to work.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63430






Videoconference with families presented with Order of Parental Glory



On International Children’s Day, Vladimir Putin held a videoconference with families presented with the Order of Parental Glory.



June 1, 2020 - 15:15 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






On the occasion of International Children’s Day Vladimir Putin spoke with families awarded the Order of Parental Glory.

Taking part in the videoconference meeting were families with many children from Moscow, Arkhangelsk, Rostov, Samara and Tyumen regions, Daghestan, and Altai and Khabarovsk territories, as well as Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Anna Kuznetsova.

The Order of Parental Glory is awarded to parents (adoptive parents) who are raising or have raised seven or more children, ensuring an appropriate level of care for their health, education and physical, spiritual and moral development.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Dear friends, good afternoon.

First of all, I would like to congratulate you and all Russian citizens on International Children’s Day.

One of the good traditions of this holiday in our country is the ceremony of presenting the Order of Parental Glory. And I promise you, this ceremony will be held in a solemn atmosphere and in the presence of all members of your friendly families.

Of course, this will happen when all the forced restrictions associated with the fight against the epidemic are lifted, and when a trip to Moscow, and a cultural programme that has already been developed especially for you, become completely safe, and any risks to the health of both children and adults are eliminated.

But today it was extremely important for me to see you, to talk to you, albeit online. First of all, it is important for me to thank you for your informed choice – I am addressing the adults now – in favour of a large, strong family.

We all understand perfectly well: the birth and upbringing of a child is always a great joy. And of course, it also involves everyday concerns and a big responsibility, especially when there are seven or more children, and each of them is surrounded by the attention and love of their parents.

Children feel this compassion, this heartfelt generosity from an early age. Through words, deeds and the personal example of their father and mother, they understand how important it is to honour their elders and take care of the little ones, the younger ones, and together with their parents they create the emotional and at the same time exacting atmosphere of a large family.

Large families have always been famous for their traditions of hard work, responsiveness, selflessness and mutual support and today they serve as an example for those who are just starting to build their family life.

The mission of motherhood and fatherhood, and this is exactly a mission, is one of the noblest. It is a source of true happiness. Parenthood is a priceless contribution to preserving Russia’s traditional foundations and moral principles, which are love, strong family ties and the continuity of generations. Just as the history of a family is part of the history of the country, a feeling of pride for one’s family generates pride for our entire enormous homeland.

Time has proved that a large and friendly family can reliably support every person, society, and the state as a whole. This is what helps us reach our goals and overcome any trials and tribulations.

It is no accident that during the discussion on the amendments to the Russian Constitution, protection and support of the family were among the most frequent proposals of our citizens. I am also convinced that it is necessary to confirm in the Fundamental Law care for the younger generation as an absolute priority of the state. This amendment to the Constitution is important not only today but also in the years ahead.

Now that we are marking International Children’s Day, I would like to sincerely thank all those who are bringing up and caring for the younger generation. I would like to thank mothers and fathers and grandparents, and certainly teachers, doctors and social workers. Friends, all of you are creating the necessary conditions so that the talent of every child can be discovered.

However, it depends only on you – I am now addressing our young citizens, young people, our youth – how you will use these opportunities. This only depends on you. The main point is your understanding that success in life is determined by hard work, tenacity of purpose, kindness and a humane attitude. These are the qualities that your parents and mentors are striving to instill in you.

In this regard, I would like to note all those who showed responsibility and readiness to help those in need during this difficult time. Also, I would like to thank the young people who participated in the Big Change contest.

The contest gave young people the opportunity to engage in good deeds, try out different projects and discover what they are good at. Volunteers became the project's driver: almost 650,000 schoolchildren from all regions of the country tried to help others and developed themselves.

This is what I would also like to emphasise. As in other countries, the epidemic and the forced restrictions, justified by doctors and specialists, affected the Russian economy, the work of our enterprises, and therefore the welfare of our citizens. It was inevitable. Implementing our measures, support measures, we made a fundamental decision. It consisted in the fact that, first of all, we decided to help people directly and, above all, support families with children.

Thus, additional payments for children were introduced, the conditions for assigning benefits and the paperwork were adjusted, and new services convenient for citizens were launched.

Today, of course, I would like to know, to hear directly from you, directly, what specific help your families received, how things are going not only with your families, but also with your relatives, friends, acquaintances and neighbours.

But first, I would like to pass the floor to the Commissioner for Children’s Rights. Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate you, Ms Kuznetsova, on the birth of the seventh child in your family – your son. I wish all the very best to all large families of Russia. I wish you all success, prosperity and happiness.

Ms Kuznetsova, the floor is yours.





Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Anna Kuznetsova:

Mr President, good afternoon.

Thank you very much for your greetings.

I would like to congratulate you and everyone on International Children’s Day and wish you all the best.

Of course, we do our best to protect our young citizens. In 2019, the Institute of Commissioners considered about 90,000 appeals from citizens, and a tenth of these were considered by the federal Commissioner, which is almost 30 percent more than last year. I must say that the number of positive decisions and positively resolved cases has more than doubled. This was largely possible due to the support of the law on commissioners on children’s rights, initiated by you, Mr President, which helped us and provided new resources for dealing with complex appeals on protecting children.

We have received 37 percent more appeals regarding judicial protection and 30 percent more questions regarding the protection of children’s rights to education. The number of questions and complaints on the actions of children’s guardianship and trusteeship bodies increased by 23 percent. Explosive growth – 88 percent – was recorded concerning issues of children’s health. We have only one category that decreased, by 4.3 percent, regarding housing provision issues.

Working with appeals gives us a large layer of information to analyse the main problematic trends in the field of childhood support. And of course, the incredible concentration of children’s problems we deal with motivates us all the time to put forth new proposals.

Last year, based on inspections in the regions, inspections in children’s, social, healthcare and educational facilities, based on our monitoring, which we regularly conduct with our colleagues, we put forth about 50 different initiatives to the Federation Council, the State Duma, to the various relevant ministries and agencies. Of course, we strongly hope that they will be supported.

Thus, for example, analysing an 88 percent increase in appeals concerning healthcare, we selected questions pertaining specifically to providing medicines for children with orphan diseases, and the corresponding proposals were sent to the Russian Government, the State Duma, including on providing medicines for children with spinal muscle atrophy. Of course, this is a difficult issue, but I can see that it is being resolved. We hope that these trends will be developed and continued.

We have also worked on issues of post-institutional support for orphans together with those who leave orphanages. Jointly with experts, we have drafted proposals on improving this support and have sent them to lawmakers at the State Duma. We hope these proposals will be adopted.

Mr President, after our meeting last year, you instructed us to develop a package of measures to improve the performance of orphanages for our most vulnerable children with developmental disorders. We have done this and the relevant package of measures will be implemented soon. These practically envisage reforming these institutions that hopefully will completely change their format.

We are trying to build up our international cooperation. We will sign a third memorandum with our foreign colleagues. This year we signed a memorandum with our partner in Kazakhstan.

On your instruction, we created an algorithm for bringing home children from hot spots. This is being successfully carried out. Our colleagues from other countries and related international organisations are interested in it. But the main result is that 157 children have returned home. We will continue this effort. Of course, we are very grateful to the defence and foreign ministries, with which we are working on this.

But our children are waiting, and I would like to immediately go over to our problems, and I am hoping, we are hoping, for your support, Mr President. I would like to start with the activities of guardianship and custody bodies.

The number of complaints about their work has grown by 23 percent. Our inspections and monitoring of these bodies in the regions confirm systematic failures in their work. Moreover, prosecutor’s inspections and investigations have also confirmed systematic failures in the operation of these bodies.

Mr President, we believe it is necessary to reform the entire system of guardianship and custody bodies rather than take pinpoint or limited measures. We have specific proposals of how to do this and we are ready to share them. These proposals suggest some serious decisions.

In reality, the happiness of every child depends on the efficiency of the work of these bodies. But there is more to it if we look at this problem on a broader plane, notably, the successful implementation of your highly important programme documents and projects.

Another issue that I cannot sidestep, and one, which became somewhat urgent during the preventive measures on the coronavirus infection, is the issue of benefits and allowances. Your package of proposals, Mr President, has been implemented in the regions this whole time.

However, it is important to improve the procedure for granting benefits. Due to a number of legal acts, for example, disabled children and particularly orphans living in the regions with a temporary residence registration are unable to receive rehabilitation equipment at their current locations. The same trap awaits families with many children where parents are registered in different regions or in different municipalities; there are several such cases. Unfortunately, this could deprive them of support, which is unacceptable.

We suggest considering the possibility of rendering support to families with children at their current place of residence, not at their permanent registration address. And also to review how this barrier can be overcome through modern digital technologies as well as projects that are being pursued by different agencies. This could dramatically improve the solution of the task you brought up. You said, and I remembered because I thought it was crucial, that a measure is only implemented when it reaches the intended person. Therefore, we have several alternatives for resolving this issue and we are ready to present them.

But once we began talking about families with many children, and we have a few here, I would like to recall that we have been working for nearly a year with the Federation Council on legislation for families with many children, which provides minimal guarantees and other rights for such families

I would like to note that a family with many children still lacks a uniform definition, which occasionally violates their rights to different support measures.

Personally, I would like to once again congratulate everyone on International Children’s Day.

Mr President, as we see your support, your special focus on family and traditional family values, together with our colleagues, the children’s rights commissioners in the regions of the Russian Federation, we are trying to step up the efficiency of our activities, and we have new projects. Currently we are working on Childhood Quality. This is an integrated project on analysing children’s policy in the regions. We are now also developing a digital platform for this work with St Petersburg as a pilot programme.

Along with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, we are planning a large forum, which is to bring together all the achievements in the area of childhood development. We also have a number of other projects. I am sure that with your support, we can make this happen.

Once again, happy Children’s Day.





Vladimir Putin:

Thank you for your proposals and ideas. We will discuss them with you a bit later. I would like you to properly document all this. You know how to do it. We will work on it and promote it.

Mr Kuznetsova, when was your seventh child born? When did it happen?



Anna Kuznetsova:

This was just recently, on May 28.



Vladimir Putin:

How do you manage to stay in shape? May 28 is fairly recently.



Anna Kuznetsova:

I have my children’s support, they give me strength.



Vladimir Putin:

All right, good. All the very best to you. Thank you very much.



Anna Kuznetsova:

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63440






Meeting with Central Election Commission leadership and members of working group on developing proposals for amending Constitution



Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with the leadership of the Central Election Commission and members of the working group on developing proposals for amending the Constitution.



June 1, 2020 - 16:50 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







Taking part in the meeting were Chair of the Russian Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova; Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Law and State Building, Co-Chair of the Working Group to Draft Proposals on Amending the Constitution Andrei Klishas; Chair of the State Duma Committee on State Building and Legislation, Co-Chair of the Working Group to Draft Proposals on Amending the Constitution Pavel Krasheninnikov; Head of the Federal Supervision Service for Consumer Protection and Welfare, Chief State Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation Anna Popova; Director of the Government Institute of Legislation and Comparative Jurisprudence, Co-Chair of the Working Group to Draft Proposals on Amending the Constitution Taliya Khabriyeva.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

Greetings to you.

Colleagues, the members of the working group on developing proposals for amending the Constitution of the Russian Federation took the initiative to hold a meeting today in such a representative composition.

Of course, I would like to listen to and I hope to hear your opinion on how the work on amending the Constitution is proceeding. But first, I would like to remind you of a few things.

We all know all too well, the whole country knows well that a specific date has been set for the nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments. But due to the spread of the coronavirus infection, I made a decision, and on March 25 this decision was framed by a relevant regulatory act – we postponed the date of the nationwide vote on constitutional amendments based on the basic, main priority – the preservation of the life and health of our citizens. Nothing could be more important than this.

But taking into account the fact that the situation with this pandemic is improving, we are certainly returning to normal life, including the need to think about further work on the amendments to the Constitution.

Serious events have taken place since we started the fight with the pandemic, and on the whole, I would like to emphasise this, we all together managed to solve the main problem – to prevent the explosive development of the situation in a negative scenario. This allows us to return to normal life. The situation, as we can see, is gradually stabilising.

Therefore, we need to come back with you again to working together on the amendments to the Constitution. I understand, I share your position on this issue. Let us specifically talk about what needs to be done in the near future.


<…>


Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues,

Proceeding from today’s discussion, from what you have said and proposed, we will hold a national vote on approving amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation on July 1, 2020.

I would very much like to ask Ms Pamfilova and Ms Popova to focus on safety and security matters. Our colleagues have just discussed this subject. I hope everything will be carried out.

I am addressing the leaders of the Russian regions. I am asking you to help organise the national vote in the context of caring for the health of our people and their lives. This remains our unconditional, basic and main priority.

And, of course, I will address our citizens, the people, so they take an active part in this vote. This implies the Constitution, our Fundamental Law. It is the foundation of this country’s life, the current life of our children, it determines the main legal guarantees in social relations and labour relations, and it determines our principles of cooperation with our international partners.

It is hardly surprising that they call the Constitution the country’s Fundamental Law. I hope very much that the citizens of Russia will take an active part in determining the parameters of the Fundamental Law and will vote on these constitutional amendments.

Thank you very much.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63441






Executive Order setting date for national vote on Russian Federation constitutional amendments



Vladimir Putin signed the Executive Order On Setting the Date for the Nationwide Vote on Amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation.



June 1, 2020 - 18:30



In accordance with parts 2 and 3 of Article 2 of the Russian Federation Law on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation On Improving the Regulation of Specific Issues of the Organisation and Functioning of Public Authority and Paragraph 1 of the Presidential Executive Order No. 188 of March 17, 2020, On Setting a Date for a Nationwide Vote on Amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the President has resolved:

to declare July 1, 2020, as the date of the nationwide vote on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation as envisaged by Article 1 of the Russian Federation Law on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation On Improving the Regulation of Specific Issues of Organisation and Functions of Public Authority, considering sanitary and epidemiological developments and the need to ensure the sanitary and epidemiologic welfare of people due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63443






Telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the United States of America Donald Trump at the initiative of the American side.



June 1, 2020 - 18:45



The presidents exchanged views on the coronavirus response measures taken by both countries. Vladimir Putin expressed appreciation for the supply of US ventilators to Russia.

The Russian President congratulated Donald Trump on the successful launch of the Crew Dragon manned spacecraft on May 30, which carried American astronauts to the International Space Station. A common attitude towards the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the space sector was confirmed.

The presidents addressed world oil market developments in the context of implementing the OPEC+ agreement. It was stated that this multilateral agreement, reached with the active support of the presidents of Russia and the United States, would lead to a gradual restoration of oil demand and price stabilisation.

Mr Trump informed Mr Putin about his idea of holding a G7 summit with the possible invitation of the leaders of Russia, Australia, India and the Republic of Korea.

The importance of enhancing the Russian-American dialogue on strategic stability and confidence-building measures in the military sector was noted.

The presidents agreed to continue contacts at various levels.

The conversation was constructive, businesslike and substantive.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63444
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Meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin via videoconference. The Prime Minister reported to the President on the main points of the national economic recovery plan.



June 2, 2020 - 14:30 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Mishustin, good afternoon.



Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin:

Good afternoon, Mr President.



Vladimir Putin:

How are you? Is everything fine?



Mikhail Mishustin:

Everything is fine, Mr President. We are working.





Vladimir Putin:

Mr Mishustin, on April 28, we discussed at a meeting with the leaders of the Russian regions a whole range of issues related to containing the coronavirus. And then, along with the development and implementation of our current measures, it was agreed that the Government would submit its proposals for the future – that it would start preparing a nationwide action plan to bring business life back to normal, to restore employment, people’s incomes and economic growth, of course.

It was then that I specifically pointed out that the strategic objective of the national action plan was not only to stabilise the country – which is certainly essential to move forward – but most importantly, to support individuals, enterprises, and businesses at the exit stage. This is important in itself, of course, but what is more – we have discussed this specifically – we need to achieve long-term structural change in the Russian economy, new dynamics in achieving the key national development goals, and our primary goal is certainly the well-being of the people, of Russian families.

Again, it is of fundamental importance to both address today's urgent problems and to ensure confident progress for the long term, while dealing with the detrimental impact of the coronavirus on all spheres including the global economy, international trade and even technological development.

There is increasing change in the world, and in order to respond to the new challenges, we need to act professionally and effectively, and make informed decisions. By the way, our coronavirus response effort is generally quite in line with what I am saying and our doctors deserve special appreciation and gratitude, and also the Government, which took timely action.

The draft action plan that I am talking about has been prepared; I received it from the Government yesterday. We discussed this on the telephone too. I have it here on my desk, and I read it before our meeting. Today, of course, I would like to personally speak with you on all these topics. I would like to ask you to tell us more about the main targets and priorities of this plan, and about the initiatives that the Government proposes implementing.

Please, Mr Mishustin, the floor is yours.





Mikhail Mishustin:

Mr President,

In line with your instructions, the Government has prepared a draft national action plan to restore employment and people’s incomes, as well as to provide economic growth and other long-term structural changes. The plan’s main objective is to overcome the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and reach a sustainable growth of the GDP in order to gradually increase people’s incomes.

This task will be tackled using an entire range of measures in various areas, including the improvement of investment activity, the use of advanced technologies and digital technologies, the improvement of the quality of education, as well as prompt construction of quality housing. By the end of the recovery period, we are supposed to reach a sustainable long-term growth of the economy that will exceed the pre-crisis level, while real disposable incomes are supposed to grow consistently.

In order to overcome the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic and pursuant to your instructions, we have already taken a series of emergency anti-crisis measures. First of all, it included the support of the incomes of the people (both those working and those who lost their jobs) and families with children. We tried to lower the expenses of businesses in order to free up funds for paying wages; we provided deferrals on tax, social insurance payments, rent and loans, imposed a moratorium on inspections, extended licenses and permits, and provided subsidised loans for small and medium-sized businesses and backbone enterprises. The implementation of the special programmes to support industries that have suffered the most is also underway.

The social and business support measures have allowed for partly compensating the shrinking incomes of people, and for slowing down the unemployment growth.

There is no doubt that we should pay special attention to the risks related to unemployment. The shutdown of enterprises or reduced working hours and wages have aggravated the situation. All this can result in shrinking incomes, which means the reduction of purchasing power. Therefore, the action plan includes an active employment policy.

The national plan has three phases.

The task of the first phase is to stabilise the situation by the end of this year’s third quarter. The main thing we have to achieve during this period is to prevent a further drop in people’s incomes.

The second phase will last until the second quarter of 2021, and during this period, we will do everything necessary to complete the restoration of the economy, lower the level of unemployment and ensure the growth of people’s incomes to a level comparable with that of last year.

During the third and final phase – third and fourth quarters of 2021 – we hope to reach a sustainable long-term economic growth while reducing poverty and increasing the number of people with an income exceeding the subsistence rate. We will also do everything possible for the number of employees in small and medium-sized businesses to return to the pre-crisis level.

Mr President, the national plan includes about 500 events, and its implementation will cost some five trillion rubles over about two years.

Of course, the events of the last months have seriously affected the socioeconomic sphere in our country, including the implementation of the national projects. We believe that today they require certain adjustments, and during the next six weeks we will submit our proposals to the Council on Strategic Development and National Projects. If you approve, Mr President, we will be ready to begin the next budget cycle with the updated indicators. That is all.





Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.

Mr Mishustin, thank you for your report. Of course, while this document was being prepared, you and I stayed in touch and exchanged information and our vision of what must be done and how our goals must be achieved. However, it is true that the Government in general and our agencies have carried out substantial and important work and established a base. I believe this document can be used as a foundation.

At the same time – you are well aware of this – we have planned to continue the series of meetings on problems with specific industries. For example, you also know that tomorrow we will consider measures to support the light industry. Also we will soon be discussing key macroeconomic trends and issues related to budget planning. There are many questions here; it is clear that the situation calls for adjustments.

Considering the amount of work, I am asking you to make a final decision in the second half of June on the parameters of the action plan, especially since we agreed to continue working with the business associations. We always do this, but in this situation, cooperation is really necessary. All this needs to be done to launch specific actions from the beginning of July.

I am highlighting this, because a number of decisions already made to support individuals and businesses — you have just mentioned some — were planned for the second quarter, exactly. So it is imperative that this work continues without interruption, and that the economy, employment, and people’s incomes have effective support for a confident recovery in the second half of the year.

I would like to underscore yet again the fundamental importance of this action plan for bigger structural changes in the economy, for achieving a new quality of growth, I reiterate, that we are constantly talking about.

It is also obvious that the extraordinary situation caused by the coronavirus outbreak has had a serious impact on the implementation of our National Projects, so I also ask you to prepare proposals for adjustments to the projects. I ask you to do this as quickly as possible.

In general, I would like to repeat, a great amount of work has been done, and not only in terms of volume, but also in quality. Of course, this has laid a very good foundation for making final decisions. We will do so in the near future: I think we will need a couple of weeks, maybe a little more. We will keep in touch, and we will adjust the deadlines for the final adoption of these decisions.

Thank you very much.





Mikhail Mishustin:

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63445






Working meeting with Tambov Region Governor Alexander Nikitin



The President held a working meeting with Tambov Region Governor Alexander Nikitin via videoconference.



June 2, 2020 - 15:20 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The sanitary-epidemiological and economic situation in the region were discussed.

Governor Nikitin reported that 1,007 beds had been designated and prepared, which is over double the norm for the region. Medical workers have been prepared for work in the special conditions. Today’s test rate is 118 tests per 100,000 people.

A manufacturer of personal protection gear for medical workers has been set up in Tambov Region. Reusable masks are being produced by 17 companies and protective overalls for medical workers are made by nine companies.

As of June 2, 3,110 people have been infected with the coronavirus since the start of the epidemic. Over 1,500 people have already recovered. The infection has been spreading at a rate of less than 0.89–0.9 for the past ten days. The situation has been stabilised.

Currently, the fatality rate is 0.33. This is the second lowest in the Central Federal District and the eighth lowest in Russia.

The discussion also covered incentive payments for medical personnel and social workers, and support for families with many children. A package of economic measures to support businesses has been adopted.

Governor Nikitin reported that the sowing campaign was completed ahead of schedule and that cropland area had been increased. In the past five years, the region has increased the production of meat of all types 1.6 times. Food processing has been increasing by 17 percent a year. Last year, investment in fixed assets amounted to 121 billion roubles and salaries grew by 7 percent.





Governor Nikitin asked the President for support in the construction of new buildings for a tuberculosis treatment centre and a railway flyover at an unregulated railway crossing in the city of Michurinsk. He also requested the inclusion of the Sergei Rachmaninov Memorial Open-Air Museum in Ivanovka on the list of museums of federal significance as part of preparations for the great composer’s 150th birth anniversary.

The President promised to give appropriate instructions to the Government.

Vladimir Putin pointed to several weak spots in the region’s economy, including to the lower figures for investment in basic capital and lower construction rates compared to the national average, and he emphasised the importance of fiscal discipline.

On the positive side, the President noted the growth of the gross regional product as well as industrial and agricultural production and low unemployment. He also noted that the region had generally positive dynamics in socioeconomic development.

Alexander Nikitin recalled how the President instructed him, as the head of the region, exactly five years ago. He said he intended to take part in the upcoming election for Tambov Region Governor in order to continue socioeconomic reforms and resolve the remaining problems. In this context, he asked for Presidential support.

Vladimir Putin emphasised that he believed that the positive trends in the socioeconomic development of the region were giving Governor Nikitin every right to hope for re-election. However, he will have to prove this to the residents of Tambov Region and persuade them that all of his steps are correct, well-considered and effective. They will make their choice during the vote in September. The President wished success to Governor Nikitin.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63446






Meeting on the situation in the light industry



The President held a meeting, via videoconference, on the situation in the light industry.



June 3, 2020 - 15:30 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







Taking part in the meeting were First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov, Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, Minister of Sport Oleg Matytsin, Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Governor of the Ivanovo Region Stanislav Voskresensky, Head of the Federal Taxation Service Daniil Yegorov, General Director of the Federal Corporation for Developing Small and Medium Business Alexander Braverman, representatives of the light industry and trade businesses.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

As you are aware, yesterday, the Prime Minister and I discussed the Government’s draft action plan to rebuild the economy and agreed to use it as a basic document. At the same time, we instructed the concerned officials to finalize this systemic document, taking into account a series of our meetings on the situation in the systemically important sectors.

Today, as agreed, we will review what is going on with the light industry. Together with company CEOs, we will discuss ways of resolving the problems facing companies and employees during the coronavirus epidemic.

This is what I would like to say to start off with, at the beginning of our current discussion. The light industry plays a special role in our country’s life. The saturation of our domestic market with vitally important high-quality products and goods that are used on a daily basis depends on the smooth work of textile, garments and footwear enterprises. The last few weeks and months showed that they also play an essential role in guaranteeing the safety of citizens.

At the very beginning of the epidemic, acting amidst the well-known forced restrictions, Russian companies displayed a responsible and flexible approach and quickly launched the production of personal protective equipment. In some cases, they converted their production facilities and even launched production from scratch. In this connection, I would like to thank everyone involved in accomplishing this task, including the workers, engineers and managers.

As I have already mentioned, Russia has expanded the production of face masks, gloves and protective garments dozens of times over a short period of time. Consequently, it became possible to avoid any critical setbacks in providing doctors, nurses and junior medical staff with this gear at hospitals and ambulance services. In some cases, there was a shortage of these goods during the initial stage, but the situation was rectified fairly quickly. I know very well that there were some other setbacks. But, as a rule, they were mostly caused by mismanagement.

Here’s what I want to emphasise: the situation at the initial stage of the outbreak showed that we need to adjust our approaches to responding to such major public health challenges. This definitely includes the issue with personal protective equipment.

Nobody can be safe from a force majeure, so Russian industrial facilities, logistics, and the healthcare system must be fully prepared for any scenario. This is where we need to act, as they say, proactively.





In this regard, I propose, among other topics on the agenda, to also discuss what needs to be changed in the system of the state material reserve, what kind of safety resources we need to create to back production capacities. I would ask the meeting participants to share their thoughts on this subject.

Next. This spring, demand for light industry products, as we are well aware, fell sharply, to our utmost regret. It was affected by the temporary closure of non-food stores, other restrictions we were forced to introduce, and the general difficult situation with the economy and people’s incomes.

The drop in sales has negatively affected the financial and economic situation of enterprises, and the risk of lay-offs also increased. Allow me to remind you that about 300,000 people are employed in Russia’s light industry. As I already said, in this difficult situation, the most important thing is to protect the interests of workers and teams, as well as the incomes and well-being of Russian families.

At the same time, it is important that companies confidently get through the current challenging stage, and it is even more important that they also launch and implement their long-term investment programmes.

This is the rationale behind our strategy to promote competition and improve the transparency of the Russian market, to protect it from smuggling and counterfeit products, and, of course, to support those who work honestly, out of the shadow, that is, take care of their employees, invest in development and explore new market niches.

Today I would like to hear the opinion of those people who directly work in this industry, and the opinion of businesses about support measures adopted for the industry at the federal and regional levels. I would like to hear, colleagues, how, in your opinion, we could make these policies more effective, including for the development of a modern, civilised market. And of course, what additional solutions are needed, taking into account the situation in the industry due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Let us get started.


<…>





Vladimir Putin:

I would like to thank everyone who has taken an active part in our discussion today, as well as those who prepared this meeting. The preparations are extremely important, because this is when possible and necessary support measures are tentatively discussed.

Today we thoroughly analysed them, listened to what business representatives think about the existing and future support measures for the industry, which of them should be taken first of all and which measures will have the most effect on the further development of the light industry and related sectors.

I would like to ask the Government to analyse and proceed with all the ideas and proposals that were voiced today, even if some of them have not been finalised as decisions at this meeting or during its preparation.

I would like to dwell on some of them, to support and maybe even supplement them.

First of all, I would like to say the following regarding our discussion. I ask the Government to subsidise the discounts on equipment to be leased to our light industry enterprises. I agree with the proposals made today that have been supported by the Government. This discount should be made available already this year. As the Minister proposed and industry representatives asked, it should amount to 50 percent of the cost of the leased equipment.

Also, the Government is to increase subsidies for servicing the loans extended to the light industry companies up to 1 billion rubles annually. I have not forgotten what Mr Belousov said, but we will talk about this later.

In general, by doing this we will support the smooth functioning of our companies, give them additional resources to replenish their working capital and to honour their obligations to their personnel and suppliers.

In this context, I would like to say the following. Of course, I am aware that laws set out the criteria for assessing the effectiveness of such subsidies, such as an increase in revenues. I am asking the Industry and Trade Ministry and the Finance Ministry to work together with our businesses to adjust these criteria, taking into account the current and future market conditions, so that subsidies for servicing the loans become more affordable for businesses.

Since early 2020, we have launched a five-year Comprehensive Programme to support the production of linen. Our colleagues from the industry were, in fact, among the first to raise this question today. This programme encompasses the entire production chain from flax-growing farms to end-product manufacturers.

I would like to note that expanded linen manufacture is not about paying tribute to our traditions alone. First of all, this implies new opportunities for expanded import substitution (linen can surely be used as a cotton substitute). This can strengthen the positions of Russian manufacturers on our domestic market. And, of course, there is a good potential for expanding exports.

I would like to ask the specialised agencies to help implement the Comprehensive Programme and to stipulate expanded funding in this area during its implementation. It is our job to create a competitive, environmentally-friendly and modern linen industry.

Third, as I have already mentioned, sales of light industry goods have plummeted due to the forced restrictions. They have plunged greatly in some areas. Today, Russian regions and the entire country are gradually resuming normal business operations. Shopping centres and shops are reopening. However, it is necessary to prop up the additional demand during the industry’s restoration, to say the least.

I would like to ask the Government to draft a decision on prioritising Russian light industry goods during state agencies’ purchases. This does not violate WTO regulations. The same concerns state corporations (we should think about more subtle methods here) and companies with state capital.

Fourth, we have now discussed specific proposals on further “legalising” the market of light industry goods and corporate activity, especially that of small enterprises.

Let me repeat once again: helping companies that work honestly, respect the workers’ rights and ensure their social guarantees is the top priority of the support provided by the state. Our future decisions should aim to support such businesses.

I ask the Government to prepare a package of measures to create a most-favoured treatment regime for the light industry companies that work honestly and in good faith.

I am talking about a wide range of issues, including combatting counterfeiting, creating special platforms for enterprises, fine-tuning the taxation system and increasing online sales.

The Government has a number of programmes in this regard. Some of them were mentioned today. Please see if they need to be revised or amended. I mentioned that earlier today. Some companies will be part of these programmes, others will not. We must achieve noticeable results to improve the domestic light industry’s competitiveness.

In closing, I would like to say that the current situation in the light industry and our economy in general is unusual. The fact is that our prompt and targeted measures can and must not only support enterprises and companies, but also – and this is important – identify a long-term direction for the industry and set structural changes in motion (yesterday, the Prime Minister and I discussed the programme prepared by the Government) to bolster the resilience of the real sector of the economy and to take it to a whole new level.

In this regard, as I mentioned at the beginning of our meeting, I propose including (I want to emphasise this once again) today's decisions in the national action plan to restore the Russian economy.

Again, thank you, colleagues, and I wish you every success. All the best. Have a good day.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63449






Meeting on cleaning up diesel fuel leak in Krasnoyarsk Territory



Vladimir Putin held a meeting on measures being taken to clean up a diesel fuel leak in the Krasnoyarsk Territory.



June 3, 2020 - 16:15 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Viktoria Abramchenko, Minister for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Natural Disaster Relief Yevgeny Zinichev, Transport Minister Yevgeny Ditrikh, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dmitry Kobylkin, Energy Minister Alexander Novak, Head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources Svetlana Radionova, Deputy Head of the Federal Service for Environmental, Technological, and Nuclear Supervision Alexei Ferapontov, Governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory Alexander Uss, and Sergei Lipin, director of the Norilsk-Taimyr Energy Company, which owns the facility where diesel fuel spill took place.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

On May 29 at around 9 am Moscow time, a large amount of diesel fuel leaked from a damaged reserve tank onto a motor road leading to the TPP-3 [thermal power plant] in Norilsk. The accident took place at the industrial site of the Nadezhdinski Metallurgical Plant, and part of the spilled petrochemicals, a considerable amount actually, seeped into the Ambarnaya River.

Mr Zinichev [Emergencies Minister Yevgeny Zinichev], I would like to ask you to begin this meeting by updating us on the current situation, the causes of the accident and your proposals on cleaning up the spill. Proceed, please.





Minister for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Natural Disaster Relief Yevgeny Zinichev:

Mr President,

First of all, I would like to say that on May 29, according to preliminary information, the tank was depressurised due to the subsidence of the foundation piles. As a result, the fuel spilled on the technological road and then ignited. At the same time, as you already said, the fuel continued to leak into the waters of the Daldykan and Ambarnaya rivers; fortunately, there are no water intakes in them. The Emergencies Ministry units received information on the emergency via the Unified Duty Dispatch Service only on May 31. All this time, the company tried to localise the consequences of the spill on its own.

On the same day, the Krasnoyarsk Territory Governor was informed, and a meeting of the emergency commission was held. On June 1, a rescue unit of the Marine Rescue Service (Ministry of Transport) arrived at the airport in Norilsk with eight tonnes of cargo, including oil booms and two tonnes of sorbent. The Norilsk Avia helicopter delivered the cargo to the area near the mouth of the Ambarnaya River. The emergency response group of the Emergencies Ministry is working on site.





Measures are being taken to localise the spread of the spill, oil booms have been installed, and work is underway to collect oil products, contaminated water and soil. A group has been formed involving professional emergency response teams. The group is expected to be expanded.

Tomorrow, the Emergencies Ministry’s aircraft will fly 100 people from the Siberian Rescue Centre to the emergency area. In addition, the Ministry’s Mi-8 takes personnel directly to the area.

Localising the consequences of the spill requires extensive work to collect oil products in the river and adjacent land. Currently, 100 tonnes of oil products and contaminated soil have been collected. Of course, the pressing issue is their disposal.

This concludes my report, Mr President.





* * *


Vladimir Putin also listened to reports and answers to his questions from other participants in the meeting, made comments and stated that he would instruct law enforcement agencies to give a legal assessment of all the actions of officials.

In addition, the President agreed with Mr Zinichev’s proposal to declare a federal state of emergency, which will allow, in particular, involving federal resources in relief efforts, and also asked the Minister to launch work to prevent further negative environmental impacts as soon as possible and address the key problem of the disposal of the collected oil products.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63450






Meeting with Governor of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area – Yugra Natalya Komarova



The President held a meeting, via videoconference, with Governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area – Yugra Natalya Komarova.



June 3, 2020 - 17:10 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The discussion focused on the socioeconomic situation in the region and measures being taken to deal with the problems created in healthcare and the economy by the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Natalya Komarova reported that as of June 3, 2,847 coronavirus cases were confirmed in the region, 936 people had recovered and 18 died. The transmission ratio is 1.2 percent, and the testing ratio is 240.9 per 100,000 of the population. According to the Governor, the outbreak is manageable.

As many as 93 percent of the region’s enterprises continue working with due regard for Rospotrebnadzor recommendations.

The federal government has provided financial support to the region in terms of equipping hospital beds, providing medical personnel with personal protective equipment, medicine, as well as incentive and insurance payments to medical workers. Decisions were taken to provide additional support to the population. The total number of recipients of one-off benefits already exceeds 341,000.

Regarding the economy, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area maintained positive economic growth in 2019. The gross regional product rose above 4.5 trillion rubles, mostly thanks to the local extractive sector companies.

Total investment by the region’s major oil companies constitutes approximately 700 billion rubles annually. The Governor mentioned two projects. One is a joint project of Gazprom Neft with federal ministries launched to create high-tech equipment for the development of the Bazhen Formation, with investment estimated at 75 billion rubles. The other is the largest investment project in Yugra’s manufacturing industry: a joint venture between Tenaris and Severstal to build a welded pipe factory with an investment exceeding 13 billion rubles.

Living standards in the region are among the highest in the country in nominal terms. Yugra also has one of the country’s highest birth rates.

The Governor pointed out that the recent problems on the global oil markets, stock market strains and restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus infection had affected economic growth in the region and hence the labour market, where registered unemployment reached 1.8 percent. Seeking to stabilise the situation, the local authorities have adopted an action plan to ensure sustainable economic development and have coordinated it with the federal plan.

Natalya Komarova added that the region was working to improve the research, industrial and social infrastructure and then asked for support of one of the region’s key projects, the establishment of a research and technology complex in Surgut. The complex will incorporate a centre for high biomedical technology, which will focus, among other things, on the study of the genetics of the health of small Northern ethnic groups. Vladimir Putin expressed support for the project, especially considering that the region has a sufficient budget for supporting such projects at the regional level.

The President pointed out several things in the region’s economic development, namely, a falling agricultural output and a large amount of dilapidated housing. At the same time, he noted that the volume of construction and foreign trade in the region were higher than the country’s average. He also mentioned the growth of the region’s population and incomes.

Natalya Komarova reminded the President that her term would expire in September, but added that she was ready to continue working and, if the President supported her, would start consultations with the political parties that may nominate candidates for the post of the governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area – Yugra.

The President noted that the positive socioeconomic development in the region was a good reason to aspire for re-election and wished Natalya Komarova every success in September elections.

At the close of the meeting, the Governor conveyed an invitation from the region’s residents and government, as well as the heads of Russia’s major oil and gas companies working in the region, to visit Yugra and hold an event there on comfortable urban environment for Russia’s small towns and on ensuring environmental safety by mineral users, including in the interests of the indigenous Northern people. The President thanked the Governor for the invitation and promised to take advantage of the offer.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63451






Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council



The President held a meeting, via videoconference, with permanent members of the Security Council.



June 4, 2020 - 13:35 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






Taking part in the videoconference were Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin, and Special Presidential Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

Before we get down to the issues on our agenda, I would like to note that yesterday marked 28th anniversary of the Russian Security Council.

The Council established during a difficult time for Russia has become one of the most important bodies helping the President in forming the domestic, foreign and military security policy and played a really significant role in making many important and even strategic decisions over the past years.

I would like to thank you and all the employees and veterans of the Security Council Staff for your hard work, expertise and responsible approach to implementing the set tasks.

The Security Council traditionally discusses key issues related to strengthening the sovereignty, military capacity and state and public security of Russia and promoting it on the international stage, develops long-term measures for socioeconomic, scientific and technological development and carries out large scale information, analytical and expert work.





During the last months, we have been focusing on countering the coronavirus here. To date, the situation in Russia is generally stabilising, but, as I have mentioned, it is necessary to constantly and meticulously monitor the developments in every region and respond immediately.

In this sense, I would like to note the growing number of cases in the Trans-Baikal Territory: the developments are complicated, and considering this, we must help the region as quickly as possible; first of all, I mean the resources of the healthcare system.

We have already used the capabilities of the Armed Forces and the Defence Ministry to counter the coronavirus both in Russia and abroad. Only recently we have all seen how the Ministry has managed to quickly build 16 high quality hospitals in various Russian regions, how expediently they have deployed everything in Daghestan and how speedily they acted in some other regions.

I would like to ask Defence Minister [Sergei Shoigu] to get down to quickly deploying the corresponding hospital structures in the Trans-Baikal Territory: a hospital with all the necessary equipment and experts to treat patients with the coronavirus.

This is what I wanted to say to start off with and now let’s get down to discussing today’s agenda.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63453






Meeting with ecologists and animal protection activists



Vladimir Putin had a meeting, via videoconference, with representatives of public environmental and animal protection organisations.



June 5, 2020 - 15:40 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






Taking part in the meeting were First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Viktoria Abramchenko, Minister for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Natural Disaster Relief Yevgeny Zinichev, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dmitry Kobylkin, Energy Minister Alexander Novak, Head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources Svetlana Radionova, Krasnoyarsk Territory Governor Alexander Uss, Norilsk Nickel CEO Vladimir Potanin, heads of environmental organisations and animal protection activists.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon.

We are meeting on Ecologist’s Day. In this sense, of course, I would like to extend my greetings to you and to all of Russia’s citizens who devote their lives to protecting nature and the environment. I want to thank you for your work, primarily, of course, those of you who work in these sphere professionally but also everyone who cares: scientists, employees of national parks and reserves as well as the Rosprirodnadzor staff – in fact, all our colleagues who support the continuous and important activities of regional nature protection agencies and environmental organisations.

Of course, our best regards go to our volunteers, activists, nature activists and energetic people who care sincerely about this work. Your personal involvement in environmental events and large educational, scientific and research work is important, sometimes essential, and is a significant part of our joint efforts to conserve Russia’s unique nature and biodiversity.

It is often because of you that local government receives prompt signals about concrete problems, a boost from society, and takes the necessary measures.

We can recall the so-called ‘whale prison’ in Vladivostok or stories about cruelty to animals that, in fact, became a catalyst of the separate Federal Law On Responsible Treatment of Animals.

I would like to hear more from you and learn about your projects and plans.

I also would like to draw your attention to the fact that we today have a link-up with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, the Head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources, and the Deputy Prime Minister who is in charge of this area. Therefore, all your proposals will be considered during the implementation of the Environment national project, which directly concerns all sectors of the economy and the social sphere and requires the active participation of civil society.

But we have to begin our conversation with the Norilsk accident.

On Wednesday, as you know, instructions were issued and now I ask you to report on the developments on site and, most importantly, what emergency measures are being taken and what decisions have been prepared to minimise the aftermath of the accident.

Let us begin. Emergencies Minister Yevgeny Zinichev, please take the floor.



Minister for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Yevgeny Zinichev:

Good afternoon, Mr President.

Yesterday, we held a command centre meeting here in Norilsk and decided on specific emergency response tactics.

The area is swampy and hard to reach, we will deliver watertight tanks to be placed along the riverbed for collecting and removing the oil and further recycling or disposal.

The Marine Rescue Service, a division of Rosmorrechflot [Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport], and special Gazpromneft divisions that have experience and equipment for this work and the Emergencies Ministry’s Siberian Rescue Centre are at the scene.

A camp has also been set up. They will be working to contain the spill. We have set up the critical services and secured air passage. Helicopters will deliver equipment and other materials, including drinking water.

Most importantly, we contained the oil spill on June 1 and installed booms, so the situation is not getting any worse. Today, we are simply working to collect the oil and petroleum products.

We are working in compliance with all ecological standards. Rosprirodnadzor is overseeing the effort. Ms Radionova, who is here, can confirm this or add to it.

That concludes my report, Mr President.





Vladimir Putin:

You said this terrain is remote, that there is no transport here, and that you intend to remove and recycle the waste, and dispose of it. First, I would like to ask how and when you will remove this waste. This is the first thing.

And secondly, I have a question on waste disposal. There were plans to burn the waste onsite. To the best of my knowledge, some serious, not minor, problems arose with this.



Yevgeny Zinichev:

Mr President, it goes without saying that we cannot burn off the waste for ecological considerations.

Regarding removal, we want to collect the waste and store it here until winter roads can be established. After that, vehicles will be able to remove it to waste disposal sites.



Vladimir Putin:

Are these temporary tanks reliable enough, and how will they be delivered?



Yevgeny Zinichev:

They are reliable, and are used to store fuel and lubricants. I know that the Defence Ministry also has its own field fuel and lubricant storage facilities.



Vladimir Putin:

Very well. Fine.

I can see the head of the region near you.

Mr Uss, take the floor please.



Governor of Krasnoyarsk Territory Alexander Uss:

Mr President, work is underway in two municipalities – Norilsk and Taimyr. They provide general organisational support, specifically, the first field camp, the first tents appeared thanks to them. In addition, the Spasatel regional team operates here, and our environmentalists, together with Rosprirodnadzor, also continue working, and I think they will provide serious help in understanding how to eliminate the environmental consequences of what happened.

In fact, the work is already well organised. I would like to say that many large companies, including Rosneft, who operate in Krasnoyarsk Territory, have expressed their intention to add forces and means here, if necessary.



Vladimir Putin:

Fine, thank you.

Ms Radionova, please, Natural Resources Supervision Service.



Head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources Svetlana Radionova:

Mr President,

Given the fact that the accident and the subsequent spill of 15,000 tonnes into this water body are unprecedented in scale, we have localised additional forces here and relocated the laboratory. Every day we are trying to contain the consequences of the accident. We are taking samples every day; more than 50 samples have been taken in total. What we are now registering exceeds the norm tens of thousands of times over.

Petroleum products are being collected. So far, 150 cubic metres of petroleum products have been collected, but tomorrow we will install tanks and expect to collect 1,500 cubic metres daily. Further, all petroleum products must be removed. They need to be disposed of using the best available technology and the most environmentally friendly method.

We are not going to burn the petroleum products. We are in the Arctic zone and we believe that the use of other methods, including reagents, biological reclamation, using a lower hazard class of both petroleum products collected from the water area and contaminated soil that we also control (for reclamation), will probably be the best solution in the Arctic zone.

At present, we are also carrying out unscheduled inspections of companies. We will complete these by June 26. Based on the results, we will make a decision and an assessment of the company’s actions, and estimate the damages caused to the environment. This estimate may amount to billions of rubles. We intend to tightly control work to bring the ecosystem to the state in which it should be, that is, to its original state.



Vladimir Putin:

All right, thank you.

I see President of Norilsk Nickel Vladimir Potanin next to you. Mr Potanin, you have the floor.





President of Norilsk Nickel Vladimir Potanin:

Thank you, Mr President.

The company has mobilised its resources and capabilities under the plan Minister Zinichev has outlined. We have storage tanks for 16,000 tonnes of collected fuel. Out of this, tanks for 4,500 tonnes have already been delivered and are mounted at the site.

In addition, we have prepared storage for over 100,000 tonnes of collected soil. So far, we have collected about 7,000 tonnes. Reclamation of the affected land sections is proceeding on an area of about 6,500 square metres.

As it has been noted correctly, Mr President, our request for aid has received response from companies all over the country: Murmansk rescue workers made it possible to reverse the situation and get it under control; our colleagues from Gazpromneft are here, as are crews from the Emergency Ministry’s Siberian Centre.

As Ms Radionova mentioned, we intend to use the best available technology and choose environmentally safe rather than cheap solutions. Our company will pay for everything; not a single ruble from the budget will be spent. We will restore everything as Mr Radionova described. We will return the environment to its natural condition.

Apart from working on this, we are cooperating with environmental organisations and the local indigenous peoples. We are involved in several programmes and projects, for instance, on increasing the deer population and releasing young fry to maintain the rare fish stock. As soon as the situation is brought back to normal, we will resume these programmes.

Mr President, I must add that the power supply system, the city’s heat supply and companies are all on schedule. We are doing all we can to prepare for the next winter heating season, as planned.



Vladimir Putin:

Mr Potanin, the willingness of your company to pay for all this is certainly the right step. What is the estimated cost of all this, in your opinion? Tentatively.



Vladimir Potanin:

I think it is in the billions of rubles. This is big money. You know, I am expressing my opinion not as a businessman but as a man who takes this close to heart; we will pay as much as is necessary. This will be billions upon billions.



Vladimir Putin:

I see, but how much do you think it will be as a rough estimate?



Vladimir Potanin:

I cannot tell about the fines. It is up to them to calculate. As for expenses, I think it will be as much as 10 billion or more. This is a tentative estimate, Mr President.



Vladimir Putin:

My question is not random, Mr Potanin. We have been well acquainted for a long time. I know that you personally, and I would like to note this, work at the company and not just own a large share. But look, you have still said that we are talking billions. How much does one tank you want to replace cost? Approximately.



Vladimir Potanin:

I cannot say how much one tank costs. Right now, we are looking at hundreds of millions of rubles.



Vladimir Putin:

I believe one tank will cost less.



Vladimir Potanin:

Of course, one tank will cost less.



Vladimir Putin:

One reservoir where fuel used to be stored costs much less. This is incomparable.



Vladimir Potanin:

I agree, Mr President.



Vladimir Putin:

What is my point, Mr Potanin? If you had changed them on time, there would have been no environmental damage and no need to foot such costs. Just look at this carefully in the company. I will elaborate on this further.

I hope that all the work we have just discussed will be carried out effectively through joint efforts. I have already said, and would like to stress this again, what happened in Norilsk is a federal emergency, as was said yesterday. It is true that people’s health is under threat and the fragile Arctic nature has suffered significant damage.

It is no coincidence that the General Prosecutor’s Office as well as the Investigative Committee and investigating bodies have got involved. I would like to ask all the agencies that should be directly engaged in this work (in addition to the Emergencies Ministry) to closely monitor the situation. Of course, we need to find out why this happened, carefully and without compromise, and evaluate the damage.

I have just heard Mr Potanin say the shareholders have to quickly and fully clean up the soil and water pollution, but I hope that financial issues will be resolved in the way the company head has suggested today. It is necessary to implement all the compensation measures to restore biodiversity and the environment under the supervision of Rosprirodnadzor specialists.

I am also asking Rosprirodnadzor to carefully analyse the state of similar facilities all across Russia and carry out inspections if necessary, with the involvement of experts of the Emergencies Ministry and law enforcement bodies.

Finally, I would like to ask the Government and parliament members to complete their work on principal amendments to environmental legislation that would help prevent such situations in the future. This must be done as soon as possible, by the end of the current parliamentary session.

Let us finish discussing this topic on that note.

Now I suggest giving the floor to our volunteers and representatives of environmental and animal protection organisations.


<…>


Vladimir Putin:

To sum up today’s meeting, I would like to say the following. We touched upon many various issues today. You did, my friends. But every one of you spoke about your projects with energy and sincere enthusiasm – this was evident. This again proves that most people who have devoted their lives to protecting the environment act from the heart. And this is the best example to follow in the future, for other people, for children and young people; it is good motivation to join the numerous environmental initiatives of volunteers and non-profit organisations.

The projects that you spoke about and that are being implemented by your like-minded colleagues all over Russia, is what we call a responsible environmental culture.

We began with a very complex issue, both an economical and ecological one: waste collection. We also discussed the preservation of forests, caring for stray and wild animals, and environmental awareness. In fact, this is the base, the cornerstone of success of all strategically important, national and regional environmental protection programmes.

Of course, your activity should and will receive constant interested support from the authorities and businesses.

I want to draw the attention of the heads of regions and relevant agencies, heads of enterprises and all organisations regardless of the form of incorporation to this issue.

I would like to emphasise that there was a period when it was necessary to develop territories and create new industrial centres. But these goals were achieved at any cost. As a result, the mistakes that were made then, some of them even last century, are literally poisoning people’s lives and the environment. Unfortunately, even today we are witnessing displays of such a blatantly consumptive approach. It still happens, and fairly often. Many live by the motto “after us, the deluge.”

This is regrettable. This logic is counterproductive and very dangerous. Nature itself is sending us a signal: sustainable development is possible only if there is a harmonious, rational balance of interests between economic growth, social welfare and, on the other hand, environmental security.

As we have said many times in the past, we need strict and sensible environmental requirements for any economic activity and consistent reduction of harmful emissions in the country’s major industrial centres. What does this mean? It means clean air, water and soil. Everything, which has lasting importance for each human being and, along with social security, prosperity and opportunities for self-fulfilment, determines the quality of life. Both in the present and in the future.

The problems of the environment and ecology have always been and remain among the most sensitive and important issues for society. It is not by chance that people’s initiatives on amendments to the Constitution – my colleagues already spoke about it earlier and returned to the issue several times – included so many proposals to tighten regulations on the conservation nature and the environment, responsibility for the humane treatment of animals, and to develop a system of environmental awareness.

I fully support such a position of principle. We are talking about our national heritage in every sense of the word, our pride, and our duty to the present and future generations. We must and we will preserve all this for them, for the future generations on our entire large planet.

However, it is very important for us to conserve the unique wealth of our natural resources, the flora and fauna of our country, of Russia. And people’s opinions and society’s interests in the field of the environment as well as the preservation of biological diversity must remain an unquestionable priority.

Friends, please accept my greetings on Ecologist’s Day. I wish you great success in all your endeavours.

Also thank you for today’s meeting and the fruitful and interesting conversation.

All the best. Good-bye.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63458
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Meeting with Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev



Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev to discuss the fund’s current activities.



June 5, 2020 - 17:50 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Dmitriev, the Russian Direct Investment Fund was established in 2011. Over this time, you have invested 1.9 trillion rubles in the Russian economy, including 1.7 from banks and co-investors. This is a good ratio.

I think your partners join these projects because you create favourable and stable conditions for investment as well as a good return. Their returns are higher than the average in the world, I imagine. Anyway, as we discussed at the St Petersburg Economic Forum, all of our partners in the West recognise this. Thanks to this, you have managed to create several strategic platforms together with your partners: 17 countries, I believe.



Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev:

Yes.



Vladimir Putin:

You also use Russian National Wealth Fund money, the main reservoir of our financial “safety net,” and our reserves, which are also managed very efficiently.

I would like to discuss all these things. But of course, I would like to begin with the most important thing: the fight against the coronavirus. I know you are involved in this, too. If I remember correctly, you and your partners, including the Japanese, have created very effective rapid tests.



Kirill Dmitriev:

Thank you very much.

It is true that you instructed us to focus on combatting the coronavirus and allocate funding to combat the virus. Our expert assessment along with that of our partners helped us to select the best Russian and global technologies to counter the coronavirus.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund – many now refer to us as the Russian antivirus investment fund – has focused on five key spheres of activity: testing, medicines, medical services, vaccines, and accompanying online services. We have focused on these areas because we believe that they help both maintain Russians’ health and restore economic activity as soon as possible.

As for testing, we see that many countries are focused on mass testing. We have invested in the Russian-Japanese testing system and have become the first Russian private system registered in Russia.

This system is unique because it can give the same test in 30 minutes that other systems need over two hours for. This is important because we have fast results and the equipment can perform three to four times more tests. This testing system has been used by leading Russian companies and at the beginning of the epidemic it gave us an opportunity to control outbreaks at Phosagro, Sibur and other companies and to provide industrial health safety. The mobility of it allowed the Ministry of Defence to use it both in Italy and Daghestan.

The international acceptance of this system is confirmed by the fact that we have sold over 10 million test kits to other countries after satisfying Russia's needs. These countries are buying the tests because they know them to be among the best in the world.

We have also invested in another system, which provides for lung X-ray analysis and detecting the coronavirus promptly and precisely using artificial intelligence.

As for medications, as you know, at first there were absolutely no medicines to fight the coronavirus, so we focused on searching for the most effective ones that would help our doctors protect people. Together with the company ChemRar, we created a new company on a parity basis and at a record pace. This new company started producing Avifavir, a drug that inhibits virus multiplication. The Ministry of Health registered this drug last week and now it is the first registered coronavirus medicine in Russia.





Vladimir Putin:

One of two medicines registered in the world.



Kirill Dmitriev:

That is right, one of two registered medications in the world. It was first developed in Japan to treat the flu. ChemRar modified it a little and changed the treatment guidelines. In fact, we were the first in the world to register a drug based on Favipiravir. As you said, it has become one of two in the world. We believe this to be a very important achievement because clinical tests indicate that this medication is one of the most promising in the world. It will be sent to Russian clinics as soon as June 11 and will be available to Russians at no cost under the Obligatory Medical Insurance programme.

We are also testing this medicine for outpatient treatment. First, we will have 700,000 dose packs per year. However, higher demand – we have requests from ten other countries – will prompt us to produce up to 2 million dose packs per year.

Mr President, all of this has been made possible thanks to your support of our activities on developing medicine and of other areas, as well. To date, only Russia, China, Japan and the US are producing medicines to treat the coronavirus.

We have also established a joint enterprise with Rostech’s Nacimbio to produce virus antibodies based on blood plasma. Moreover, together with R-Pharm, we will produce a medicine to suppress the excessive response of the immune system to the virus.



Vladimir Putin:

Which results in pneumonia.



Kirill Dmitriev:

Yes. This means we have medicines to treat mild, medium and severe phases of the disease.

Regarding medical services, we have focused on preparing the bed inventory at private hospitals. The Mother and Child company has completely repurposed the Lapino Hospital, where Russians were treated under Compulsory Health Insurance at no cost.

Now to the vaccine, Mr President. You have said that Russia must develop and start producing a vaccine as soon as possible. Today we announce for the first time that we, Alium, jointly with Sistema Holding, and R-Pharm will invest in the production of two vaccines, along with the Gamalei Institute. We believe this vaccine has shown very promising results. Moreover, after it covers Russia’s demands, it could become a world leader among vaccines.

In terms of additional online services, we have focused on telemedicine and education. Thus, one of our companies, Doctis, showed that the number of requests for telemedicine has grown 20 times over, and the number of consulting doctors – tenfold. Today we will also announce a strategic partnership with Mail.ru to provide online medicine to 10 million Russian citizens.



Vladimir Putin:

Is this your affiliate?





Kirill Dmitriev:

Yes, Doctis is our affiliate [a portfolio company]. Therefore, Mail.ru will help us significantly increase our volumes.

We have also invested in Uchi.ru, an online education service that made it possible for 8 million school students to receive high-quality education in these difficult epidemiologic conditions.

In conclusion, Mr President, I would like simply to say that we will continue working with our leading international partners, as you suggested. We will continue investing in Russia’s infrastructure, in part, with our leading partners.

Last year, we invested 365 billion rubles with our partners. In the first five months of this year, we have already invested 200 billion rubles, that is, more than last year. We will continue investing, also jointly with the infrastructure fund that is being created by the Ministry of Finance, with your approval. Along with other Russian funds (these are Elbrus Capital, RTP Ventures and Baring Vostok) we allocated 15 billion for investment in medium-sized companies that were hit by the crisis. We will complete the first three deals this quarter.



Vladimir Putin:

All right. But what is your general assessment of the situation in these, frankly speaking, difficult conditions of countering the infection. How are your partners responding to your proposals?



Kirill Dmitriyev:

You know, to begin with, they see that Russia has taken very powerful, tough measures. And, of course, we have managed to avoid what is happening in many other countries.

Secondly, they are really seeing that the Russian market is in good shape. They have looked at the economic recovery plan. They assess it very positively and are willing to continue investing in Russia.

They are seeing that Russia is motivated for partnership. We are discussing the joint production of medications and joint efforts to produce a vaccine. This makes Russia very different from many other countries that are trying to isolate themselves and avoid partnerships. Therefore, all of our partners have noted Russia’s interest in partnerships.



Vladimir Putin:

We are also succeeding in keeping macroeconomics in working order, in very good shape.



Kirill Dmitriyev:

Yes, certainly, because our debt is much smaller than that of other countries. This is a good foundation. Inflation has been kept in check as well.



Vladimir Putin:

Our debt and inflation are within the parameters we announced before. Unemployment figures have grown but not as dramatically as in some other countries. Therefore, our partners have every reason to continue working with the RDIF.



Kirill Dmitriyev:

Undoubtedly, Mr President. We think we will be able to invest more funds than we did in the past. This is an indicator of the success of the Russian economic programme and shows what is happening in the Russian economy.



Vladimir Putin:

Fine.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63460






Meeting with cultural figures



On Russian Language Day, Vladimir Putin had a meeting, via videoconference, with cultural figures.



June 6, 2020 - 15:30 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






Russian Language Day and Pushkin Day are marked annually on June 6, the birthday of the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, the founder of the modern literary Russian language.

Activities of cultural institutions related to Alexander Pushkin were discussed at the meeting. Vladimir Putin reminded the participants that the great poet’s 225th birthday would be marked in 2024 and said that a corresponding executive order would be issued by the end of June, envisaging support measures for all Pushkin museums as well as the establishment of a digital educational and scientific centre dedicated to his works.

During the videoconference, the new building of the Buryatia National Library, which will mark its 140th anniversary next year, was unveiled. Vladimir Putin noted that this was an important event for the region and for all of Russia, and added that the library has the largest collection of books, manuscripts and documents on Buryatia in the world.

Taking part in the discussion of coronavirus-related problems facing theatres were Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova and Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare – Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Russia Anna Popova.

The President promised that all the proposals made during the meeting would be considered and taken into account when drafting decisions on the further development of culture.

Taking part in the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova, Presidential Adviser Vladimir Tolstoy, Head of the Republic of Buryatia Alexei Tsydenov, Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) – Chief Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation Anna Popova, Director of the Mikhailovskoye Alexander Pushkin Museum Reserve Georgy Vasilevich, Director of the Alexander Pushkin All-Russian Museum Sergei Nekrasov, Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre Valery Gergiev, Director of the National Library of the Republic of Buryatia Lyudmila Garmayeva, Director of the Omsk Region Children’s and Youth Theatre Mikhail Maltsev, and poet, playwright and translator of Alexander Pushkin’s works into English Julian Henry Lowenfeld.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, friends.

I am very happy to greet you on our great poet’s birthday and offer you my greetings on Pushkin Day and Russian Language Day.

Today we are marking two public holidays that are closely and inseparably connected in their meaning, their essence and their significance, of course.

Alexander Pushkin is not just a legacy of Russian and world culture. He is acknowledged – and you know that better than anyone else – as the founder of the modern Russian language, the official language of our country, the Russian Federation. Russian Language Day also has the status of an international holiday since Russian is one of the official languages of the United Nations Organisation.

The Russian language is more than a means of communication for our country. It unites all of Russia’s ethnicities, is a cornerstone of our national identity, our great heritage, which is unparalleled in its imagery, clarity, precision, expressiveness and beauty. These properties are probably the secret of the magnitude and attraction of Russian literature and Russian culture, which delights the entire world and serves as a benchmark for many genres of world art.





Friends, I am sure you are well aware of all that. Russian culture, literature and language have an everlasting importance for you and your creative work.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who, in this difficult period for our nation and society due to the coronavirus pandemic, did everything to make sure that Russia’s cultural life continued uninterrupted and that our citizens, young people, could watch theatre performances and listen to lectures and concerts online, and go on virtual guided tours.

The past months have reaffirmed that Russian culture is robust and open to society. Regardless of the challenges we faced, cultural facilities did everything possible to support the people.

Of course, this was also a hard period for you and your colleagues in terms of both creativity and finance, and even management. You know that the Government was instructed to amend the indicators evaluating the performance of cultural facilities, primarily regarding the fulfilment of government orders, and submit proposals on sold tickets and subscriptions that remained unused due to the introduced restrictions. In addition, culture was included in the list of sectors to receive additional state support.





We are gradually returning to normal life. The national industrial and social recovery plan is being finalised. Cultural facilities’ operation will certainly be covered by the plan.

Let me stress that this plan is being adopted to resolve both current issues and future ones in view of our long-term development goals. The national projects, including the Culture project, will be amended.

All such decisions, and we have agreed on that with the Government, will be worked out in direct contact with representatives of the key areas, and culture is undoubtedly among them.

Such a discussion, as you know, has been ongoing throughout the past weeks, and I would like to hear from you what additional measure you think are needed for our museums, theatres, circuses, exhibition and concert halls, libraries, music schools and the film-making industry to recover from the forced holidays with minimal losses and, which is crucial, to get an impulse to continue working and actively developing in the future.

Let us discuss all of that today.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63462






Meeting with social workers of state institutions and NGOs



On Social Worker’s Day, Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, with social workers of state institutions and NGOs.



June 8, 2020 - 14:55 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region



Taking part in the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Labour and Social Protection Minister Anton Kotyakov, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov and representatives of social institutions and NGOs from various Russian regions.






President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, friends,

You and all of us have a holiday today. Of course, on this occasion I wanted to meet with you and to discuss your work as well as the developments in the area that you are dedicated to, which is traditionally called God’s work here. I mean helping others: this tradition has been passed from generation to generation, throughout Russian history, without exaggeration. It is in our cultural and moral code, as they say.

On June 8, 1701, more than three centuries ago, the social protection system was established at the state level in Russia. Traditionally, this is a day of celebration for social workers – people who have chosen not just a profession but service, in the full sense of the word: to help those in need, those who often cannot survive without help.

Together with employees of state and municipal institutions, non-governmental organisations, representatives of Russia’s traditional religions, and volunteers carry out this noble mission of social protection with dignity and selflessness. They are your and our full-fledged partners, like-minded people. So today is your common holiday. I congratulate all of you, your colleagues and allies, and I just want to say thank you so much for your selfless work. People like you – with great spirit and humanity, immense kindness and sincere generosity enjoy deep respect from entire society.

You take care of children and people with disabilities, the elderly and those seriously ill, assisting them in difficult moments. No matter how hard it is, you are attentive, patient and responsive. And for you, the significance, value of life of those you work with does not depend on age or health. You prove by your deeds that for you, every person matters.

When the dangerous epidemic broke out, many of you showed your best qualities, you did not abandon helpless people but tried to save and protect those depending on you. Maybe it does not always go well, but I am sure that most of you have done your best. My deepest gratitude to you and your colleagues for your courage, civic heroism and your active participation in protecting our citizens from the coronavirus.

Once again: we have been going through severe trials and we have withstood them, because we have not stepped aside from enduring moral standards, such as compassion, mutual assistance and mercy. These values, as I have said, are shaped by our history, they are in the nature of our people. They are shared by the vast majority of our country’s citizens. And it is natural that when discussing amendments to the Constitution, special attention is paid to social justice.

The proposed changes to the Basic Law consolidate state guarantees of targeted social support. Mandatory indexation of pensions and benefits at least once a year. At the same time, the minimum wage, which serves as the basis for calculating many other payments, cannot be lower than the subsistence level. These are all directly application norms that should work for years to come, so that people are confident in the future, that those in need of help are surrounded by special care and attention, and receive necessary and adequate support.





Friends,

No breakthrough technologies can replace humans in a sphere like social protection. Let me repeat: everything is based on people, kindness and humanity here. We understand and appreciate it. We will always help you with your mission.

During the epidemic, a number of decisions were made to provide extra support to specialists working in the area of social protection as well as to volunteers who were actively involved in countering the coronavirus. Additional payments are envisaged for the employees of social institutions for three months, from mid-April to mid-July. Let me repeat, these are for every two-week-long shift, and also include an increased bonus for working in especially difficult conditions, in direct contact with those infected.

Social workers, volunteers and ordinary people in our cities and villages took people with disabilities, elderly people and orphans into their homes during the epidemic. There is also a bonus for those who acted with such kindness: a minimum wage of 12,130 rubles for the period from April 1 to June 30, 2020.

We have extended a number of benefits and incentives available to small and medium-sized businesses in the affected sectors to the socially-oriented NGOs.

Moreover, I suggested that three billion rubles should be allocated from the Presidential Reserve Fund to implement a special support programme. This money should be distributed as part of the Presidential Grants Fund’s contest, which will be launched on June 16.

Let me repeat that these decisions have already been made and instructions given. Today I would like to hear from you, friends, on how they are implemented and how accessible and timely this support is.

Moreover, I would also like to announce new additional measures.





In line with my instructions, the Government has developed amendments to the Tax Code and submitted them to the parliament. I signed this document today. What does it offer?

First, all benefits for working in special conditions during the coronavirus epidemic will be exempt from personal income tax. Obviously, this applies directly to social and medical workers as well as people who take on orphans, people with disabilities or elderly people for assisted living. It means that all the payments due will be paid in full, without tax deductions.

Second, as I have said, well-established NGOs, such as those that received grants from the President, ministries, agencies and regional officials, as well as NGOs that are involved in socially beneficial activity or provide social services, will be fully exempt from insurance payments and taxes except for VAT, in the second quarter. This support measure will also apply to the organisations representing conventional religions in Russia.

Third, donations by businesses to such NGOs and religious associations worth up to one percent of their [businesses’] proceeds may be classified as extraordinary expenses. Therefore, donations will not be included when calculating taxes payable by entrepreneurs to the state.

I would like to emphasise that we understand the possible risks of so-called tax optimisation schemes. Still, I am convinced that we need to operate without constantly looking over our shoulders and thinking that dishonest people might abuse these benefits. We must support law-abiding and honest citizens who are in the majority.

We have decided to take this step because during the epidemic, Russia’s business community demonstrated its responsibility, honesty and decency. Entrepreneurs provided help to doctors and volunteers and helped local government bodies.

Our entire civil society demonstrated the same maturity and ability to act in unison, as one team, in response to a difficult challenge.

This trust between the state, businesses and the non-profit sector that was tested and became stronger through challenges must form the basis for our further development, for solving long-term economic and social problems and for improving our people’s welfare.

Let’s discuss the proposed issues. There must be plenty of them.


<…>





Vladimir Putin:

Friends, colleagues,

Once again I congratulate you on Social Worker’s Day.

As I said in my opening remarks, you are not just doing a job but you are fulfilling a life mission. And by helping people, which is very important for everyone, you are giving your heart and soul; you are also helping society, because thanks to your work our society becomes kinder and gentler where necessary; it becomes more compassionate. It becomes more civilised, which means more effective, capable, with more development prospects. This is what lies at the heart of our society and at the foundation of our state. And the latest coronavirus-related developments and the way people responded to other people’s pain in these very difficult conditions shows how hard you have worked in the last few years.

In recent years, we have tried to draw society’s attention to your activities. Perhaps we have not done enough but we still try to support you in your efforts to help others. I think all of this has resulted in the fact that we have manage to overcome our coronavirus-related trials. I am sure we will get through this, thanks to you and people like you, among other thigs.

I congratulate you on your holiday and wish you all the best.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63471






Telephone conversation with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, at the Egyptian side’s initiative.



June 8, 2020 - 17:05



The situation in Libya was discussed in detail. The Egyptian President informed his Russian counterpart about the talks held in Cairo on June 6 with President of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila Saleh and Commander of the Libyan National Army Khalifa Haftar, where steps were proposed for a political settlement of the Libyan crisis. The Russian side praised the diplomatic efforts undertaken by Egypt. The two leaders reaffirmed their mutual interest in continued coordination of efforts to ensure a speedy cessation of hostilities and the launch of inter-Libyan negotiations under the auspices of the UN.

Also, the parties discussed current issues of further development of the Russian-Egyptian strategic partnership, including cooperation in industry, nuclear energy, and joint efforts in fighting the coronavirus infection.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63485






Meeting with Head of the Republic of Karelia Artur Parfenchikov



Vladimir Putin had a meeting, via videoconference, with Head of the Republic of Karelia Artur Parfenchikov.



June 8, 2020 - 18:00 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The President congratulated the residents of Karelia on the Republic’s 100th anniversary.

The conversation began with the discussion of measures to counter the coronavirus infection. Artur Parfenchikov said that as of June 8, there have been 656 infected people in Karelia; 406 of them are new cases, 246 have recovered and unfortunately three people died. Overall, the situation in the Republic is under control.

Medical workers are receiving incentive payments; citizens with children, other vulnerable categories and social workers are getting social support.

Karelia’s authorities have managed to avoid shutting down industrial sectors, agriculture and construction sites. Measures are being taken to support businesses, and restrictions are being gradually lifted. Karelia is a tourist region, therefore decisions are being considered to reopen tourist destinations and facilities.





According to Mr Parfenchikov, the production index reached almost 114 percent in January-April. Investment in fixed capital grew by 24 percent in the first quarter of 2020; the average salary rose by 7.7 percent. The government of the Republic has approved the 2020–2021 action plan to restore and normalise economic activities.

Social issues such as healthcare, education and culture were also discussed.

Mr Parfenchikov admitted that despite the efforts and positive results, there are still many problems in the region with the Republic being listed among Russia’s top ten regions with the lowest socioeconomic potential.

On April 10, the Russian Government approved an individual programme of the Republic’s socioeconomic development for the next five years, which will include the allocation of additional 5 billion rubles for the region’s development.





Vladimir Putin drew attention to some problems such as the reduction in agricultural production, decrease in the resident population, a large share of dilapidated housing, problems of single-industry towns, as well as gas supply issues. The President asked Mr Parfenchikov to work on these issues together with the Government, Energy Ministry and Gazprom.

The President wished the Head of Karelia success and promised to consider all his written requests and issue relevant instructions.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63487






Meeting with Rostov Region Governor Vasily Golubev



Rostov Region Governor Vasily Golubev briefed the President, via videoconference, on measures taken in the region to counter the coronavirus infection and described the current socioeconomic situation.



June 9, 2020 - 14:40 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The Governor reported that as of June 8, 6,355 people were infected in the region. A total of 732 patients receive medical treatment in hospitals; 48 people died despite the doctors’ efforts; 2,343 patients recovered. The testing rate is increasing. Production of personal protective gear has been launched promptly. The number of infected decreased last week.

The Governor also thanked the President and the Defence Ministry for building in the region a multifunctional medical centre with 160 beds.

Mr Golubev asked the President to instruct the Government of the Russian Federation to consider the possibility of allocating funds for providing a new specialised infectious disease hospital that is under construction in the region and is to be completed before the end of this year, with the equipment it needs.

Speaking about the economy, Mr Golubev described the situation in the region as generally stable. In 2019, the GRP increased 1.3 percent and industrial production went up 1.9 percent. Agricultural production grew 5.4 percent. Over 2.5 million square metres of housing was built in 2019, which is a 9.5 percent increase over the previous year. The region’s companies have increased exports by 1.7 times over the last five years.

The region is carrying out major investment projects, for example, the construction of a new complex at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery, modernisation of transport infrastructure and eight projects on wind energy. Farms for 6,600 head are being built in the agro-industrial sector. Four special investment contracts for a total of 6.4 billion rubles, notably, the Novocherkassk Electrode Plant and three facilities for the manufacture of parts for the electrical energy industry. This work is being carried out in cooperation with RUSNANO, Rosatom, Italy’s Enel and Finland’s Fortum.





Social issues, in particular, the development of healthcare, clean water distribution and improving living standards were also discussed. A total of 880,000 people are covered by federal social support measures. Regional measures cover an additional 55,000 families.

The Governor also asked the President to issue instructions to the Government regarding the Rostov Transport Ring project and the construction of a residential neighbourhood. One more non-financial request concerned the events dedicated to the 450th anniversary of the service of the Don Cossacks to Russia and an invitation to attend these celebrations.

Vladimir Putin made several remarks on the Governor’s report. He noted a decline in agricultural production, decreasing soil fertility, a decline in investment in fixed capital, reduction in construction volumes and a drop in the permanent population. The President also noted positive indicators, such as the growth of industrial production, foreign trade and the GRP, a reduction in the unemployment rate and good investment projects.

Mr Golubev told the President about his intention to run for another term as regional governor and asked for support.

Vladimir Putin said the dynamics of the region’s development is generally positive and this is the result of work by all its residents and the Governor’s team. So Mr Golubev has the grounds to run for re-election as regional governor. The President wished him success.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63490






Meeting with Sberbank CEO German Gref



The discussion held via videoconference focused on Sberbank’s current operations.



June 9, 2020 - 15:15 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Gref, good afternoon.



Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Sberbank German Gref:

Mr President, good afternoon.



Vladimir Putin:

I know that you would like to report on the current operations. I also recall we have discussed this with you, that our financial institutions, including leading ones, are facing a lot of tasks during these difficult times. But I do see that you are handling them well. Please tell me how you are managing to do this.



German Gref:

Mr President, thank you very much.

It is true that the last three months were a hard period for us. We have been facing the pandemic in one way or another since February. Perhaps March, April and May were among the most difficult ones in my career at the bank. And, of course, we have fully felt the impact of the crisis and had to form a lot of reserves in terms of financial indicators. We have decreased the net income by 25 percent and formed about thrice as many reserves as last year.

Of course, during this entire period we have been working hard on restructuring loans. We restructured around 1 trillion rubles in loans to legal entities and around 120 billion rubles in loans to individuals. The scope of restructuring was unprecedented – so, of course, the entire team has been under a lot of pressure.

We underestimated the volume of customer traffic slightly because, when the pandemic started, we reduced the number of open offices by 30 percent. After the first three days, we realised that people were queuing. We had to increase the number of open offices, first to 60 percent and then to 90 percent. In fact, for this entire period, around 150,000 employees have been working on the frontlines.

Of course, I would like to say thank you to all the employees and workers who have helped our customers throughout this period. We managed to prevent any interruption. We did not have any queues. We reduced the number of products offered via our offices in order to prevent crowds and the spread of the infection. Overall, this pandemic has been a challenge. These are the difficulties.

Now, more importantly, what we see today. We can see that, despite all these difficulties, June is showing better results than we expected. Today I received a report on the number of POS terminals operated by small businesses for the previous week. We can see small business activity from the number of operated terminals. Currently, only 10 percent of the terminals are out of operation. During the crisis, only 25 percent of the terminals were in service and the current share is 90 percent. Week by week, we are noting fairly fast recovery across a number of regions. The recovery is almost complete. We even introduced a regional recovery rating. There are three regions that have already achieved 100 percent. We see that this is happening faster.

Second. Small businesses are recovering slightly better than we expected. It’s surprising, but over five months, under the adopted programmes we have expanded our small business portfolio by 10 percent and issued 16 percent more loans than over the same five months last year. Of course, during the pandemic, this can only be explained by the availability of the concessional programmes that were adopted because, of course, there was a drop in lending services.

In general, the situation now looks slightly better than we expected. We expected a preliminary slowdown in GDP of about 6–7 percentage points this year; however, today our expectations are slightly higher than the Central Bank and the Government’s forecasts. Our estimate is a slowdown of about 4.2–4.5.





Vladimir Putin:

Down?



German Gref:

Down 4.2–4.5 by the end of the year. I mean, it is much better than originally expected, of course, provided there is no second wave.



Vladimir Putin:

Our colleagues in Europe expect it to decline about 14 percent, as far as I know. Right?



German Gref:

They expect a 7.5 percent contraction over the year.

But yes, over this period it could be even worse, as they saw a drop of more than 20 percent in three months. We expect the Russian economy to do better than the European and American economies. The Americans are also expecting an approximate 6 to 7 percent drop in the annual average. This is why I would say ours is good news.

My second news is the demand for mortgages. We never expected such a quick recovery in demand here either. The mortgage programme we adopted featured 6.5 percent interest, but we added a special discount, down to 6.4 and even 6.1 percent for mortgages applied for and approved online. So we are now approving 50 percent of all mortgages online. Mortgage loans are at 6.1 percent – this has never happened in Russia, historically. Without state support, the mortgage rate is 7.7 percent, on average, which is also quite low.

We can see, of course, that the Central Bank has made the right decisions. During the most difficult period, they decided to lower the refinancing rate, which, in general, resulted in lower rates in the lending market, and this greatly helped the recovery of all enterprises. And I should add that the Central Bank adopted very timely programmes for supporting banks – lowered the requirements for risk-weighted assets, and essentially, all this was done at the right time, and this helped us address the problems. So, in general, I believe we should close the year much better than expected, provided, of course – I really have to mention this – we don’t know whether there will be a second wave, and what will happen this autumn. But in general, as I said earlier, regarding the difficulties that we struggled with in the past three months, the situation is better than we expected. That is, our forecasts were somewhat more pessimistic.

Our online services have predictably enjoyed demand during this period. We have increased the volume of transactions online to 60 percent for a variety of products. For example, for three months we approved mortgages only online, and we connected other banks that did not have fully electronic platforms for mortgage, and we actually organised the registration of contracts through the Rosreestr service for state registration and provided our electronic channel for applications and submissions. So everything we previously invested in proved helpful during this time.

And, probably, the last thing I would like to say in this part of my report is that Sberbank was recognised as the world’s best bank over the past five years in terms of creating shareholder value. That was very important news for us this year. We are among the top ten companies in the world in creating shareholder value. This is certainly the result of the entire team’s contribution and effort. We have 300,000 people on board. This was a very important achievement for the whole team. And we do hope that we will also come through this period unscathed and help our customers deal with the difficulties that they have had to face.





Vladimir Putin:

Mr Gref, my congratulations to you and all Sberbank employees on this achievement. This is an objective assessment of what you have done. But the most important assessment is the one your customers make in Russia and abroad, those who are served by your foreign subsidiaries. I am sure that their ratings are also high.

I know that our main financial institutions, including Sberbank, have a difficult time meeting today's challenges. You also said so, that our financial institutions, with the support of the financial authorities, primarily the Central Bank, and partly the Government of the Russian Federation, are working very efficiently, smoothly, without disruptions, modelling both financial discipline and governance patterns, providing new services to their customers.

In general, I see a very balanced, steady, and I would even say somewhat conservative, but reliable work in the country’s financial system and its main financial institutions. Your bank serves a large number of enterprises in various industries, many of them, and their economic and financial well-being depends on how well you do this, and this is very important. And, of course, you serve retail customers, not only with mortgages, but also consumer loans, as Sberbank has the largest network. This means people’s financial and political sentiment to a large extent depends on how well you perform your job, your management objectives. Much depends on how the bank treats its customers, what services it provides, and the quality of service people get, of course. So I wish you all the best, and I would like to thank you for your work in the previous period.



German Gref:

Thank you very much, Mr President.



Vladimir Putin:

Keep in touch.



German Gref:

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63491
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Telephone conversation with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel at the German side’s initiative.



June 9, 2020 - 17:50



Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel discussed current issues related to countering the coronavirus pandemic and confirmed their commitment to further close cooperation between the health ministries and other relevant agencies.

The two leaders continued to exchange views on the state of affairs in resolving the internal Ukrainian conflict and expressed concern about the lack of progress in implementing the 2015 Minsk agreements and the decisions taken following the Normandy summit in Paris in 2019. The importance of stepping up the negotiation process in the Contact Group and in the Normandy format was noted. The Russian President again emphasised the relevance of establishing a direct dialogue between Kiev and the republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, aimed at, among other things, agreeing on steps for the consistent implementation of the Minsk Package of Measures.

Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel expressed concern about the escalation of hostilities in Libya and emphasised that a speedy ceasefire and launch of intra-Libyan negotiations under the auspices of the UN were essential. The Russian side gave a positive assessment of Egypt’s mediation efforts to peacefully settle the Libyan crisis, following on from the decisions of the Berlin International Conference held on January 19 of this year.

Key aspects of developments in Syria, including those related to the humanitarian needs of the population of the republic, were also discussed.

It was agreed on further contacts.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63492






Meeting on development of information and communications technologies



Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, on the development of information and communications technologies.



June 10, 2020 - 15:30 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






Taking part in the meeting were Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Aide to the President Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Maksut Shadayev, Moscow Region Governor and Head of the State Council Working Group on Communications, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy Andrei Vorobyov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Oleg Bocharov, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Sberbank German Gref and heads of a number of ICT companies.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues, good afternoon.

Can everyone see and hear me? Excellent.

Today we are going to discuss the developments in the industry that largely defines the speed, style and opportunities of people’s life today as well as prospects of the labour market and the development of cities and territories: telecommunications and information technologies.

In Russia, this sphere has about 60,000 organisations, which achieve important and significant results. Russia is a confident world leader in an entire range of parameters such as the development of mobile and internet coverage. Russian companies are offering reliable software solutions, which can compete both on the domestic and global market.

The industry’s role and importance were especially notable during the forced coronavirus-related restrictions, when many enterprises as well as educational and other organisations switched to online operations, when it was necessary to implement state decisions on support for Russian families and entire economic sectors as quickly as possible, to implement them using the available and user-friendly solutions we have developed jointly. Together, let me repeat this, together we have managed to do all of this, including using advanced information technologies and the infrastructure that has been built by the common effort of the state, businesses and innovative teams.

I would like to thank Russian telecommunications companies and specialists for ensuring the continuous operation and high level of popular services when the load has grown so much.

Let me note that for the communications and IT sector the situation we are currently facing was not only a challenging one. In fact, the companies that sought to satisfy the growing demand offered free services and have ended up in a better position. I remember our meeting when we were only setting out on this journey, and at that time, a number of business leaders promised to offer some services free of charge. They really benefitted from these initiatives and expanded their client base.

Moreover, the restrictions we were compelled to impose motivated many enterprises and organisations to reconsider their usual business processes and become more proactive in introducing digital solutions to improve efficiency. Everyone learned first-hand the importance of being responsive and bold in making use of the far-reaching opportunities offered by digitalisation. This relates to the business world, as well as to government services, education, healthcare and even everyday life.

We need to pick up these digitalisation trends and follow the example of the companies at the forefront of this process. Mr Gref is with us here today. We discussed this topic during our meeting yesterday. Of course, Sberbank is among these companies, having de facto evolved into a major player on the IT market. It goes without saying that we need to create conditions for accelerating and introducing Russian communications and IT technology that will lay the groundwork for creating high-quality sought-after goods and services.





Let me remind you that we have already taken a number of landmark decisions aimed at the development of the IT sector, including as part of the Digital Economy national project. I highlighted a whole series of specific instructions in my Address to the Federal Assembly in January 2020. They have to be carried out, all of them. We need to be proactive and forward-looking and remove various barriers inherited from the distant past, while taking into consideration all possible aspects related to ensuring cyber security, and protecting personal rights and freedoms, of course.

At the same time, we need to be aware of the challenges this sector and the economy in general are currently facing, primarily the fact that the real economy had to cut spending on innovation, software and related services. We can see, and the projections show us, that many companies will not have enough resources to shoulder these development programmes due to objective financial and economic constraints.

In this connection, I would like to ask our colleagues in the Government and the regions to give priority attention to supporting the demand for the products of our IT companies, both, and first of all, on the domestic market, and their export products. We should continue to develop and offer additional solutions to ensure the streamlined functioning and the further development of this industry. We are acting likewise in the other industries which we discussed at our meetings, including automobile and aircraft manufacturing, and so on. We must prop up people’s incomes in these industries and create new jobs. I hope to be able to hear some practical recommendations regarding this today.

Of course, the training of skilled personnel is a key condition for the development of the ICT industry. It is professionals and their knowledge and experience that determine the competitiveness of the Russian companies, as well as the market success of Russian products and designs.

All of us are aware that there is a high degree of mobility in the sphere of information technology around the world. However, this does not mean that we must “snatch and hold” professionals, as was the case in the past. On the contrary, we must create transparent, attractive and competitive conditions for working and for implementing forward-looking ideas here in Russia. We must provide benefits to retain our software and communications professionals and help them to realise their potential, as well as attract mature professionals and promising young people from other countries too.

For example, the Digital Breakthrough Contest has been launched by the Russia –Land of Opportunities NGO to identify and promote the development of talented people. Last year it attracted 66,000 participants, who have offered over 1,000 digital solutions for healthcare, education, science, logistics, housing and utilities, and the urban environment.

I would like our businesses, as well as the federal and regional authorities to take note of this project, which is a truly large-scale event, and to make use of its participants’ designs.

In general, I would also like to hear the opinions of our businesses about the additional solutions for the industry, if any are needed, in particular in light of the new reality that is evolving now that the world is emerging from the coronavirus pandemic.

Let us get down to dealing with our agenda.


<…>





Vladimir Putin:

Friends, colleagues,

Many thanks for this constructive discussion.

The opinion I have gathered from what the Minister, the Prime Minister, the Governor and business representatives have said here is that we are thinking alike; we are even using the same phrases, which shows that we are in agreement on what should be done and how this should be done. There is just one little thing left though, and that is to implement what we have agreed to do. Therefore, I would like to ask our colleagues in the Government to carefully analyse all the proposals that have been made by business representatives today.

Mr Mishustin has said that they will prepare a comprehensive plan of support for the industry. I would like to repeat that all of these proposals should be incorporated in the national plan. It has been agreed with the Prime Minister that we will continue working on the plan during our meetings with the industries to make the necessary amendments. I would like to ask you to do this as quickly as possible and to submit your proposals for our approval.

As I have mentioned already, the goal of these actions is to create globally competitive conditions for the work of our IT professionals in Russia, so that they can realise their creative and entrepreneurial potential here, in our country.

I would also like to sum up the results of this discussion and focus on the measures that require priority attention and particularly active implementation.

First of all, we must work consistently to improve the legal framework, as our colleagues have already said today in different ways and for various reasons, to create conditions for the stable and long-term development of our high-tech companies and enterprises. I would like to ask the Government to prepare proposals on the creation of a highly convenient and, most importantly, competitive management system, including solutions for a comprehensive tax manoeuvre, which has been mentioned today, a manoeuvre that would stimulate the development of our IT industry.





Second, it is necessary to fully eliminate the barriers to launching and supporting promising ICT projects. In this context, I would like to ask the Government and the State Duma to speed up the development and adoption of the federal law on experimental legal modes: so-called regulatory sandboxes (I think someone has already mentioned them today), when prospective solutions such as (this has already been mentioned) self-driving transport or artificial intelligence in medicine are tested in practice in compliance with all the safety rules and requirements. Let me repeat that, of course, this should be under strict oversight, but still provide space for experiments. Of course, there should be control, but also the freedom of action for our colleagues. How else can we break new ground? It would be impossible.

Let me also remind you that last year we approved a long-term AI development strategy. We need a calculated step-by-step action plan to implement it. I know that the Government is developing a separate federal project on this, and I would like to ask them to step up this work to approve the project and launch it as soon as possible.

Third, today we have received specific proposals from industry representatives, as I have said. I have also said that all of them must be examined by the Government, including the one on preferential access to electricity for data processing centres. I believe the head of Rostelecom has requested this. This decision would allow businesses to save money, which means they would make their services more affordable for people.

Friends, let me once again thank you for the substantive conversation. I wish you success and hope that we will proceed in the required direction, at the required pace in order to achieve the success that interests us all: businesses, the state and, most importantly, our people.

Thank you very much.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63493






Telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.



June 10, 2020 - 17:35



The presidents exchanged greetings on the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Turkey (established on June 3, 1920). They reaffirmed their commitment to further developing the mutually beneficial partnership.

The two leaders touched on the current aspects of countering the coronavirus pandemic and stressed the importance of gradual but full resumption of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties in pace with the lifting of restrictions.

During their in-depth discussion of the developments in Libya, they expressed their concerns over the continued large-scale armed clashes in the country with resulting victims and destruction. Vladimir Putin noted that it was important to adhere to a ceasefire as soon as possible and to resume the intra-Libyan dialogue based on the decisions of the Berlin International Conference on January 19, 2020, and approved by UN Security Council Resolution 2510, as well as other initiatives aimed at a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict.

The two leaders also mentioned developments in Syria and emphasised that it was necessary to step up their efforts to implement the Russian-Turkish agreements on the Idlib de-escalation zone, including the Additional Protocol to the Sochi Memorandum dated September 17, 2018, and adopted on March 5, 2020, in Moscow. The joint priority tasks include control over the ceasefire and neutralisation of terrorist groups active in Idlib.

The presidents agreed to maintain regular contact in various formats.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63494






Working meeting with Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko



Via videoconference, Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko informed the President about the socioeconomic situation in the region and the measures to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus.



June 10, 2020 - 17:45 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The Governor reported that the past ten days have shown a steady trend: the number of COVID-19 patients who have recovered is significantly higher than the number of new cases. Some 2,571 hospital beds have been allocated; currently, 1,108 beds in regular wards and 131 beds in intensive care units are available. Eleven laboratories are involved in testing and are performing 2,000 tests per day. Almost 140,000 tests have been conducted in total as of today. This indicates that the situation is stable; the disease is under control and even in decline.

Alexander Drozdenko also spoke about support measures for medical workers, small and medium-sized businesses, private entrepreneurs, large and low-income families and pensioners. As one support measure, families that could not afford to buy computers for their children’s remote learning during the pandemic were provided with laptops and tablets.

To support the labour market, since May 25, the Leningrad Region has organised jobs in road maintenance, environmental protection, agriculture, forest management and landscaping. These are paid jobs available for three months; people are hired through employment centres. The governor asked the President to support this initiative and give instructions to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to extend this practice to other regions.

The region is gradually lifting the lockdown restrictions.





As far as the overall socioeconomic situation in the region, the governor said that the main challenge is to maintain positive economic growth. The region has been able to maintain growth in many segments of industrial production, agriculture and construction. Major investment projects of both federal and regional scale have received continuous support as well.

The governor spoke about the region’s goal to improve the quality of the living environment in all 32 local towns, based on 36 indicators, by 2024. In this context, he asked the President to instruct the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the governments of Leningrad Region and St Petersburg to work on creating a single regional waste disposal operator. It would help to consolidate waste flows from the city and the region and to implement a common recycling strategy based on modern technologies.

The President addressed some problem issues in the region, such as the large amount of dilapidated housing, insufficient availability of medical specialists and the fact that over 70 percent of waste treatment facilities in small towns require to be upgraded. He asked the governor to specifically focus on these things.





Vladimir Putin noted that in general, there has been certain progress in Leningrad Region. Several key economic development indicators are above the national average. The gross regional product grew by 7.1 percent in 2018 and 2019 (the national average is 3.8 percent). Industrial production grew by 9.9 percent (the national average is 5.9 percent). The scope of construction projects is also extensive. Retail trade is growing. Capital investment is increasing. The region has a budget surplus and enjoys good financial self-sufficiency and low debt. The population is growing while the unemployment rate is below the national average.

Alexander Drozdenko pointed out that Leningrad Region is holding a governor election this year and asked the President to approve his candidacy.

The President noted that the region’s progress is a result of the governor’s and his team’s work; therefore, he has the moral right to run for governor again. Although it is up to the voters to have the final say when the time comes in September. The President wished Alexander Drozdenko every success.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63495






Working meeting with Penza Region Governor Ivan Belozertsev



The Penza Region Head informed the President about the local socioeconomic situation. The meeting took place via videoconference.



June 11, 2020 - 15:00 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The regional socioeconomic situation depends on the efficiency of measures to combat the coronavirus infection, Mr Belozertsev said. As of today, the region has recorded 3,317 coronavirus cases, and 2,641 people have recovered. Unfortunately, 28 people have passed away. The region has received substantial assistance from the federal budget. Over 520 million rubles was spent on purchasing and equipping hospital beds, buying medical equipment and disposable materials. Another 250 million rubles was allocated from the regional budget, and medical workers have received their support payments in full and on time.

The pandemic highlighted the need to reorganise many medical institutions. The Penza regional hospital needs urgent updating. The Governor asked the President for support in allocating federal funding for this project. Vladimir Putin promised to issue the relevant instruction to the Government.

Mr Belozertsev spoke of the region’s efforts to minimise the pandemic’s impact on the regional economy. A regional business support package was passed and is now being implemented. Families with children are also receiving their support payments. Regarding the labour market, about 18,000 unemployed people are registered in the region. At the same time, there are over 10,000 vacancies, primarily in the agricultural, social, healthcare, housing/utilities and construction sectors.

Agricultural companies, as well as production facilities fulfilling state defence contracts and export-oriented businesses continued operating, while adhering to strict sanitary standards.





In 2019, gross agricultural output topped 103 billion rubles. For example, the agro-industrial holding company Damate ranks among the ten largest global turkey meat processors and exports its meat products to 27 countries. Total project investment volumes exceeded 60 billion rubles. At the end of the year the region is to open the largest Russian and European turkey meat processing plant with a daily capacity of 300 tonnes; investment volumes are estimated at 9 billion rubles.

Rusmolco is another major regional investor. Over the past five years, it has invested over 18 billion rubles into the regional economy. Earlier this year, the company launched a large dairy production farm that is turning out 380 tonnes of milk daily or 38 percent more than in the same period in 2019.

According to the Governor, the region’s industrial output increased by 5 percent last year. The region received investment worth over 90 billion rubles. It ranked among leading Russian territories in terms of implemented large-scale investment projects. The region launched Europe’s largest foam rubber plant and will start Europe’s largest mattress plant this October.

In the first quarter of 2020, regional exports increased by over 77 percent compared to the same period last year.





The Governor also noted some problems in the region, including demographics, low average income and utility infrastructure problems. The Penza Region Government and the heads of municipalities are working to resolve them.

The President noted some other problems including a budget deficit, high regional debt that should be eliminated, a declining population, a road system in bad shape, and a rundown housing and utility infrastructure.

At the same time, the President noted the region’s achievements, including a substantial increase in agricultural output, greater fixed capital investment volumes, expanded industrial output and construction volumes.





Mr Belozertsev said he would like to consolidate this positive regional development trend and make it sustainable and irreversible. In this connection, he asked Vladimir Putin to show support for him and for his intention to run in the upcoming gubernatorial election.

Vladimir Putin said Mr Belozertsev had a moral right to run for Penza Region Governor again after presenting the results of his work to the people. But it is necessary to work directly with voters, with the people, to show them what has been accomplished and to note any setbacks in an objective manner. The President wished every success to Mr Belozertsev.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63498






Meeting with permanent members of Security Council



The President held a meeting, via videoconference, with permanent members of the Security Council.



June 11, 2020 - 16:30 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






Taking part in the videoconference were Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin, and Special Presidential Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

As usual, we will discuss current matters related to domestic and international security, as well as developments around the world, beyond our borders.

However, I would like to begin with preparations for the parade marking the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. We have discussed a number of possible modalities for holding this celebration.

I can see that Mr Lavrov has already informed his colleagues on how we will work with our foreign partners. But my first question will be for Mr Shoigu.

Mr Shoigu, how have the Defence Ministry and the detachments that will take part in the parade approached preparations, and how are the Victory Parade rehearsals progressing?





Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu:

Mr President, we launched these preparations on June 2, strictly in keeping with the plan and your instructions. These preparations are proceeding in full compliance with the time plan.

In view of the persisting threats related to the fact that many people find themselves concentrated in the same place, we have prepared separate accommodation facilities for everyone, with regular, daily decontamination and sanitation. Moreover, all the participants were tested and underwent all the necessary medical procedures before joining the preparations.

In addition to this, medical brigades carry out daily testing and examine every single person in every accommodation unit for service personnel taking part in the parade.

We had three rehearsals already. Mr President, this year I believe there will be a lot of machinery, and quite a few new models, new weaponry that have already entered service or are about to be transferred to the army. This relates to aircraft, ground-based weaponry and missile defence systems. All these are at the storage facilities, on full combat alert. Some 30 T-34 tanks will roll through Red Square for the first time since the parade that included actual Great Patriotic War combat machines. These tanks embody our Victory.

There will be 75 aircraft. We have selected and examined their crews, and training sessions continue. This applies to long-range and strategic aircraft, attack bombers, fighter jets, and of course helicopters. All these aircraft are actual combat machines, not just some kind of special aircraft that were sitting there and waiting for their moment to come. We took them from combat divisions. The same applies to most of the crews, with the only exception being our air display teams that are staffed with pilot school students.

Everything will be definitely ready for the parade, Mr President.

End of report. Thank you.





Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.

We will continue discussing preparations for the parade in the future. Thank you for your report.

Mr Lavrov, the pandemic has understandably changed the way we prepare for these celebrations, including our contacts, and how we work with our foreign friends, colleagues and partners.

What is the situation today? Since, of course, we need to make sure that we guarantee absolute safety for our guests, what is going on in this regard?





Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov:

Mr President, we confirmed with all those who were invited to the parade initially scheduled to take place on May 9 that our invitation still stands. We have already received confirmations from 12 heads of state, most of them from the CIS.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63499






Telephone conversation with President of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong at the Vietnamese side’s initiative.



June 11, 2020 - 18:00



Nguyen Phu Trong congratulated Vladimir Putin and the entire nation of Russia on the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and Russia Day.

The two presidents expressed their satisfaction with the current state of Russian-Vietnamese comprehensive strategic partnership. They noted that this year marked the 70th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations.

They also praised the cooperation and mutual aid in countering the spread of the coronavirus, including in providing diagnostic tools and personal protective equipment as well as sending Russian experts to Vietnam.

Specific areas of further development of bilateral relations were discussed in detail. The two leaders noted their interest in expanding trade and economic cooperation, including be means of using the Agreement on Free Trade between the EAEU and Vietnam to its fullest potential. They noted the importance of cooperation in the energy sector, both as part of the existing projects on hydrocarbon exploration and new ones, in particular in power generation and peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Vladimir Putin and Nguyen Phu Trong reaffirmed their mutual commitment to promote cooperation on international and regional problems, considering Russia’s chairmanship in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS and Vietnam’s chairmanship in ASEAN and the East Asia Summit.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63500






Telephone conversation with King Abdullah II of Jordan



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.



June 11, 2020 - 18:15



Measures taken by the two countries to combat the coronavirus were discussed. Both sides noted the importance of consolidating the efforts of the international community to overcome the consequences of the pandemic and expressed a willingness to participate in this joint work.

The leaders also exchanged views on current issues on the regional agenda, in particular, developments in Syria and Libya and the Middle East settlement.

It was agreed to continue contacts at various levels.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63501






On Russia Day the President presented Hero of Labour medals



The Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation gold medals were presented in Victory Park on Poklonnaya Gora in Moscow. The national flag of the Russian Federation was hoisted prior to the ceremony to mark the national holiday of Russia Day.



June 12, 2020 - 13:30 - Moscow






The title of the Hero of Labour was instituted in 2013. It is conferred for outstanding results in government, public and economic activity, a contribution to the socioeconomic development of the country including the development of industry, agriculture, transport, construction, science, culture, education, healthcare and other areas.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Friends,

This year the Hero of Labour gold medals are being presented on a holiday, Russia Day. Before starting the ceremony, I would like to extend greetings on this important holiday to all the country’s citizens and our compatriots abroad, all those who see an intimate meaning in this day.

For each of us, Motherland means family and our parents’ home, our native land, from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands, from the northern Arctic seas to Sevastopol and Crimea. Our millennia-long history has been made on these endless expanses, filled with pages of great glory and pride, the unsurpassed courage of our ancestors, their faith in and love of the Fatherland.

The clear innermost feeling of Motherland has always, at all times, helped our people to endure all tribulations, to persevere and preserve themselves in harsh ordeals, and respond to any challenges.





Here, on Poklonnaya Gora we recall heroes who defended the Fatherland, its freedom and independence, and this memory is common and sacred for all generations, for the whole multi-ethnic people of Russia. We have a common historical code and moral foundations. Respect for the working person and the defender of the Fatherland, traditions and culture, preservation of the memory of our ancestors, respect for one’s parents and family, love for our land and the inviolability of our borders have an unconditional value for us.

These are the foundations that determine the character and destiny of our people, the progress of the country both today and in future. It is therefore natural that suggestions were voiced that these fundamental and cornerstone principles be included in the Russian Constitution. I am sure that the absolute majority of our citizens share and support this position.





Friends,

Love for the Motherland and our love for the mother that gave us life are feelings of the same order. They empower us and give us hope, inspire us to feats of arms and great labour achievements. It has always been like that, in all historical eras.

Today on Russia Day, we honour the Heroes of Labour of the Russian Federation.

Friends, you are completely immersed in your calling, the cause of your choice, to achieve outstanding results in industry, sport, healthcare and culture. You contribute to the sustainable development of our country with your achievements.





Leonid Belykh has been head of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, which manufactures the legendary Mi helicopters, for over two decades. All your life has been connected with the plant – you have passed all the way from electrician to director, in the difficult 1990s you did much to maintain production, retain unique employees and preserve technologies. It could have gone differently.

Currently the enterprise is steadily building up its capacity and is among the leaders of the Russian aircraft industry. It manufactures new models of civilian and military helicopters.

Unfortunately, outstanding coach and founder of the famous Krasnoyarsk school of wrestling Dmitry Mindiashvili was unable to be in Moscow today. The Hero of Labour medal will be presented to him later.





Dmitry Mindiashvili has trained dozens of prominent athletes. Among his students are winners of the most prestigious championships including the Olympics. He teaches athletes not only to fight and win but also to be worthy, honest, noble people who are always ready to come to the rescue.

The notable labour victories and exploits by Alexander Motorin, a steel worker with truly priceless professional experience, are inextricably linked with the famous Magnitka steelworks. The history of this industrial giant was written by exactly this sort of specialists – well-trained, enthusiastic, true masters.

You have given the country dozens of millions of tonnes of important strategic produce throughout the many years of your impeccable work. Having mastered the secrets of metal smelting, you share them with young people and take up industrial tasks of tremendous complexity.





Such generous, industrious and open people are the real pillar and pride of Russia. And in times of trouble we see it particularly vividly when life puts everything in its right place and clearly delineates true values from made-up, imaginary standards.

The contemporary world has re-interpreted many things as it encountered new challenges and threats. In fact, we realised anew and discovered for ourselves the lofty mission of doctors, nurses, and the staff at hospitals, outpatient clinics and emergency medical service stations. We admire their service, courage, boundless self-sacrifice. Of course, many of them deserve the highest awards.

Doctor Roshal also dedicated himself completely to saving lives and helping children. Leonid Roshal has rightly earned the name of “hands of gold” and “the heart” of our medicine.





(Addressing Leonid Roshal.) Mr Roshal, you are always where things are tough (we are know that), where there is a need for the highest qualifications and sometimes courage (we also remember that), an unconventional approach and empathy, and you charge everyone around you with good energy.

Your direct and active involvement in organising emergency surgery and trauma care to children, your contribution to the progress of pediatric science and the children’s health protection system deserve the highest praise.

I would like to say special words to Yury Solomin. You have been artistic director of the State Academic Maly Theatre for over thirty years, preserving and enhancing its traditions and educating young people.





You are an accomplished producer and a brilliant actor. You performed dozens of truly eminent and memorable parts in theatre and film, roles that conquer with their depth and unlimited charm. The Adjutant of His Excellency, TASS is Authorised to Declare, The Siege, An Ordinary Miracle, these films with your participation are popular and sincerely loved by many generations of spectators.

I would like to heartily congratulate all our Heroes.

Now let us proceed with the ceremony.

Thank you.





<…>


Vladimir Putin:

Friends,





I would like to congratulate you once again on receiving the honorary title of the Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation; thank you for your honourable labour, and I wish you good health and new achievements so that your life’s work continues through the endeavours and talents of your followers and protégés, so that you further inspire Russian citizens to positive acts and real accomplishments.

This is necessary and important for our country because Russia’s wellbeing and prosperity undoubtedly depend on personal labour in its broadest sense – on doctors, teachers and cultural figures, athletes, coaches, workers and farmers, engineers, production managers, on everyone in the country who sets high constructive goals for themselves.





This is why it is so important that each person have every opportunity for self-attainment, so that they can work and receive a worthy and fair wage while their rights are reliably protected. Such attention to and special support for people who work hard is a precondition for progress in all areas – in the economy and social sphere, in technological development, culture and sport.

I am confident that we will see such achievements, and they will multiply because we are a united multi-ethnic people.





The national flag of Russia is a symbol of our unity, sovereignty and independence. It embodies our victories, our forward-looking commitment. Today, the national flag of the Russian Federation was ceremoniously hoisted here on Poklonnaya Gora on Russia Day.

Once again, I congratulate the citizens of our country as well as our compatriots abroad on this holiday. And I congratulate you again, dear friends, on your well-deserved awards.





Thank you. Thank you very much.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63503
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Meeting on implementing support measures for economy and social sphere



The President held a meeting, via videoconference, on the implementation of previously adopted measures to support the economy and the social sphere.



June 15, 2020 - 16:30 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







Taking part in the meeting were Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, deputy prime ministers Tatyana Golikova and Marat Khusnullin, Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin, Labour and Social Protection Minister Anton Kotyakov, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Maksut Shadayev, Minister of Construction and Housing and Utilities Vladimir Yakushev, Governor of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation Elvira Nabiullina, Head of the Federal Tax Service Daniil Yegorov, First Deputy Minister of Transport Innokenty Alafinov, heads of the republics of Bashkortostan and Tatarstan, governors of Ivanovo, Kaliningrad, Omsk, Ryazan, Sverdlovsk regions and St Petersburg, Head of SME Corporation Alexander Braverman, as well as people who spoke about their experience with getting social payments and benefits.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues, friends.

We agreed to regularly review the status of the implementation of the measures to support the people, the social sphere and the economy and to be on top of these matters at all times. We held a series of industry-specific meetings, where we discussed these matters as well.

I would like to reiterate that strictly following the instructions, meeting the deadlines by the Government and various agencies, adopting regulatory acts and transferring money to the regions is not the only thing that is critically important. It is, of course, important and must be done. Still, these are purely technical internal things to do with management.

However, what really matters is the result and how tangible and timely the support is to individuals, families and companies, and what they think about the effectiveness of these measures as they apply to them and their friends, families and colleagues.

Therefore, today, I asked you to bring in people from all walks of life who received social benefits or decided to take advantage of mortgage benefits or salary grants to pay their employees. Based on what they tell us, we will be able to identify the successful solutions that need to be replicated in our future work and the problems that need our attention and, maybe, adjustments to our policies.

As you may recall, when the very first steps to combat the epidemic were adopted, we realised that the restrictions we had to impose – as elsewhere in the world – would inevitably affect business activity, the economy, business, and, of course, incomes and the well-being of the people. Therefore, we had to resolve two problems: to ensure the safety of the people and to act proactively, which we managed to accomplish overall. It was important to slow down the epidemic and to minimise its negative socioeconomic consequences.

The reasoning behind our actions was to primarily support individuals, especially families with children, to ensure employment, and to help businesses retain jobs and work teams.

All packages of measures were adopted on reasonable grounds and were implemented consistently based on the developments in the economy and on the labour market. The amount of support and the timing were chosen to make it as effective as possible so help would go to those who needed it most. This approach precluded any populism. It was based on peoples’ situations and provided targeted help.

Today, I would like to hear primarily about direct social benefits for children and whether all entitled families received the benefits on time and in full.

Serious measures have been taken to support people who are temporarily out of work, especially parents with minor children.

Much was done to support self-employed individuals. They are now receiving refunds on taxes paid in 2019, and are also provided with tax capital to pay taxes this year.

Other important measures include non-repayable subsidies to support employment (in May and June), which are being made available to affected enterprises. Easy-term loans are available for such enterprises as well. In addition, subsidised loans are also provided to systemic companies that found themselves in a difficult situation. I would like to hear today in detail how many individuals and enterprises took advantage of these support measures.

Finally, it was critical to not let this difficult situation make people postpone their plans, including ones that are important for families and each person, such as buying new housing, but, on the contrary, to have additional opportunities here. Therefore, we came up with easy-term mortgage loans with an APR of 6.5 percent. We will see how it works and whether this programme needs any fine-tuning.


<…>





Vladimir Putin:

I would like to say in conclusion that during today’s discussion people and business representatives have given their evaluations and ideas. I would like to ask the Government to consider them and work on them. If there really are flaws, please adjust and correct the decisions that have already been made and consider this experience when developing new support measures for the people and the economy. I believe this will be necessary, because we still have the difficult stage of restoring the economy, the labour market and the normal rhythm of life ahead of us.

In this sense, let me remind you that an entire package of measures expires on July 1. We have to weigh and assess everything and decide soon which measures should be extended and what additional solutions must be found to further develop the implemented programmes.

For example, we recommend people 65-plus stay at home. In many regions, these people have not been invited back to work yet. As a rule, these are the working elderly. They cannot return to work and their payment benefits are expiring. We must think about this. I would like to ask the Government to present some proposals.

I would like to ask my colleagues from the Government to quickly submit proposals on this so there would be no gaps or technical problems in the support system for people or in the economy and so all decisions can be made on a timely basis, in advance, as we have managed to do in most cases.

I would also like to note, for all our colleagues both at the federal and regional levels, that the implementation of immediate support measures must be constantly controlled. At the same time, the focus must not shift away from the current work, of course, especially from strategic tasks and the implementation of our plans and national projects.

Let me repeat that we not only need to restore the economy but restore it to a new level and as quickly as possible. We will discuss these issues on the long-term agenda separately. With this in mind, we have to work on the priorities of our budget for the next three years.

Overall, I believe the work is going quite well. I would like to thank all the participants in today’s meeting. It was very useful.

Best regards.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63508






Telephone conversation with President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro.



June 15, 2020 - 18:00



The two presidents discussed the situation around the coronavirus pandemic and the two countries’ measures to counter the spread and impact of the virus.

Current issues of bilateral strategic partnership were considered, including further development of cooperation in such areas as energy, agriculture and space.

The presidents also exchanged views on cooperation prospects within BRICS considering Russia’s chairmanship this year.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63509






Telephone conversation with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic at the initiative of the Serbian side.



June 15, 2020 - 19:30



A positive assessment was given to the high level of Russian-Serbian strategic partnership. The discussion covered prospects for stepping up interstate cooperation, including in the context of the phased relaxing of coronavirus-related restrictions. Aleksandar Vucic confirmed his participation in the events to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War to be held in Moscow on June 24, 2020.

During an in-depth discussion of the Kosovo settlement, Vladimir Putin spoke in favour of developing a compromise solution, acceptable to Belgrade, which should be approved by the UN Security Council.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63510






Meeting with Federal Security Service Director Alexander Bortnikov



Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Director of the Federal Security Service, Chair of the National Anti-Terrorist Committee Alexander Bortnikov.



June 16, 2020 - 14:10 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Bortnikov, you wanted to report on the performance of the National Anti-Terrorist Committee.

Please.



Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov:

Mr President, a little bit of history. When Russia faced a wave of terror back in the 1990s and the 2000s, we had to rebuild the system of counterterrorism measures, and in 2006, in line with your resolution, the National Anti-Terrorist Committee was established and work began to build a national system of measures to counter terrorism.

It is noteworthy that back then the National Anti-Terrorist Committee included, in addition to law enforcement officers, representatives of executive and legislative bodies, and we have actively involved representatives of various civil agencies, religious figures and businesspeople to comprehensively understand and implement decisions developed by the National Anti-Terrorist Committee.

To date, the system of measures to counter terrorism operates at the federal, regional and municipal levels.

I would like to note that through our joint efforts we have managed to eradicate organised criminal groups in the North Caucasus, which has helped ensure security at such large international forums and competitions in Russia as the 2013 Universiad in Kazan, the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, the European championships in 2018 and other events where representatives…



Vladimir Putin:

The FIFA World Cup.





Alexander Bortnikov:

Yes, exactly.

Of course, a lot has been done. As a result of this work, but unfortunately at the cost of big problems and losses, we have managed to reduce terrorist activities in Russia, above all in the North Caucasus.

I would like to refer to the statistics for the past ten years, from 2010 until the present. While 778 crimes of a terrorist nature were reported in 2010, last year we recorded only four. Of course, we cannot be one-hundred-percent certain that our work will completely eliminate the terrorist threat but we are striving for that.

Over the past decade, we have prevented 698 terrorist-related crimes, including 159 actual terrorist attacks. These results were achieved thanks to both the personnel of the federal operations headquarters and the entire system built by the NAC.

We have focused a lot of effort on exposing aiding and abetting groups and intercepting the sponsorship of terrorist activity. Our records show that over these past ten years, we have exposed 728 cases involving sponsorship of terrorist activity and all of this activity has been suppressed.

As far as the work of the committee itself is concerned, since the NAC was established, we have placed great emphasis on its regulation and the development of the necessary legal framework. This work has been done more or less from scratch, involving a scrupulous examination of international law. However, since the committee’s establishment, we have developed and published 79 federal laws, 30 presidential executive orders, 152 government resolutions and various directives in this area. In other words, we have built up a sufficient regulatory framework although, naturally, we make certain modifications from time to time based on the analysis of the current situation in the country and the experience of international organisations.

We closely cooperate with specialised committees of the UN Security Council – in particular, the UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee and the UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate.

I can definitely state that the NAC’s experience has been in demand by the global community. Why? Because every year, at the UNSC’s initiative, our committee holds year-end briefings at the UN Security Council. Representatives of various Western security services and foreign countries are interested in our experience. Of course, we share this information and build up our own expertise as we do so.

We understand very well that it is impossible to address the task of combatting- terrorism by force alone. This is why preventing terrorist crimes is one of the approaches to organising our work.

Since 2008, in agreement with you and with your support, we have carried out work to counter the terrorist ideology in Russia. A corresponding programme was developed and implemented during the next five years of the working plan to counter terrorist ideology. As of today, the plan you have approved for 2019–2023 is being implemented.

It must be noted that following the prevention policy that we carried out in Russia, together with interested agencies and institutions, the level of radicalisation has decreased significantly; this is a fact. Moreover, I would like to say that this was a one-of-a-kind task, carried out with people who either were involved or took part in criminal activities with a terrorist element. Over 500 were dissuaded from taking part in these activities. Of course, we are continuing this work.

With your permission, some time ago the Federal Security Service also began significant work with our partner special services in other countries.



Vladimir Putin:

This is what I wanted to ask. Is this a bilateral effort?





Alexander Bortnikov:

Yes, this work, both bilateral and multilateral, is constantly being carried out. Unfortunately, this year we had to postpone the planned events due to the pandemic, but I hope we will catch up, although the experience coming from working on this platform provides us with an opportunity to exchange information with our colleagues, help each other identify and prevent brewing terrorist attacks and cooperate, including directly during combat.

As part of these operations and at the initiative of the Federal Security Service, we started promoting the concept of creating a common counter-terrorism information space in which different states, security services and law enforcement agencies could consolidate their information in order to use it more efficiently.

As part of this project, in 2009 we started building an international data bank, a database that would combine various sorts of information concerning terrorist-related activity, events and specific individuals. As of today, 56 security services from 42 states and eight international organisations are connected to this international data bank. We are continuing with the development of this approach while relying on the capabilities of international platforms.

The UN Security Council has shown great interest in this work, as I said, and they are providing necessary assistance to us. Of course, the Foreign Ministry and the Russian Security Council discuss these efforts on a regular basis and keep our partner services and representatives of foreign states up to date.

Mr President, our work follows a specific plan. I would like to inform you that today I chaired a regular NAC meeting and we discussed the prevention of terrorist activity in the Volga Federal District.

We will make sure that we improve our performance and increase our efficiency.



Vladimir Putin:

Good.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63513






Meeting with Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev



Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Director General of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation Alexei Likhachev. The State Corporation’s CEO briefed the President on corporate activities and the implementation of major projects, including those linked with the development of the Northern Sea Route.



June 17, 2020 - 14:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, Mr Likhachev,

Mr Likhachev, we will, of course, discuss the overall situation in the sector. But I would particularly like to draw attention to and hear your report on the nature conservation projects being implemented with your involvement and, certainly, our major projects linked with the development of the Northern Sea Route.



Director General of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation Alexei Likhachev:

Mr President, thank you very much for this opportunity to personally report on the situation in the sector.

Of course, the global atomic community and Rosatom have felt the consequences of the pandemic, and I will discuss this separately. On the whole, I would like to say that we are coping with our tasks. I would like to note that the sector’s safety and security parameters have remained very impressive over the past six months, and we are improving them. This year, our stations are twice as reliable as they were in 2019, their reliability continues to improve, and there has been a decrease in the number of injuries. This year, no industrial accidents or fires have been reported at the sector’s enterprises.

We started the new year in a good mood, and members of our Supervisory Board approved the 2019 balance sheet. You can see the results here. On the whole, key performance indicators have been implemented by 104 percent. We reported maximum record-breaking parameters in virtually all key aspects of our activity. It is particularly important to note that this includes revenue from new products, revenue from implementing projects abroad, and the state corporation’s total revenue.

We exceeded the 1.2 trillion rubles mark last year, and our average growth rates are just under 11 percent. This year, payments contracted, especially in April and May, and we lost about 11 percent of our revenue in five months. However, we compiled plans stipulating compensatory measures, and our current task is to exceed the 2019 levels before the year is out.

Our domestic investment remains stable at around 250 billion rubles. There is also public funding but it is several times smaller than the taxes we pay. They are growing ahead of plans, as you can see, including our payments to the federal and municipal budgets. And they will continue growing.



Vladimir Putin:

Do you expect growth this year as well?



Alexei Likhachev:

Yes, we will transfer up to 220 billion rubles to various budgets. This is practically three times more than the 70 billion rubles we receive from the federal budget, one third of which we invest in national projects.

The average pay at the corporation is increasing. It will be more than 88,000 rubles this year, an increase of some 6 percent annually.

Our labour productivity is growing a bit faster, by around 6.5 percent annually over a period of the past four years. We are actively participating in the Labour Productivity and Employment Support national project, hoping to set a good example and become a driver on the industrial market.



Vladimir Putin:

You forecast even a 7 percent growth?



Alexei Likhachev:

Yes.



Vladimir Putin:

How will you do this?



Alexei Likhachev:

First of all, we will make use of Rosatom’s industrial system, which includes systemic work to improve operation, cut down costs, reduce stock and organise effective production process. We have rallied not only the industry businesses, but also other large Russian companies, enterprises of Rostec, Roscosmos and Russian Railways. We are working together to create operational excellence programmes.

Mr President, our construction programme is moving forward rapidly. We worked on 216 construction projects worth 400 billion rubles in 2019. This year, we will increase the scope of construction by 70 percent and the number of facilities to be completed fourfold; the majority of the latter projects are the facilities that are being built under state defence contracts. Despite the current difficulties, we have not cut back on our construction programme, and we will do our best to complete the construction of the facilities as planned. You can see that the volume of our construction projects will almost double by 2023. This concerns projects both in Russia and abroad.

It is not easy to work during the pandemic, especially abroad. I am grateful to the Government for effective…



Vladimir Putin:

I see your international operations revenue is on the rise this year, too.



Alexei Likhachev:

It is growing by about 10–15 percent every year in terms of dollars.

Mr President, there is something else to boast about in recent months. We have completed almost all construction and installation projects at the second power unit of the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant [LNPP-2]. Now, the Rostekhnadzor commission is working on it. We expect to receive our license for the physical launch in July, which will be the official anniversary of the station.

A floating nuclear power plant was put into commercial operation on May 22; it has already generated 53 million kilowatt hours. This is our northernmost floating station.



Vladimir Putin:

Is it working well?



Alexei Likhachev:

Yes, it is. It can actually produce much more power than the region is consuming, so the reserves are large.



Vladimir Putin:

How much more?



Alexei Likhachev:

I believe it can produce about 60 percent more. One of the two units is almost idle.

On May 1, we began operating Russia’s largest Adygeya wind power plant with 150 megawatts. We will complete another one in the Stavropol Territory soon. These are powerful modern stations. Importantly, 65–70 percent of the equipment was manufactured domestically. We will be working to increase domestic content to 90–95 percent.

Regarding our international project, the Multi-Purpose Fast Reactor, we submitted the documentation ahead of schedule, the site is ready, the technical plan is ready. I really hope our partners in France, China, and the Czech Republic will find this joint project for future-generation reactors attractive and innovative.

Mr President, you are familiar with the Dima Rogachev Centre. We are building a radiological complex there. We are ahead of schedule and want to open it a year early. This year, we submitted the paperwork ahead of schedule, too, and got the first phase approved. We are working on your instruction very responsibly.

I am ready to comment on our foreign construction projects. We are working on 25 projects in 10 countries, and we have completed projects in 36 countries. As I have already mentioned, we have developed good relations with the Government, we do staff rotations, invite foreign professionals despite the current restrictions. We are not adjusting the construction programme this year, not even for the largest projects. Our largest projects this year are in Turkey and Bangladesh.



Vladimir Putin:

Are you proceeding on schedule?



Alexei Likhachev:

Yes, absolutely.

Our flagship project is the construction of a nuclear power plant in Belarus. The construction stage is over, and we are now waiting for approval from the Belarusian nuclear regulator Gosatomnadzor. We also need to receive a license and we plan to launch the plant in July.

Mr President, I would like to talk about the Northern Sea Route now. You have issued instructions to increase cargo traffic there to 80 million tonnes by 2024. We are moving towards this goal and have increased the annual traffic more than planned, by 5.5 million tonnes last year.

I wanted to let you know that we are moving towards the year-round use of the Northern Sea Route. In the eastern direction, this year we worked together with NOVATEK and Sovcomflot to convoy two LNG tankers, Vladimir Voronin and Christophe de Margerie, very early in the season, in May, when the ice is still very thick, and we did this at a commercial speed of nearly 12 knots an hour. I would like to thank NOVATEK and Sovcomflot once again for organising this effort.



Vladimir Putin:

Which ships convoyed the tankers?





Alexei Likhachev:

Two of our icebreakers did it. Yamal helped Christophe de Margerie, while Vladimir Voronin followed the 50 Let Pobedy icebreaker. They are our old-timers, but we have extended their warranty life in full compliance with safety requirements.

This year we will receive the first universal nuclear icebreaker Arktika. Its performance tests will begin in the last ten days of June, so that the icebreaker is handed over to Atomflot in September or October, at the latest.



Vladimir Putin:

And it will start working up north?



Alexei Likhachev:

Yes, this is where it will be working.

We have launched the construction of the fourth icebreaker, as per your instructions to build the fourth and fifth icebreakers of this project. I would like to add that 55 percent of the investment comes from the corporation and 45 percent from the federal budget.



Vladimir Putin:

Do you think you will be able to do 30 million tonnes of cargo this year?



Alexei Likhachev:

I think we will do more than that.



Vladimir Putin:

This year?



Alexei Likhachev:

Yes, this year.



Vladimir Putin:

This means that you are moving ahead of schedule. You planned to carry 30 million tonnes in 2021.



Alexei Likhachev:

Eighty million tonnes is a very ambitious goal.We need to have a little something to be able to fall back on just in case. We should not move exactly as planned; we should have a reserve. We are working close together with our mining companies, namely with Rosneft, NOVATEK and Gazprom. We see how hard our partners are working and how much they are investing in the development of their northern projects. And we try to keep with them.



Vladimir Putin:

Very good.



Alexei Likhachev:

Under the Ecology Project, our priority task is to convert four chemical weapons elimination plants into powerful ecology and technology parks by 2023 and to launch three new plants in Russia. At the same time, we are establishing an integrated system for recycling waste in the first and second industrial-safety categories. This waste includes the most harmful substances that can irreparably damage nature. We have the technology to recycle them to the greatest possible extent without burying them. But we need a system for monitoring and recording their circulation. We have reached complete consensus with the Government, and we are working on schedule.

We are also working on the large accumulated stockpiles. We have your instructions and are implementing them in Chelyabinsk and at the Krasny Bor landfill.



Vladimir Putin:

Roughly, up to ten million tonnes?



Alexei Likhachev:

Yes, something like ten million tonnes have accumulated.

We are using digital technology, and I would like to note briefly that in 2019, we, along with Rostelecom, launched the largest data processing centre in Europe. We are thinking about setting up such centres on the territory of nuclear power plants.



Vladimir Putin:

Power.



Alexei Likhachev:

Power and cyber-defence in full volume.



Vladimir Putin:

But they are now trying to get as close to your facilities as possible, and you want them inside the perimeter?



Alexei Likhachev:

Practically inside the perimeter, both in Russia and abroad. This could accommodate a large cloud storage facility, all the resources that the Government is now creating in the context of archival data and in the context of handling personal data. What we need is maximum protection.





Vladimir Putin:

Yes, but your nuclear power plants have special operating regime. New private individuals and legal entities will appear here; you have to be very careful, and you need to ensure safety and security.



Alexei Likhachev:

Of course, everything will be all right.



Vladimir Putin:

You should ensure security access. Basically, you are right, and you should have them close. This will make their work much easier and will reduce their power related costs. We discussed this at one of our meetings.



Alexei Likhachev:

We would see a 25–30 percent reduction, if they start receiving electricity from our power stations directly…



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, we discussed this at one of our meetings.



Alexei Likhachev:

We are ready for this option.



Vladimir Putin:

Excellent.



Alexei Likhachev:

And another important aspect. All our technologies and units are worthless without people. Since the first days of the state corporation, we have paid a lot of attention to our people, and we have some good results. Last year, we were rated the best national employers by HeadHunter recruitment agency, and our young specialists placed first, according to a Universal survey. We have re-established the prestige and authority of engineering careers. Young people want to work for us. We are outpacing many companies, including non-commodity companies, in this respect.

We have placed first in the World Skills Hi-Tech professions competition for five consecutive years. We won three gold medals for our national team at the 2019 world championships.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you, Mr President. In April, you signed an executive order on creating a comprehensive programme for the development of equipment, technologies and research projects in the area of nuclear energy. We have drafted this comprehensive programme, and we have coordinated it with the related agencies. The Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, as well as the Kurchatov Institute, are supporting it. We believe that this generates tremendous synergy for industry and science. I would like to report on specific aspects separately.



Vladimir Putin:

Please.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63517






Meeting with Director of the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring Yury Chikhanchin



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Director of the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring Yury Chikhanchin.



June 18, 2020 - 14:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon,

Mr Chikhanchin, I would like to hear from you today on the results of monitoring government spending and the use of funds allocated for national projects. How is it all going?



Director of the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring Yury Chikhanchin:

Mr President, as per your instruction, we have built a system to monitor and control the spending of budget funds together with other concerned agencies – primarily the Treasury, the Taxation Service, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the FSB. We have established interaction and developed a control mechanism, meaning we have worked out unified risk assessment criteria and built a monitoring system, and are now working on a system of measures to minimise these risks. We submit all the new proposals to the Government and we are now working well with Mr Mishustin on this track.

What have we achieved in building this mechanism? I would like to say a few words about the coronavirus, because at present the biggest spending is being channelled in this direction. We are monitoring about 7,000 state contracts and about 4,500 contractors and we can see that the financial flow is really very high. The dynamics are presented on this cash flow chart.

But at the same time, at the initial stage, some of the contractors that were identified were in the risk zone, and we had to take some of the cases and send about 160 files to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the FSB, and the Interior Ministry. As a result, some of the contracts have been terminated, and criminal proceedings have been initiated. But after that, the dynamics began to change for the better. Indeed, the contract discipline of those who work with the coronavirus has definitely improved. These graphs here indicate downward trends in the number of suspicious transactions, in the use of fly-by-night firms, in the use of bank accounts for shady transactions. A similar situation was recorded with the procurement of ventilators and other medical equipment. Here we can also see improved results, and generally everyone’s good work.

The second package of issues linked with the coronavirus is assistance to backbone companies. We looked at over 1,000 of these from different angles. First of all, some of them deliberately conceal their real financial position. Second, others may transfer funds abroad, primarily, taxable funds, to offshore companies. We looked at the work with shadow venues, deposition of funds and the issue of interest-free loans. We also paid attention to the involvement of non-residents in the operations and management of the companies.

Regrettably, we noticed that all these actions are being made. Indeed, some companies transfer funds abroad, and there are non-residents working in over 100 companies. We prepared all the material and have now submitted it to the Government. They will be taken into account in the elaboration of approaches to the work with backbone companies.

Now a few words about national projects. This is how the situation developed. As of today, the total amount of money transfers exceeds 2 trillion. The recipients received approximately the same amount.

There is a minor problem with cash disbursements though. Not all the funds that have been received are being contracted. Naturally, part of national projects will be revised with the account of the current situation but procrastination must be avoided to prevent the past year’s situation when both funds and not very scrupulous contractors appeared at the end of the year.

If we look at yet another slide, we will see that today about a third of contractors we are tackling nationwide are in the risk zone. What risks do we see today? They conduct a considerable number of suspicious operations with banks. Some companies are fictitious and only have one or two employees. Others have only existed for a relatively short period of time, say up to six months.



Vladimir Putin:

They are not fly-by-night companies but yet they were not set up for real work.





Yury Chikhanchin:

Yes, they have just appeared but are already looking for contracts worth billions. We are reviewing their activities in cooperation with the relevant departments.

If we look directly at each national project, we will see that the picture is about the same in all of them. Maybe the national project on small and medium-sized businesses has some particular features. It has a much better interest rate. This also applies to the projects on education and the comprehensive plan for upgrading and expanding the trunk infrastructure. Now we are working directly with the Government on all these issues. Mr Mishustin assigned a deputy prime minister specifically for this purpose and we are now working with him.

If we look at how the funds allocated for national projects are being spent, the Southern and the Far Eastern federal districts evoke the biggest number of questions. We are now closely working with the offices of their plenipotentiary envoys and are trying to warn them in advance about the risks we see and are looking for ways of jointly minimising them.

Risks really do exist in a number of regions: the Stavropol Territory, the Penza Region and the Khabarovsk Territory. We are starting to work directly with their governors. We are testing a pilot project in the Novgorod and Tula regions. In cooperation with them we identified all risky contractors. They have simply established control over them and given instructions to their regulatory bodies. The Novgorod Region Governor has taken these under his control and visits them.

This option that was offered to the Novgorod and Tula regions, was analysed at a Government meeting, by the Government Commission and recommended to all regions. They have been advised to work according to the same principles. We believe that this will make it possible to reduce the risks while implementing national projects.

We are not only monitoring the problems but also taking more resolute actions. In cooperation with the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service and the Federal Security Service we have already revealed cartel agreements worth 700 million this year and cancelled them. Budget funds worth 3.8 billion rubles have been saved by ousting unscrupulous contractors. In effect, almost 3 billion have been reimbursed – this is when taxes were returned voluntarily. About 50 criminal cases have been opened and about 2 billion rubles arrested.



Vladimir Putin:

But it is necessary to bring these cases to court, not to let them get lost on the way.



Yury Chikhanchin:

We will do our best.

I can quote two examples. The first project is linked with environmental protection in the Volga River area. The funds were allotted but unscrupulous contractors transferred part of these funds to affiliated structures and even to the accounts of subcontractors.

The second example concerns the company that worked in the oncological centre in Kaliningrad and some facilities in Crimea. The situation was similar. Criminal cases were opened with our participation and based on our materials.

I would like to say what problems we are facing today in monitoring budget funds. We still would like to “colour” budget funds so that banks are able to see that these funds come from the budget and are designated for national projects, like we once did on the Defence Procurement and Acquisition. This will make the performance of the banks more effective. They will not conduct dubious, suspicious transactions.

Second, we need to develop unified classifiers for all ministries and agencies to be aware of what is a risk. This is not only the risk for our Service, for the Federal Security Service or for the Federal Treasury, it is a risk for all of us.

And, of course, a decision-making centre. We are working on this now together with the Government as every risk cannot be minimised by one agency. Let's say that a bank has its license revoked; its customers need to know what they should do in this situation. There are many examples like this.

Let me say a few words about defence procurement. I should note that the groundwork laid in this area back in 2016 has produced good results. We have largely reduced the number of dubious transactions by about 35–37 percent. Certain areas have seen a three-fold reduction, with no fly-by-night companies involved anymore. There are no cases of banks refusing transactions for defence procurement contractors. The situation has stabilised in this area, and we have to keep it at this level.





Vladimir Putin:

I know that the recently introduced system is working efficiently.



Yury Chikhanchin:

It is.

Another important thing is that it was the right decision to make Promsvyazbank the lead bank in resolving this matter. I can say that currently 58 percent of defence procurement contractors have become Promsvyazbank customers. Together with the bank, we are developing common approaches; the bank has a good control system. They are cooperating with us, the Federal Treasury, the Federal Taxation Service, and with law-enforcement agencies. All this allows us to keep these financial resources safe.

I should also add that the extensive work we have implemented along with the Central Bank and law-enforcement agencies, particularly with the Federal Security Service, the Interior Ministry and the Prosecutor General's Office, has allowed us to clean up the banking sector. If 18 months ago we had several dozen questionable banks in the country, today we can say there are only about a dozen. We know them and we are taking efforts to gradually eliminate them all.

Yet, the demand for “grey” money is still there, and unscrupulous businessmen choose to act through foreign platforms. For instance, we are jointly working now with our Kyrgyz colleagues on the 'Kyrgyz scheme' case to find out where the money went. About ten more countries are providing assistance to us in this regard. A total of 2 billion rubles has been seized so far. I believe we will push this matter through; we have already reduced the outflow of monetary resources to Kyrgyzstan seven-fold thanks to assistance from our colleagues there.

Along with the issues in the banking sector, another set of problems is also seen in the insurance industry. Here the principle is simple: a twin company is set up – that is, an insurance company and an insurance agent, and the money that an individual or a company are to bring for insurance, go to the insurance agent, and it is then distributed, leaving the insurance company out. We understand how to handle this, we work on this, and we are building a system. I think it will give us an opportunity to keep the allocated financial resources safe.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63525
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Old June 19th, 2020 #97
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75th Anniversary of the Great Victory: Shared Responsibility to History and our Future



June 19, 2020 - 00:00



75 years have passed since the end of the Great Patriotic War. Several generations have grown up over the years. The political map of the planet has changed. The Soviet Union that claimed an epic, crushing victory over Nazism and saved the entire world is gone. Besides, the events of that war have long become a distant memory, even for its participants. So why does Russia celebrate the 9th of May as the biggest holiday? Why does life almost come to a halt on June 22? And why does one feel a lump rise in their throat?

They usually say that the war has left a deep imprint on every family's history. Behind these words, there are fates of millions of people, their sufferings and the pain of loss. Behind these words, there is also the pride, the truth and the memory.

For my parents, the war meant the terrible ordeals of the Siege of Leningrad where my two-year old brother Vitya died. It was the place where my mother miraculously managed to survive. My father, despite being exempt from active duty, volunteered to defend his hometown. He made the same decision as millions of Soviet citizens. He fought at the Nevsky Pyatachok bridgehead and was severely wounded. And the more years pass, the more I feel the need to talk to my parents and learn more about the war period of their lives. But I no longer have the opportunity to do so. This is the reason why I treasure in my heart the conversations I had with my father and mother on this subject, as well as the little emotion they showed.

People of my age and I believe it is important that our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren understand the torment and hardships their ancestors had to endure. They need to understand how their ancestors managed to persevere and win. Where did their sheer, unbending willpower that amazed and fascinated the whole world come from? Sure, they were defending their homes, children, loved ones and families. However, what they shared was the love for their homeland, their Motherland. That deep-seated, intimate feeling is fully reflected in the very essence of our nation and became one of the decisive factors in its heroic, sacrificial fight against the Nazis.

People often wonder: What would today's generation do? How will it act when faced with a crisis situation? I see young doctors, nurses, sometimes fresh graduates that go to the ”red zone“ to save lives. I see our servicemen fighting international terrorism in the North Caucasus, fighting to the bitter end in Syria. They are so young. Many servicemen who were part of the legendary, immortal 6th Paratroop Company were 19–20 years old. But all of them proved that they deserved to inherit the feat of the warriors of our Motherland that defended it during the Great Patriotic War.

This is why I am confident that one of the characteristic features of the peoples of Russia is to fulfil their duty without feeling sorry for themselves when the circumstances so demand. Such values as selflessness, patriotism, love for their home, their family and Fatherland remain fundamental and integral to the Russian society to this day. These values are, to a large extent, the backbone of our country's sovereignty.

Nowadays, we have new traditions created by the people, such as the Immortal Regiment. This is the memory march that symbolises our gratitude, as well as the living connection and the blood ties between generations. Millions of people come out to the streets carrying the photographs of their relatives who defended their Fatherland and defeated the Nazis. This means that their lives, the ordeals and sacrifices they endured, as well as the Victory that they passed to us will never be forgotten.

We have a responsibility to our past and our future to do our utmost to prevent those horrible tragedies from happening ever again. Hence, I was compelled to come out with an article about World War II and the Great Patriotic War. I have discussed this idea on several occasions with world leaders, and they have showed their support. At the summit of CIS leaders held at the end of last year, we all agreed on one thing: it is essential to pass on to future generations the memory of the fact that the Nazis were defeated first and foremost by the entire Soviet people and that representatives of all republics of the Soviet Union fought side by side together in that heroic battle, both on the frontlines and in the rear. During that summit, I also talked with my counterparts about the challenging pre-war period.

That conversation caused a stir in Europe and the world. It means that it is indeed high time that we revisited the lessons of the past. At the same time, there were many emotional outbursts, poorly disguised insecurities and loud accusations that followed. Acting out of habit, certain politicians rushed to claim that Russia was trying to rewrite history. However, they failed to rebut a single fact or refute a single argument. It is indeed difficult, if not impossible, to argue with the original documents that, by the way, can be found not only in Russian, but also in foreign archives.

Thus, there is a need to further examine the reasons that caused the world war and reflect on its complicated events, tragedies and victories, as well as its lessons, both for our country and the entire world. And like I said, it is crucial to rely exclusively on archive documents and contemporary evidence while avoiding any ideological or politicised speculations.

I would like to once again recall the obvious fact. The root causes of World War II mainly stem from the decisions made after World War I. The Treaty of Versailles became a symbol of grave injustice for Germany. It basically implied that the country was to be robbed, being forced to pay enormous reparations to the Western allies that drained its economy. French Marshal Ferdinand Foch who served as the Supreme Allied Commander gave a prophetic description of that Treaty: “This is not peace. It is an armistice for twenty years.”

It was the national humiliation that became a fertile ground for radical and revenge-seeking sentiments in Germany. The Nazis skilfully played on people's emotions and built their propaganda promising to deliver Germany from the “legacy of Versailles” and restore the country to its former power while essentially pushing German people into war. Paradoxically, the Western states, particularly the United Kingdom and the United States, directly or indirectly contributed to this. Their financial and industrial enterprises actively invested in German factories and plants manufacturing military products. Besides, many people in the aristocracy and political establishment supported radical, far-right and nationalist movements that were on the rise both in Germany and in Europe.

“Versailles world order” caused numerous implicit controversies and apparent conflicts. They revolved around the borders of new European states randomly set by the victors in World War I. That boundary delimitation was almost immediately followed by territorial disputes and mutual claims that turned into “time bombs”.

One of the major outcomes of World War I was the establishment of the League of Nations. There were high expectations for that international organisation to ensure lasting peace and collective security. It was a progressive idea that, if followed through consistently, could actually prevent the horrors of a global war from happening again.

However, the League of Nations dominated by the victorious powers of France and the United Kingdom proved ineffective and just got swamped by pointless discussions. The League of Nations and the European continent in general turned a deaf ear to the repeated calls of the Soviet Union to establish an equitable collective security system, and sign an Eastern European pact and a Pacific pact to prevent aggression. These proposals were disregarded.

The League of Nations also failed to prevent conflicts in various parts of the world, such as the attack of Italy on Ethiopia, a civil war in Spain, the Japanese aggression against China and the Anschluss of Austria. Furthermore, in case of the Munich Betrayal that, in addition to Hitler and Mussolini, involved British and French leaders, Czechoslovakia was taken apart with the full approval of the League of Nations. I would like to point out in this regard that, unlike many other European leaders of that time, Stalin did not disgrace himself by meeting with Hitler who was known among the Western nations as quite a reputable politician and was a welcome guest in the European capitals.

Poland was also engaged in the partition of Czechoslovakia along with Germany. They decided together in advance who would get what Czechoslovak territories. On September 20, 1938, Polish Ambassador to Germany Józef Lipski reported to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Józef Beck on the following assurances made by Hitler: “…in case of a conflict between Poland and Czechoslovakia over our interests in Teschen, the Reich would stand by Poland.” The Nazi leader even prompted and advised that Poland started to act “only after the Germans occupy the Sudetes.”

Poland was aware that without Hitler's support, its annexationist plans were doomed to fail. I would like to quote in this regard a record of the conversation between German Ambassador to Warsaw Hans-Adolf von Moltke and Józef Beck that took place on October 1, 1938, and was focused on the Polish-Czech relations and the position of the Soviet Union in this matter. It says: “Mr Beck expressed real gratitude for the loyal treatment accorded to Polish interests at the Munich conference, as well as the sincerity of relations during the Czech conflict. The Government and the public [of Poland] fully appreciated the attitude of the Fuehrer and Chancellor.”

The partition of Czechoslovakia was brutal and cynical. Munich destroyed even the formal, fragile guarantees that remained on the continent. It showed that mutual agreements were worthless. It was the Munich Betrayal that served as the “trigger” and made the great war in Europe inevitable.

Today, European politicians, and Polish leaders in particular, wish to sweep the Munich Betrayal under the carpet. Why? The fact that their countries once broke their commitments and supported the Munich Betrayal, with some of them even participating in divvying up the take, is not the only reason. Another is that it is kind of embarrassing to recall that during those dramatic days of 1938, the Soviet Union was the only one to stand up for Czechoslovakia.

The Soviet Union, in accordance with its international obligations, including agreements with France and Czechoslovakia, tried to prevent the tragedy from happening. Meanwhile, Poland, in pursuit of its interests, was doing its utmost to hamper the establishment of a collective security system in Europe. Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Józef Beck wrote about it directly in his letter of September 19, 1938 to the aforementioned Ambassador Józef Lipski before his meeting with Hitler: “…in the past year, the Polish government rejected four times the proposal to join the international interfering in defence of Czechoslovakia.”

Britain, as well as France, which was at the time the main ally of the Czechs and Slovaks, chose to withdraw their guarantees and abandon this Eastern European country to its fate. In so doing, they sought to direct the attention of the Nazis eastward so that Germany and the Soviet Union would inevitably clash and bleed each other white.

That was the essence of the western policy of ‘appeasement,’ which was pursued not only towards the Third Reich but also towards other participants of the so-called Anti-Comintern Pact – the fascist Italy and militarist Japan. In the Far East, this policy culminated in the conclusion of the Anglo-Japanese agreement in the summer of 1939, which gave Tokyo a free hand in China. The leading European powers were unwilling to recognise the mortal danger posed by Germany and its allies to the whole world. They were hoping that they themselves would be left untouched by the war.

The Munich Betrayal showed to the Soviet Union that the Western countries would deal with security issues without taking its interests into account. In fact, they could even create an anti-Soviet front, if needed.

Nevertheless, the Soviet Union did its utmost to use every chance to create an Anti-Hitler coalition. Despite – I will say it again – the double‑dealing on the part of the Western countries. For instance, the intelligence services reported to the Soviet leadership detailed information on the behind-the-scenes contacts between Britain and Germany in the summer of 1939. The important thing is that those contacts were quite active and practically coincided with the tripartite negotiations between France, Great Britain and the USSR, which were, on the contrary, deliberately protracted by the Western partners. In this connection, I will cite a document from the British archives. It contains instructions to the British military mission that came to Moscow in August 1939. It directly states that the delegation was to proceed with negotiations very slowly, and that the Government of the United Kingdom was not ready to assume any obligations spelled out in detail and limiting their freedom of action under any circumstances. I will also note that, unlike the British and French delegations, the Soviet delegation was headed by top commanders of the Red Army, who had the necessary authority to “sign a military convention on the organisation of military defence of England, France and the USSR against aggression in Europe.”

Poland played its role in the failure of those negotiations as it did not want to have any obligations to the Soviet side. Even under pressure from their Western allies, the Polish leadership rejected the idea of joint action with the Red Army to fight against the Wehrmacht. It was only when they learned of the arrival of J. Ribbentrop to Moscow that J. Beck reluctantly and not directly, but through French diplomats, notified the Soviet side: “… in the event of joint action against the German aggression, cooperation between Poland and the Soviet Union, subject to technical conditions which have to be agreed, is not out of the question.” At the same time, he explained to his colleagues: “… I agreed to this wording only for the sake of the tactics, and our core position in relation to the Soviet Union is final and remains unchanged.”

In these circumstances, the Soviet Union signed the Non-Aggression Pact with Germany. It was practically the last among the European countries to do so. Besides, it was done in the face of a real threat of war on two fronts – with Germany in the west and with Japan in the east, where intense fighting on the Khalkhin Gol River was already underway.

Stalin and his entourage, indeed, deserve many legitimate accusations. We remember the crimes committed by the regime against its own people and the horror of mass repressions. In other words, there are many things the Soviet leaders can be reproached for, but poor understanding of the nature of external threats is not one of them. They saw how attempts were made to leave the Soviet Union alone to deal with Germany and its allies. Bearing in mind this real threat, they sought to buy precious time needed to strengthen the country's defences.

Nowadays, we hear lots of speculations and accusations against modern Russia in connection with the Non-Aggression Pact signed back then. Yes, Russia is the legal successor state to the USSR, and the Soviet period – with all its triumphs and tragedies – is an inalienable part of our thousand-year-long history. However, let me also remind you that the Soviet Union gave a legal and moral assessment of the so-called Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact. The Supreme Soviet in its resolution of December 24, 1989 officially denounced the secret protocols as “an act of personal power” which in no way reflected “the will of the Soviet people who bear no responsibility for this collusion.”

Yet other states prefer to forget the agreements carrying signatures of the Nazis and Western politicians, not to mention giving legal or political assessments of such cooperation, including the silent acquiescence – or even direct abetment – of some European politicians in the barbarous plans of the Nazis. It will suffice to remember the cynical phrase said by Polish Ambassador to Germany J. Lipski during his conversation with Hitler on September 20, 1938: “…for solving the Jewish problem, we [the Poles] will build in his honour … a splendid monument in Warsaw.”

Besides, we do not know if there were any secret “protocols” or annexes to agreements of a number of countries with the Nazis. The only thing that is left to do is to take their word for it. In particular, materials pertaining to the secret Anglo-German talks still have not been declassified. Therefore, we urge all states to step up the process of making their archives public and publishing previously unknown documents of the war and pre-war periods – the way Russia has been doing it in recent years. In this context, we are ready for broad cooperation and joint research projects engaging historians.

But let us go back to the events immediately preceding the Second World War. It was naďve to believe that Hitler, once done with Czechoslovakia, would not make new territorial claims. This time the claims involved its recent accomplice in the partition of Czechoslovakia – Poland. Here, the legacy of Versailles, particularly the fate of the so-called Danzig Corridor, was yet again used as the pretext. The blame for the tragedy that Poland then suffered lies entirely with the Polish leadership, which had impeded the formation of a military alliance between Britain, France and the Soviet Union and relied on the help from its Western partners, throwing its own people under the steamroller of Hitler's machine of destruction.

The German offensive was mounted in full accordance with the blitzkrieg doctrine. Despite the fierce, heroic resistance of the Polish army, on September 8, 1939 – only a week after the war broke out – the German troops were on the approaches to Warsaw. By September 17, the military and political leaders of Poland had fled to Romania, betraying its people, who continued to fight against the invaders.

Poland's hope for help from its Western allies was vain. After the war against Germany was declared, the French troops advanced only a few tens of kilometres deep into the German territory. All of it looked like a mere demonstration of vigorous action. Moreover, the Anglo-French Supreme War Council, holding its first meeting on September 12, 1939 in the French city of Abbeville, decided to call off the offensive altogether in view of the rapid developments in Poland. That was when the infamous Phony War started. What Britain and France did was a blatant betrayal of their obligations to Poland.

Later, during the Nuremberg Trials, German generals explained their quick success in the East. Former Chief of the Operations Staff of the German Armed Forces High Command General Alfred Jodl admitted: “… we did not suffer defeat as early as 1939 only because about 110 French and British divisions stationed in the west against 23 German divisions during our war with Poland remained absolutely idle.”

I asked for retrieval from the archives of the whole body of materials pertaining to the contacts between the USSR and Germany in the dramatic days of August and September 1939. According to the documents, paragraph 2 of the Secret Protocol to the German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of August 23, 1939 stated that, in the event of territorial-political reorganisation of the districts making up the Polish state, the border between the spheres of interest of the two countries would run “approximately along the Narew, Vistula and San rivers.” In other words, the Soviet sphere of influence included not only the territories that were mostly home to Ukrainian and Belorussian population but also the historically Polish lands in the Vistula and Bug interfluve. This fact is known to very few these days.

Similarly, very few know that, immediately after the attack on Poland, in the early days of September 1939, Berlin strongly and repeatedly called on Moscow to join the military action. However, the Soviet leadership ignored those calls and planned to avoid engaging in the dramatic developments as long as possible.

It was only when it became absolutely clear that Great Britain and France were not going to help their ally and the Wehrmacht could swiftly occupy entire Poland and thus appear on the approaches to Minsk that the Soviet Union decided to send in, on the morning of September 17, Red Army units into the so-called Eastern Borderlines (Kresy), which nowadays form part of the territories of Belorussia, Ukraine and Lithuania.

Obviously, there was no alternative. Otherwise, the USSR would face seriously increased risks because – I will say this again – the old Soviet-Polish border ran only within a few tens of kilometres from Minsk. The country would have to enter the inevitable war with the Nazis from very disadvantageous strategic positions, while millions of people of different nationalities, including the Jews living near Brest and Grodno, Przemyśl, Lvov and Wilno, would be left to die at the hands of the Nazis and their local accomplices – anti-Semites and radical nationalists.

The fact that the Soviet Union sought to avoid engaging in the growing conflict for as long as possible and was unwilling to fight side by side with Germany was the reason why the real contact between the Soviet and the German troops occurred much farther east than the borders agreed in the secret protocol. It was not on the Vistula River but closer to the so-called Curzon Line, which back in 1919 was recommended by the Triple Entente as the eastern border of Poland.

As is known, the subjunctive mood can hardly be used when we speak of the past events. I will only say that, in September 1939, the Soviet leadership had an opportunity to move the western borders of the USSR even farther west, all the way to Warsaw, but decided against it.

The Germans suggested formalising the new status quo. On September 28, 1939 J. Ribbentrop and V. Molotov signed in Moscow the Boundary and Friendship Treaty between Germany and the Soviet Union, as well as the secret protocol on changing the state border, according to which the border was recognised at the demarcation line where the two armies de-facto stood.

In autumn 1939, the Soviet Union, pursuing its strategic military and defensive goals, started the process of incorporation of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Their accession to the USSR was implemented on a contractual basis, with the consent of the elected authorities. This was in line with international and state law of that time. Besides, in October 1939, the city of Wilno and the surrounding area, which had previously been part of Poland, were returned to Lithuania. The Baltic republics within the USSR preserved their government bodies, language, and had representation in the higher government entities of the Soviet Union.

During all these months there was an ongoing invisible diplomatic and politico-military struggle and intelligence work. Moscow understood that it was facing a fierce and cruel enemy, and that a covert war against Nazism was already going on. And there was no reason to take official statements and formal protocol notes of that time as a proof of ‘friendship' between the USSR and Germany. The Soviet Union had active trade and technical contacts not only with Germany, but with other countries as well. Whereas Hitler tried again and again to draw the Soviet Union into Germany's confrontation with the UK. But the Soviet government stood firm.

The last attempt to persuade the USSR to act together was made by Hitler during Molotov’s visit to Berlin in November 1940. But Molotov accurately followed Stalin's instructions and limited himself to a general discussion of the German idea of the Soviet Union joining the Tripartite Pact signed by Germany, Italy and Japan in September 1940 and directed against the UK and the USA. No wonder that already on November 17 Molotov gave the following instructions to Soviet plenipotentiary representative in London Ivan Maisky: “For your information…No agreement was signed or was intended to be signed in Berlin. We just exchanged our views in Berlin…and that was all…Apparently, the Germans and the Japanese seem anxious to push us towards the Gulf and India. We declined the discussion of this matter as we consider such advice on the part of Germany to be inappropriate.” And on November 25, the Soviet leadership called it a day altogether by officially putting forward to Berlin the conditions that were unacceptable to the Nazis, including the withdrawal of German troops from Finland, mutual assistance treaty between Bulgaria and the USSR, and a number of others. Thus it deliberately excluded any possibility of joining the Pact. Such position definitely shaped the Fuehrer's intention to unleash a war against the USSR. And already in December, putting aside the warnings of his strategists about the disastrous danger of having a two-front war, Hitler approved Operation Barbarossa. He did this with the knowledge that the Soviet Union was the major force that opposed him in Europe and that the upcoming battle in the East would decide the outcome of the world war. And he had no doubts as to the swiftness and success of the Moscow campaign.

And here I would like to highlight the following: Western countries, as a matter of fact, agreed at that time with the Soviet actions and recognised the Soviet Union's intention to ensure its national security. Indeed, back on October 1, 1939 Winston Churchill, the First Lord of the Admiralty back then, in his speech on the radio said, “Russia has pursued a cold policy of self-interest… But that the Russian Armies should stand on this line [meaning the new Western border] was clearly necessary for the safety of Russia against the Nazi menace.” On October 4, 1939, speaking in the House of Lords, Britain’s Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax said, “…it should be recalled that the Soviet government's actions were to move the border essentially to the line recommended at the Versailles Conference by Lord Curzon… I only cite historical facts and believe they are indisputable.” Prominent British politician and statesman David Lloyd George emphasised, “The Russian Armies occupied the territories that are not Polish and that were forcibly seized by Poland after World War I … It would be an act of criminal insanity to put the Russian advancement on a par with the German one.“

In informal communications with Soviet plenipotentiary representative Ivan Maisky, British high-ranking politicians and diplomats spoke even more openly. On October 17, 1939, Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs R. A. Butler confided to him that the British government circles believed there could be no question of returning Western Ukraine and Belorussia to Poland. According to him, if it had been possible to create an ethnographic Poland of a modest size with a guarantee not only of the USSR and Germany, but also of Britain and France, the British government would have considered itself quite satisfied. On October 27, 1939, Neville Chamberlain's senior advisor Horace Wilson said that Poland had to be restored as an independent state on its ethnographic basis, but without Western Ukraine and Belorussia.

It is worth noting that in the course of these conversations the possibilities for improving British-Soviet relations were also explored. These contacts to a large extent laid the foundation for future alliance and Anti-Hitler coalition. Winston Churchill stood out among responsible and far-sighted politicians and, despite his infamous dislike for the USSR, had been in favour of cooperating with the Soviets even before. Back in May 1939, he said in the House of Commons, “We shall be in mortal danger if we fail to create a Grand Alliance against aggression. The worst folly… would be to… drive away any natural cooperation with Soviet Russia…” And after the start of hostilities in Europe, at his meeting with Ivan Maisky on October 6, 1939 he confided that there were no serious contradictions between the UK and the USSR and, therefore, there was no reason for strained or unsatisfactory relations. He also mentioned that the British government was eager to develop trade relations and willing to discuss any other measures that might improve the relationships.

World War II did not happen overnight, nor did it start unexpectedly or all of a sudden. And German aggression against Poland was not out of nowhere. It was the result of a number of tendencies and factors in the world politics of that time. All pre-war events fell into place to form one fatal chain. But, undoubtedly, the main factors that predetermined the greatest tragedy in the history of mankind were state egoism, cowardice, appeasement of the aggressor who was gaining strength, and unwillingness of political elites to search for compromise.

Therefore, it is unfair to claim that the two-day visit to Moscow of Nazi Foreign Minister J. Ribbentrop was the main reason for the start of World War II. All the leading countries are to a certain extent responsible for its outbreak. Each of them made fatal mistakes, arrogantly believing that they could outsmart others, secure unilateral advantages for themselves or stay away from the impending global catastrophe. And this short-sightedness, the refusal to create a collective security system cost millions of lives and tremendous losses.

Saying this, I by no means intend to take on the role of a judge, to accuse or acquit anyone, let alone initiate a new round of international information confrontation in the historical field that could set countries and peoples at loggerheads. I believe that it is academics with a wide representation of respected scholars from different countries of the world who should search for a balanced assessment of what happened. We all need the truth and objectivity. On my part, I have always encouraged my colleagues to build a calm, open and trust-based dialogue, to look at the common past in a self-critical and unbiased manner. Such an approach will make it possible not to repeat the mistakes committed back then and to ensure peaceful and successful development for years to come.

However, many of our partners are not yet ready for joint work. On the contrary, pursuing their goals, they increase the number and the scope of information attacks against our country, trying to make us provide excuses and feel guilty. They adopt thoroughly hypocritical and politically motivated declarations. Thus, for example, the resolution on the Importance of European Remembrance for the Future of Europe approved by the European Parliament on September 19, 2019 directly accused the USSR – along with the Nazi Germany – of unleashing the Second World War. Needless to say, there is no mention of Munich in it whatsoever.

I believe that such ‘paperwork’ – for I cannot call this resolution a document – which is clearly intended to provoke a scandal, is fraught with real and dangerous threats. Indeed, it was adopted by a highly respectable institution. And what did it show? Regrettably, it revealed a deliberate policy aimed at destroying the post-war world order whose creation was a matter of honour and responsibility for the countries a number of representatives of which voted today in favour of this deceitful resolution. Thus, they challenged the conclusions of the Nuremberg Tribunal and the efforts of the international community to create after the victorious 1945 universal international institutions. Let me remind you in this regard that the process of European integration itself leading to the establishment of relevant structures, including the European Parliament, became possible only due to the lessons learnt form the past and its accurate legal and political assessment. And those who deliberately put this consensus into question undermine the foundations of the entire post-war Europe.

Apart from posing a threat to the fundamental principles of the world order, this also raises certain moral and ethical issues. Desecrating and insulting the memory is mean. Meanness can be deliberate, hypocritical and pretty much intentional as in the situation when declarations commemorating the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II mention all participants in the Anti-Hitler coalition except for the Soviet Union. Meanness can be cowardly as in the situation when monuments erected in honour of those who fought against Nazism are demolished and these shameful acts are justified by the false slogans of the fight against an unwelcome ideology and alleged occupation. Meanness can also be bloody as in the situation when those who come out against neo-Nazis and Bandera's successors are killed and burned. Once again, meanness can have different manifestations, but this does not make it less disgusting.

Neglecting the lessons of history inevitably leads to a harsh payback. We will firmly uphold the truth based on documented historical facts. We will continue to be honest and impartial about the events of World War II. This includes a large-scale project to establish Russia's largest collection of archival records, film and photo materials about the history of World War II and the pre‑war period.

Such work is already underway. Many new, recently discovered or declassified materials were also used in the preparation of this article. In this connection, I can state with all responsibility that there are no archive documents that would confirm the assumption that the USSR intended to start a preventive war against Germany. The Soviet military leadership indeed followed a doctrine according to which, in the event of aggression, the Red Army would promptly confront the enemy, go on the offensive and wage war on enemy territory. However, such strategic plans did not imply any intention to attack Germany first.

Of course, military planning documents, letters of instruction of Soviet and German headquarters are now available to historians. Finally, we know the true course of events. From the perspective of this knowledge, many argue about the actions, mistakes and misjudgement of the country's military and political leadership. In this regard, I will say one thing: along with a huge flow of misinformation of various kinds, Soviet leaders also received true information about the upcoming Nazi aggression. And in the pre-war months, they took steps to improve the combat readiness of the country, including the secret recruitment of a part of those liable for military duty for military training and the redeployment of units and reserves from internal military districts to western borders.

The war did not come as a surprise, people were expecting it, preparing for it. But the Nazi attack was truly unprecedented in terms of its destructive power. On June 22, 1941, the Soviet Union faced the strongest, most mobilised and skilled army in the world with the industrial, economic and military potential of almost all Europe working for it. Not only the Wehrmacht, but also Germany’s satellites, military contingents of many other states of the European continent, took part in this deadly invasion.

The most serious military defeats in 1941 brought the country to the brink of catastrophe. Combat power and control had to be restored by extreme means, nation-wide mobilisation and intensification of all efforts of the state and the people. In summer 1941, millions of citizens, hundreds of factories and industries began to be evacuated under enemy fire to the east of the country. The manufacture of weapons and munition, that had started to be supplied to the front already in the first military winter, was launched behind the lines in the shortest possible time, and by 1943, the rates of military production of Germany and its allies were exceeded. Within eighteen months, the Soviet people did something that seemed impossible. Both on the front lines and the home front. It is still hard to realise, understand and imagine what incredible efforts, courage, dedication these greatest achievements were worth.

The tremendous power of Soviet society, united by the desire to protect their native land, rose against the powerful, armed to the teeth, cold-blooded Nazi invading machine. It stood up to take revenge on the enemy, who had broken, trampled peaceful life, people's plans and hopes.

Of course, fear, confusion and desperation were taking over some people during this terrible and bloody war. There were betrayal and desertion. The harsh splits caused by the revolution and the Civil War, nihilism, mockery of national history, traditions and faith that the Bolsheviks tried to impose, especially in the first years after coming to power – all of this had its impact. But the general attitude of the of Soviet citizens and our compatriots who found themselves abroad was different – to save and protect the Motherland. It was a real and irrepressible impulse. People were looking for support in true patriotic values.

The Nazi ‘strategists’ were convinced that a huge multinational state could easily be brought to heel. They thought that the sudden outbreak of the war, its mercilessness and unbearable hardships would inevitably exacerbate inter-ethnic relations. And that the country could be split into pieces. Hitler clearly stated: “Our policy towards the peoples living in the vastness of Russia should be to promote any form of disagreement and split.”

But from the very first days, it was clear that the Nazi plan had failed. The Brest Fortress was protected to the last drop of blood by its defenders representing more than 30 ethnicities. Throughout the war – both in large-scale decisive battles and in the protection of every foothold, every metre of native land – we see examples of such unity.

The Volga region and the Urals, Siberia and the Far East, the republics of Central Asia and Transcaucasia became home to millions of evacuees. Their residents shared everything they had and provided all the support they could. Friendship of peoples and mutual help became a real indestructible fortress for the enemy.

The Soviet Union and the Red Army, no matter what anyone is trying to prove today, made the main and crucial contribution to the defeat of Nazism. These were heroes who fought to the end surrounded by the enemy at Bialystok and Mogilev, Uman and Kiev, Vyazma and Kharkov. They launched attacks near Moscow and Stalingrad, Sevastopol and Odessa, Kursk and Smolensk. They liberated Warsaw, Belgrade, Vienna and Prague. They stormed Koenigsberg and Berlin.

We contend for genuine, unvarnished or whitewashed truth about war. This national, human truth, which is hard, bitter and merciless, has been handed down to us by writers and poets who walked through fire and hell of front trials. For my generation, as well as for many others, their honest and deep stories, novels, piercing trench prose and poems have left their mark on the soul forever. Honouring veterans who did everything they could for the Victory and remembering those who died on the battlefield has become our moral duty.

And today, the simple and great in their essence lines of Alexander Tvardovsky's poem “I was killed near Rzhev …” dedicated to the participants of the bloody and brutal battle of the Great Patriotic War in the centre of the Soviet-German front line are astonishing. In the battles for Rzhev and the Rzhev Salient alone from October 1941 to March 1943, the Red Army lost 1,342,888 people, including wounded and missing in action. For the first time, I call out these terrible, tragic and far from complete figures collected from archive sources. I do it to honour the memory of the feat of known and nameless heroes, who for various reasons were undeservingly, and unfairly little talked about or not mentioned at all in the post-war years.

Let me cite another document. This is a report of February 1945 on reparation from Germany by the Allied Commission on Reparations headed by Ivan Maisky. The Commission's task was to define a formula according to which defeated Germany would have to pay for the damages sustained by the victor powers. The Commission concluded that “the number of soldier-days spent by Germany on the Soviet front is at least 10 times higher than on all other allied fronts. The Soviet front also had to handle four-fifths of German tanks and about two-thirds of German aircraft.” On the whole, the USSR accounted for about 75 percent of all military efforts undertaken by the Anti-Hitler Coalition. During the war period, the Red Army “ground up” 626 divisions of the Axis states, of which 508 were German.

On April 28, 1942, Franklin D. Roosevelt said in his address to the American nation: “These Russian forces have destroyed and are destroying more armed power of our enemies – troops, planes, tanks, and guns – than all the other United Nations put together.” Winston Churchill in his message to Joseph Stalin of September 27, 1944, wrote that “it is the Russian army that tore the guts out of the German military machine…”

Such an assessment has resonated throughout the world. Because these words are the great truth, which no one doubted then. Almost 27 million Soviet citizens lost their lives on the fronts, in German prisons, starved to death and were bombed, died in ghettos and furnaces of the Nazi death camps. The USSR lost one in seven of its citizens, the UK lost one in 127, and the USA lost one in 320. Unfortunately, this figure of the Soviet Union's hardest and grievous losses is not exhaustive. The painstaking work should be continued to restore the names and fates of all who have perished – Red Army soldiers, partisans, underground fighters, prisoners of war and concentration camps, and civilians killed by the death squads. It is our duty. And special role here belongs to members of the search movement, military‑patriotic and volunteer associations, projects like the electronic database ”Pamyat Naroda“ (Memory of the People), which contains archival documents. And, surely, close international cooperation is needed in such a common humanitarian task.

The efforts of all countries and peoples who fought against a common enemy resulted in victory. The British army protected its homeland from invasion, fought the Nazis and their satellites in the Mediterranean and North Africa. American and British troops liberated Italy and opened the Second Front. The US dealt powerful and crushing strikes against the aggressor in the Pacific Ocean. We remember the tremendous sacrifices made by the Chinese people and their great role in defeating Japanese militarists. Let us not forget the fighters of Fighting France, who did not fall for the shameful capitulation and continued to fight against the Nazis.

We will also always be grateful for the assistance rendered by the Allies in providing the Red Army with munition, raw materials, food and equipment. And that help was significant – about 7 percent of the total military production of the Soviet Union.

The core of the Anti-Hitler Coalition began to take shape immediately after the attack on the Soviet Union where the United States and Britain unconditionally supported it in the fight against Hitler's Germany. At the Tehran Conference in 1943, Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill formed an alliance of great powers, agreed to elaborate coalition diplomacy and a joint strategy in the fight against a common deadly threat. The leaders of the Big Three had a clear understanding that the unification of industrial, resource and military capabilities of the USSR, the United States and the UK will give unchallenged supremacy over the enemy.

The Soviet Union fully fulfilled its obligations to its allies and always offered a helping hand. Thus, the Red Army supported the landing of the Anglo-American troops in Normandy by carrying out a large-scale Operation Bagration in Belorussia. In January 1945, having broken through to the Oder River, our soldiers put an end to the last powerful offensive of the Wehrmacht on the Western Front in the Ardennes. Three months after the victory over Germany, the USSR, in full accordance with the Yalta agreements, declared war on Japan and defeated the million-strong Kwantung Army.

Back in July 1941, the Soviet leadership declared that “the purpose of the war against fascist oppressors was not only the elimination of the threat looming over our country, but also help for all the peoples of Europe suffering under the yoke of German fascism.” By mid-1944, the enemy was expelled from virtually all of the Soviet territory. However, the enemy had to be finished off in its lair. And so the Red Army started its liberation mission in Europe. It saved entire nations from destruction and enslavement, and from the horror of the Holocaust. They were saved at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives of Soviet soldiers.

It is also important not to forget about the enormous material assistance that the USSR provided to the liberated countries in eliminating the threat of hunger and in rebuilding their economies and infrastructure. That was being done at the time when ashes stretched for thousands of miles all the way from Brest to Moscow and the Volga. For instance, in May 1945, the Austrian government asked the USSR to provide assistance with food, as it “had no idea how to feed its population in the next seven weeks before the new harvest.” State Chancellor of the Provisional Government of the Austrian Republic Karl Renner described the consent of the Soviet leadership to send food as a saving act that the Austrians would never forget.

The Allies jointly established the International Military Tribunal to punish Nazi political and war criminals. Its decisions contained a clear legal qualification of crimes against humanity, such as genocide, ethnic and religious cleansing, anti-Semitism and xenophobia. Directly and unambiguously, the Nuremberg Tribunal also condemned the accomplices of the Nazis, collaborators of various kinds.

This shameful phenomenon manifested itself in all European countries. Such figures as Pétain, Quisling, Vlasov, Bandera, their henchmen and followers – though they were disguised as fighters for national independence or freedom from communism – are traitors and butchers. In terms of inhumanity, they often exceeded their masters. In their desire to serve, as part of special punitive groups they willingly executed the most inhuman orders. They were responsible for such bloody events as the shootings of Babi Yar, the Volhynia massacre, burnt Khatyn, acts of destruction of Jews in Lithuania and Latvia.

Today as well, our position remains unchanged – there can be no excuse for the criminal acts of Nazi collaborators, there is no period of limitations for them. It is therefore bewildering that in certain countries those who are smirched with cooperation with the Nazis are suddenly equated with World War II veterans. I believe that it is unacceptable to equate liberators with occupants. And I can only regard the glorification of Nazi collaborators as a betrayal of the memory of our fathers and grandfathers. A betrayal of the ideals that united peoples in the fight against Nazism.

At that time, the leaders of the USSR, the United States, and the UK faced, without exaggeration, a historic task. Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill represented the countries with different ideologies, state aspirations, interests, cultures, but they demonstrated great political will, rose above the contradictions and preferences and put the true interests of peace at the forefront. As a result, they were able to come to an agreement and achieve a solution from which all of humanity has benefited.

The victor powers left us a system that has become the quintessence of the intellectual and political quest of several centuries. A series of conferences – Tehran, Yalta, San Francisco and Potsdam – laid the foundation of a world that for 75 years had no global war, despite the sharpest contradictions.

Historical revisionism, the manifestations of which we now observe in the West, primarily with regard to the subject of the Second World War and its outcome, is dangerous because it grossly and cynically distorts the understanding of the principles of peaceful development, laid down at the Yalta and San Francisco conferences in 1945. The major historic achievement of Yalta and other decisions of that time is the agreement to create a mechanism that would allow the leading powers to remain within the framework of diplomacy in resolving their differences.

The twentieth century brought large-scale and comprehensive global conflicts, and in 1945, nuclear weapons capable of physically destroying the Earth also entered the scene. In other words, the settlement of disputes by force has become prohibitively dangerous. And the victors in the Second World War understood that. They understood and were aware of their own responsibility towards humanity.

The cautionary tale of the League of Nations was taken into account in 1945. The structure of the UN Security Council was developed in a way to make peace guarantees as concrete and effective as possible. That is how the institution of the permanent members of the Security Council and the right of the veto as their privilege and responsibility came into being.

What is the power of veto in the UN Security Council? To put it bluntly, it is the only reasonable alternative to a direct confrontation between major countries. It is a statement by one of the five powers that a decision is unacceptable to it and is contrary to its interests and its ideas about the right approach. And other countries, even if they do not agree, take this position as a given, abandoning any attempts to realise their unilateral efforts. It means that in one way or another it is necessary to seek compromises.

A new global confrontation started almost immediately after the end of the Second World War and was at times very fierce. And the fact that the Cold War did not grow into the Third World War has become a clear testimony of the effectiveness of the agreements concluded by the Big Three. The rules of conduct agreed upon during the creation of the United Nations made it possible to further minimise risks and keep confrontation under control.

Of course, we can see that the UN system currently experiences certain tension in its work and is not as effective as it could be. But the UN still performs its primary function. The principles of the UN Security Council are a unique mechanism for preventing a major war or a global conflict.

The calls that have been made quite often in recent years to abolish the power of veto, to deny special opportunities to permanent members of the Security Council are actually irresponsible. After all, if that happens, the United Nations would in essence become the League of Nations – a meeting for empty talk without any leverage on the world processes. How it ended is well known. That is why the victor powers approached the formation of the new system of the world order with utmost seriousness seeking to avoid repetition of mistakes made by their predecessors.

The creation of the modern system of international relations is one of the major outcomes of World War II. Even the most insurmountable contradictions – geopolitical, ideological, economic – do not prevent us from finding forms of peaceful coexistence and interaction, if there is the desire and will to do so. Today the world is going through quite a turbulent time. Everything is changing, from the global balance of power and influence to the social, economic and technological foundations of societies, nations and even continents. In the past epochs, shifts of such magnitude have almost never happened without major military conflicts. Without a power struggle to build a new global hierarchy. Thanks to the wisdom and farsightedness of the political figures of the Allied Powers, it was possible to create a system that has restrained from extreme manifestations of such objective competition, historically inherent in the world development.

It is a duty of ours – all those who take political responsibility and primarily representatives of the victor powers in the Second World War – to guarantee that this system is maintained and improved. Today, as in 1945, it is important to demonstrate political will and discuss the future together. Our colleagues – Mr Xi Jinping, Mr Macron, Mr Trump and Mr Johnson – supported the Russian initiative to hold a meeting of the leaders of the five nuclear-weapon states, permanent members of the Security Council. We thank them for this and hope that such face-to-face meeting could take place as soon as possible.

What is our vision of the agenda for the upcoming summit? First of all, in our opinion, it would be useful to discuss steps to develop collective principles in world affairs. To speak frankly about the issues of preserving peace, strengthening global and regional security, strategic arms control, about joint efforts in countering terrorism, extremism and other major challenges and threats.

A special item on the agenda of the meeting is the situation in the global economy. And above all, overcoming the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Our countries are taking unprecedented measures to protect the health and lives of people and to support citizens who have found themselves in difficult living situations. Our ability to work together and in concert, as real partners, will show how severe the impact of the pandemic will be, and how quickly the global economy will emerge from the recession. Moreover, it is unacceptable to turn the economy into an instrument of pressure and confrontation. Popular issues include environmental protection and combating climate change, as well as ensuring the security of the global information space.

The agenda proposed by Russia for the upcoming summit of the Five is extremely important and relevant both for our countries and for the entire world. And we have specific ideas and initiatives on all the items.

There can be no doubt that the summit of Russia, China, France, the United States, and the UK will play an important role in finding common answers to modern challenges and threats, and will demonstrate a common commitment to the spirit of alliance, to those high humanist ideals and values for which our fathers and grandfathers fought shoulder to shoulder.

Drawing on a shared historical memory, we can trust each other and must do so. That will serve as a solid basis for successful negotiations and concerted action for the sake of enhancing the stability and security on the planet, for the sake of prosperity and well-being of all states. Without exaggeration, it is our common duty and responsibility towards the entire world, towards the present and future generations.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63527
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Telephone conversation with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.



June 19, 2020 - 13:40



In the context of the upcoming celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War scheduled to take place in Moscow on June 24, where Alexander Lukashenko will take part, the two presidents stressed the special importance of this date for the two nations that preserve the memory of the heroic deeds of soldiers in the front and home front workers.

The two leaders also discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda. In particular, they expressed their satisfaction with the completion of work on the Russian-Belarusian intergovernmental agreement on mutual recognition of visas. The agreement is to be signed today as part of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s visit to Minsk.

Certain aspects of cooperation in combatting the coronavirus and its impact were also touched on.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63532






Telephone conversation with President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga at the initiative of the Mongolian party.



June 19, 2020 - 13:45



The President of Mongolia warmly congratulated the President of Russia on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and noted that a Mongolian detail will take part in the military parade on Red Square.

The two leaders praised the development of bilateral relations of strategic partnership. They discussed the implementation of agreements reached following the Russian President’s visit to Mongolia in September 2019, primarily those related to trade and economy.

They also discussed counteracting the spread of the novel coronavirus.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63531






Establishment of Pirogov Order and Luke of Crimea Medal



The President signed the Executive Order On Establishing the Order of Pirogov and the Luke of Crimea Medal.



June 19, 2020 - 14:30







The new state decorations, the Order of Pirogov and the Luke of Crimea Medal, are aimed at further improving the state award system of the Russian Federation.

The Executive Order also approved the Statute and description of the Order of Pirogov, the Regulation on the medal and the description of the Luke of Crimea Medal, as well as the design of the Order of Pirogov and the Luke of Crimea Medal.







* * *

Nikolai Pirogov (1810–1881) was a Russian surgeon and anatomist, natural scientist and teacher, professor, author of the first atlas of topographic anatomy, founder of Russian battlefield surgery, and founder of the Russian school of anesthesia.

Archbishop Luke (secular name Valentin Voino-Yasenetsky; 1877–1961) was a bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church, and served as Archbishop of Simferopol and Crimea from April 1946; a Russian and Soviet surgeon, scientist, author of papers on anesthesiology and purulent surgery, Doctor of Medicine. Canonised as a locally revered saint in the Crimean diocese in 1995, he was later declared a saint by the Church of all Russia in August 2000.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63534






Meeting on eliminating diesel fuel spill consequences in Krasnoyarsk Territory



Vladimir Putin held a meeting via video conference on eliminating the consequences of the diesel fuel spill in Krasnoyarsk Territory



June 19, 2020 - 15:00 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Viktoria Abramchenko, Emergencies Minister Yevgeny Zinichev, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dmitry Kobylkin, Energy Minister Alexander Novak, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Siberian Federal District Sergei Menyailo, Krasnoyarsk Territory Governor Alexander Uss, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Head of the Federal Agency for Fishery Ilya Shestakov, Head of the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources Svetlana Radionova, Deputy Head of the Federal Environmental, Industrial and Nuclear Supervision Service Alexei Ferapontov and Norilsk Nickel President Vladimir Potanin.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

As we have already agreed, we will discuss today the efforts to eliminate the consequences of the accident that took place in Norilsk on May 29.

We all agreed to keep this situation under constant control and I would like to emphasise in this context that it is necessary not only to promptly fix the problem and eliminate the damage but also to restore as far as possible the harmed environment, all the more so since we are dealing with the Arctic zone’s fragile nature.

I would like to note that, to the best of my knowledge, Russia so far has had no prior experience of containing such major spills on water bodies. Indeed, the Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief and Rosprirodnadzor, territorial services and agencies had to deploy their units. It also became necessary to involve in this work researchers and ecologists and, of course, the business community and the companies on whose territory the disaster happened.

During the last few weeks, we have conducted a truly large-scale effort. I understand that it became possible to rectify the situation, to contain the fuel spill and to start cleaning up the polluted areas. Mr Zinichev reported to me on a regular basis.





Today, I would like to ask you to report whether there are any weighty reasons for lifting the federal emergency situation, and what modern technologies and technological solutions are being used to clean up the soil and water arteries. Please report on their efficiency and whether it is possible to more accurately estimate the financial losses incurred.

Rather than quickly pick up after oneself, the most important thing is to ensure high-quality reclamation of soil and water bodies. Therefore, we need to continue closely monitoring cleanup operations, the storage and transportation of polluted soil. During your previous report, you told me that it would not be so easy.

Obviously, the disaster has brought dire consequences for the environment and severely impacted biodiversity in water bodies. It will take a lot of time to reclaim and restore the environment, and Norilsk Nickel Co. employees must continue with the work until they have completely eliminated all the damage.

As you are aware, I have instructed Rosprirodnadzor to inspect similar facilities in Norilsk and nationwide. Today, I would like to ask you to dwell upon this matter separately.

As I have already mentioned, national legislation should stipulate mechanisms for preventing similar situations, for quickly and comprehensively responding to them and redressing their consequences. In this connection, I would like to ask the Government and the State Duma to speed up their work on the relevant bills.

Let us get down to work.





<…>


Vladimir Putin:

In conclusion, I would like to say that I think everyone understands that this negative development could have been prevented if there was the right control by the related agencies, and not just to shake everyone like a tree but to prevent these accidents. This means that a business-like, systematic approach is necessary. And, as we have just said, this event brought to light a number of systemic problems, which must be identified and worked on immediately. Every necessary measure must be taken to improve the legislative base and amend the law.

(To Deputy Prime Minister Viktoria Abramchenko.) I would like to ask you to revise the work of all our corresponding organisations, and oversight agencies. Where were they? They saw that fuel was leaking out. Why was there no timely response? You know, this makes me wonder about how this is organised practically.





I would like to ask you to analyse this very carefully: not to punish but to prevent problems like this, and not just in the Arctic, where the ecosystem requires special care and special protection, but everywhere in Russia. Not only do the local northern peoples suffer from this; people everywhere can be affected. This is a very serious issue, and I would like to handle it seriously.

Of course, I thank you for the work you have done to mitigate the outcome of the spill, but I am asking you to complete everything and report on proposals from various agencies. I would also like to ask Emergencies Minister Mr Zinichev to report to me when the work is over, once you decide that your personnel and equipment can be withdrawn.

Best regards.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63535






Meeting with representatives of industries affected by coronavirus spread



The President held a meeting, via videoconference, with representatives of various economy sectors affected by the spread of the coronavirus.



June 19, 2020 - 16:50 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







Attending the meeting were Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Governors of Leningrad, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod and Yaroslavl regions, Head of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency Veronika Skvortsova, Director General of State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom Alexei Likhachev, as well as top managers of companies and organisations in various economic sectors.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

Let us begin.

As you remember, earlier this week, we reviewed the package of measures that are being implemented to support the public and businesses. As we agreed, we will continue to monitor these issues. It is particularly important right now as the economy is recovering and gradually opening up after lockdown.

At the same time, there are a great number of organisations and companies that not only never stopped operating during these difficult months but, on the contrary, mobilised all their resources, along with hospitals, outpatient clinics and ambulance services. They remained on the coronavirus frontline, so to speak, supporting the economy and industries, maintaining the reliable operation of all vital systems, providing people with food, personal protection equipment, medication, and increasing supplies of all the essential products required for our doctors and nurses to save their patients and stay safe.

Top managers of these companies and organisations are taking part in this meeting today. I propose that we analyse your experience in tackling complicated and unconventional tasks concerning technology, management and operations. Most importantly, we will discuss how we can use this new and unique experience and new competences in the future, to address the long-term structural objectives of our economy, in order to boost efficiency and reserves across all key areas of development.

In this context, I would like to emphasise once again that we put up a very good fight against this epidemic (we can say it at this point), thanks to the consolidated efforts of our society, our healthcare system and the essential sectors of the national economy. Once again, this efficient response was due to the fact that to the maximum extent we could rely on our own technological and production basis – our life support system.

Overall, our economy, all of its key links and critical infrastructure, including the next generation infrastructure – digital and telecommunications – have proved that they can promptly adapt to serious challenges, sustain heavy loads and work uninterruptedly in difficult conditions.

This also relates to the sectors that make a direct contribution to counteracting the coronavirus. Despite certain objective difficulties and technological setbacks, they still managed to show flexibility, responsibility, the ability to readjust and reequip production facilities and promptly reached production rates that matched the emergency situation.

In this regard, I would like to thank all the employees, engineers, workers and managers who during these hard times continued to work, ensured operations of the critical services and provided the result that the citizens, the healthcare system and the entire country required.

Thus, in a matter of just several weeks, we managed to increase the production of PPE manyfold (without an emergency, we never need so much), and to establish the production of other crucial goods, equipment and electronics.

The increased production of necessary medicines was also established promptly. In some cases, the growth in April and May was a hundred-fold. New medicine was developed and delivered to hospitals in record-breaking time.

Producers of food, primary commodities and related logistics and transport companies, retail networks and e-commerce enterprises worked hard and kept pushing their limits. As a result, the goods were delivered round the clock to shops and to people’s homes. At the same time we managed to prevent price hikes, detected and eliminated any temporary deficit of some goods and, most importantly, not because of some administrative orders and urges, but on the basis of transparent market mechanisms.

And, of course, I would like to thank agricultural workers who provided uninterrupted deliveries of food, performed the job of spring sowing in the difficult epidemiological conditions thus laying the base of the future harvest. Yesterday we discussed this with the Minister of Agriculture, who said that the future crops have a good outlook.

I would add and also emphasize that in these extreme conditions, when time was most valuable for us, many enterprises in industry, agriculture and other sectors adjusted their approaches to organising business and looked at routine processes in a new way, giving up the bulky, awkward and obsolete, and quickly switched over to new solutions, increasing efficiency as a result.

Important groundwork for this was provided by the approaches tested as part of the national project Labour Productivity and Employment Support, in particular, in eliminating inefficient production processes and adopting so-called cost-conscious production methods.

For example, Rosatom and the Federal Biomedical Agency jointly implemented a number of projects to raise the efficiency of medical institutions. They set up a system “from a patient’s call for an ambulance to the first doctor’s prescription in the hospital” in Moscow, St Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod and Belgorod. The system cut the time to a patient’s actual medical treatment considerably.

Another example. Starting in March, experts at the Federal Competence Center found some reserves for increasing work productivity at 10 companies engaged in the manufacture of personal protective equipment, medical equipment and medicines, partly thanks to cutting the equipment makers’ downtime and better work-place organisation. Many modern enterprises have also adopted these methods.

I know it required not only professionalism, but also personal courage from engineers and experts. Now I will tell you why: they worked side by side with doctors at outpatient clinics, hospitals, ambulance service, intensive care units and CT units, and if necessary, they went into the “red zone.” Unfortunately, many of them did catch the coronavirus, but have now recovered and returned to work. I want to convey my sincere gratitude to them for their work.

Today, I want to hear the opinions of companies and medical institutions on how this work proceeded at that difficult time, including what the cost-conscious methods that I mentioned brought us and what other changes proved effective that we should apply on a broader scale.

Let us get down to work.





<…>

Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues, I would like to say a few things about our discussion today.

Thank you very much for your proposals, for the story of how your work went. Everything that we talked about today once again confirms that our economy and our country as a whole has the capacity and successful models for a real and significant increase in labour productivity and efficiency in all areas.

But I think the most important thing is that this situation brought all of us together. This is a real fact, it let us, as I have said many times, overcome this situation with minimal loss.

We see that thanks to the new approaches that you and your colleagues introduced, the time to medical treatment for coronavirus patients was decreased significantly, several times over in some cases. As already mentioned, the production of personal protective gear, medical equipment and medicines has multiplied. And these are not just statistics or dry performance indicators; this is about maintaining health and saving human lives.

I believe that the practices you have developed, which have brought about increased labour productivity quickly and without significant costs, should be used everywhere. I repeat, there is room for such growth everywhere throughout the country.

It is important that this not only results in technical improvement but also changes the attitude of employees towards their work. The culture of production and labour itself is changes, which means that the competitiveness of the whole country increases. For our long-term development, this is extremely important.

What I would like to draw attention to: we are now talking about positive trends and positive examples. But we should not forget that there are still some problems and not everything is as good as we would like it to be, and not everywhere. People sometimes face problems that they cannot solve quickly and effectively. But what we spoke about today convinces me that we can overcome all these difficulties, that we are on the right track. We just need to use the positive practices you spoke about today.

Once again, I would like to thank you, your colleagues and all your employees. In general, everyone who has done everything during these difficult months and weeks so life can continue at the proper level, I want to thank you for your hard work, courage and dedication. Thank you all very much.

We will definitely sum up everything we spoke about today and take into account in our practical work for the future. Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63538






Meeting with healthcare professionals



Vladimir Putin had a meeting via videoconference with healthcare professionals ahead of Medical Workers’ Day marked in Russia on the third Sunday in June.



June 20, 2020 - 15:00 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region






Taking part in the meeting were representatives of medical organisations from different Russian regions, as well as First Deputy Chief Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko, and Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare and Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Russia Anna Popova.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, friends.

I am very glad to see and hear you. And of course, I want to sincerely congratulate all of you who have gathered for our meeting today and all healthcare professionals in the country on your upcoming professional holiday.

I would like to wish you happiness and good health and of course, to thank you for your dedicated service – I have done so many times indirectly, without contacting you, and now I want to do it directly – for carrying out your duties courageously and with dignity in this difficult time. You have helped, saved and literally nursed back to life hundreds of thousands of our citizens, those who contracted the coronavirus and those whose heath came under threat from other dangerous diseases.

I can say without exaggeration that we are genuinely proud of and admire your actions and your professional feat. It helped all of us to more fully comprehend the true value of life and the significance of the service you dedicated your lives to, the true moral grandeur and professional complexity of your work.

Without exaggeration, you have been at the forefront from the onset, risking your lives each minute. Many have been separated from their friends and families, fighting, in the true sense of the word, for the people in the so-called hospital ‘red zones’, and oftentimes indeed to the limit of human capabilities and strength. Practically everyone worked like that – ambulance crews, aero-medical units, general practitioners, specialist doctors and paramedics, nurses, junior medical staff, technicians and drivers. They did this everywhere – in cities, villages and remote areas.

Despite all odds, you have shown an inexhaustible supply of love, empathy and compassion, something that a doctor cannot work without, as well as reserve, stamina and humanity. I am sure that you have done everything you could and beyond, displaying real miracles of professionalism. The main thing you did was bringing down loss of life to a minimum. This is your achievement.

However, the terrible and insidious virus did not spare your colleagues. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their loved ones, to the families of doctors, paramedics and nurses.

Let me stress that the sacrificial feat of medical professionals during the epidemic will enter the annals of the history of our medicine and our nation forever, similarly to the heroic service of doctors and nurses during the Crimean War, World War I and the Great Patriotic War.





Outstanding medics have been honoured and glorified in the country at all times. The best of them have traditionally been awarded the Vocation prize as an expression of appreciation of the professional community. I would like to use this opportunity to once again congratulate this year’s winners. I know that many of them remained at their workplaces during the award ceremony, and many of them are still there.

I am confident that unparalleled feats for the benefit of their people and Motherland deserve special appraisal from the state. This is why I have signed an Executive Order on instituting state awards for outstanding merits: The Pirogov Order in honour of our great doctor and researcher, founder of military field surgery, a participant of the defence of Sevastopol; and the St Luke of Crimea medal in honour of the doctor, educator and innovator who was totally devoted to his mission of healing people’s souls and bodies.

These high awards will soon be presented to the most deserving doctors, researchers, paramedics, and middle and junior medical personnel who distinguished themselves in combating the coronavirus.

Friends, at the outset of the epidemic special measures were taken to support specialists who are directly involved in helping coronavirus patients. As a reminder, first, these are incentive payments. Additional funds were transferred to the regions for that. Second, these are special bonuses for working in hazardous and demanding conditions. You know this but I would like to remind you: 80,000 roubles a month for doctors, 50,000 for ambulance medics and middle medical staff, and 25,000 rubles a month for junior medical staff, paramedics, nurses and drivers.

I would like to point out that we made a decision that all payments for special working conditions are exempt from personal income tax. Which means that medical workers will get the money in full without tax deductions, net amount, as they say.





However, that is not sufficient in my view. We resolved such a sensitive issue as paid annual leave alongside taxes. It is even more urgent since many medical professionals are putting off their holiday until a later date.

In this connection, I find it right to do the following: additional bonuses must be considered when leave allowances are calculated for medical workers regardless of when a specialist takes his or her leave during the year.

This decision puts extra pressure on the regions’ finances – that much is also clear. This is why we will render special support to the constituent entities of the Russian Federation to make these payments.

I would like in turn to ask the Government and the Healthcare Ministry to closely monitor the issue of the increased leave allowances for medical workers so that no failures occur, not even technical ones.

Let me emphasise – thanks to the efforts of the entire society and, of course, your heroic work, the epidemic is retreating. But the fight with it is ongoing, as you know better than I do. Therefore, the risks for and pressure on medical workers are still high. I think it is necessary to maintain all federal and regional bonuses for medical workers who keep working with coronavirus patients for another two months, that is, July and August.

And one more proposal. During the epidemic, over 15,000 medical students, interns and postgraduate students were working shoulder to shoulder with their senior colleagues. They have had a true baptism of fire, a trial of loyalty to their future profession. I think it is necessary to reward those young people, your colleagues, and I ask the Government to submit proposals for mechanisms, including benefits and incentives for those who will continue studying in their chosen field.

I am sure that you have your own ideas, suggestions and interesting experience. All that is vitally important, primarily for long-term progress of Russian healthcare and improving the quality of life for our citizens. This is the topic I suggest we discuss today.





<…>


Vladimir Putin:

Let us finish up. This is what I would like to say in conclusion, colleagues. Of course, I want to once again sincerely congratulate you on your professional holiday and thank all of Russia’s medical professionals for their work, and for their crucial and irreplaceable contribution to combating the coronavirus.

The entire Russian medical community has been engaged in solving this issue. The staff at hospitals, in-patient clinics, military doctors, Emergencies’ Ministry units, and private healthcare organisations. A considerable contribution was made by scientists, lecturers at medical colleges and universities, and certainly out leading medical scientific and practical centres and research institutes.

Let me specially stress that medical professionals displayed unity and team spirit, and we have spoken about that. You saw a good example of that when doctors from cities went to assist the regions or arranged quality remote consulting despite the circumstances and fatigue since they also had worked a lot in the capital. I will also note that specialists in different areas and profiles took over a significant part of the workload of their colleagues who were rendering help to coronavirus patients.

The world experience in fighting the epidemic has shown how crucial it is for the national healthcare to work as a system, from ambulance services to the leading clinics. Thanks to the fact that Russia does have such a system, you and your colleagues worked as part of a single whole. You summoned all your strength and we forced this devastating epidemic to retreat.

Indeed, there is a lot of work ahead. Nevertheless, we successfully prevented a critical spike in deaths, failures and a paralysis of medical facilities, which unfortunately, happened in some places abroad. Significant advances were made in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, thus saving thousands of lives – in a nutshell, we managed to give a proper response to a colossal challenge.

All these results were made possible by the fact that the national healthcare system and medical science have great traditions and a huge potential. Many generations of our compatriots contributed to its establishment and progress. Among them are district doctors and nurses, prominent scientists and healthcare administrators. We have managed to achieve a great deal in the past years, including within the framework of our programmes.

I am aware that we have many problems in this area. However, I recall that back in the early 2000s, we were launching our new national projects, and a project on healthcare development was a key one. It was then that new equipment and technology began to arrive at outpatient clinics and hospitals, which was indispensable during the epidemic, by the way. And we followed this strategic priority regardless of the financial and economic circumstances, however complicated.

Now we have to move forward relying on the experience we gained, among other things, from combating the coronavirus. Along the way, we must honestly analyse both our achievements and unresolved issues, of course. It is not about our readiness to counter an epidemic but also about generally increasing the efficiency and reliability of the entire healthcare system.

The priority is to significantly improve the state of the primary healthcare tier – rural health posts, outpatient clinics and hospitals, ambulance and emergency care services, to enhance their staffing, to substantially increase the accessibility of modern diagnostics and, importantly, to ensure broad digitisation, the use of AI technologies in the operation of medical facilities at all levels. Ms Golikova has just said that we have to slightly postpone the launch of this work but it will be started and completed.

I want to stress again that this must be done not in individual organisations or cities and villages but across the whole country so that people get high-quality medical care and live a long healthy life while medical professional can work under modern conditions, use cutting edge equipment and regularly raise their qualifications.

These are our top priority tasks. We will resolve them together with due account of the opinions of the public and our entire society.

I will reiterate, addressing now our doctors, nurses and all medical professionals: we see your attitude towards your work; we love you, we value you and we will support you.

Once again, greetings on your holiday and all the very best.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63541
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Presidential executive orders to decorate employees of Russian medical facilities and research institutions with the Order of Pirogov and Luke of Crimea Medal



Vladimir Putin signed executive orders to decorate employees of Russian medical facilities and research institutions with the Order of Pirogov and the Luke of Crimea Medal for their great contribution to countering the coronavirus infection and dedicated service while performing their professional duties.



June 21, 2020 - 10:00



A Presidential Executive Order also awards the Hero of Labour title and honorary titles.

By a separate Presidential instruction, medical professionals who contributed to fighting the spread of COVID-19 were also presented with letters of acknowledgments and recognition.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63542






The President visited the Main Cathedral of the Armed Forces and the Road of Memory Museum Complex on the Day of Memory and Sorrow



The President visited the Main Cathedral of the Armed Forces and the Road of Memory Museum Complex located in the Patriot Military Patriotism Park outside Moscow on the 79th anniversary of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War.



June 22, 2020 - 10:30 - Kubinka, Moscow Region






Accompanied by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, Vladimir Putin toured the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in honour of the Resurrection of Christ, the Main Cathedral of the Russian Federation Armed Forces. The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church said a short prayer in the cathedral.

The cathedral was built on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and is dedicated to the feats of arms of the defenders of the Fatherland, the participants in all the battles for the country's freedom and independence.

The central altar of the upper cathedral is named after the main Christian Holy Day – the Resurrection of Christ – and each of its four side chapels – in honour of the heavenly patrons of the army branches and services: patron saint of the Ground Forces St Alexander Nevsky, patron saint of Aerospace and Airborne Forces Holy Prophet Elijah, patron saint of the Navy St Andrew the Apostle, and patroness saint of the Strategic Missile Forces Holy Great Martyr Barbara. The crypt of the complex was consecrated in the name of St Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles, the Baptizer of Rus.

The President and Patriarch Kirill addressed the military personnel on the square outside the cathedral.

Then, the President toured the Road of Memory museum complex, which is a gallery of immersive halls taking visitors on a tour of the key Great Patriotic War events. A historical multimedia project, which brought together unique exhibits of the war period, was implemented in the Patriot Park outside the Main Cathedral of the Armed Forces.

The Time River photo gallery is the most important part of the Road of Memory complex featuring information about front-line soldiers, partisans, residents of besieged Leningrad, home front workers and many others who defended the Motherland, over 30 million names in all. Virtual archives of the Great Patriotic War participants are updated on a daily basis.

Vladimir Putin, Sergei Shoigu and Patriarch Kirill also laid flowers at the Mothers of the Victors monument.







Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia:

President of the Russian Federation and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin,

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu,

Brothers,

I am addressing you on this solemn day with a very strong feeling. The Day of Memory and Sorrow marks the day when 79 years ago our enemy, armed to the teeth, revelling in and taking great pride in its complete superiority over our country, violated the sacred borders of our Motherland being fully confident in the fact that it will sweep and crush our strong country in no time at all.





We are well aware of the hardships of the first months and even years of this war. We know about the sacrifices and the lives given for our Fatherland. But as a country and a nation, we survived that terrifying and life-changing time; we preserved our independence and freedom from external influences. That Victory determined our country’s further consistent development.





But thousands and thousands of lives were sacrificed for the Victory. Celebrating this Victory, we must never forget about our people’s sacrifice and heroism. This sacrifice is sacred; it is the greatest heroic act in the entire thousand-year-old history of Russia.





Today we live in peace. This peaceful time is a result of our state’s wise foreign policy and our Armed Forces’ formidable weapons. Thanks to these two components, we have an opportunity to live in peace and build the future of our Fatherland.





But for our historical development to be consistent, we must be prepared to defend our country at any one moment. Our Armed Forces must always be at the top of their ability. In addition to the military equipment, it is important that our soldiers have strong and indestructible morale, and anybody who takes the oath realises in their hearts and minds the necessity of giving their life for their country. Only this determination, courage and loyalty, multiplied by modern technical capabilities and powerful sophisticated weapons, will guarantee our country’s security for many years ahead.





Mr President, please accept my heartfelt greetings as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces and allow me to thank you for your service. Everything that is happening in our country today is, to a great extent, dependent on the President’s decisions. Everything that is happening in the army depends on the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. We, believers, pray for your wellbeing and ask God to keep you strong and give you the spiritual and physical strength to continue your demanding service to our nation.

May God have mercy on our Fatherland, our nation and our Armed Forces.

Congratulations on this memorable, sorrowful and solemn date!





President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Your Holiness,

Comrade officers,

Today, on the Day of Memory and Sorrow, we remember one of the most bitter and tragic pages of our history: on June 22, 1941, the Great Patriotic War began. It was a terrible and massive tragedy that claimed millions of lives, leaving behind devastation and irreparable pain of loss, deep never-healing wounds.





The trials of the war time showed the incredible resilience and fortitude of our people, provided unfading examples of courage, true patriotism and devotion to the ideals of our ancestors to defend and protect our native land.





For us, the citizens of Russia, the memory of the Great Patriotic War, of all those who fought and perished, and brought Victory closer with every effort, is absolutely sacred. This memory is always with us, and continues to give us strength to serve our country, to stick by the moral vows we have no right to deviate from, and never will.





We have all gathered here at the Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces to commemorate the heroes of the past with deepest respect, to honour the immortal feat of our people and the military valour of all the defenders of the Fatherland, from Ancient Rus up to the present day, to bow our heads as a tribute to those who gave their lives for the freedom of their native land.





Comrade officers,

The new generation of soldiers and officers remains faithful to the traditions and honourably fulfils all the assigned tasks, and we can be quite sure that Russia’s defence capability and security are reliably protected.





The country’s Armed Forces are improving their skills, learning how to use new equipment, and their combat capabilities are growing. But courage, devotion to their duty, honour and boundless love for their homeland are still the main foundations of military service, and will remain so.





These unconditional defining values ​​help the Russian army and navy keep their vigilant watch, as they did throughout the country’s thousand-year history, adhering to the inviolable precepts of the generation of victors, looking up to the dauntless and unshakable courage of the soldiers who accepted the first battle at dawn on June 22, 1941 and gave peace and a future to all of humanity on May 9, 1945.





Eternal memory to the fallen heroes! A low bow to the veterans! Glory to the Armed Forces of Russia!




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63543






Laying wreath at Tomb of Unknown Soldier



Vladimir Putin laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate those killed in the Great Patriotic War.



June 22, 2020 - 12:20 - Alexander Garden, Moscow







The wreath-laying ceremony dedicated to the 79th anniversary of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War was attended by war veterans, students of the Moscow Suvorov Military Academy and the Ministry of Defence Boarding School for Girls of the Moscow Cadet Corps.











It was followed by ceremonial march of the Guards of Honour in front of the memorial.














The President also laid flowers at the memorial plaques honouring the hero cities and cities that have been awarded the title of City of Military Glory.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63545






Address to the Nation



June 23, 2020 - 17:00 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Citizens of Russia,

I first addressed you on March 25 in connection with the spread of the coronavirus infection.

Only three months have passed since then. Usually, such a period – one quarter – flies quickly, sometimes even unnoticeably. However, during these, without question, difficult days, weeks and months, we all had a completely different sense of time. Too much went into this period.

It was about drastically changed settings, forced restrictions on work and socialising, anxiety and fears, even bitter losses and separation from relatives and loved ones, thoughts about what will happen tomorrow, how to protect loved ones from misfortune, how to provide for family and children, and support parents.

But in spite of everything, it was also a time of hope and gratitude to friends and even strangers who did not fail in these difficult times, and pride for those who showed their best qualities.

It was not easy for anyone. Importantly, our country and society were not confused, but, on the contrary, as it happened more than once in our history, many people were united by a clear understanding of the situation, the realisation of the real threat and the fact that we can only fight and defeat it if we stand together, and that life is of paramount importance. We acted based on these values, which is why we were able to provide a response to this challenge of enormous complexity.

Friends,

I would like to once again sincerely thank all of you for taking responsibility for your health and safety of your loved ones, and for the mutual support and dignity with which you, the citizens of Russia, got through the most dangerous stage of the epidemic and the inconvenience and complexity of forced restrictions and self-isolation. On a separate note, I would like to mention volunteers – whose ranks swelled during this time – who took care of the elderly and other people who needed care and attention.

You may remember that the virus started spreading across the world like a wind-whipped fire, ever since the first reports came. With the epidemic, time split in half: there was a before and an after.

From the very outset, we monitored the situation daily, working with experts and researchers, and contemplated various scenarios, fully conscious that the danger was near, since major pockets of infection were near Russia’s borders.

It is for this reason that the fight against the epidemic started along the perimeter of our country. We stepped up sanitary controls at our borders, and these measures paid off, enabling us to fend off the first blow, delay the epidemic, its peak, for a month and a half or two months. Therefore it was back then in February and early March that we were able to win precious time, which enabled us to do everything to save tens of thousands of lives, and I really mean tens of thousands.

We saw that we could counter the epidemic, and understood that what mattered the most was to be forward-thinking and proactive in learning from the experience of other countries, preparing ourselves and using the time we had to consolidate and mobilise the reserves we had, and increase the capabilities of our healthcare system and manufacturing.

It was also obvious that in today’s interconnected world it was impossible to completely shield ourselves from this threat. Sooner or later, the virus would penetrate our homes, our borders. This was clear to us.

When this happened, we acted on the basis of expert advice and did what had never been done before. We took an unprecedented step by declaring a period of non-working days, first for a week until April 5, and then for a total of more than a month, until May 11. The developments that followed proved that this measure was timely and justified. Once again, this won us some time in the fight against the epidemic. Once again, we saved human lives, and this is what matters most.

We decided not to adopt any one-size-fits-all approaches. We all know that Russia is a vast country, in fact the world’s largest. The situation varied from one region to another in terms of the pace with which the infection was spreading and the scale. With this in mind, we opted for a flexible model from the outset. There were decisions taken at the federal level, and they still are. At the same time, we gave additional powers to the regions to enable them to choose their tactics depending on the situation on the ground, and in coordination with the Government. This approach paid off. By the way, a number of other countries used these practices. I would like to thank the heads of regions, cities and municipalities, and all who had the duty to keep working during this period. I would like to thank them for their sense of responsibility and for their coordinated action.

Indeed, the situation remains difficult in a number of Russian regions, including Tyva, Karachayevo-Circassia, the Yamalo-Nenets and Khanty-Mansi autonomous areas. But I would like to emphasise that we have already developed an immediate response mechanism. No one will ever be left in trouble. All of Russia will certainly come to the rescue. If necessary, we will pool all resources, including our leading medical centres, the Armed Forces, the Emergencies Ministry and volunteers – the way it happened in Daghestan, the Trans-Baikal Territory and other regions.

Together we have proved that we are capable of addressing extremely complicated tasks. Our workers, engineers and managers did everything to reconfigure the work of enterprises in a few weeks’ time. They were able to dramatically boost the output of personal protective equipment. And, what is very important, Russia is one of the few countries that has started its own production of effective drugs for the treatment of the novel coronavirus infection.

In extreme conditions, the country’s energy system, utilities, transport and communications continued to work steadily and reliably, and the retail industry provided people with essential goods. In a short time, university professors and teachers temporarily transitioned to remote learning. The academic year was not interrupted in schools, universities or colleges.

I would like to sincerely wish all the best to this year’s school leavers who will soon be taking their National Final School Exam (EGE), in big cities and rural areas. I am now addressing rural youth, rural students – you have role models to follow. Your parents have made every effort to sow crops this spring, so that Russia would have a good harvest. And it is definitely going to be good this year.

Friends, you have really done something incredible – each in their own place, in their own region, in their own field, you did something that seemed impossible. In record time, new facilities were built and hospitals repurposed. Our military builders alone erected 16 multipurpose centres for patients with COVID-19. And soon another five such centres will open. In mid-March, hospitals around the country had about 40,000 specialised beds to help patients with the coronavirus infection; by the beginning of June, we already had over 180,000.

We are keeping this reserve on high alert. And as I said, we will continue to do so, even though daily infections are declining. In Moscow and the Moscow Region, which were the first to encounter the outbreak, infections have fallen to a fraction of what they once were.

Let me stress what’s important: this positive trend is noted against the background of an increase in the number of tests. Today Russia is carrying out more tests per 1,000 patients than the world’s other major countries. The total number of tests exceeds 17 million.

I am not saying this to compete with anyone, not at all. It’s different. Such a large number of tests helps us identify the disease at its early stages, even if it is symptom-free, which means breaking the infection chain and preventing it from spreading. This saves our people’s lives.

On the whole, we have managed to make the epidemic recede and we are reaching a turning point. However, the virus remains dangerous. Thousands of people have to face the illness every day. Please remain focused, careful, and alert, especially until the mass production of an effective preventive medicine begins. Right now, 14 Russian federal scientific centres are working on a vaccine against the coronavirus. Clinical tests of the first samples have already begun.

I understand that we all want to get such a necessary medicine as soon as possible. However, just one principle can be used here: the well-known medical principle, do no harm. There must be one hundred percent confidence that the vaccine is effective, reliable and safe for people of all ages and in all states of health.

Let me also add that, although the vaccine is essential, it is not a magic pill. The threat can only be countered by complying with all the sanitary and preventive measures. And, of course, the healthcare system plays an enormous, key role here.

The critical overloading of hospitals was the main reason for the high death rate in many countries.

The epidemic showed that the Russian healthcare system can effectively respond to emergencies and quickly increase its capabilities. As I have already said, this is to a large extent a reflection of the experience and principles of medical care organisation in Russia, accumulated by many generations of experts, even during the time of county medicine and in the Soviet era. This is also a result of the systematic work we have been carrying out during recent years, fitting our hospitals and polyclinics with advanced equipment, diagnostic tools, and computer tomography scans that are needed today so badly.

Of course, people dedicated to their work and calling are the heart and soul and the mainstay of our healthcare system. I want to once again thank the doctors, paramedics, nurses and other specialists who bore the brunt of the epidemic, and are now fighting for each patient and helping their colleagues in other regions.

We are all aware of the tremendous burden that fell on you from the very outset of the epidemic, when the virus was almost unknown and its behaviour unpredictable, when you had to find out how to treat sick people, to learn new methods and medicines and to risk your lives daily trying to save the lives of other people.

To support you and to provide you with everything you may need is the sacred duty of the state. We will continue to do our best in this regard. We will be on top of these matters, including financial support.

As you may be aware, incentive payments were provided for medical workers involved in fighting the epidemic. We have made additional funds available to the regions for this purpose.

In addition, we established special federal bonuses for the doctors, nurses, and ambulance service personnel who directly provided help to patients with the coronavirus infection.

Our colleagues in the Government and the regions fine-tuned this absolutely new mechanism and worked to remove its imperfections, which, of course, were there, and did so literally in manual mode. This system has been effectively built. So, almost 350,000 medical workers, including, over 71,000 doctors, will receive federal bonuses this month, June.

The fight against the epidemic continues, as does the hard work at the hospitals, outpatient clinics and ambulance stations. So, as I already mentioned, it was decided to extend these payments throughout July and August.

Notably, incentive payments and bonuses are not only tax exempt, but will also be taken into account when calculating holiday pay. This decision has already been made. This means that the specialists will receive increased holiday pay, regardless of duration of their vacations.

We have provided additional payments for employees of social institutions, such as boarding schools, assisted living homes, teachers, psychologists and medical personnel. They are now working continuously in two-week shifts to minimise the risk of contagion and thus protect the people they care for.

Payments for such specialists will accrue from April 15 to July 15. I also propose extending them for two more months, that is, until September 15, and, of course, as in the case of medical workers, to take them into account when calculating holiday pay.

Let me reiterate that, overall, the Russian healthcare system was adequate in its response to the epidemic. At the same time, it highlighted and elicited challenges that have yet to be resolved. We all remember that despite the dedicated work of our doctors, there were issues with offering elective care to patients suffering from other diseases.

We must learn from this experience. The substantial funds we have invested in re-equipping hospitals, purchasing equipment and training doctors over the months that we have spent fighting the epidemic have already borne fruit and will contribute to improve the healthcare system in general. Still, a lot has to be done to improve the quality of and access to treatment, to retrain medical workers, and to restore, upgrade and modernise medical institutions, including using digital technology.

We will definitely do this, primarily as part of the programme to upgrade primary care. We will take into consideration our experience and the challenges that we faced. Let me emphasise that we will maintain all the resources that have been allocated for these programmes. These are substantial amounts, exceeding 500 billion rubles.

I would like to make a special point on a subject that goes far beyond healthcare and is a sensitive issue for the whole of society. I am talking about treatment for children suffering from severe conditions, including rare diseases, the so-called orphan diseases. There are already federal and regional programmes to this effect. However, quite often parents have no hope apart from turning to charities or trying to raise funds online in order to pay for treatment. Of course, I am grateful to all who respond to these requests, and I sincerely thank all those who try to help.

However, this calls for a system-wide, state-level solution. We need to designate a reliable and permanent source of funding. Every child, every family faced with such hardship must get the help they need.

What can I say in this regard? What is my proposal? Since 2001 we have lived with a flat income tax rate. At the time, introducing it helped us to make sure that salaries and incomes were officially declared, as well as to streamline tax administration and make it easier to understand. The fact that people with different income levels have to pay the same 13 percent tax even seems unfair at first glance. If we consider that personal income tax collection improved after the flat rate came into effect, and I am talking about a substantial increase, and the state was able to use these new proceeds to fulfil social projects, it becomes clear that this is not a question of fairness.

Today, having reached new heights in tax management, having introduced digital technology, we can adopt a more differentiated approach to distributing the tax burden and use additional tax proceeds to address specific priority social targets.

In this context, I propose changing the income tax rate for individuals earning an annual income of more than 5 million rubles from 13 to 15 percent, effective January 1.

To make it clear, this tax rate will apply only to the amount in excess of the 5 million rubles per year, not the entire income. Still, this would generate some 60 billion rubles for the budget. I propose to ‘colour’ these funds, as experts would say, so that they are not used for any other purpose, and allocate them for treating children suffering from rare diseases, buying costly medicines, equipment and rehabilitation solutions, and performing high-technology surgeries.

Let me emphasise that all the existing programmes for treating rare childhood diseases will definitely remain in place. The funds I referred to, these 60 billion rubles or so, will be a supplement to the resources that are already being allocated to offer high-technology medical care and medicine.

Of course, we must make sure that there is no red tape and develop an effective mechanism in direct dialogue with civil society. I believe that the guiding principle is clear: the decisions to use these funds must be transparent and perfectly frank, so that there is total trust in this regard. Only doctors and community activists, people who devoted their lives to helping sick children and to working in non-profit, charity organisations, who proved their integrity and have a spotless reputation, can take these decisions. We need to create a mechanism of this kind.

Friends,

This epidemic has dealt a severe blow to the global economy. Trade, the work of enterprises, and cooperation ties have been disrupted by quarantines and restrictions. And perhaps the most pressing problem in almost all countries is shrinking employment, the growing unemployment.

Russia, too, was affected. According to estimates, in April, when restrictions were introduced and non-working days announced, Russia’s GDP fell 12 percent.

In fact, a global recession began, a contraction of the global economy. All the consequences and the depth of this crisis have yet to be evaluated. But it is obvious even now that a new reality is taking shape in the world. The globalisation and integration processes are going through a difficult test, and leading countries are making their choice in favour of technological and industrial independence. Because they understand that in this situation, in matters of security and development, they can only rely on themselves – on the human, workforce, and scientific potential of their countries.

For Russia, this is also a serious challenge, and we must take this into account while making and adjusting our strategic plans. This work is already underway. And these steps, the new measures that I will talk about today, are not just aimed at addressing urgent problems. They should reinforce and strengthen our long-term priorities. This is how my colleagues and I see it. We also take into account the conclusions that we made during the coronavirus response and relief efforts.

Perhaps the main thing here is to reaffirm the underlying principle – direct support of people, investment in education, healthcare and preserving the nation, demography are key to the growth of the national economy, the sustainable and dynamic development of the country, as well as freedom for people and the removal of barriers for entrepreneurs and investors, for all who are engaged in real work and creation. And of course, the effective, organising role of the state is important, with its responsibility to correctly identify priorities, create opportunities and conditions, concentrate resources for development, and do so through a dynamic, meaningful, direct dialogue with society.

This is the logic we are being guided by in planning our actions. From the very beginning of the fight against the epidemic, our main task was to preserve the incomes of Russian families, maintain employment, help people, first of all, help them deal with their problems. This is the first step to supporting the economy as a whole.

Let me remind you that the main criteria for supporting businesses was to make sure that they keep people employed so that those working in the affected sectors continue to earn their salaries. This was the idea behind granting interest-free loans, writing off tax payments and social security contributions for the second quarter, and offering employers direct state subsidies so that they can pay out salaries. We scrupulously followed the principle whereby most of the support goes to companies that care for their personnel.

Of course, during the pandemic we made direct support to people, primarily families with children, our special priority. This primarily included paying out up to 5,000 rubles per child under three years old in April, May and June. In addition, the Government paid out benefits to low-income families with children between three and seven years old in advance, as a lump sum.

Finally, the one-time payment of 10,000 rubles per every child between three and 16 years old was the largest support measure.

These measures supported Russian families in the time of need. At the same time, the economy has yet to fully get back on track, and unemployment is on the rise. The challenges are still there. In this context, I think that we need to pay out an additional 10,000 rubles per every child under 16 years old in July. Russian families with about 28 million children will be able to benefit from this initiative.

I am drawing your attention to the fact that those who have already received the June payment will get the second one in July automatically. There will be no need to re-apply for this benefit or present any certificates. The same goes for families with children under three years old. Those who, for some reason, have not applied for this benefit can do so in a simple and convenient manner, either online or at a branch office of the Pension Fund, and receive the benefit without any delays in July, just as everyone else.

I do understand that families where one or both parents lost their jobs were especially hard hit by the epidemic. They also benefited from our targeted support. We offered them a monthly benefit of 3,000 rubles per each underage child, increased unemployment benefits and expanded the range of the aid. As of early April, 720,000 people received this support from employment offices, and today this figure stands at 2.5 million. This means that we have been able to help almost everyone who became unemployed during this challenging period.

In this regard, I would like to point out that the decisions to support the labour market, to increase unemployment benefits, and to pay child benefits to families with temporarily unemployed parents will remain in force in July and August. Meanwhile, the experience gained and mechanisms created in the process should become the basis for improving employment services and developing a system of social contracts, when the problems of a particular family are addressed based with due account of their specific situation.

I would like to note that the support package for individuals and the economy that we launched this spring has become unprecedented in terms of its scale, the volume of allocated funds and the scope of aid. We were able to do this thanks to the accumulated reserves and steady macroeconomic indicators, as well as our responsible fiscal and monetary policy over the past few years.

We did not see a surge in prices. You may also remember what was happening on the global commodity, energy and financial markets. There were unpredictable fluctuations and, occasionally, panic. Clearly, this could not but impact our national currency. However, first, we prevented a sharp drop of the ruble, and then it actually returned to its pre-crisis level. This was crucial to protecting individual incomes and savings. The predictability and stability of the national currency, the stability of the ruble was not created artificially or on command, but is due to the strong foundations of the Russian economy. Importantly, not all countries managed to achieve similar macroeconomic results. This also applies to the labour market. Unlike many, we managed to avoid a dramatic jump in unemployment. As I already mentioned, unemployment in our country is nonetheless up.

Therefore, now we need to address the main problem and help people get back to work. I want the Government and regional authorities, in conjunction with the Bank of Russia, to take appropriate measures to fully restore the labour market already in 2021, which means that the number of unemployed in Russia should at least return to the pre-crisis level or, better yet, drop even lower.

To reiterate, we have the resources and capabilities to quickly restore the national economy and get it on the growth track. To do so, we will keep long-term macroeconomic policy guidelines unchanged. In professional terms, this is about the budget rule and inflation targeting. In fact, in a language that everyone understands, we are talking about the responsible management of public finance and price stability. These are important and fundamental prerequisites to ensure economic stability and the growth of individual incomes, and to further lower interest rates.

In this context, I would like to note the consistent course of the Central Bank of Russia on easing monetary policy. As you know, literally the other day the key interest rate again went down by one percentage point to 4.5 percent. I would like to emphasise that this is the lowest rate in our entire recent history.

For the economy, these are new opportunities for launching investment and infrastructure projects. It will be easier for entrepreneurs to obtain loans for expanding their businesses. People will receive more affordable loans for new housing.

As you know, last spring we launched a special programme on easy mortgage loans to allow families to buy new housing using loans with an interest rate of 6.5 percent. Over 45,000 families have already applied for this mortgage programme.

Now it is absolutely necessary to expand opportunities for choosing comfortable, modern housing. In this context, I suggest applying easy mortgage loans to new housing worth under six million rubles instead of under three million rubles as before. In the largest agglomerations of Moscow and St Petersburg, this figure must be raised to 12 million rubles. Real estate prices are objectively higher here than the national average. I believe this support measure will be in demand.

I would like to make special mention of one measure of employment support, notably, an easy loan at a 2 percent for the affected industries. These funds will be transferred to the relevant organisations and companies in three equal tranches in June, July and August. Later on, as we said, the debt will be completely written off if they retain their staff.

We see that this measure is in demand. Applications from 90,000 companies employing 2,400,000 people have already been accepted. However, as we see, the demand proved to be much higher than the Government planned initially.

Therefore, I suggest expanding this support measure, this programme, and allocating another 100 billion rubles for it. This way we will provide more support for companies and their employees as the restrictions are lifted and speed up the recovery of the economy and employment.

Yes, some of the mandatory sanitary restrictions introduced in spring are still in place. Friends, this is objectively necessary to protect your health.

But I am now addressing regional governors: it is extremely important to adopt a sensible, balanced and well-calibrated approach to opening the economy. All decisions must be made timely, in line with the recommendations of experts. It is necessary to plan and organise everything in a way that will ensure the security of the people and, at the same time, will not kill business with excessive requirements and will not undermine its operation, and, hence, people’s incomes.

We need to go further than gradually relieving businesses of the burden of temporary sanitary restrictions and precautions. It is even more important to rid the economy of bureaucratic and administrative restrictions. Many of them, unfortunately, are chronic and have persisted for years, even decades.

Thus, the expeditious construction of medical centres and hospitals during the epidemic showed us that they can be built much faster and, at the same time, efficiently and reliably, without burdensome formalities that take time, energy and, eventually, money.

I have already instructed the Government to once again analyse the regulatory system in the construction industry, and to make amendments to it based on the experience of recent months. I know that at the first stage, the Government is ready to move almost a third of the current requirements for construction projects to the recommendations category. This work must continue. Apparently, we have such reserves in almost every industry.

I would like to stress that a fundamental improvement in the business climate and the simplification of all procedures should be the most important resource for the recovery and high-quality development of the economy. We need to provide more freedom and opportunities for entrepreneurs, including beginners.

In less than six months, the number of self-employed people in Russia has grown by 150 percent, from 300,000 to 700,000. During the outbreak, they received special support measures, such as a full refund of their 2019 taxes on professional income. In 2020, they can use the so-called tax capital in the amount of one minimum wage, 12,130 rubles.

As you know, the new self-employed tax plan was introduced in several regions as an experiment. We can see now that the experiment was a success. Therefore, from July 1, all regions in Russia will be allowed to introduce a system for the self-employed – everywhere across the country. This means that people can be officially self-employed and just work.

I also think – and I have spoken about this more than once with young entrepreneurs – it would be a good idea to allow people to register as self-employed from the age of 16 rather than 18. According to estimates, about 3 million young people will be able to use this system. Moreover, such novice entrepreneurs will also enjoy additional tax benefits, including tax capital equal to one minimum wage, so as not to draw resources from business development to pay taxes.

It is the young people – energetic, educated, professional, oftentimes yesterday’s schoolchildren and university students – who are the backbone of high-tech teams and companies, including those in the field of information technology.

Here is a point that I would like to make. In recent months, given the difficulties that the economy faced due to the epidemic, we have made special additional decisions to support the key industries, such as construction, which I have just mentioned, the auto industry, transport, the light industry and agriculture. In total, several million of our citizens are employed here. With families, we are talking about the well-being of tens of millions of people. We tried to do our best to help them retain their incomes.

On June 10, I met with representatives of the IT and telecom industries. During the epidemic, the quick and effective transition online of a significant portion of business life and the work of essential public and educational services showed the powerful technical and human resources of the Russian IT sector, which is one of the most dynamic, booming industries. I will add to this that in the past five years alone, the export of domestic software has doubled. Of course, we still have work to do. Nevertheless, this is a good indicator.

This industry is home to many basic end-to-end solutions and technologies that are important for the entire economy and social sphere, in general, for all spheres of life in Russia.

Of course, to support and develop such a major industry, there is need not only for effective, but unconventional approaches and solutions. During the meeting, I instructed our colleagues from the Government, in conjunction with the expert professional community, to work through such steps, bearing in mind that the field of information technology has traditionally been highly mobile.

Entrepreneurs and employees prefer to live and conduct business in convenient and comfortable places. Therefore, the tax, financial and legal environment for work in our country should be globally competitive. This requirement applies, in fact, not only to the IT sphere, but to all other sectors of the Russian economy without exception as well.

The plans for supporting the industry I have just mentioned have been prepared and the decisions have been adopted. As a first step, I suggest conducting a so-called tax manoeuvre in the IT sector and thus first of all substantially reduce the burden on the payroll. Let me note that this is the main expense item for high-tech companies.

Let me remind you that we have already reduced the insurance premium rate for all small and medium-sized companies twofold, to 15 percent. I believe in IT we can and must go further. Now the insurance premium rate amounts to 14 percent and is supposed to stay at this level until 2023. I suggest reducing it to 7.6 percent and not temporarily but indefinitely.

In addition, it will be correct to substantially decrease the profit tax rate for IT companies, also indefinitely, of course, from the current 20 percent to 3 percent. This is not only comparable but even better than in such attractive jurisdictions for IT business as India and Ireland. In fact, this will be one of the lowest tax rates in the world.

Taxes are important, of course, but they are not everything. I would like to ask the Government to continue its analysis of all other aspects of work in the IT industry and linked industries. We must be competitive in this respect as well.

Furthermore, I have already spoken about the importance of building up trust between the state and business. Using this firm foundation, we are creating support mechanisms in the current difficult situation and are helping people who believed that it is possible to work in Russia profitably, safely and reliably and do this legally, openly and honestly.

We have many entrepreneurs who are developing their businesses not only inside the country but also abroad. They must have an opportunity to pay their taxes at home, in Russia in a comfortable and civilised manner.

At present Russian tax residents – owners of foreign assets – pay taxes on their incomes from the activities of the so-called controlled foreign companies on the basis of a fairly complicated, clumsy and even inextricable scheme. I suggest simplifying it radically by letting them pay a fixed tax of five million rubles a year without additional reporting. In this way, we will create a stimulus for the development of modern and responsible business, importantly, in the Russian jurisdiction.

I also call the Government’s attention to the need to support investment activity in general and create more jobs. Much depends on the regional governments’ efforts.

At the same time, the epidemic has put regional finance in a rather difficult position, and we understand this. In addition to the increased healthcare costs, direct support to people and businesses, they have suffered a shortfall of revenue, including because of the federal decisions on tax benefits and deferrals.

In this regard, I instruct the Government to provide additional financial assistance to the regions, to allocate another 100 billion rubles in addition to the 200 billion that we have already announced, and thereby offset the regions’ costs arising from the national coronavirus response and relief efforts.

At the same time, I ask you to carefully look at the principles of distributing government support, and not add limitations, but rather encourage the regions that are investing their resources in development projects.

In addition, this year we will add another 100 billion rubles to improve the regional road network. We will channel the funding to the regions that work quickly, building and repairing their roads efficiently and ahead of schedule.

Additional resources are needed to increase investment in transport and grid infrastructure, in programmes to connect regions to the gas supply grids, in upgrading public transport, in addition to government spending. By the way, such mechanisms are already starting to work. On May 7, at a meeting on the transport industry, we decided to support Russian Railways’ infrastructure development plans. The final decision was adopted yesterday. The company floated its perpetual bonds to raise funds for the modernisation of railways. Therefore, I instruct the Government, also taking into account this experience, to prepare proposals in the near future on a wider use of financial instruments for the long-term funding of infrastructure development. We will discuss this and other significant issues at a meeting of the Council for Strategic Development in July.

Once again, our benchmarks remain unchanged. But we have to adjust the parameters, terms and priorities of the National Projects, and merge them, integrate into them the nationwide action plan for economic recovery and, of course, provide the necessary financial resources.

Even now, during this new budget cycle, I ask the Government to envisage an increase in the share of effective expenditures on healthcare and education, and I ask the lawmakers to show solidarity with this approach as they work on the next federal budget.

This is what I consider important to emphasise in this context. The voting on the amendments to the Constitution of Russia will take place on July 1. Naturally, they will come into force, as I have said many times, only if our citizens support them. It is the will of the nation that is absolutely essential for creating reliable conditions for confident, dynamic and long-term national development for years and decades ahead. Of course, the new constitutional provisions, if adopted, will set much higher requirements to the efficiency and content of our social and economic policy, and to resolving tasks on improving the quality of life and wellbeing of our people. I would like my colleagues in the Government and heads of government bodies at all levels to consider this in their work.

Citizens of Russia,

The past few months have become a time of major challenges and difficult trials both for this country and the rest of the world. Let me repeat that this was a difficult time for all of us.

However, we made our choice from the very start of the epidemic. We firmly decided that people, their lives, health and wellbeing must be given priority, that the main goal is to save lives and the rest will take care of itself.

Our people revealed their best qualities in the difficult conditions of the epidemic. During this time, we reconsidered many things, learned to show more care for each other and again realised the vital importance of solidarity and trust, which help us pass any trials with good grace.

The epidemic is not yet over. We still have to corner this infection and put an end to it. But life is taking its course and coming back to normal. Yes, everyone is facing many tasks and concerns they will soon have to deal with both at home and at work.

I understand that this will not be an easy period, either. But the opportunity to return to our plans, to their implementation, and the confidence that life is getting back to normal are inspiring a totally different mood that is positive, active and optimistic.

I am confident that together we will undoubtedly resolve any problems that arise; we will certainly catch up with everything and will overcome both temporary and any other difficulties. We have already proved that we are capable of that.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63548
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Old June 24th, 2020 #100
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Meeting with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic



Vladimir Putin met in the Kremlin with President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, who arrived in Moscow to take part in celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.



June 23, 2020 - 17:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr President, I am very glad to see you.

I would like to thank you for coming to Moscow to attend the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and to watch the military parade. Tomorrow, Serbian army units will march on Red Square together with their fellow Russian comrades-in-arms.

Our countries are developing fairly pragmatic but still very special, very good allied relations.

At the beginning of our meeting, I would like to congratulate you on your party’s convincing victory in the parliamentary elections in your country.



President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic:

Thank you very much.



Vladimir Putin:

Our relations are developing in all areas, including the economy. I believe last year our trade grew by 22.6 percent, and this year, in the first quarter of this year, it has already increased by 7.7 percent.

We actively and successfully cooperated in countering the coronavirus infection, continue investment activities, develop relations in all areas, including security and countering current threats – not only pandemics but also organised crime and terrorism. We are promoting our military and military-technical cooperation.

Naturally, we are developing cultural, educational and spiritual ties.

I am very happy to see you. Welcome once again!





Aleksandar Vucic:

Mr President, my dear friend,

I am very glad to have this opportunity to meet with you today and discuss the entire range of our relations.

Serbia and Russia are sincere friends. First of all, I would like to thank you for always finding the time for Serbia. This is very important for us, and we appreciate it very much.

We really have friendly, constructive and trustworthy relations in all areas. Our political ties are at the top level. I hope that, just as always, together we will be able to do a great deal to increase our trade.

Once again, I would like to thank you personally, Mr President and my dear friend, for your unequivocal support of Serbia’s vital national and state interests, especially its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

As you know, the situation in the Western Balkans is extremely complicated. We will talk with you on this issue.

I would like to emphasise once again that Serbia, a free and independent country, maintains its military neutrality. I believe it is the only country in the region with this policy.

Thank you once again for your support and assistance in countering the coronavirus infection. We thank you very much, and we thank the Russian people very much.

Your invitation to attend the Victory Day Parade tomorrow is a great honour for me and my country. We are proud of our joint victory. Of course, you have done everything to preserve the historical memory of World War II. We will help you in this regard.

Thank you once again for your support. Thank you for your congratulations.

And, of course, we expect to see you in Belgrade, in Serbia before the end of this year. I hope we will have an opportunity to reciprocate the warm reception and hospitality that you always accord us.

Once again, thank you very much.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63549






Meeting with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev



Vladimir Putin met at the Kremlin with President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who arrived in Moscow to take part in celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.



June 23, 2020 - 19:00 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr President, I am delighted to see you.

Thank you for coming to attend the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Victory and the military parade. It is gratifying that a unit of the Uzbek armed forces – 75 people as far as I know – will march through Red Square tomorrow.



President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev:

This will be the first time, by the way.



Vladimir Putin:

This is a visible sign of our special allied relations.

I know that on May 9, you opened Victory Park in Tashkent. And in this regard, of course, I definitely have to mention that during the war, 2 million Uzbek people fought at the front. As many as 500,000 people died, and 130,000 went missing. This is a big loss. But Uzbekistan took in 2 million civilians evacuating from other Soviet republics.



Shavkat Mirziyoyev:

250,000 children.





Vladimir Putin:

Many industrial facilities were relocated to Uzbekistan and immediately restarted operations to produce the necessary supplies for the front.

All this is our common history, our common achievements and our common Victory.

At present, we are developing as independent states, but we enjoy absolutely unique strategic allied relations. We have joint economic projects, our special services cooperate, and we fight terrorism together. Our armed forces are also collaborating.

We certainly pay a lot of attention to cooperation in education and culture.

Mr President, I am very glad to see you. Once again, welcome.



Shavkat Mirziyoyev:

Thank you.

Mr President, first of all, I am very grateful for the invitation.

On behalf of the multi-ethnic people of Uzbekistan and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate you and the people of Russia on this great holiday, the holiday of the victory over Nazism. As you have already said, it is our common history, our common Victory.

The park you mentioned today –we did, in fact, unveil a large memorial complex ahead of May 9. I hope we can go see it together when you come for a visit. It is a tribute to the memory of our grandfathers and fathers who gave their lives for the present day. It has great patriotic significance for the people of Uzbekistan and especially for the youth. This is a fundamental monument.

I would like to seize the opportunity and thank our Russian colleagues, especially the Defence Ministry, which opened up its archives for us for two years. We found a great deal of new information there.

Mr President, regarding the figure of 1.5 million, which you have mentioned. After working in the archives for two years, we found out that two million residents of Uzbekistan went to the front, and information on those who did not come back, who went missing in action, the numbers we discovered with our Russian colleagues from the Defence Ministry revealed new dimensions.

It is the memory we must never forget. And I want the park, the new memorial complex to serve the cause of educating the youth in particular so that they always remember how we secured our present, that their grandfathers and father fought in the battles and this Victory was paid for with their blood. Today they are an example the youth must follow.

Of course, Mr President, everything we have been doing in the past two and a half years – strategic partnership, allied relations – was filled with real results in all the areas you spoke about today.

Trade has exceeded the level of 2019 by about 18 percent. This is a big figure. We agreed on 10 billion but we are already approaching 7 billion, 6.6 to be exact. This is also a big figure.

I think the pandemic has slightly impeded our plans, and disrupted a state visit that was envisaged. But we have achieved growth in many areas, we have the results, and roadmaps have been adopted.

As you have said, our military-technical cooperation is running well, and cultural and humanitarian ties are working very well. As agreed, 10 branches of Russian universities opened in Uzbekistan, seven of them in the past two years. There are agreements being made to open four more branches in Uzbekistan by the year’s end. This is also a big result.

The cultural and humanitarian component, as I have told you, includes a translation into the Uzbek language of a 100-volume collection of Russian literature. This is also a result we have agreed on.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success. Of course, July 1 is a historic day for the new Russia – amending the Constitution. I think the people understand correctly that everything we can see today, everything stated in the amendments should have been done a long time ago, and now the time has come to do it. Therefore, I want this day to be a success in the history of new Russia.

Once again, thank you for the invitation.





Vladimir Putin:

Thank you very much.

You said our cultural ties are advancing actively. I would like to note that our culinary ties are also progressing well. I want to invite you to lunch. We will be able to have an undisturbed discussion about everything there.



Shavkat Mirziyoyev:

Good, thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63552






Executive Order on one-off payment to families with children



The President signed Executive Order On One-off Payment to Families with Children.



June 23, 2020 - 19:20



In order to ensure social support and preserve the incomes of families with children, the President resolved to make one-off payments to citizens residing in the Russian Federation who are parents, adoptive parents or guardians of children under 16 years who have Russian citizenship, in the amount of 10,000 rubles for each such child, in addition to the social payments stipulated by Presidential Executive Order No. 249 of April 7, 2020 On Additional Measures of Social Support for Families with Children.

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




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63553






Parade marking 75th anniversary of Great Victory



President of Russia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin attended the military parade marking the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.



June 24, 2020 - 11:15 - Red Square, Moscow






President of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov, President of Moldova Igor Dodon, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, President of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Serb Chairman of the Presidency ofBosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik arrived in Moscow for the commemorative events. Before the parade, Vladimir Putin welcomed the invited heads of state in the Heraldic Hall of the Moscow Kremlin.

Over 14,000 service personnel, more than 200 units of military hardware and 75 aircraft were engaged in the military parade to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Defence Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu reviewed the parade, which was led by Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces Army General Oleg Salyukov.

At the onset of the Parade, the colour guard of the Preobrazhensky Regiment's battalion carried the Banner of Victory and the national flag of the Russian Federation into Red Square.

Officers and soldiers of the army, law enforcement agencies and cadets of military academies, military schools and Young Army members marched in over 40 parade formations.

Alongside Russian service personnel, parade formations from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Serbia, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan took part in the parade

Apart from known military hardware, over 20 samples of new military equipment were showcased at the anniversary parade.

Deeply upgraded T90-M and T-80BVM tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles with the Berezhok fighting compartment, Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicle with a 57 mm combat module, Armata infantry fighting vehicle with the Kinzhal fighting module, Derivatisya-PVO anti-aircraft artillery systems, Buk-3M and S-350 “Vityaz” air defence systems, and S-300V4 Pantsir-S1M anti-aircraft systems drove along Red Square.

In addition, Tornado-S multiple launch rocket systems, Bal coastal missile systems, Taifun-K and Taifun-K VDV all-wheel-drive protected vehicles with remotely controlled combat modules, TOS-2 heavy flame-throwing systems, and ISDM remote mining system vehicles participated in the parade.

The airborne part of the parade was represented by 75 aircraft flying in 16 groups. Thus, the Mi-26 heavy transport helicopter flew by accompanied by four Mi-8 helicopters, three groups of five Mi-35, Ka-52 and Mi-28 helicopters in each of them. Military transport, special and long-range aviation was represented by A-50, Il-76, Tu-95, Tu-22, Tu-160 and Il-78 aircraft. Two groups of MiG-29 and Su-24 fighter jets of the tactical air force flew over in the “peleng” combat echelon. Bringing up the rear were two groups of one element each of MiG-31K and Su-57 aircraft.

In the final part, a formation of 10 tactical force jets in a compact tactical fighter wing and Russian Knights and Strizhi aerobatic teams took part in a fly-past over Red Square. To conclude the airborne part, a group of six Su-25 attack jets flew over spraying aerosols that matched the colours of the Russian national flag.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

People of Russia,

Our dear veterans,

Foreign guests,











Soldiers and sailors, sergeants, warrant officers and ensigns, Officers, generals and admirals,











I wish you all the best on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. A victory that determined the future of the planet for decades to come and went down in history as the grandest in its scale, significance and moral value.











This year, the traditional Victory Day celebrations are being held in Russia on June 24. Exactly 75 years ago, the legendary victors paraded right here, along the Kremlin wall, to commemorate the end of the Great Patriotic War.











That parade went down in history as a triumph of unprecedented scale, the triumph of good over evil, of peace over war, and life over death.











On behalf of all the defenders of the Fatherland, they threw the defeated banners and standards of the Nazis down to the ground with contempt, as a sign of just retribution and dire warning.











The combined regiments of various fronts and fleets marched through Red Square. And everyone who fought for their homeland bravely, not sparing themselves, who returned with Victory, as well as millions of soldiers who remained forever on the battlefields invisibly joined their firm measured march.











Today we bow our heads to the sacred memory of all those who never came back, to the memory of sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, fellow soldiers, relatives and friends. We grieve over the veterans who have already left us.











I proclaim a moment of silence.

(A moment of silence.)

We will always remember that Nazism was crushed by the Soviet people – by millions of people of different ethnicity from all republics of the Soviet Union.











At the front and in the rear, in partisan groups and underground resistance, they fought and worked relying on their courage and unity. Having defended their homeland, they continued to fight. They liberated European countries from the invaders, put an end to the terrible tragedy of the Holocaust, and saved the people of Germany from Nazism with its deadly ideology.











It is impossible to even imagine what would have happened to the world had it not been for the Red Army that stood up to defend it.











Its soldiers did not want war, or other countries, or glory, or honours. All they wanted was to finish off the enemy, to gain victory and return home. And they paid an irreparable price for Europe’s freedom. Many hundreds of thousands of soldiers died in foreign lands.











Our duty is to always remember this. Remember that the Soviet people shouldered the main burden of the fight against Nazism.











In 1941, over 80 percent of the armed forces of Germany and its satellites were concentrated to fight the Soviet Union. But this ruthless armada proved powerless against the cohesion of the Soviet people.











It was our people who defeated the terrible, total evil, crushed more than 600 divisions, destroyed 75 percent of the total number of Nazi aircraft, tanks, artillery units, and walked their righteous and infinitely sacrificial path to the end, to their victorious destination.











This is the main truth about the war, honest and clear. We must protect and defend it, and pass it on to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Today’s military parade is a tribute to this sacred truth, to the outstanding generation of victors who determined the outcome of the entire World War II.











Representatives of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Moldova, Mongolia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will march in this parade along with Russian soldiers.











We are happy to welcome our friends, guests from various countries who came to Moscow to pay tribute to everyone who defended peace on the planet.











We will never forget our allies’ contribution to the common victory, the significance of the second front that opened in June 1944. We honour the brave service members of the armed forces of all countries of the anti-Hitler coalition, and respect the feat of all fighters against Nazism who battled fearlessly in Europe.











In the context of the challenges the planet is facing today, we also know, and are especially keenly aware of what the greatest value is – people, their dreams, joys, hopes, and a peaceful, tranquil and creative life.











We understand how important it is to strengthen friendship and trust between nations, and are open to dialogue and cooperation on the most pressing issues on the international agenda.











Among them is the creation of a common reliable security system, something the complex and rapidly changing modern world needs. Only together can we protect the world from new dangerous threats.











Friends,

The surviving veterans of the Great Patriotic War now live in many different countries. But their great joint feat of saving entire nations from eradication, barbarism and enslavement cannot be split and divided. That heroic deed, without any exaggeration, is the legacy of all humankind.











Dear veterans, our gratitude to you is immeasurable. You have proven with your life and your fight how important it is to be able to defend the values of peace, humanism and justice.











We will do everything in our power to ensure that the memory of your heroic accomplishments never fades. It is our duty of conscience and our responsibility to the present and the future.











Glory to the generation that defeated Nazism!

Glory to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War!

Hoorah!




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63560






Laying flowers at Tomb of Unknown Soldier



June 24, 2020 - 11:30 - Alexander Garden, Moscow








































Following the parade, Vladimir Putin and heads of foreign states laid flowers at the Eternal Flame and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden to commemorate those killed in the Great Patriotic War and to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63561






Reception for heads of state invited to military parade to mark 75th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War



The Kremlin hosted a reception for the heads of state invited to the military parade to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.



June 24, 2020 - 13:15 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Friends,

Once again, I would like to thank you all for coming to Moscow, despite the difficult circumstances we are all aware of, to attend the celebrations dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

I have already said this, and I know this is obvious – it is a very significant event for our peoples, without any exaggeration, very dear to us all. Victory Day is celebrated in each of our countries.

Nothing has the power, as is often said, to extinguish the deep sincere feelings people have when they commemorate and honour their heroes. Every year, this holiday actually becomes even more pronounced and vibrant, with new traditions added to it, which is very important, such as, for example, the Immortal Regiment marches held in 115 states.

Of course, the military parades on Red Square to mark each anniversary of Victory arouse very special feelings. Thank you for your kind words when you noted that the Parade was held at the highest level. I can say with confidence that all the organisers, all our military personnel wholeheartedly did their best.

I am sure that the kind of cohesion that unites us, our spiritual unity in honouring an anniversary that was common for all of us, and still is, are also in harmony with the dreams and hopes of our dear veterans, everyone whose effort helped bring our shared and long-awaited Victory closer.

We have just laid flowers at the Eternal Flame as a tribute to the Unknown Soldier, a symbol of all those who never returned from the fronts of the Great Patriotic War.

We do not know – this is really so – we do not know the name, age, or nationality of this soldier who died in the battle of Moscow, but he is family to millions of people. Someone’s son, husband, brother, grandfather, or father. We will always remember them – those who never came home – and will always be proud of the entire generation of victors.

The feat of the brave fighters and selfless workers of the rear is an important integral part of the history of our countries, an invaluable example of the triumph of justice, humanitarianism (I spoke about this today at the parade), and the all-conquering force of unity, friendship and trust between our countries. These things have always remained our main pillars that support us in difficulties.

Today this is first of all a matter of global security, the fight against terrorism and against the pandemic, and most of the leaders present here know how we are addressing these problems as part of our associations, effectively and in a timely manner.

Once again, I would like to say that I am sincerely delighted to see you all in Moscow. The legendary parade of victors that took place 75 years ago is part of our shared history, as much as the Great Victory.

Allow me to propose a toast to our veterans, to our unity, to our past and future victories!




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63562
__________________
Where should they dig the Very Deep Pit?
Piglet said that the best place would be somewhere where a Heffalump was, just before he fell into it, only about a foot farther on.
(c) Alan Alexander Miln
 
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