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Old January 7th, 2019 #921
Alex Him
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Russia Calling! Investment Forum



Vladimir Putin took part in the annual Russia Calling! Investment Forum hosted by VTB Capital. The plenary session is entitled “Building Partnerships. Bridging Differences.”



November 28, 2018 - 15:15 - Moscow






Russia Calling! Forum is a leading platform for drawing capital to the Russian economy, improving the investment climate and promoting the country’s international economic and business ties.




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, friends, ladies and gentlemen,

I am very pleased to welcome the participants and guests of the traditional, already tenth, Russia Calling! Forum to Moscow.

This year again, the forum brought together senior executives of leading Russian and foreign companies, investment funds, and eminent experts whose work, at least part of it, is associated with Russia and who are interested in our country.

Before opening the discussion, I would like to provide a brief overview of the situation in the Russian economy. Overall, it is steady. Russia's GDP is estimated to have increased by 1.5 percent during the first three quarters of this year.

The industrial output showed higher growth rates, exceeding forecasts and adding 3 percent, with the manufacturing industries adding 3.2 percent.

Key indicators, such as inflation and unemployment, are at low levels with unemployment at 4.7 percent and inflation around 3.5 percent. Based on the Central Bank’s forecasts (Ms Nabiullina may have already mentioned this), we planned it at around 4 percent, but the current number is 3.5 percent, as far as I know.

Despite the external attempts to exert pressure and well-known internal difficulties, the Russian business is making long-term plans and increasing investment in development projects.

The volume of investment in fixed assets grew by 4.1 percent over the first nine months of 2018. Such business optimism shown by investors and their positive outlook are an important measure of business confidence. We highly appreciate that and will support such positivity.

Of course, it is obvious that the current economic growth rates are not enough to bring about a major improvement in living standards for our citizens. We are open about it, we are aware of it, and are creating an entire development programme in order to change the state of things.

As I have already said, we are seeking to achieve growth rates above the global average and to firmly establish Russia among the world’s top five economies. It is by addressing structural challenges that we can lay a solid foundation for getting this breakthrough effort off the ground.

First, we need to improve productivity, primarily by introducing modern and better performing technologies in the non-oil and gas sectors.

We will improve the vocational training system in order to be able to constantly develop and expand competences and ensure effective personnel development.

Second, we will direct substantial resources towards infrastructure development and provide all the possible assistance to private companies to this effect. Roads and railways, seaports and river ports, air travel, power supply, communications – in all these areas we intend to step up our efforts manifold in order to enhance connectivity within the country with convenient and safe communications.

Let me emphasise that this is also essential for enabling Russia to be proactive in its international economic ties and expanding our export opportunities.

Third, we will do everything it takes over the next several years to promote priority growth of the digital economy. We will form a regulatory and technological framework for introducing digital solutions in public administration (we have already started moving in this direction, and this effort has gathered significant momentum), as well as in utilities and urban infrastructure, the industrial sector, transport, education and healthcare.

We will create fundamentally new industries and business platforms based on digital solutions, and will stimulate the development of Russian companies – global leaders in the digital era.

Of course, to ensure investment growth, to attract capital to the Russian economy, we will continue to improve the business climate, reduce the administrative burden on businesses and offer investors new, more convenient mechanisms to expand their business.

The implementation of plans for the development of Russia’s economic potential will certainly require large government investment; you have probably heard the figures. As a reminder, in 2019–2021, the plan is to allocate 2.3 trillion rubles from the federal budget for these purposes.

At the same time, I would like to note that, despite the obvious growth of expenses, we have not opted for weakening the budget policy. We will further maintain a responsible approach to financial management and ensure the necessary balance of revenues and expenditures of the state treasury.

Such long-term predictability of macroeconomic, financial, and monetary policy is extremely important for both domestic and foreign investors.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is what I wanted to say at the beginning. We still have a small discussion scheduled – I am at your disposal.

Thank you for your attention.







President and Chairman of the VTB Bank Management Board Andrei Kostin:

First of all, thank you very much for coming. Indeed, this is our 10th anniversary forum. If I may, I will take just two minutes of the audience’s and your time to briefly remind everyone how it all started 10 years ago.

The creation of this forum is directly related to the creation of VTB Capital investment bank, which took place 10 years ago in a very unlikely period amid the global crisis, when many investment banks were scaling down their operations.

Of course, we consulted with senior bank managers and leading experts. I talked with the head of Deutsche Bank Josef Ackermann, a renowned investment banker, and he told me: ”Andrei, when you see Mr Putin, tell him there is no great country without a powerful national investment bank.“

When I came to see Mr Putin after that (he was prime minister at the time) to give a report, he, first, approved this initiative and, second, said: “How can I help?”

Like in a fairy tale, I thought about asking him to grant three wishes, but then I remembered that the more wishes, the worse the fairy tale turns out, so I made just one wish: “Mr Prime Minister, may I ask you to come to our conference (back then, every self-respecting investment bank hosted conferences), and not go to others?” He said nothing about other conferences, but positively stated he would come to us.

Of course, even in my wildest dreams I never thought that 10 years would pass and every year Mr Putin, regardless of the weather, political climate and his busy schedule, would come to our conference. This made the forum what it is now. I believe it is our country’s leading financial forum, and, of course, you come here primarily to be able to listen to and talk with Mr Putin.

Mr President, I was searching my memory to come up with some numbers. We had 300 investors at the first forum where you spoke, now we have 2,200, with over 500 coming from more than 63 countries. I hope your efforts were not in vain, because the great nation of Russia, I believe, now has a dependable national investment bank. Thank you so much for supporting us all these years.

Colleagues, we will now have a Q&A section. This is a democracy. You can ask questions from the floor. Mr President often picks the speaker himself. But while you are preparing, let’s have the first question.

This is not something we have prearranged, but I think, The Wall Street Journal has an interesting question: One of your government’s key economic priorities is to increase investment to 25 percent of GDP. You have set similar targets in past election campaigns, but with little success. What makes things different this time around? What makes you think this is a more realistic target today?”

I can tell you that we touched on this topic this morning, and Alexei Kudrin said that as a rule when specific instructions by the President or the Government are not fulfilled, punishment follows, but when we set strategic goals and they are not met nobody seems to be responsible. Who will answer for this now? And an additional question from me. Who will be held responsible for failing to meet this target?







Vladimir Putin:

First,I don’t think people come here to see me or hear me speak, I am not the biggest attraction in Moscow. They have things to do and to discuss among themselves, and it is very important to talk with their colleagues from the Government, from the Central Bank and to get a feel for what makes Russia tick.

To start with, 2008 and 2018 are very different. There was a crisis then and times are also hard today, but the causes of the crises are different.

Today, I think, there is a sense that in spite of any crisis phenomena or artificially created difficulties, the Russian economy is adapting to the challenges, is feeling confident, creating conditions for domestic development, and this, in my opinion, is the factor I mentioned when I talked about this.

GDP growth is 1.5 percent, not that much, but investment in fixed assets outstrips GDP growth, 4.1 percent. This shows that investors have confidence in tomorrow and understand the policy pursued by the Russian financial authorities. It is stable, reliable and predictable, and the economy adapts to external shock, as indicated by the factors I have mentioned.

As for punishment, with us it is usually a case of (you know the expression) “the rewards go to the uninvolved and the punishment to the innocents.” Let’s not go down that road and try to decide who should be punished. We need to think about what needs to be done to fulfil the ambitious plans we have set for ourselves. We do have such a plan.



Andrei Kostin:

Colleagues, feel free. You have the opportunity to have a direct dialogue. Please, go ahead.



Akar Tolga:

Dear President, I would like to ask you. There has been much discussion about moving away from the dollar to achieve greater diversification, whether to make payments, to engage in foreign trade and for foreign reserve purposes. Interestingly, one of the impediments to this are governments themselves. They keep signing agreements in dollars whether they are for loans or for trade and they continue to keep the currency for reserve management. Russia is no exception. What can governments do to support this diversification? Thank you very much.







Vladimir Putin:

We are not seeking to walk away from the dollar – rather, the dollar is walking away from us. (Laughter, applause.) Those who take these decisions are not just shooting themselves in the foot but a bit higher, because this instability in making payments in dollars is causing quite a few economies to look for alternative reserve currencies and create settlement systems independent of the dollar.

It is not just us, believe me – we see what is happening across the world. Look at how the foreign exchange reserves of various countries, including the United States’ closest allies, are shrinking. Dollar assets are dwindling, look at the reports – and this concerns the largest holders of dollar assets. This is the result of this sanction-based policy that targets, among other things, dollar assets.

I think that sooner or later they will wake up to the reality, but as long as the world has to address these sorts of challenges in the economy, the search for alternative options for making settlements and accumulating reserves will continue. We are also doing this like many other countries.

There are long-established practices in some commodity markets, say, in the oil market, but still when people look for a solution to a problem they tend to find it. For example, 70 percent of our exports to EAEU countries and 30 percent of our imports from them are settled in rubles.

We are actively working together with our major trade and economic partners to create systems that would not be linked to SWIFT. We are working to ensure the flow of goods.

I have just talked to the Turkish President, your leader – literally, half an hour ago. We discussed several practical issues but I would like to remind you of our military technology deal, the one to supply S-400 missile systems. We understand that if we make payments in dollars, the payments will not go through.

So, we thought of another way of doing this and the deal came off. We will act in the same way for all types of goods and I have cited just one example that is on everybody’s lips.

And so we are not pursuing the objective of moving away from payments in dollars, rather we are forced to do this. I can assure you that we will continue to do this, but not because governments do not want to [make payments in dollars] – we simply do not want to make dramatic moves that could harm us.

Of course, to make the global economy more sustainable and predictable and settlements more efficient and reliable, alternative options will be found.



Andrei Kostin:

Next, please.



Raymond Zucaro:

My name is Raymond Zucaro. I am the Chief Investment Officer at RVX Asset Management based in the United States. We focus on emerging markets globally. But I really consider myself a student of history. And when I look at what you’ve done for Russia, Mr Putin, I think in history books you will be regarded much like Peter the Great. Restoring Russia to a world power, stopping the European encroachment on the near abroad. And at the same time, being an American citizen, I often look and wonder at the lack of understanding from the US policies and understanding of the world. I was given this gift which commemorates your summit with President Trump in Helsinki. This coin, it was printed in the United States, it has grammatical errors, it has spelling mistakes in Russian. My question for you is really: what would you tell the leaders of my country to better understand the Russian history, to better understand their perspective, your perspective that the two countries can get along better in the future?







Vladimir Putin:

As a historian, you know that you need to study history to know it, just read it. There is nothing difficult in that. And when you do this, you will understand the motives of your partners.

History is a useful and very interesting subject. You and I know the saying that to know the future you must know the past. I find it difficult today to make any recommendations, which is a thankless exercise anyway.

You said that Russia is a great power. The United States is a great power as well, with a population of over 300 million and the world’s largest economy. The US dollar is actually the only universal reserve currency. America has huge advantages. It spends $700 billion on defence.

We spend $46 billion and the United States spends $700 billion. This is more than the aggregate defence spending of all the world’s countries. Of course, the United States is a great power. And this is how we treat it. Countries must respect each other and show their respect in practice.

We talked here about all kinds of restrictions, including in dollar-denominated settlements. Or various sanctions and customs tariffs that have been introduced against some countries, for example, China.

According to the WTO, mutual restrictions that have been recently introduced by the G20 countries have reduced global trade by nearly $500 billion. Has this benefitted any country, including an economic giant such as the United States?

This has created windows of opportunity for us. For example, we will export soybeans to China. The United States used to deliver vast amounts of soybeans to China, and now we will do this as well. We have agreed with our Chinese friends to supply them with poultry meat and several other agricultural products.

In fact, the Americans have voluntarily withdrawn from this huge market. Why have they? I believe one must strive for a positive result without trying to harm one’s partners but instead looking for joint spheres of operation so as to ultimately make cooperation more effective.

This will benefit all sides. But everyone stands to lose from unilateral and politically motivated harmful measures that are illegal from the viewpoint of international trade law.

What can I recommend here? Abandon this policy and start looking for points of contact. We are ready for this, and we want this, as I have said more than once. I hope to discuss this with the US President, if we meet in Argentina. As I understand and feel, this is what he meant when we talked during the lunch in Paris, where we sat across from each other. We had about an hour to talk with each other and with the other colleagues who sat next to us.

Overall, I believe that President Trump is favourably disposed. We must find the points of contact I have mentioned, but this depends on the US administration, not me. You need internal consensus in the United States, which would motivate the US elite to work with its partners.



Mohammed Bassatne:

My name is Mohammed Bassatne, I am the CEO of BB Energy Trading. My question really relates to the relationship between OPEC and Russia. Over the past few years, there has been a lot of collaboration regarding the curtailment of production. And of course, the main issue here is that many people believe that this is at the cost or at the advantage of the shale oil industry. I would like to get your view on that. On the same token, because of this curtailment of production, some might argue that that does affect directly the technology and innovation in the Russian oil sector. How do you see that going forward and do you believe that this strategy is a long-term one for Russia, to keep on curtailing the production at the cost of other players?







Vladimir Putin:

You know, we have organised work with OPEC countries – the 15 member-countries and 12 non-members – and we have come to terms on working jointly on the world markets to balance supply and demand.

It should be said, I think, that we have managed to do this for the first time in the organisation’s history – all agreements have been implemented 100 percent. There was nothing like this ever before in the organisation itself. I must admit that this took place thanks, to a large extent, to Saudi Arabia’s position. This, in effect, is the achievement of Saudi Arabia and the Crown Prince, who was the one to initiate this work. And it has led to positive results.

As for shale oil, we did not have, do not have now, nor, I hope, will ever have – at least, Russia will not have – the objective of undermining someone’s business, including those in shale oil. But it was necessary to balance the market and raise the price to a level, where the industry itself will become viable and see the return of investments.

What was the danger, after all? That the flow of investments to the industry will be suspended. As a matter of fact, this was what began happening. A subsequent price surge was inevitable, but this would have been largely destructive for both producers and consumers. This is why our objective and aim was to work jointly and to be flexible and also meet the interests of both producers and consumers. And we have succeeded in this.

If I recall rightly, back in the year 2013 a barrel cost around $43 and this year it was $72 a barrel during the first 10 months. Recently, the price went down but then went up a bit again. As I see it, $60 a barrel or round about that price is absolutely acceptable and it is fine with us.

We are satisfied with it because our expenditure budget is based on approximately $40 a barrel and next year’s expenditure budget will hinge on $43. What I mean is that the price will be $43 a barrel, while the point where shale oil production is profitable is anywhere between $35 and $45.

There are different options, we know this. The profitability margin could be as high as $60 a barrel but on average it is anywhere between $35 and $45 a barrel. Therefore, the price I am speaking about is balanced and fair. If need be – we are now in contact with OPEC – we will continue this joint work.



Ravi Ruia:

Your Excellency, friends here. My name is Ravi Ruia, I am the co-founder of the Essar Group in India, along with my brother Shashi Ruia. Your Excellency, we are involved with Essar Group in different businesses. We are in the oil refining and exploration business, in spill manufacturing, power generation, port infrastructure, metals and mining. Our total revenues are around $15 billion a year. Your Excellency, in the last two years, with active cooperation and assistance of VTB Bank, we have been instrumental in bringing in a large investment from the state-owned oil company Rosneft into India, which has given access to Russia to a very large market in India of over 1.25 billion people. It is a total investment of almost $13 billion, which is the largest investment ever made by a Russian private company into the Indian private sector. And it has given a big, major outlet for potentially Russian crude into India and access to over 4,000 to 5,000 filling gas stations in India where our product will be directly given to Indian consumers. Your Excellency, we are also looking at how else we can bring in more Russian investment into India, which would add to the growth of both Indian market and access to Indian population as well as add to Russian export. For instance, in the power generation sector, India genuinely believes that there is large potential for Russian power equipment to come into India as the Indian power generation is growing. This is the background of our group. We are now looking at, Your Excellency. My question to you, Your Excellency, is the economic growth in India is at 1.5 percent. And now that the oil price has recovered, what measures do you envisage to take it to a sustainable high level of 3 percent? Thank you.







Andrei Kostin:

Do you mean in Russia?



Ravi Ruia:

Yes, in Russia.



Vladimir Putin:

First of all, I would like to say that we have really good constructive relations with India, thanks also to our friendly personal ties with Prime Minister Modi, who is a serious politician and a really reliable partner.

It is largely thanks to his efforts that we are moving our relations forward in many fields. Yet we are not satisfied with the current state of our relations. It is beyond the capabilities of both India and Russia. We can increase the volume of our trade and economic ties and mutual investments manifold, yes, many times over.

One of the investment projects you have mentioned is, indeed, the largest foreign investment in the history of the Indian economy – the acquisition by Rosneft, if I am not mistaken, of a stake worth $12 billion in one of India’s largest oil refineries. I hope it is not the last investment of this kind.

Of course, we would welcome Indian investments in Russia. We know that the Indians are working effectively and on a large scale in the pharmaceutical industry. We would welcome the further development of our ties in this sphere, but, of course, not only in it.

You mentioned power generation. Our electrical engineering has always developed very well. We still need to do a great deal in some segments of this market, increasing or launching the production of some types of equipment. But overall, we have good technology and high quality products as well as the necessary personnel and system of training. We can certainly work actively together in this sphere.

As for increasing the pace of economic growth, I have mentioned this before, including here. We have a special programme for increasing the growth rate in this area. First of all, we must increase labour efficiency based on novel technology, including digital technology, so as to be able to improve our infrastructure, education and healthcare.

Speaking about infrastructure, we plan to considerably increase the traffic capacity on our roads. We will direct ample resources, both public and private, that we will earmark for this in the next five or six years.

For example, we plan to increase the efficiency of our railways, considering that we need to export such commodities as coal, oil, which involves pipelines, and gas.

We will also expand our ports, especially in the Russian Far East and Eastern Siberia. We will continue to develop our seaports. Just to remind you: the volume of transhipment in our ports has increased from 300 million tonnes in 2013 to 1 billion tonnes last year, a record-breaking achievement.

This is not the end of the road. We will continue working on this. We will seriously increase investment in healthcare and education, because attaining the results we need is impossible in a modern economy without healthy and highly educated people.

We will also expand the internet, so that it is accessible in every, even the smallest village, and so on. This is the long list of goals we have mapped out within the framework of our national projects. I strongly hope that this will produce the required results.



Ewan Thompson:

Thank you. Ewan Thompson from Neptune Investment Management in London. You mentioned the plans to increase the investment rate in the Russian economy while still maintaining the fiscal strength. How do you see the capacity of the Russian banking sector to help accelerate the economy? What role will it play in financing this growth? Thank you very much.







Vladimir Putin:

We are fully aware of the potential of our banks, of our banking system as a whole, how it compares with the leading world banks, what resources they have today, what opportunities, what they can do and, most importantly, how they are developing.

We have several leading banks; one of them is VTB Bank. We can also see the difficulties they are facing, their achievements and successes. For several years, the Central Bank has been consistently making efforts for the rehabilitation and strengthening of the Russian banking system. Sometimes it is painful and affects people’s interests, but ultimately, it serves the interests of the citizens of the Russian Federation, so that its banking system, its financial institutions where people keep their savings are reliable and stable.

For this, we have adopted a number of legislative acts, a number of laws that ensure depositors’ interests. We also recently decided to split the licences. There are two types of licences now that require different amounts of capital from banks, I think, one billion and 300 million, that would be, say, a general licence and the other one.

Here is the difference: in the latter case, these banks, mainly regional ones, should be less burdened by reserves and other requirements from the regulator. We believe that regional banks should be able to work more flexibly. I hope it will be so. And regional governors are asking us about it, suggesting what we should do.

Overall, the banking system is developing successfully and steadily, and its profits are at a good level. Their total capital is 90 trillion rubles, I think. In the first nine months of this year, they made almost 1.5 trillion rubles. We can see what is happening here, and we know what to do next to strengthen our financial system.



Jean-Pierre Thomas (retranslated):

It’s Jean-Pierre Thomas, adviser of the former French President Nicolas Sarkozy for the cooperation between France and Russia and now President of the Thomas Vendome Investment. Mr President, I will ask you a question about the US sanctions. Is there finally some positive side of the sanctions on the Russian economy you want to comment and we can work on? Because we read, for example, a very interesting, a very successful story of import substitution in the sector of agriculture, or agrosector, and all the sectors of the Russian economy.



Vladimir Putin:

I believe any restrictive measures that are politically motivated and illegal, and let me emphasise that they are illegal, in terms of international law and WTO norms, are detrimental for everyone, including for those who introduce them.

You represent France, and you have been working on cooperation with the Russian Federation. There are obvious facts that are objective and backed by statistics. The European Union was and still is Russia’s largest trade partner, but Russia-EU trade is now at about $236 billion, while it used to be at $450 billion. Do you see the difference?

According to the European Parliament, the fallout from the decline in exports to the Russian market resulted in the loss of 400,000 jobs in the European Union. How is this not detrimental both to the EU economy and its people? Does this not lead to social issues? After all, this is about families, their incomes, and their children! This is where decisions of this kind lead. Of course, we also feel the pinch.

However there is also a positive side to this story, even though this situation has a negative impact on Russia and its economy. Once the Russian economy adjusted to this kind of actions on behalf of our partners, and this adaptation was real as everyone could see, I believe that advantages started to outweigh the disadvantages.

First, since you also belong to the investment community, you will understand that in this situation, if this macroeconomic policy remains in place, and given the resilience of the Russian economy that we see today, there are opportunities to make a profit in Russia.

This is what many believe. Some of our partners are willing to co-invest in any project carried out by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) with no questions asked.

So when the RDIF has a project, its partner automatically invests in anything the RDIF works on. What does this tell us? This shows trust not only in the fund, but in the Russian economy as a whole.

And how about the profit margins? Are they above average in Russia?



CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev:

Three or four times above average.







Vladimir Putin:

So the profit margins when investing in the Russian economy are three to four times higher compared to other markets. These are the concrete results of this work, you see?

As for the import substitution, it was not our choice, but it turned out to have a positive effect. You have cited the example of our agriculture. Our agricultural production has increased several-fold. If there are people from our agricultural companies here, they will definitely tell you they do not want the European sanctions to be lifted.

Because this would create additional competition on Russia’s domestic market, although internal competition is increasing and is replacing foreign competition, which is having a positive antimonopoly effect.

You have said about our agriculture that our farming exports were just over $13 billion in 2013. We thought it was a great deal. In the first ten months of this year, our agricultural exports reached $21 billion. This is a good achievement for us.

Russia has become the world’s largest wheat exporter – not just grain but specifically wheat exporter. Other farming sectors have grown as well. The most complicated situation is in the vegetable sector, but it is growing steadily too.

We need money for growing some vegetables in greenhouses. The loans have been provided, and this sector is developing too. But it is not just agriculture.

Look, we produce between 95 and 98 percent of vehicles at home. In the past, we imported a large number of them, but now we make them ourselves. Between 95 and 98 percent in transport engineering. The figure for the automobile industry is 85 percent. Part of this result is due to the deep localisation we have achieved under agreements with our partners, primarily European ones.

We only produce 48 percent of oil and gas equipment so far, but the process is gaining momentum, and if new restrictions are introduced we will achieve our goals here just as we did in transport engineering, bringing the share of Russian-made equipment to some 90 percent. That is, if someone wants to shut themselves out of the Russian market.

I need not say anything about military equipment. We hardly import any now. We regularly monitor the situation. I do this personally, meeting with representatives of the defence industry and the Armed Forces twice a year. We spend a week in Sochi discussing all the relevant issues.

Last year we invested 600 billion rubles in the import substitution programmes, including 120 billion from the federal budget. All this is good, as you can see, yet we would like to change this form of relations as soon as possible and to restore a normal system of economic relations and international trade.



Michael Henry:

Michael Henry from Wellington Management in Boston. Thank you very much for being here today and for thoughtful comments. My question to you is to look forward a little bit. You are obviously the most dominant figure in Russia domestically, politically and the face of Russia abroad. But I am wondering if you could tell us what you think Russia would look like the day after President Putin exits the political scene.



Vladimir Putin:

Why the hurry? I am not going anywhere yet. But I can tell you the following: Russia is already feeling confident, self-sufficient but it is also open to cooperation with all our partners, including the United States. I hope that this realisation will eventually come to them and the need to solve our common problems and matters will encourage us to work together efficiently.

As concerns Russia’s development, I have just talked about this in my speech, as well as just now, when I was answering a question. We have a whole range of national projects. I hope they will be carried out more or less but they are large-scale and ambitious tasks. But if we confidently follow the path to their solution, the country will be heading towards changing for the better.







Jacob Grapengiesser:

Jacob Grapengiesser from East Capital. I want to ask you about the relationship with Ukraine. First of all, maybe a bit on the incident in the Kerch Strait, what really happened there and why those vessels were kind of taken into Russian custody. Secondly, there are elections in Ukraine next year. Do you think there will be anti-Russian propaganda or campaigning from the Ukrainian politicians to score some points in the elections possibly? And will that lead to more tension with Russia? Thirdly, how could you normalize the relationship with Ukraine in the long term?



Vladimir Putin:

As concerns the incident in the Black Sea, it was obviously a provocation organised by the current officials – I think, by the incumbent president, ahead of the presidential election in Ukraine to be held next March.

The current president is, I think, fifth in the popularity rating and there is a chance he may not make it into the second round. Therefore, he needs to do something to escalate the situation and create unsurpassable obstacles for his rivals, especially in the opposition.

Why do I think so and why am I even certain that this is the case? Look, there was an incident (I will speak about it in a minute) in the Black Sea. But it is a border incident, nothing more. What happened in 2014 when Crimea decided to join Russia? That was a different story, a big one.

What about the painful civil war in southeastern Ukraine, in Donbass, in the Lugansk region, when government forces deployed tanks and heavy artillery, even aviation? It was a war while no martial law was declared.

Now, a small Black Sea incident resulted in martial law. This is clearly a measure taken because of the presidential election. It is absolutely obvious.

Now regarding this incident, or provocation, to be exact. Certainly, this is a provocation. Look, last September roughly the same convoy of Ukrainian military ships passed through the Kerch Strait under the Kerch Bridge to the Sea of Azov.

They fully complied with all agreements and requirements, informing the border guards about what ships made up the convoy, who they were and where they were going. We provided them with a pilotage service and quietly led them to their destination in the Sea of Azov.

What happened this time? They did not respond to our border guard’s requests. They entered our territorial waters. I would like you to note that they entered our territorial waters which were ours before Crimea became part of the Russian Federation. That is, they entered the waters which have always been Russian territorial waters.

Without responding to our border guards, they proceeded to move towards the [Kerch] Bridge. Neither did they respond to our proposal to moor the ships at the marina. Our proposal to take a pilot – even after the violation of our state border they, nevertheless, were offered to take a pilot – was met with silence, there was no reaction whatsoever.

What should border guards do in a situation like this? Military ships had entered Russian territorial waters and were not responding to our border guards and it was unclear what they were going to do. What did the border guards have to do? Had they acted differently, all of them would have been put on trial. They were fulfilling their military duty, the order they were given and, as things stand, they were fulfilling their legitimate functions to protect the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation.

I believe that the same would have been done in your country, it is absolutely clear. Also, it was discovered that two Ukrainian Security Service officers were among the crew members and, in fact, were in charge of this special operation. They have acknowledged they were Ukrainian Security Service officers. These are clear signs of a provocation that had been planned in advance so it could be used as a pretext for introducing martial law in the country.

This has nothing to do with the efforts being taken to put relations between Russia and Ukraine back on track. This is a game to exacerbate tension, this is an immoral game that is being played in the country in order to neutralise someone’s political opponents. You know, sometimes it is amazing to see…

In fact, I have already got used to many things but today’s Kiev authorities…They have succeeded in selling anti-Russia sentiments and they have nothing else to sell. It seems that no matter what they do, they always get away with it. If they ask to be given infants for breakfast they will probably have them served. Well, we will be told, they want to eat and that is it.

This is a very short-sighted policy. It will not lead to good things because it tends to unnerve today’s Ukrainian leadership in a way that it does not urge them to get down to normal political work within the country and start pursuing normal economic policy.

They have economic problems in addition to social and financial problems and they never stop to beg, asking the International Monetary Fund to give them money. But these are the future generations who will have to pay this money back. As for their work to promote cooperation with their neighbours, there is nothing good to speak about.

As for long-term prospects, no matter what happens, no matter who is today in power in Kiev, the Russian and Ukrainian people have always been brotherly and very closely connected and will remain as such for ever. This political scum will come off. (Applause.) One day, the Ukrainian people will assess its today’s leadership in the way the Georgian people have assessed the activities of [Mikheil] Saakashvili.



Andrei Kostin:

Thank you, colleagues, we should start to wrap up…



Vladimir Putin:

Hold on, one more question so as not to end on that.







Christopher Granville (retranslated):

My name is Christopher Granville from TS Lombard. I am also a member of the board of the UK investment company Baring Emerging Europe that has invested an estimated $120 million, mostly in Russian PTC (publicly traded companies) stocks.

My question is about pension savings.



Vladimir Putin:

No need to continue. I know exactly what you have in mind.



Christopher Granville (retranslated):

This is very important for all of us. If I am not mistaken, everyone, including millions of future Russian pensioners, companies, stock and corporate bond issuers, other players on the Russian market that will become more liquid, less volatile, that will boast improved corporate governance and greater IPO demand, and so on, can profit from the decisions of the Government and the Central Bank under the individual pension capital plan.

This is the fifth year without savings. We know that the Central Bank and the Government have the plan from our forum’s previous panel. I was happy to hear Anton Siluanov mention this project. But no specific action has been taken so far. Still chances are that this realistic project might be implemented in a year.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, naturally, we discuss this subject all the time. We do not overlook the issue of private and state pension savings funds. We believe that they must work in such a way (you just mentioned their pluses and advantages), so that people contributing their money to these pension funds would see these obvious advantages, so that these funds would not fall apart, so that they would be managed effectively, so that people would find it profitable to invest in them, and so that inflationary processes would not somehow cause this money to vanish into thin air, and they need to conduct well-thought-out, realistic and effective economic policies. This is linked with the need to guarantee the interests of the Russian Federation’s citizens who entrust their money to these pension funds.

And you can discuss specific issues regarding the continuation of this work with Government members and the Central Bank.



Andrei Kostin:

Are pensions a good subject to close the forum on?



Vladimir Putin:

Pensions will increase. The matter is settled.



Andrei Kostin:

Thanks a lot.

Colleagues, I believe that we should say on behalf of everyone present here: Thank you very much, Mr President. And, just like ten years ago, I would like to ask you to keep attending our forum on a regular basis in the next ten years, if you can.



Vladimir Putin:

Are you speaking with your colleague from Boston now?



Andrei Kostin:

Oh, no, I am only joking (Laughter.)

Thanks a lot.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you very much for coming.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59216
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Meeting with Kirov Region Governor Igor Vasilyev



Vladimir Putin met with Kirov Region Governor Igor Vasilyev to discuss the socioeconomic situation in the region, in particular healthcare and education.



November 26, 2018 - 14:15 - The Kremlin, Moscow







The Governor updated the President on the digitisation of healthcare in Kirov Region. He said that 100 percent of the documents in this sector had been digitised, 12 percent of doctors’ working premises had been computerised and all doctors in the region now use PCs when receiving patients. This allows the authorities to monitor the purchasing and prescription of medication and also helps cut spending in the system of mandatory medical assistance by 20 percent. The region now has an air ambulance service with 44 helipads located near hospitals. The helicopters are equipped with life support facilities for emergencies, including heart rate monitors and blood transfusion equipment. There are remote monitoring systems for patients with heart disease, in particular for those who have had coronary artery bypass surgery. Telemedicine is also gaining ground.







The governor also reported on the situation regarding roads. Because the region was included in the presidential programme for safe and high quality roads, 105 kilometres of roads were repaired in the Kirov urban area in 2017 and 126 kilometres in 2018. The local authorities have synchronised several programmes concerned with a comfortable urban environment, the building of heating mains and roads, so that the people will notice improvements, including more greenery, new pavements and repaired roads.







Igor Vasilyev also told the President about the construction of kindergartens and schools, in particular, in small towns. The regional authorities have proposed turning schools into cultural and education centres in towns with a population of up to 25,000 people and large companies interested in attracting more staff. The proposed centres will include concert halls and swimming pools that will be open for children during the day and adults in the evening. The President said this was a good idea and instructed the governor to personally oversee the implementation of the project.

Other issues on the agenda included moves to encourage young people to remain in the region and the completion this year of the programme for the relocation of people from old and dilapidated housing.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59190






Greetings to participants and guests of Russian Cossack Society Constituent Assembly



Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to the participants and guests of the Constituent Assembly of the Russian Cossack Society, which is underway in Moscow.



November 27, 2018 - 11:30



The message reads, in part:

“It is symbolic that you have met in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, one of the main spiritual centres of Moscow and Russia. Commitment to Christian canons and the timeless values of patriotism has been part of the Cossack world outlook for centuries and a solid foundation of Cossack life and unique customs and traditions.

Thanks to the proactive position of public organisations, volunteers and concerned citizens, as well as the support from the Russian authorities and the Russian Orthodox Church, the Cossack community is growing stronger and is becoming a major constructive social force.

I am confident that the establishment of the Russian Cossack Society will play a key role in this multifaceted and much needed effort and will promote the further development of the Cossack community and its unification on the basis of centuries-old traditions of loyal service to the Fatherland, as well as the preservation of the Cossacks’ unique cultural and historical heritage.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59200






Presentation of state awards



The presentation of state awards took place at the Kremlin’s St Catherine Hall.



November 27, 2018 - 14:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow






Vladimir Putin presented orders, medals and honorary titles to notable Russian citizens: workers in the industry and agriculture, figures from the world of science, education and healthcare as well as entertainers, athletes and coaches.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, dear friends.

I am pleased to welcome you here at the Kremlin and feel very honoured to award state decorations to notable citizens of this country, those who create and multiply its national riches in the economy, science, medicine, education, culture and sports; those who protect our nation and serve it.







Thanks to your hard work and talent, you have all managed to rise to the top of your professions and, importantly, to inspire others with your dedication, constant creative search, remarkable accomplishments and, of course, your sincere regard for Russia and the personal responsibility you feel for our country’s peace and prosperity.













I am confident that this is the only attitude towards the homeland that can help achieve major breakthroughs and address the most ambitious and daring tasks, including those that require risk and courage.










Sergei Ryzhikov is awarded the title of Hero of Russia and the honorary title of Pilot Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation for his valour and his successful and lengthy space mission. We are proud of our cosmonaut squad, their professionalism and their enormous contribution to space exploration.













A true heroic deed has no period of limitation. Next year we will mark the 30th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. This event is inextricably linked with the name of Boris Gromov, a Hero of the Soviet Union. He was a general who truly epitomised the honour and valour of Russian officers and did a lot to support his comrades in arms and all the veterans.
















Friends,

We have invited scholars, engineers, designers and representatives of major research and technology and industrial corporations here. Your quest for all things new and your forward-looking projects are very important for national development and for realising the country’s rich intellectual potential.







President of the National Research Centre Kurchatov Institute Mikhail Kovalchuk has been awarded a high state decoration.



















The Kurchatov Institute, its experiments and the results of its research in physics have been recognised worldwide.
















I am delighted to see our renowned masters of culture here.
















The unrivalled Inna Churikova and her colleague from the Lenkom Theatre, popular theatre and film actor Alexander Zbruyev devoted their entire lives to their profession.










Lev Leshchenko has forever won the people’s hearts with his talent. Many generations of our people know the unique voice of Igor Kirillov.



















Over the past few years, Russia has taken great strides in sports – let us just put it like this –despite the adverse external factors. Top coaches are training and encouraging the progress of our outstanding athletes. State decorations will be presented today to a large group of these wonderful coaches.










We recently marked the 80th anniversary of the official recognition of sambo, a martial art that was created in Russia. It continues to develop and has won international recognition and many new fans, largely thanks to President of the Russian Sambo Federation Sergei Yeliseyev and chief coach of the Russian national sambo team Yury Borisochkin.
















Friends,

I wholeheartedly congratulate you on your achievements and victories, for which you have been awarded these high state decorations. I would like to wish you every success. All the best.
















Thank you.


<…>







Vladimir Putin:

Friends,

To conclude this ceremony I would like to add a few words inspired by what one of you has said here.







Our colleague said that the difficulties we are now facing would pass. I would argue that the further we advance and the higher we move the more challenges we will face.







But the guarantee of overcoming these adversities – and doing it brilliantly – is people like you, as well as your teachers and pupils.

I would like to congratulate you once again. Thank you very much.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59201






Meeting of Council for Science and Education



Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the Presidential Council for Science and Education in the Kremlin.



November 27, 2018 - 18:00






The participants discussed policies in science and technology in the context of implementing the Strategy for the Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation.




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

It is a pleasure to see everyone here. I believe our meeting is a very significant, maybe even a milestone event. I will explain later what I mean. I hope that together we will take an objective, impartial look at the results we are striving to achieve and, of course, determine further steps to strengthen and, most importantly, promote the country's scientific potential in order to fully comply with our ambitious goals and the need to achieve the breakthrough that Russia requires.

First of all, I would like to remind you that over six years ago we changed the format of the Council for Science and Education and moved away from unnecessary ceremonial and protocol events. I believe that the Council has become a key and, importantly, a working platform for a dialogue between representatives of the state, the universities and the academic community in general.

I believe that precisely such open and substantive interaction allowed us to prepare and adopt such a complex and fundamental document as the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development, to identify promising ways for promoting university science and advanced research infrastructure and reorganising the academic sector.







I called today's meeting a milestone event, because we can sum up intermediate results and take a glimpse into the future. In recent years, we managed to create state-of-the-art laboratories, to implement a megagrant programme and to launch a support system for young talented researchers. In a word, we opened up new opportunities for our fellow citizens, young and very young researchers.

I am quite certain that, like all other researchers, they are interested in playing an important part in achieving complex and ambitious goals that we set for ourselves today to ensure our country’s technological leadership and its participation on an equal footing with other countries in the global scientific process.

The things I am saying now are, of course, not simply some empty and lofty words. This is a matter of our existence and even survival in the full sense of the word.







Knowledge, technologies, competencies and human resources are the foundation for implementing our national projects and achieving our strategic goals. We are talking about a brand new quality of life, opportunities for self-realisation; about the general competitiveness of our society, economy and country in the world of the future.

We need breakthrough discoveries and developments that will make it possible to manufacture world-class Russian products and create a strong technological and production base, upgrade the transport infrastructure, introduce new construction technologies, improve the current state of the environment and healthcare, which includes our independence in key segments of the pharmaceutical industry, and increase our food security, including on the strength of our own seed and livestock resources.

Our institutes, universities, higher education institutions must provide us with full scientific and intellectual assistance for implementing national projects and development programmes and training a professional workforce to address complex research, technological and production issues.







I ask the Government to ensure the direct cooperation and coordination of the efforts of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education’s and of other agencies and authorities in the regions. I ask that this mechanism be developed and introduced promptly.

I will expand on this issue a bit later. As I have said, science, technology and education must run through our every national project and programme. In its concentrated form, this work will be carried out within the framework of our special, separate national project Science.

I would like to remind you that over 300 billion rubles has been allocated for the implementation of this national project in the course of the next six years, resulting in a total of 635 billion rubles from all sources. It is crucial for us to decide how to manage these resources.







I have mentioned more than once that it is necessary to provide assistance to strong teams of researchers and engineers who engage in breakthrough and promising research. The grant support mechanism is based on this principle and has been used to launch major scientific projects in which leading international experts are taking part.

However, let us face it, for all their effectiveness, grants have not in the full sense become a catalyst for system-wide changes in the academic and university environment. Most of the funds allocated for science are still distributed as part of routine government procurement. In fact, what is being funded, in excessive amounts, are institutions or, more precisely, their administrative expenses. Please take note of that. This is important.

I will give you more numbers. What we need to finance is not administrative expenses, but living research conducted in the interests of the country, the economy and our citizens. However, what we have now is a situation where the state gives out money without articulating state needs, which are often very ambitious and are of a fundamental nature. In fact, the appropriate ministries have been removed from formulating these goals.







Laboratories identify areas of research themselves. At first glance, this is not a bad thing, because it always goes hand in hand with research creativity and creativity in general. However, we have come up with a system of grants precisely to finance such projects. Within this system of grants, the researchers themselves determine what they should focus on and how they should go about it. The state only helps financially and administratively. But unfortunately, there are many examples of research institutions doing the same kind of research for decades on end without much to show for it.

I think young and promising specialists either leave these ‘research’ teams soon or just break down mentally for lack of interest.

For your information, last year, 40 percent of the research subjects at academic institutions failed to produce a single research paper that could be entered into any citation base. That is, there are either no results whatsoever, or no one has any interest in them.







Or take another situation. Instead of ordering a specific technology or new equipment, the concerned agencies order analytical reports and forecasts. Of course, we need these as well. But instead of getting results from ongoing research projects we get yet another package of presentations and tables, which are available in open access magazines.

Yes, of course, we need this work as well. But why describe it as research? And is it worth the money we invest in it? Do you know how much we spend on this? 40 billion rubles.

By the way, back in 2014 I issued instructions to streamline state orders so that a large number of them would be assigned through tenders. This system is being applied to universities. But why is it not being used at research establishments? I do not understand this. Why has their efficiency been inspected yet no managerial decisions have been taken based on their results?







Please note that we have three categories of research establishments, from first to third. As far as I know, first-category research establishments receive the same kind of financing as third-category ones. What is this? Socialist egalitarianism? Why have we divided them into categories then?

One more thing: we agreed that the Russian Academy of Sciences would submit a programme for fundamental research in 2017 as part of its new functions.

Vladimir Fortov said the following on November 23, 2016. Mr Fortov, I will quote you: there is nothing shameful in quoting an academician, especially when he is such an outstanding person as Mr Fortov. You said: “The Russian Academy of Sciences shall draft and submit to the Government a draft fundamental research programme for 2018–2025 and beyond.” I know the Academy now has new management, but the concept of continuity has not been discarded. We pin our hopes on this. I would like to hear today how you are proceeding with this task. I hope Mr Sergeyev [President of the Russian Academy of Sciences] will tell us about it.







Let me repeat that the timeframe is compressing and the scale of tasks and challenges is very big, it is enormous. If we continue squandering money, inching forward or simply mulling yesterday's problems, we will be late. Moreover, we might be late forever and fail to jump on even the last carriage of the technological revolution train.

We need to focus all our efforts on the areas that correspond to the national goals and priorities of the Science and Technology Development Strategy, to use the mechanism of major research programmes with measurable goals and accountability for the results. This programmatic approach will make it possible to rule out duplication and set clear objectives for research institutes and universities, state and private companies, individual laboratories and scientists. And we must, of course, make full use of the potential of research and education centres, which are currently being formed, as a resource for the spatial, intellectual and technological development of Russia.

Colleagues, I would like to underscore that we will not scrimp on science. Certainly not. However, we need to ensure that the enormous funds yield returns for the state and society and, ultimately, for the development of science itself. What is proposed in this regard?







First, it is necessary to set uniform requirements for all ministries and agencies in terms of the procedure for submitting state assignments for R&D and selecting topics for research projects, and to work out uniform qualification standards for their leaders.

Second, it is necessary to build a transparent and objective expert review process for results at all stages of research and formulate clear evaluation criteria, using the experience of the Russian Fund for Basic Research and the Russian Scientific Fund.

I know that far from all colleagues agree that one of the key performance indicators for basic research should be the number of research papers in leading publications and the citation index. Frankly speaking, I see their point. I understand that there are various fields of activity, that some are cited, while others are deliberately not cited – all that is clear, all that is understandable. But then, it is necessary to work out, as I am asking you, some objective criteria for evaluating results, based on reputational responsibility and the assessment of the professional community. How about that? After all, we do need some methods for the evaluation of research results. This needs to be done.

Now let us turn to applied research. It should not result in reports and some number of innovations but in a practical contribution from the implementation of these innovations, such as gains in longevity, lower mortality rates for various illnesses, environmental rehabilitation of territories, higher transport speeds and reliability, energy efficiency and effective digital solutions in all spheres as well as gains in labour productivity, high-tech exports and Russia’s defence capability, of course.







Third, we have set the task of replacing at least a half of the instrument base at research organisations. We should understand clearly what equipment can really provide for breakthroughs and which goals and tasks we want to solve with it so that the purchased equipment is not left to gather dust or become obsolete even before it is used, which happens sometimes. It is critically important for Russian research infrastructure, including megascience facilities, to be the best in the world. This is the only way Russia can become an “intellectual magnet” for prominent scientists and researchers.

And this brings us to number four: I believe that we should make science much more open, including publishing the results of civilian research carried out with government funds, which, of course, will increase the researchers’ sense of responsibility, popularise Russian science and promote the export of our innovations and educational services. And, of course, the process of awarding academic degrees and titles as well as electing corresponding members and academicians of the Russian Academy of Sciences should become more transparent and open to the public.

I am confident that we will be able to effectively address the tasks at the national level, if scientists and science in general enjoy the unconditional trust and support of society, of all Russians and Russia in general. We must aspire to this and achieve it.

Let us proceed to discussing the proposed issues.


<…>


Vladimir Putin:

This is what I would like to say in conclusion. Firstly, we gather twice a year, and today’s meeting deals with looking into how our research programme of both basic and applied research is growing, where we are heading, with working out a range of tools. You must be aware of the way it is being prepared, the list of instructions is ready. Naturally, much of what has been said here will be heeded. We will definitely analyse and present it in a respective list of instructions, primarily instructions for the Government and different agencies. I certainly want to thank you for today’s discussion.

I would like to say the following. I said in the beginning that an additional 300 plus billion is being allocated to the Science national project, which will amount to a total of over 600 billon. I suggest that our work be arranged somewhat differently in the future. I would like to see how this money is being spent and what the outcomes of the work are. Obviously, this is not an area where one can say exactly – produce a certain result by a set date. Of course not. But we can see how things are advancing in this sphere, where we are, where we are heading and what the prospects are. This is quite possible.

I would like both Mr Fursenko [Presidential Aide] and Mr Sergeyev [President of the Russian Academy of Sciences] to think it over. And we could discuss everything not in a single important, good gathering but rather in groups – certain issues on one day, other issues on another, and then sum up the results in a broader format. This is my suggestion.

I believe in this case our discussion will be more substantive and we will be able to see how effectively these fairly significant state resources are being spent to achieve the result we are striving for.

I would like to thank you very much again for today’s meeting and to wish you success.

Thank you very much.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59203






Congratulations on the 190th anniversary of the establishment of St Petersburg State Institute of Technology



Vladimir Putin congratulated the faculty, students and graduates of St Petersburg State Institute of Technology on the 190th anniversary of its establishment.



November 28, 2018 - 09:00



The message reads, in part:

“You can be rightfully proud of the glorious constellation of prominent scientists, professors and lecturers who established reputable scientific, research and technological schools. Their breakthrough discoveries and innovations became an important contribution to the development of scientific, technic and engineering thought and the increase of potential in the key areas of the Russian economy, industry and the defence complex. And, of course, your predecessors also did a great deal for the institute to become one of the most prestigious technical universities in Russia and the world.

It is good to see that the current institute staff carefully preserves and continues these remarkable traditions. The practice and innovation vector as well as the cutting-edge technology actively used in the teaching process help you look to the future with confidence and train highly qualified specialists required in science, production, business and teaching.”

The Practical Institute of Technology was founded in St Petersburg on November 28 (December 10), 1828, on the order of Emperor Nicholas I to train specialists for the developing industries.

Today St Petersburg State Institute of Technology trains specialists in chemistry, chemical technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, mechanics, information technology, management and economics.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59220






Greetings on the 200th anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oriental Manuscripts



Vladimir Putin congratulated the staff of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oriental Manuscripts on the Institute’s 200th anniversary and offered his greetings to the participants in the Russia and the Orient international forum.



November 28, 2018 - 13:00



The message reads in part:

“Opened in St Petersburg in November 1818, the Asian Museum of the Imperial Academy of Sciences became a genuine cradle of the country’s Oriental studies and a foundation for establishing the main academic centres for Oriental studies in Russia and several other countries.

Members of the Institute’s staff are rightfully proud of outstanding researchers, including Orientalists, archaeologists, ethnographers, linguists and philologists and their fundamental works and research, as well as their unique contribution to enriching the global humanities studies.

It is important that the current members of staff cherish and preserve the creative heritage of their predecessors and strive to uphold their high professional standards. As a great Eurasian power, Russia considers it particularly important to study the history of the Orient, its culture and traditions.

Of course, I would like to note your highly popular educational activities, your tireless attention to issues of consolidating the communities of Orientalists in various countries around common tasks and goals, as is proved convincingly by the forum’s impressive line-up.”

The Russia and the Orient forum is timed to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oriental Manuscripts. It involves over 300 researchers from 20 Asian and European states, representatives of national academies of sciences, and leading Russian and foreign research centres.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59219






Meeting with Government members



Vladimir Putin held a regular meeting with Government members in his Novo-Ogaryovo residence. The meeting participants focused on private investment in national projects.



November 28, 2018 - 17:00 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The main reports were delivered by First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin.

The meeting participants also discussed a number of other important matters.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,







I will begin by saying that as you are aware, several days ago an expanded meeting of the State Council Presidium took place in Crimea, where governors and Government members, ministers and deputy prime ministers discussed ways to organise work to implement the May executive orders and national projects.







In this regard, I would like to once again note that fairly large, not to say unprecedentedly large, amounts of money are being allocated, with a significant portion of these funds coming from the federal budget, and the bulk of work must be done locally in the regions.







In this regard, it is, of course, important to establish an effective interaction mechanism. Here is what I would like to draw your attention to: the usual forms of financing used in our work with the regions are not enough in this particular case.







We need to have a clear understanding of what the regions will do with this money. It is imperative to not only allocate these resources, but also to make sure that these resources are spent efficiently, and to establish strict oversight over implementation of the tasks at hand.







To reiterate, our goal is not to just use this money or to report the completion of the project on paper, but to raise the living standards of Russian citizens and to give a new impetus to the country's economy. I hope that the mechanisms that we discussed earlier will be put to good use.







The governors came up with corresponding proposals during our deliberations. The deputy prime ministers are aware of them, and we will summarise all these proposals. Please go ahead and analyse them as soon as possible and use them in creating a mechanism for joint work, which I mentioned earlier today.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59221






Meeting with new members of Russian Popular Front central headquarters



Ahead of the Russian Popular Front (ONF) congress, Vladimir Putin met with the new members of the movement’s Central Headquarters.



November 29, 2018 - 13:45 - Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, friends and colleagues.

I would like to welcome all of you, to thank the members of the previous central headquarters for their work and wish all the best to those who have taken over from them.










Your movement is very important for the state exactly because it is a public movement that has been working without red tape on behalf of the people and directly with the people, because you can feel better than government officials what people need here and now, and have the capacity to influence decisions and monitor their implementation.










The Russian Popular Front (ONF) has created a solid expert basis, which helps it work in specific areas. I do not need to say it yet again, but I will say that 11,000 illegal landfill sites have been closed thanks to the ONF’s contribution to environmental protection. You also work in road building by monitoring projects on the ground, not on paper. This is invaluable.










Your work in the upcoming period will be no less or probably even more important. I will speak about this at a meeting with congress participants. The thing is that we are facing large-scale or even formidable goals, and we have allocated unprecedented funds for their achievement. It is very important for the state, society, the nation and me personally as one of those who have initiated these projects that they are implemented as planned, so that we do not misuse the allocations but attain the expected results from these huge investments.










We must find breakthrough solutions in each area that has been designated as a priority. This would be impossible to do without public involvement, without the involvement of public organisations, primarily the Russian Popular Front.










In this connection, I would like to express the hope that we will continue to work with you as actively as before. I must say a few words about the person who has done a great deal for the ONF’s development. This person is Stanislav Govorukhin. Today I have signed an executive order on perpetuating his memory. You will see what we propose to do when you read the document. He was a very talent person and possibly a genius, with a radiant personality and a strong civic position, a true patriot.

This is all I wanted to say in my opening remarks.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59259






Congress of the Russian Popular Front



The President delivered an address at the Russian Popular Front congress.



November 29, 2018 - 14:30 - Moscow






The congress is taking place in the Crocus Expo exhibition centre in Moscow and has been convened to discuss the creation of effective public control instruments for monitoring the implementation of the 12 national projects listed in the May Executive Order.

The President also met with the new members of the movement’s central headquarters.




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

I wholeheartedly greet all the participants of the Russian Popular Front congress.

The name of your movement tells it all. The Russian Popular Front (ONF) is a nationwide movement established to protect the interests of the people, each and all citizens of Russia.

Over the past few years, the ONF has proved worthy of the purpose for which it was created, which is to provide public control over the implementation of state decisions.







Look, 11,000 illegal landfill sites have been closed thanks to the ONF’s contribution. I know that it was a challenging job. And what about your contribution to other environmental projects, such as the protection of forests from felling? This work takes great personal courage. I know this for certain. I understand what this means. The ONF has successfully fulfilled these major and very responsible tasks. Thank you very much for this.







But this is not all, of course. In a manner of speaking, this is only the beginning. In the past 10–15 years, we have done a great deal to revive the Army and the Navy, as well as the national defence industry. We have created reliable security guarantees for Russia.







Now we must make the next, a bigger and much more responsible and hence much more difficult step. We must do in the civilian sectors – the industry, science, education, healthcare and infrastructure – what we have accomplished in the sphere of national defence. We need breakthrough achievements in all of the above sectors.







Yes, much has been accomplished in the past few years, but this is not enough. People are expecting major changes. But it is impossible to achieve major changes without large-scale investment, including state investment. And even if this is happening, it will be virtually impossible to score these results without wide-ranging public oversight of what is being done, how it is being done, as well as specific results. This can only be accomplished with your involvement. Therefore I urge you to continue your previous work and to monitor the work of state agencies.







I want to assure you there are plenty of honest hard-working professionals in the bodies of state authority and all administrative tiers and they are committed to achieving positive end results. But it goes without saying that public control is absolutely essential at all times. This is the first point. For example, we cannot afford to build a rural medical assistance centre that cannot be reached. We must prevent purchases of expensive medical equipment that would rust away and decay at warehouses, while someone would obtain commission and profit from such transactions. No, this entire system must work. And this work cannot be effective without oversight by public organisations.







But this is not enough. Of course, we need to support and help those government officials who are dedicated to their work. Therefore state support is the second aspect.







And the third point is that you must become directly involved in charting development priorities, primarily at the regional and local level. We will not be able to accomplish essential tasks for people living in specific streets, courtyards and buildings, unless they become directly involved. We need to encourage them to take part in this joint work.







Therefore, we need oversight, support and involvement. It will be impossible to accomplish anything without these aspects.

I urge you to take the most active part in this work. If this happens, and I hope that it will happen, then we will really build the country of our dreams. In this connection, I know that the youth wing of the Russian Popular Front has a very good slogan: “Don’t wait for changes, make them happen.” I like it very much, and I support it completely.

Thank you and good luck.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59260






Meeting of the Security Council



The President held a meeting of the Russian Federation Security Council on additional measures to ensure national energy security.



November 29, 2018 - 15:40 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

Our agenda today includes a set of matters related to ensuring Russia’s energy security. This topic is extremely important and pressing.

For our country, energy – and this, as a matter of fact, includes the electricity industry, as well as oil, gas and coal production – is of particular, strategic importance. Today, unique reserves of all the key energy sources enable us to fully meet our domestic energy needs, while the impressive exports, including to countries of the European Union, the Asia Pacific region, and the CIS, bring to Russia not only tangible revenue but also enable it to remain one of the main guarantors of global energy security.

I would like to point out that recently, we have done a lot to strengthen the domestic energy sector. The Energy Strategy of Russia and a number of large-scale state programmes aimed at developing the fuel and energy sector and enhancing energy efficiency of the entire Russian economy have been approved and come into effect.

Let me also draw your attention to the fact that we should increase the support for Russian energy companies operating abroad, because – and we know this all too well – the opportunities for multilateral and global energy cooperation have often been used lately as tools of containment rather than development. In this connection, we should step up our work at international energy organisations as well as use the potential of international associations with the participation of the Russian Federation to cut short these threats.







As I have already said, attempts to impose unfair competition are having a negative effect on the long-term development of the fuel and energy sector. These include bans on the delivery of modern hydrocarbon exploration and production technology and equipment, as well as direct political pressure put on the countries that import Russian hydrocarbons.

We must assess the current and potential challenges to the Russian energy sector objectively and comprehensively so as to promptly plan countermeasures to these threats.

The updated Energy Security Strategy of Russia is designed to address these challenges. We will discuss it today. After we adopt this doctrine, we will need to adjust our strategic planning documents to its new provisions.

The fuel and energy sector and the national infrastructure as a whole need top-level security as well as the mobilisation and permanent readiness of all the agencies concerned, especially in the autumn and winter period, as we know well.







We must seriously enhance the protection of fuel and energy facilities from terrorist attacks, accidents and other potential threats. This must be done above all through the quality training of personnel, strict compliance with all the security requirements and every technological and technical detail disregarding which can result in negative developments, through improvements in the security systems as well as regular exercises and drills.

And lastly, we must work consistently to rid the energy sector of corruption, all kinds of grey schemes and criminal threats.

I would like representatives from regulatory and law enforcement agencies to share with us their proposals on stepping up work in these areas.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59262






Greetings to participants and guests of gala concert of Dobraya Volna National Cultural Charitable Festival of children’s creativity



Vladimir Putin congratulated the finalists and winners of the Dobraya Volna (Good Wave) National Cultural Charitable Festival of children’s creativity, who are taking part in a gala concert and an awards ceremony in Kazan.



November 30, 2018 - 15:00



The message reads, in part:

“This wonderful project was launched in Kazan only last year to identify and support talented young people, but its noble mission and goals have brought together a tremendous number of young participants in difficult situations from across Russia. This project aims to help these children show their abilities, gain confidence and move towards their dreams.

The caring and responsible attitude of the festival organisers is helping to consolidate our society in addressing current social problems and preserving the unfading spiritual and moral values that our people have always held dear.

It is also very important that the Dobraya Volna has demonstrated to us how many talents there are in Russia and how many enthusiastic and diligent young people are working to realise their potential in music, the arts, choreography and acting.

Their achievements are proof that nothing can stop creative self-realisation and that faith and strong will help you overcome any obstacles and difficulties.”

The Dobraya Volna festival is co-sponsored by the government of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Dobraya Kazan charity foundation. Its participants include orphans, children without parental care and from large and low-income families, as well as children with disabilities. Elimination rounds were held in nine Russian cities.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59274






Greetings to the participants of the first autonomous automobile expedition The Antarctica: 200 Years of Discoveries



Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants of the first autonomous automobile expedition held to mark 200 years since the discovery of the Antarctica by Russian explorers Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev.



November 30, 2018 - 19:00



The message reads, in part:

“Your close-knit team will be the first to ever take part in an autonomous automobile expedition across the vast ice-clad expanses, testing the reliability of the Russian-made all-terrain vehicles in extreme weather conditions.

Your expedition will also greatly contribute to preserving the memory of the heroic trailblazers who fearlessly mapped out land, sea and air routes in the Arctic and the Antarctica and whose courage and selflessness have won Russia the reputation of a great polar power.

I am convinced that your initiative has tremendous potential when it comes to the further development of the Antarctica and increasing Russian presence in this strategically important part of the world.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59295






Greetings on the 100th anniversary of the Zhukovsky Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI)



Vladimir Putin congratulated the team and veterans on the 100th anniversary of the Zhukovsky Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI).



December 1, 2018 - 10:00



The message reads, in part:

“Founded by a real Russian genius, Nikolai Zhukovsky, the institute brought together outstanding representatives of the Russian engineering and design school, creators of science, and innovators who sought to look beyond the horizon. Thanks to their enthusiasm and faith, TsAGI grew into a powerful intellectual and research centre, one of the flagships of the national aviation industry.

Its centenary is a wonderful occasion to remember the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute veteran workers and pay tribute to those who are carefully maintaining and enriching their traditions by participating in the development of combat and civil aircraft, conducting unique theoretical and applied research, and working on advanced equipment, which will determine the future of Russian aviation and astronautics for decades to come.

Thank you for your hard work, your dedication to the profession you selected and the Fatherland, and for upholding TsAGI’ high professional level. I am confident that your team will continue to contribute to the strengthening of Russia’s science and technology potential, and promote the country’s breakthrough development.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59296






Answers to media questions



Following the G20 Summit events, the President of Russia answered journalists' questions.



December 1, 2018 - 23:30 - Buenos Aires







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen. I'm at your service.



Question:

Good afternoon, Mr President.

With all due respect to Argentina’s G20 Presidency, I still have a question about Russia-US relations. Once again, your meeting with President Trump fell through; he cancelled it at the last moment. Maybe he is wary of you, maybe he had some other reasons. Why do you think he did this, and how can one develop or maintain a dialogue with the United States in such conditions?



Vladimir Putin:

I don’t think President Trump is wary of anything. He is a man of character and a very experienced person, an adult, so this is certainly not true.

As for the breakdowns of preliminary agreements, first of all, I would like to say that, the initiative originally came from the American side. Then we cancelled the meeting in Paris, not wanting to ruin the planned schedule of World War I centenary events or give more headaches to the hosts – there were so many guests, 90 people, heads of state and government.

So we moved it to Buenos Aires. Then as you know, unfortunately, there was the provocation in the Black Sea. Apparently, this is the reason the American side considered it appropriate to cancel this meeting as well.

Nevertheless, we still talked on the go, as everyone else did there, so I met with President Trump. In a nutshell, I answered his questions on the Black Sea incident.

He has his own stance on these issues and problems, and I have my own. We remained unconvinced, but in any case, I informed him about our vision of the incident.

It is a pity that we have failed to hold a full-fledged meeting, because, I think it is long overdue. I am referring to issues of strategic stability, especially after the President announced the intention of the United States to withdraw from the INF treaty. And then in 2021, START-3 expires – an agreement on strategic stability, on the most serious strategic weapons.

Among other things, we talked earlier about the need to restore our trade and economic ties and cooperation in other areas, including such conflict areas as Syria, Afghanistan, North Korea; this is also a big problem for everyone. We need to maintain dialogue in all these areas. We are certainly interested in this, but not only Russia, other countries as well, including the United States.

I hope this meeting will eventually take place when the American side is ready.



Question:

I will return, nevertheless, to the G20. I would like to know, as there were a lot of heated debates during the preparation of the final communiqué, including at the level of Sherpas and experts, and they said the declaration might not be agreed at all. Hence the question: how do you assess the interaction between the leaders of the G20 countries?



Vladimir Putin:

You know, debates are common when preparing various communiques. As is well known, APEC failed to adopt the final document at all. It has not come to this here; on the contrary, the final document, the communiqué, has been agreed.

Indeed, controversy arose over a number of issues – the migration crisis, trade and other issues, but in the end, nevertheless, our colleagues made an effort, and the document emerged. Yes, it is more of a general nature with, perhaps, some “rounded edges”. However, I think this is good. I believe that Argentina’s presidency did everything to ensure that the document was compiled, signed, and approved by all parties.

Why is it important? Because it shows the most important problems that the G20 deals with, and, in any case, shows the direction we’re moving in, where we need to go in order to meet our goals. I think this is a positive result anyway.







Question:

Mr President, Britain’s new army chief says that your country poses a greater threat to British national security than Islamist extremist groups. Do you agree? And how concerned are you that Russia has acquired such a reputation?



Vladimir Putin:

I think when such statements are made, they are based on some comparisons where Russia is put on a par with some terrorist groups, and things like that – so let it remain on the conscience of those who say and do it.

As for terrorism, Russia is probably the number one country in making the most significant contribution to the fight against terrorism.

As for such statements, they usually stem from politicians’ desire to show their voters, their people the firmness of their position. These things are done with the expectation, first of all, of scoring extra points within their own country.

The United Kingdom is an important partner for us. We hope that someday – I presume this should happen as soon as possible – we will be able to overcome the difficulties that exist in our relations and adopt a trend of positive cooperation in the interests of both the UK and Russia.



Question:

Mr President, you met with Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron yesterday and the Kerch Strait incident probably surfaced during some of the discussions. Did you manage to convince your counterparts that this was a provocation? In general, what was their reaction?



Vladimir Putin:

The reaction was calm. I don’t know if they were convinced or not; you will have to ask them, but we have laid out our position, and not only our position, but also the chronology of the situation. It is difficult to argue with this. How can one deny it when the ship’s log journal says these ships had the explicit task of secretly penetrating our territorial waters and secretly passing the Kerch Strait? What was it? It was a planned provocation, that’s what it was. This is evidenced by the documents found and the testimony of the sailors themselves. That's all. Well what can you say? There is nothing to argue about.

I don’t know if I convinced them or not – there is something else I’m concerned about. Do you know what? I already said and I want to repeat: even amid the events of a greater scale involving Ukraine, martial law was never introduced, but now, in the run-up to the elections, they found it indispensable to do so. Why? Naturally, to limit civil rights and freedoms, limit political activity in the country.

But, what’s even worse, they introduced martial law in ten areas, precisely those where the incumbent president does not enjoy special support and his policy does not find unanimous approval. What does this mean? Just think: this means that the current leadership of Ukraine has with its own hands divided the country in two parts – one trustworthy and the other not so much. I can’t even imagine a worse mistake.

But even this, perhaps, is not the most important thing. The most important thing after all is the analysis … indeed, they are now talking about the sailors who were detained for the illegal crossing of our state border. But who remembers the victims of the events in the Trade Unions House in Odessa? Does anyone even remember this? They cite some investigation by the Ukrainian official authorities, but there is no investigation. And there’s silence.

What especially troubles me is that analysis of recent events, this incident or the provocation in the Black Sea, or what we see in Donbass, suggests that the current leadership of Ukraine is actually not interested in resolving this crisis, let alone by peaceful means. They are a party of war, and while they remain in power, all these tragedies and the war will continue. Why? Because during any kind of hostilities, with provocations similar to the one in the Black Sea, it is always easier for oligarchic authorities to pursue a policy aimed at plundering their own people and their state. This is the case when the situation both in our country and in Ukraine can be described by this proverb: “War makes some people rich”. This is the first reason why the current government is not interested in a peaceful settlement.

And here is the second. War helps cover up their failures in economic and social policy. They are not the ones to blame – it is the external aggressor who is. The external aggressor is to blame for the impoverishment of people, and for the state budget that can’t seem to make ends meet, so that Ukraine is compelled to go, hat in hand, to the IMF and other sponsors, shifting the responsibility and burden to future generations. It is much easier to blame everything on external aggression.

These conclusions cause particular concern. Let's see how events will develop further in Ukraine. It makes a difference to us, because it is a country close to us.



Question:

You have held talks with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. There are several questions in this regard. First and foremost, of course, everyone is interested in whether you have been able to agree on a single position on the OPEC Plus deal, and whether there will be a further cut in oil production, given the current condition of oil prices. Have you discussed the story of the Saudi journalist killed in Istanbul? But most importantly of course, I would like to know about the oil market situation.



Vladimir Putin:

Regarding the death of the Saudi journalist in Turkey, the Crown Prince spoke about it at the first meeting, at the first session of the G20. He himself explained his position.

Now, about the price of oil and our agreements. Yes, we have an agreement to extend our deal. There is no final decision on volumes, not yet. But we, together with Saudi Arabia, will do this, and whatever final figure we will decide upon, we agreed that we will monitor the market situation and promptly respond to it.







Question:

Mr President, you have held talks with [Shinzo] Abe and [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan on the sidelines of the G20, even though you saw each of them less than two weeks ago. What is the reason for the non-typical, not quite typical intensity of contacts at the highest level? Why is it important for you, and for your partners, to meet so often now?

And a short second question, please. Your car, Aurus, the Russian-manufactured Aurus, has driven so far away from home for the first time and reached this continent; there is a big commotion around it, with local residents taking pictures with it near the hotel. You have been using this vehicle for several months. How do you like the car? I assume you were not always a passenger, but actually drove it? How do you like it? What do you like about it? What don't you like? Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

I never drove the limo version, only the smaller car. Very good car, I like it. And I am not the only one – some of our Arab friends like it too. They are already expressing a desire to buy it. Therefore, I think we can do this, I don’t see any problems. This is a capsule, a fairly well assembled car and very comfortable.

Now, about the intensity of contacts. It is due to the volume of our joint work. Russia and Japan agreed to return to the 1956 Declaration, as we informed the public after the meeting in Singapore. We have now talked about the need to create additional mechanisms of interaction, the need to increase the level of trust on both sides, expanding humanitarian contacts and economic ties. This is what we talked about. Such meetings are very much needed today. Moreover, we agreed with the Prime Minister that he would visit Russia early next year. Maybe I will also go to Japan.

As for Turkey, you can see the current scope of our joint work now – mutual trade is growing, and at a rather rapid pace. We have completed the offshore section of the Turkish Stream pipeline. Now we have to start working on land and launch the facility at the end of next year. We have a huge project, Akkuyu, a nuclear power plant. There are other plans.

We use every opportunity to meet and talk, including discussing Syria updates. I mean the establishment of the constitutional committee – this work is very delicate, requiring a lot of patience. We are also implementing – we are succeeding, moving very carefully – our agreements from the Istanbul meeting. But we must take into account the position of our Iranian partners, of course, we cannot move any further without knowing the position of Damascus. Therefore, this is complex, multi-vector work, but it is progressing, and this naturally requires constant consultation.

The Idlib situation also concerns us. We can see that our Turkish partners are not accomplishing everything. But they are working, it's true. We can see that they are working on the creation of a demilitarised zone. We hope that our special services and our defence ministries will solve this task as soon as possible.



Remark:

Thank you, Mr President.

It was for the first time that the G20 meeting took place in South America, in Argentina. Mexico, Brazil and Argentina are members of this group. How do you assess the overall contribution of South American countries to solving global issues?



Vladimir Putin:

We know that there are problems here too, financial problems, economic problems with the ensuing social issues, which are acute. Nevertheless, we believe that developing markets such as Brazil and Argentina have a great future. Their potential is obviously huge. We have built and will continue to build our relations with these countries based on the opportunities the Russian Federation has, and focusing on the future.

Now, after meeting with you, we will move over to another part of our visit here. We will have a working visit in Argentina; I will meet with the President of Argentina, with our colleagues from the Government of Argentina, to discuss the promising projects that we see. I will repeat this at a meeting with the press – these include railway projects and many other areas. These are promising partners for us so we, despite the large distance between us, will work together, especially since modern methods, such as those related to mutual investments, open up broad prospects for this.



Question:

You said you are negotiating the creation of an additional mechanism for resolving the peace treaty issue, and the Japanese side made a statement about it. What mechanism is it and why isn’t the current discussion format fit for that?

And I would like to clarify one point on Ukraine. They have imposed a whole lot of restrictions on Russians. Will Russia respond?



Vladimir Putin:

No. We are not going to introduce any restrictions against Ukrainian nationals. Moreover, we will liberalise their stay on our territory and liberalise acquiring Russian citizenship for those of them who want it.

As to new mechanisms, we have agreed that there will be a special presidential envoy from our side and the prime minister’s special envoy from the Japanese side. This work will be overseen by the foreign ministers. We will release more details later.



Question:

Is the issue about the exchange of 24 Ukrainian sailors for Russian citizens who are facing criminal charges in Ukraine being discussed? Has the Ukrainian side made such a proposal at all? Do we have any contacts left with that Ukrainian side, I don’t know, maybe at the technical level? Mr Poroshenko said recently that he called you after the provocation in the Kerch Strait and you refused to speak to him. It has gone very far – they are withdrawing from the Azov agreement, breaking up diplomatic relations. What comes next?



Vladimir Putin:

Contacts at the working level have been preserved, naturally. I hope it will stay that way.

As for top-level contacts, I do not refuse them. Yes, indeed, the telephone conversation did not take place but it doesn’t mean that we are cutting off any and all communication. It is difficult to communicate, though, because it is not clear what we can speak about since nothing is being implemented.

A year has passed – or more – since we agreed to disengage the conflicting sides in Luganskaya village. The OSCE informed the sides 50 times, I think, that the conditions for the disengagement have been set, formulated by the Ukrainian side – that no shooting or shelling should occur for seven days. The OSCE has stated 50 times that it has happened but our Ukrainian partners say, “No, you didn’t hear it but we heard someone was shooting.” And that is it. Everything is stalled. It is not clear what we can discuss or negotiate.

So we will look into future developments there. But whatever happens, we will certainly maintain relations with Ukraine.







Remark:

You did not speak about the sailors.



Vladimir Putin:

About the sailors. The exchange issues have not been raised as of yet and the Ukrainian side has not come up with such issues. It is too early to even speak about it as the investigation is still on. We need to prove the provocative nature of the Ukrainian authorities’ actions and formalise that in legal documents. I have already spoken about a document that looks like a sort of log journal, they call it something different, which has records – I think they have even been published. We need to get a full account from the sailors, then fill in the proper documents, and then we will see.



Question:

I would like to know what are the conditions under which you will now agree to another meeting with Donald Trump because he says he would meet [you] before he leaves and an hour later he changes his mind. It is somewhat irresponsible.



Vladimir Putin:

We do not set any preconditions because the matters to be discussed are too important. They are important, for us and the rest of the world, because issues of strategic stability are of paramount significance, and they are immediately followed by the non-proliferation of WMD.



Question:

I would still like to clear up the matter of Ukraine. The G7 foreign ministers asked Russia to release the crews and vessels as Ukrainian property. What will Russia do? And let me specify – did you and the UK Prime Minister cross paths now, did you have a chance to talk and discuss the relations?



Vladimir Putin:

We certainly saw each other, I think that normalising relations with the UK is a matter of the future, and I hope the not-so-distant future.

Regarding the release of the vessels and their crews. Recall the fishermen who were detained in the Sea of Azov absolutely groundlessly, without any reason. The 2003 Treaty provides for a 5-kilometre zone as territorial waters whereas the rest of the sea is common area, including for carrying out economic activities. The fishermen were outside the 5-kilometres zone yet they were captured. And the captain in still being detained. For no reason. It is pure lawlessness, full stop. And that’s that.

Here they embarked on a pure provocation. We used to let their ships pass, including naval vessels. On September 11, a similar convoy of Ukrainian naval ships arrived. They stated that they intended to pass through the Kerch Strait. They were given a pilot and passed through. And that was it, quiet and easy, they went on to Mariupol and Berdyansk. We didn’t create any problems for them whatsoever.

And this time, rather than doing the same thing as before, they staged a provocation even though after they violated our territorial waters, entered our territorial waters, our coast guard still told them, “If you are heading for the Kerch Strait, get to the anchorage and take a pilot aboard.” “No, we are not heading that way.” And promptly went there.

After that the ship-ramming began. Our coast guard was pushing them out only because they went towards the Kerch Strait. And there have been many public statements made that they were going to blow up the bridge. What was our coast guard supposed to do? They had to act correspondingly.

And there was a demand to stop – they failed to comply, began to escape towards neutral waters. And there you have it. The coast guard service acted in accordance with orders and regulations. The coast guard of any country would have acted the same way if their state border had been violated so flagrantly.

Let us speak on a different matter so as not to finish on this topic.



Question:

Can I ask about Melania?



Vladimir Putin:

Please, leave Melania alone.



Question:

There are photos flying around the Internet.



Vladimir Putin:

What photos?



Question:

You managed to have a brief talk with Trump but the whole Internet is awash with photos of you sitting next to Melania during dinner and chattering amicably. What were you talking about?



Vladimir Putin:

No, I was not sitting with Melania.



Question:

So this has been Photoshopped?



Vladimir Putin:

Either it was a Photoshopped image or those were photos form a different event. I had President of South Korea on one side and China’s First Lady on the other.



Press Secretary for the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov:

The photos with Melania were taken in Hamburg at the previous G20 meeting.



Vladimir Putin:

From Hamburg, very likely. But now, during this dinner, we talked, and the US First Lady was nearby.



Question:

Can I ask about the economy?



Vladimir Putin:

Economy? Go ahead.



Question:

It seems to be forgotten that the G20 is an economic club, whose mission is to resolve the problems of lifting trade barriers, protectionism, whether the global economy is sliding toward recession and reforming the WTO. We have been following the G20 decisions for a number of years and have the odd impression that there are no breakthroughs, basically nothing. Now that another G20 meeting has come to an end the impression is still the same – that the economy will not be growing more quickly, that a slide into a recession is possible Can you briefly comment on that?



Vladimir Putin:

You see, one should not expect the outcomes you mentioned from such events. As a rule, there are very many questions and contradictions. It is good when a historical moment arrives when all the main actors in the global communication and the economic activities are united by a common drive to make joint steps towards increasing the world economy’s growth rate. But this does not happen often because there are many contradictions and disagreements, all the more so nowadays.

I already said at the VTB Forum, Russia Calling!, that according to WTO estimates, losses of about 500 billion in world trade – 450 billion worth of losses, probably – are caused by the restrictions that are being imposed. Tariff restrictions, sanctions and so on and so forth. And these challenges have not been removed. Nevertheless, such meetings are useful because the countries that are arguing amongst themselves come to understand global trends and the opinions of their colleagues from other countries. This is my first point.

Secondly, suppose we spoke about WTO problems, that it does not fully meet the tasks for which it was set up. The Doha round of talks has been going on for almost 20 years to no avail and the talks are nowhere near their end. But we have agreed that proposals will be drafted during Japan’s chairmanship on improving WTO mechanisms. You know, this in itself is an achievement. And if a respective working group is formed now – and I hope we will also take part in that, I mean Russia and its partners, I presume we could agree on establishing a mechanism that will be applied for the benefit of the majority of international actors and for rendering an extra boost to the development of the global economy.

Thank you.



Question:

I watched a thrilling US film Hunter Killer recently.



Vladimir Putin:

Well done. Now tell us about it.



Question:

In short, the Russian president is taken hostage at an Arctic base, and this was done by the defence minister who leads the coup. And the Russian president is being rescued by the commander of a US submarine that penetrated the base.



Vladimir Putin:

Our base?



Question:

Our base, of course. Our Arctic base.



Vladimir Putin:

This alone makes the scenario improbable, fictitious. Two small naval boats, gifts from the USA to the Ukrainians, could not pass through the Kerch Strait. And you want a US sub to enter our base. Sounds like a bad film. (Laughter in the audience.)




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59290
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Telephone conversation with President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.



December 4, 2018 - 13:10



In advance of the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on December 6 in St Petersburg and an informal meeting of the CIS leaders, the presidents discussed current aspects of interaction on multilateral integration platforms.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59300






Russian-Venezuelan talks



Vladimir Putin held talks with President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence.



December 5, 2018 - 15:40 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr President,

I am very glad to see you in Moscow again, to touch base on the situation in the region and, of course, discuss the development of bilateral relations.

We realise and know that the situation in Venezuela remains difficult. We support your efforts to achieve mutual understanding in the society as well as to settle relations with the opposition.







Of course, we condemn any actions of clearly terrorist nature and any attempts to change the situation by force.

Mr President, in previous years our economic relations have been through very difficult times with a significant decrease in mutual trade, but we have managed to stop this negative trend and can see some growth this year.

I am very glad to see you. Welcome.



President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro (retranslated):

I am very glad to be here once again.

I know that everything that will happen will be for the better. We have got on our feet and we are winning.

We faced various threats and aggression but we have always learnt from these events. Our region has been seen this way for more than a hundred years.







I think we have found the point that helps us survive and launch a rather full, comprehensive economic programme that fully complies with the economic relations between Russia and Venezuela.

I am sure that the results of this meeting will be good news in terms of cooperation between our countries and our economies.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59315






Meeting with Francois Fillon



Vladimir Putin met with Francois Fillon who was Prime Minister of the French Republic from 2007 to 2012.



December 5, 2018 - 19:00 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







Vladimir Putin and the former Prime Minister of France have been on friendly terms for a long time.










This was a private meeting.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59317






Meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council



December 6, 2018 - 14:15 - St Petersburg






Vladimir Putin chaired a narrow format meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in St Petersburg.

The meeting participants reviewed the results of the Eurasian Economic Union’s activity during the year of the Russian presidency, outlined the key areas of further deepening Eurasian integration, including in trade, energy and the digital economy, and discussed the current and organisational issues of the Union’s operation.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues and friends, welcome to St Petersburg.

The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council has met today to consider the results of our joint efforts to promote economic integration this year and our future plans, of course.

I would like to note that our cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has been developing well and very rapidly, also helping us to make better use of our countries’ economic potential.







The combined GDP of the EAEU member states increased by 2 percent in January-June. Industrial production has grown by 3.3 percent and agricultural output by 2.4 percent.

Trade between the member states has increased by 12 percent and reached $44 billion. Trade with our external partners went up 21 percent to $548 billion, mainly due to increased exports.







The EAEU’s positions in international rating have improved, including in Doing Business 2018, where it has moved up to the 31st place. In 2017, we ranked 40th among the world’s 190 economies.

Russia’s EAEU presidency this year continued to work under the integration agenda, including on the operation of the common internal market. We worked together with our EAEU partners to broaden the practice of supranational governance.







During our meeting in Sochi this May, we signed an agreement on a system of labelling goods, which will ensure the transparency of our trade, protect consumer rights and guarantee equal conditions for competition.

Several important decisions have been drafted for our meeting today, in particular, on common markets for oil, petroleum products and gas. Experts believe that the implementation of these plans will increase our combined GDP by some $9 billion.







We continue to improve the technical regulation system and control over product quality. Unified technical standards have been developed for 85 percent of goods that our countries produce.

Production cooperation in metal works, electronics, chemical industry, consumer goods manufacturing and other areas is developing rapidly. At the same time, special attention is paid to export-oriented sectors and innovative products.







A regulatory and institutional framework has been developed for the launch of the EAEU unified digital space. The Union’s 2019 budget, which we will adopt today, includes significant funds for the implementation of large digital projects.

Cooperation between the EAEU member states in space services, including the creation of a common group of orbiters and the promotion of geographic information services on the third party markets seems promising.







The adoption of a joint programme of research and technological development can be considered. It is important for the EAEU members to strengthen coordination in adopting a monetary, financial and loan policy.

In September, representatives of central banks signed an agreement on harmonising legislation related to financial markets. This was a big step towards forming a common financial space.







We suggest discussing the issue of creating a common calculating structure using modern financial technology in the Union. It would allow us to improve the stability of our countries’ national payment systems and make them less dependent on the US dollar and other foreign currencies. It would literally increase our economic sovereignty.

Russia also proposes including the following issues in the integration agenda: simplified travel arrangements, establishing closer cooperation in healthcare, education, tourism, sports and culture. Of course, region-to-region cooperation deserves more attention than it gets now.







The EAEU’s external relations continue to expand. An agreement on international treaties with third countries and international organisations was signed in May.

Russia has completed the necessary internal procedures for it to enter into force. We presume that the other member states will complete this process soon as well.







In November, the Eurasian Economic Commission concluded memorandums on cooperation with the executive committee of the CIS and ASEAN. We see this as a step towards implementing the project of a Greater Eurasian partnership.

Today, we will decide on the entry into force of an agreement on trade and economic cooperation with China and a temporary free trade zone with Iran.







We look forward to the early completion of talks on preferential trade agreements with Singapore, Israel, Serbia and, in the future, India and Egypt.

Notably, a draft declaration on deepening the integration processes has been put together at Russia’s initiative to be reviewed during this meeting. The point is not only to reiterate our commitment to comprehensive development and strengthening of the Eurasian Union, but also to show that we see the integration’s main strategic goal in ensuring sustainable economic growth of the EAEU member states, and improving well-being and the quality of life of our citizens.

Next year, Armenia will take over the EAEU chairmanship. I wish every success to our Armenian friends.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59319






Supreme Eurasian Economic Council expanded meeting



December 6, 2018 - 16:20 - St Petersburg






Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in expanded format.

The EAEU leaders coordinated, in particular, the programmes for developing common oil and gas markets, and discussed prospects for cooperation in space exploration. A number of documents were signed at the end of the meeting.

The documents signed include a Declaration on strengthening integration within the Eurasian Economic Union, an instruction On the Strategy for the Promotion of Integration Processes in the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as the decisions On the Formation of a Common Gas Market in the Eurasian Economic Union and On the Formation of Common Markets for Oil and Petroleum Products in the Eurasian Economic Union.

In addition, decisions on trade and economic cooperation between the EAEU and the People’s Republic of China and on the creation of a free trade zone between the EAEU and Iran were signed.

Other documents signed concern, in particular, the EAEU’s international activity in 2019 and cooperation between the EAEU member states in space exploration and geolocation services based on the national sources of the Earth remote sensing data.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues,

We have just had extensive talks in a restricted format, discussed current issues related to the Eurasian Economic Union’s activities, and outlined a number of priority areas of further joint work which are reflected in a draft declaration on promoting integration within the EAEU, which we are to adopt today.







We all agreed that the major integration tasks include making the intra-union market more efficient, strengthening industrial cooperation, creating a common digital space, and better coordinating monetary, fiscal and credit policy.

Issues related to cooperation in our countries' key sectors were considered, and large-scale programmes for establishing common oil and petroleum product markets were coordinated.







Other topics of discussion included close interaction in space exploration, providing launch services for low-Earth spacecraft as well as satellite communication.

The heads of the delegations have pictures on their desks depicting the flags of the countries, EAEU members, which have been taken to the International Space Station, and photos of the Progress spacecraft that carried them to the ISS.







For the first time ever, the flags of the five nations made a unique, almost year-long voyage together in low-Earth orbit. This is a commemorative gift from the Russian chairmanship.

Friends,







Now, turning to the agenda, we are to hear from Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission Board Tigran Sargsyan, but first, I would like to give the floor to President of Moldova Igor Dodon, who joined our expanded meeting as the head of an EAEU observer state.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59323






Informal CIS summit



December 6, 2018 - 17:00 - St Petersburg







Leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States have summarised the year’s results. Before the summit, which took place in the form of a lunch, a joint photo session was held.







The meeting did not have a specific agenda; participants had an informal conversation and discussed various issues.










Earlier that day, the presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and the Acting Prime Minister of Armenia held a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in St Petersburg.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59324






Meeting with President of Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile Jean Todt



Vladimir Putin had a meeting with President of Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Jean Todt to discuss the development of motor sport in Russia.



December 7, 2018 - 01:00 - St Petersburg







Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) was established in 1904 at the initiative of 13 European and American motor clubs. Today, it brings together more than 230 national motor clubs and associations from 130 countries, and counts over 100 million car enthusiasts.

Jean Todt has been serving as FIA President since 2009. The Federation is known for managing and organising auto racing events. It is in charge of the licensing and sanctioning of Formula One, World Rally Championship and other racing events.

On December 3, the FIA General Assembly opened in St Petersburg. It is the first time Russia hosts an event of this kind.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Thank you for coming. We are delighted to have this opportunity to take stock of the development of motor sport in Russia.

Let me emphasise that Formula 1 is not our only undertaking. We are moving forward. You may already know that we are building a big and advanced motor centre near St Petersburg.

I would like you to visit this place and share your views and recommendations on how we could develop this venue.



President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile Jean Todt:

It is a privilege to see you and I am sorry to bother you at this time of the night.

I know you have quite a busy schedule coming from Argentina and all you have been doing but I appreciate it.

In fact, with my friend, Viktor Kiryanov, on Saturday we are going to see the facilities you were just talking about.

We arrived here on Monday because for the entire week we have been working with the General Assembly of the FIA and different motor councils. Tomorrow morning we are holding the General Assembly.

And tomorrow evening there will be a Prize Piving and all the champions of Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Rally, Endurance Championship, Formula E – all will be awarded here in the library. Everybody was very happy to be hosted in St Petersburg.







Vladimir Putin:

I hope that it is not their last visit.



Jean Todt:

I had the opportunity to come to Sochi several times for Formula 1. I came also for Formula E in Moscow. Twenty-five years ago I came here for the Rally and at the time I was not the President of the FIA. I was running the Citroen team and I came for the Paris-Moscow-Beijing Rally.



Vladimir Putin:

I hope that you will visit us more often.



Jean Todt:

Thank you. I have a few friends who love to come here. I think you know them, for example, Jean-Claude Killy. He showed me a nice photo with you, him and tigers.



Vladimir Putin:

He is like a tiger himself.



Jean Todt:

He was very proud to show that to me.

I also want to thank you for your support because I am President of the FIA but also the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety. And the Russian Federation has always been a very good support to me in my activity. It is always a great pleasure to work with my friend, Viktor Kiryanov, who is also the President of the Russian Automobile Federation.

I wanted to give you this helmet specially made for you.







Vladimir Putin:

I can see that. Thank you very much.



Jean Todt:

It has been signed by different racers. Here is Michael Schumacher.



Vladimir Putin:

Please thank all of them for this.



Jean Todt:

This is also a present for you.



Vladimir Putin:

I do not know what to say. I do not have a souvenir for you. I feel rather uneasy. Thank you again.



Jean Todt:

To meet you is the best souvenir.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59337






Greetings to XVI International Forum Gas of Russia 2018



Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to participants, organisers and guests of the XVI International Forum Gas of Russia 2018 underway in Moscow.



December 7, 2018 - 10:00



The message reads, in part:

“Over the past years, your annual forum has become one of the most important business events. It has become a respected venue where the professional community holds open and substantive discussions on key issues, trends and prospects in the gas industry.

The national gas industry plays a vital role in the regions and the country as a whole. It is largely responsible for national and global energy security and directly influences the creation of favourable conditions for economic growth and for dealing with current social issues. Russia is traditionally regarded as one of the world’s largest gas exporters and has a unique transportation infrastructure, as well as competences and personnel in this sphere. It is our common task to strengthen our leading positions.

I hope that your forum will come up with solutions that are necessary at this point, including those aimed at ensuring the high standards of the sector’s technological independence and at modernising gas facilities on the basis of digital and eco-friendly technologies.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59342






Greetings to participants and guests of FIA Annual General Assembly



Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to the participants and guests of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Annual General Assembly, which concludes the FIA Week in St Petersburg.



December 7, 2018 - 12:00



The message reads, in part:

“This week St Petersburg has become the capital of world motor sport. Delegates from national federations, clubs and sports associations, renowned champions and coaches have gathered here to hold a constructive discussion on FIA performance, discuss professional issues and make plans for the future.

I believe it is symbolic that the FIA General Assembly week was held in Russia this year. Motor sport is on the rise in Russia. We have hosted very successfully major international competitions such as the Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Silk Way Rally, in which our racers performed very well.

I am confident that the FIA General Assembly will be held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and will allow for exchanging experience and coordinating common approaches to the development of the motor sport and the automobile industry and to enhancing road safety.

We have especially warm words for the winners of prestigious competitions, who will take part in the FIA Prize Giving Gala today. You are the cream of the racing crop. I wholeheartedly congratulate you on your victories.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59345






Russian-Greek talks



Vladimir Putin held talks at the Kremlin with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who arrived in Russia on a working visit.



December 7, 2018 - 16:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow







The discussion covered issues related to bilateral cooperation in various areas and topical international and regional problems.

Following the consultations, Vladimir Putin and Alexis Tsipras attended a ceremony to exchange documents signed during the Greek Prime Minister’s visit to Russia.

The signed documents concern cooperation in countering crime; cooperation in fitness, sports and education; exchange of cutting-edge experience in transport; and the development of customs cooperation.

Vladimir Putin and Alexis Tsipras also made press statements and answered media questions.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Prime Minister, colleagues,

We are happy to welcome you to Moscow.

This year we marked 190 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries.







We are glad that our bilateral trade is growing. We have a lot to discuss, including the situation in the region and some international issues.

We are happy to see you. Welcome to Moscow.







Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Alexis Tsipras (retranslated):

Mr President, we are delighted to see you.

It is a great honour to be in the Kremlin once again.

The last time I visited Russia was three years ago. Many things have changed over these three years. Greece has found its way and is now in a good situation. But the international agenda remains largely critical.







However, the relations that have historically developed between our countries have not changed, which allows us to work towards stability and peace in the region and the rest of the world.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59346






Joint news conference with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras



December 7, 2018 - 17:25 - The Kremlin, Moscow






Vladimir Putin and Alexis Tsipras gave a joint news conference following Russian-Greek talks.




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Tsipras, ladies and gentlemen,

We are pleased to welcome the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic in Moscow.

We believe that Mr Tsipras’s visit comes at a good time. We consider Greece our special partner with whom we are united by age-old bonds of friendship, common chapters of history and spiritual affinity.

This year marks the 190th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Greece and the 25th anniversary of the Friendship and Cooperation Agreement.

We have always strived to build a dialogue of partnership based on the principles of neighbourliness, respect and mutual consideration of interests.

Today’s talks with the Prime Minister were held in this vein. We discussed key issues of Russian-Greek cooperation, as well as important international matters.

Interdepartmental documents signed at the end of the visit will contribute to deepening mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in specific areas. You have just seen it.

Considerable focus is on trade and investment interaction, which shows good dynamics. Last year, bilateral trade grew by 27 percent to nearly $4 billion, adding another 11 percent in January-September. Russia’s and Greece’s reciprocal investment exceeds $700 million.

It is our common opinion that the mixed commission on economic, industrial, and scientific and technical cooperation is performing well. It met in Moscow just a few days ago, on December 5–6, just before today's talks, and was quite instrumental in preparations for these talks.

The Russian-Greek Business Council is promoting direct contacts between businesspeople of the two states. It met twice this year: in Moscow in March and in Athens in October.

A Greek delegation traditionally participates in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. We hope that next year the Greek economic authorities and business circles will send a representative delegation to St Petersburg as well.

Of course, energy is an important area of cooperation. For many years, Russia has been reliably supplying Greece with energy resources, providing more than half of the republic’s gas needs and 10 percent of its oil. At the same time, we are ready to consider the possibility of connecting Greek companies to major infrastructure projects for the delivery of Russian gas to Europe via the southern route.

The Prime Minister and I discussed expanding cooperation in innovation based on the Declaration of Partnership for Modernisation. Russian high-tech companies aim to enter the Greek market with a broad range of products and services.

Of course, we spent time on issues of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. A positive public response is generated by annually held joint cultural festivals, tours of famous artists and performance groups. In 2019, we will hold the cross Year of Language and Literature.

I would like to note that the Russian-Greek Year of Tourism ended on November 23, as part of which 50 events were held. Last year, a record number – 850,000 – of our citizens visited Greece; this is 9 percent more than in the previous year. This year, their number is expected to increase up to a million people.

We agreed to continue our support of the development of tourism and to ensure that an increasing number of Greek citizens come to our country and discover its sights. There are promising projects under development on organising cruises in the Black Sea, Baltic Sea and northern seas, and creating new resorts.

Cooperation agreements have already been signed by more than 20 cities. I want to point out positive dynamics in terms of regional cooperation. In Russia, the leaders in the number of projects of this kind being implemented are Moscow, St Petersburg and Rostov-on-Don.

When discussing international issues, prospects for further building relations between Russia and the European Union were addressed. Of course, we talked about the Cyprus settlement process.

In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr Tsipras and all our Greek colleagues for the substantive and productive talks.

Thank you for your attention.







Question:

The Prime Minister’s previous visits to Russia took place when Greece was under the memorandum (of the IMF and the EU), and everyone in Europe was focused on that. Now Greece’s role in the Eastern Mediterranean is becoming more important. Are there really any signs to substantiate this opinion?







Vladimir Putin:

Greece, or the Greek people to be exact, are passing through a very difficult period in their history; we can see that. And, of course, we hope for them to overcome these difficulties as soon as possible. We closely follow the Greek government’s actions, and I can congratulate Mr Prime Minister on progressively promoting the Greek economy despite the actions of many political parties.

We have always supported the Greek people and the Greek state since the first steps of an independent Greece, and we will continue to do this regardless of whether the Greek people are enduring difficult times or are prospering.

The reason does not lie in our historical relations, spiritual closeness, etc., but we will be happy to see recent difficulties overcome because this will provide us with new opportunities to work together in the economy above all.

Perhaps you know about one of our largest investments: a Russian company working in the hotel and tourism industry is investing over 400 million or euros or dollars (I do not recall) in a project. This is a current project.

I am sure that as the economic situation stabilises, other large businesses – and Russian businesses have enormous investment potential – will act more confidently and proactively. We wish the Greek people and government success in overcoming the remaining difficulties soon.



Question:

I would still like to clarify one thing. After today’s talks, is it possible to say that a not very good page has been turned in the history of relations between Moscow and Athens on the well-known story involving diplomats last summer, and now the parties are ready to once again pursue cooperation and implement joint projects?







Vladimir Putin:

Concerning the page you mentioned, here is what I think is important to note.

Firstly, we initially did not agree, and I want to emphasise this now, with the basis for the expulsion of our diplomats. I can hardly imagine that any sensible person either in Greece or in Russia could think that Russia was plotting some intrigues against Greece or planning some kind of conspiracies. This is just nonsense, rubbish.

If the intelligence services have any questions to each other, which is also possible, there are many ways of resolving situations of this kind without any theatrical gestures. Hopefully, this page really has been turned. But I must tell you that this did not really hinder us in working normally and building relationships, including in the economic sphere. That is more important – the stability of the economy, of the partners themselves, the reliability and stability of the political system and guarantees of investments in large projects. We are ready to work in all areas, including the field of energy infrastructure projects.







Question:

You said that you discussed energy cooperation, energy security issues at the talks. How realistic is it that one of the lines of TurkStream will pass through Greece? We all see the essentially undisguised pressure of the United States of America, the statement of presidents that such projects are not desirable. How can this pressure be resisted? This is a question to both leaders.



Vladimir Putin:

Regarding energy routes. I already spoke about this, I just alluded to the fact that we are ready to go forward with major energy infrastructure projects with Greece, which also applies to the possibility of connecting Southern Europe through Greece to TurkStream.

We are discussing this with both our Turkish and Greek partners; it is quite likely. There is actually already a pipeline from Greece to Italy. The pipeline was built, but there is no gas there yet. We can think together on how to fill this route with a real product.

This is a matter that requires separate consideration, primarily from the point of view of economic feasibility for economic players, including Russian ones. But it is quite possible, we do not rule it out; moreover, we believe that it is quite realistic.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59349






Greeting to participants, organisers and guests of Sambo Absolute World Cup international competition



Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to the participants, organisers and guests of the Sambo Absolute World Cup, which is taking place in Sochi.



December 8, 2018 - 13:00



The message reads, in part:

“It is encouraging that Russia is holding so many significant international sambo competitions in the year that marks the 80th anniversary of this martial art’s official recognition. The present competition that will award prizes of the Union State of Russia and Belarus is a glowing testament to that.

I am certain that the participants will show fair, beautiful, and victory-oriented wrestling while the Cup will become a celebration of talent and skill to unite sambo’s veterans and youth at Sochi’s Adler Arena.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59358






Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the latter’s initiative.



December 8, 2018 - 13:40



Mr Netanyahu informed the Russian leader on the details of the operation conducted by the Israeli armed forces along the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon.

The President of Russia stressed the importance of ensuring stability in the region in strict accordance with Resolution 1701 of the UN Security Council with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon providing coordination.

Speaking about Syria, Vladimir Putin underlined the need for better Russian-Israeli military cooperation.

In this context, the upcoming dialogue between the experts of the countries’ defence ministries as part of the joint working group was referred to as a much-needed development.

The leaders agreed to consider holding another personal meeting.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59357
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Meeting with Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev, who briefed the President on the main indicators for the agro-industrial complex and measures to boost the effectiveness of government support to agricultural producers.



December 3, 2018 - 13:45 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon.

Mr Patrushev, how did the agricultural sector perform over the past year? I am well aware that there were some adjustments in the growth rate. How can you explain this and what do you think about these trends? What are the prospects and plans for the industry?



Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev:

Thank you very much, Mr President.

Let me begin by saying a few words about the overall development trends for the agricultural sector. Last year, agricultural output increased by 2.5 percent. This was attributable to a number of factors, including a substantial crop yield.

As for this year, I do hope that we will see an increase in agricultural output. In fact, there was an upward trend between January and August, followed by a slight decline in August and September. In August, production dropped 11 percent, with another drop of 6 percent in September. However, as I have already pointed out, we will see an increase of 1 percent for the whole year. It will not be like last year’s but there will still be growth. I hope that the positive momentum spills over into 2019.

Mr President, I would also like to share some facts and figures with you regarding the main indicators for the agro-industrial complex. Crops and pulses have been threshed across all farmed land. Despite the unfavourable weather, the crop yields were quite good at 110 million tonnes in net weight, up 11 percent compared to the average annual yield over the past five years.

By the end of 2018, we also expect to harvest 18 million tonnes of oilseed, up 1.5 million tonnes from a year earlier. The beet harvest is almost completed and exceeds 41 million tonnes, along with 6.7 million tonnes of potatoes, 4.2 million tonnes of open ground vegetables and almost 1 million tonnes of greenhouse vegetables. On top of this, we have harvested over a million tonnes of fruit and berries.

Mr President, with this crop harvest, we will be able to meet not only the domestic demand but also be able to export the planned amounts. According to our estimates, the export potential for grain will be 39 million tonnes, including 34 million tonnes of wheat. I will cite one more figure: agricultural exports, as we expect, will total about $26 billion by the end of this year.







Vladimir Putin:

That’s good news.



Dmitry Patrushev:

Mr President, I can briefly report on the sowing of winter crops. Planting has been completed on an area of more than 17.5 million hectares – last year’s figure was half a million hectares less. We expect the winter crops to come through, and hope that we there will be enough snow to cover them as well as favourable weather conditions.

I would like to specifically report that we are paying a lot of attention to important essential staple food products and regularly monitor the prices of these goods. We also track the price of bread and bakery products on a weekly basis.

Wholesale prices of bread made from rye-flour and a mixture of rye and wheat flour are at the 2017 level. Wholesale milk prices can also be compared with the previous year.

At the same time, there was a deviation in wholesale sugar prices. In fact, the wholesale prices are higher compared to last year, but taking into consideration that we produce 6 million tonnes of sugar, while domestic consumption stands at 5.8 million tonnes, we do not anticipate any complications. According to our estimates, the price of white sugar will be subject to adjustment. Let me point out that the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service has launched an enquiry into sugar pricing.

Mr President, there is another thing I would like to bring to your attention. As I have already said, we are allocating funds to the regions in a consistent and regular manner. Some 121 billion roubles have been reserved for constituent entities of the Russian Federation, and about 80 percent of this amount was actually transferred to agricultural producers. This indicator is expected to reach 100 percent by the end of the year.

Let me also point out that the mechanism of a single subsidy as it stands right now can be improved. For this reason, the Agriculture Ministry will work on enhancing the efficiency of government support measures.

In particular, the ministry is currently working on developing specific support measures for every region. As part of this effort the Ministry intends to carry out preliminary reviews and develop agricultural development initiatives for every specific region of the Russian Federation, including food production and processing. Not only are we going to take into consideration the specific nature of every region, retrospective data and forecasts, but also the development of neighbouring regions and of the Russian economy as a whole.

This analysis will lay the foundation for a mechanism of tailored support measures for specific segments on the regional and national levels. We believe that by doing so we will help the agricultural industry achieve maximum efficiency and boost exports.







Vladimir Putin:

That’s good.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59293






Meeting with Tver Region Governor Igor Rudenya



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Tver Region Governor Igor Rudenya to discuss digital television in the region, socioeconomic matters and the tourism industry prospects.



December 4, 2018 - 15:10 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The Governor thanked the President for the support provided by the Presidential Executive Office and the Government to the digital switchover of all households in the region regardless of their income. Local residents now have access to 20 television channels in high-quality digital format. There are fewer analogue television channels. The regional authorities have prepared a programme to co-finance the purchase of digital reception equipment for low-income households although the majority of people have modern television sets that are equipped to receive digital TV signals.







The President noted that nobody must be overlooked and that no family must be left without access to digital television. He also instructed the Governor to personally monitor this process.







Igor Rudenya updated Vladimir Putin on the region’s financial performance, an increase in budget revenue and growing wages in the public sector, as well as on the development of the tourism industry. In particular, he spoke about the Volga Sea project, which provides for building a river boat station linked by a railway line to Moscow’s Leningradsky Terminal. The trip from Moscow to the large tourism complex will take only 1 hour 40 minutes, so that people will be able to continue their journey on the Volga and the Moscow Sea.







The Governor invited the President to the annual summer tourism forum held in Konakovo, which brings together representatives from federal ministries, travel companies and tourism personnel from other Russian regions.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59301






Greetings to participants and guests of National Sports Awards ceremony



Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to participants, organisers and guests of the National Sports Awards ceremony.



December 4, 2018 - 19:00



The message reads, in part:

“This prestigious award, established in 2010, is presented to outstanding people who are renowned both in Russia and abroad, and who have devoted their careers and lives to sport.

I note with satisfaction that this year’s laureates include an array of talented athletes, coaches and specialists. It is important that renowned former athletes who value the victorious traditions of national sport and who work to promote the ideals and values of winning are honoured.

I am confident that the ceremony will receive a wide public response, and that the achievements of our victors will serve as a model for the younger generation.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59309






Presenting the Volunteer of Russia 2018 award



Vladimir Putin attended the Volunteer of Russia 2018 award ceremony held on the International Volunteer Day.



December 5, 2018 - 14:00 - Moscow






Vladimir Putin presented the Volunteer of Russia 2018 award to Anton Korotchenko from the Smolensk Region for his Healthy Village project.

The award ceremony was held as part of the International Volunteer Forum, the final event of the Year of Volunteer in Russia.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Friends,

It makes me so happy to address you as friends, because many people would like to have friends like you.

Greetings on the Volunteer Day.



Remark:

Thanks!







Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.

I would like to greet all Russian volunteers who are with us today, in the audience and behind me, as well as our guests from 120 countries. Warm greetings to you all.

Friends, the volunteer movement embodies the best human qualities such as sympathy, kindness, cordiality and a civic stand. The latter is very important, and this is why.

By doing what you do, that is, by helping people in hospitals and hospices, helping people with disabilities, by taking care of our forests, our wildlife and our nature as a whole, by helping to open up our country to our guests from many countries during major sports or political events, you are doing an extremely important thing not only for yourself or those you are helping, but also for our society as a whole.

When people see what you are doing, they not only take the cue from you but they also interpret this as a sign of stability and social reliability. This is making our society better and all of us more balanced and more resistant to internal and external stress. There have always been many things that can stress you out anywhere, including in our country. This is why we are grateful to you.

This does not mean that the volunteer movement ends when the Year of Volunteer ends in 2018. Of course, the volunteer movement will continue, and government support for volunteers will certainly continue, too. Soon my colleagues at the State Council and I will talk about it and think what can be done to help you further.

I want to wish all of you – those who help other people – happiness and good luck. I would like all of you to be personally happy.

Thank you very much for everything.







Host of the Volunteer of Russia 2018 award ceremony Dmitry Guberniyev:

Mr President, last year you presented the main prize, the Volunteer of the Year award. Let's continue this tradition, with our wonderful young people chanting “thank you.”



Host of the Volunteer of Russia 2018 award ceremony Ksenia Vasilyeva:

And the volunteer of the year is – Anton Korotchenko, 24, Smolensk, the Healthy Village project! Let’s give him a round of applause.


(Vladimir Putin presents the award.)







Dmitry Guberniyev:

Anton Korotchenko has received this prestigious award from the hands of the President of Russia. And now, we give the floor to Anton, so that the entire country can hear our main volunteer live.



Anton Korotchenko:

Thank you very much. But this victory is not only mine – it is a victory of a large team. It is thanks to these people that I am now standing on this stage.

Guys, you are the best. Thank you!

I am sure that every volunteer here in this hall, every volunteer now helping someone in some remote part of our country deserves this statuette.

After all, everything we do is valuable and important.



Dmitry Guberniyev:

Thank you!







Vladimir Putin:

Anton is right: each of you deserves this statuette – those who are here in this hall and those who are not with us today. Because the entire volunteer movement would not be able to fit in here, in one hall, even a very large one. Therefore, congratulating you all on the Volunteer Day, congratulating you all on your personal results, I would like to ask a question that is probably rhetorical: will we continue doing good deeds?



Remark:

Yes!



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you!




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59311






The President took part in the Dream with Me charity project



December 5, 2018 - 14:30 - Moscow






During his visit to the International Volunteer Forum, Vladimir Putin learned about the Dream with Me charity project, as part of which volunteers help make the dreams of children and senior citizens with life-threatening illnesses come true.







The President watched video recordings about the dreams of five project participants and promised to help them come true.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59316






Answers to media questions



Vladimir Putin answered media questions after the Volunteer of Russia 2018 award ceremony.



December 5, 2018 - 14:40 - Moscow







Remark:

Mr President, greetings on Volunteer Day!



President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

The same to you.



Question:

The number of volunteers has doubled over this year. Their projects received serious support from society and the state. But the Year of Volunteer is ending. You have just said that the state will continue to support volunteers’ projects. How will you do this?



Vladimir Putin:

We have special support mechanisms for this.

As for the volunteers who take part in major international events, such as the Olympics or football championships, we have established a system of training at many educational establishments, which have been specially selected for this and which offer regular courses. The next event of this kind will be the Winter Universiade in Krasnoyarsk. We started working with young people and the so-called silver volunteers [people aged 50+] who want to be involved in this, long ago, and we will continue this work.

Regarding volunteer work in other areas, all of which are very important and include helping those who need your help, protecting forests and wildlife, as I said in my speech for the volunteers at the award ceremony, we must provide administrative and financial support. The volunteers usually work for free, but the state must finance the creation of the necessary conditions for their work.

We have a system of grants, which we will continue to provide in 2019 and beyond. Moreover, we have been gradually increasing the size of these grants, and we will do this next year as well.







Question:

I apologise for going off the subject, but the international frenzy over the Kerch Strait incident continues to grow, and we keep hearing President Poroshenko’s complaints about not being able to reach you over the telephone. He is complaining to Western politicians and to Western journalists. Could you perhaps tell us what kind of environment could make this conversation happen?



Vladimir Putin:

The problem is not me avoiding or not willing to have a conversation with Mr Poroshenko; it is not that. The problem is that I do not wish to participate in his election campaign.

What do you think is really going on here? Mr Poroshenko skilfully masterminds crisis situations, which are, in fact, provocations – step one. Step two: he immediately shifts the responsibility for them to Russia. And then, step three – he instantly wants to show everyone that he is successfully dealing with problems – problems, for which “he is not responsible”. That is what this is about. That is one pretty unsophisticated routine. I do not wish to take part in these routines, and I will not.







Question:

Mr President, back to the international agenda: yesterday US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo basically issued an ultimatum, saying that Russia has 60 days to correct the alleged violations of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. The Americans state that we created missiles that violate the terms of the treaty.

How will we react to these statements? How will we respond?



Vladimir Putin:

It is very simple. First of all, it is obvious and known to all by now – Mr Pompeo’s statement is somewhat late. It was the American side that announced its plans to quit the INF treaty first; only then they started casting about for a justification for doing this.

The most important justification is that we violated something. At the same time, as always, no actual proof of violations on our part has been provided.

As a reminder, in 2002, the United States, just as in this case, unilaterally withdrew from the anti-ballistic missile treaty. The ABM treaty is one of the cornerstones of the international security system. Nevertheless, they just walked out without any second thoughts. By the way, they did not even bother to invent any reasons – just withdrew, and that was that.

Now, in fact, the same thing is happening, only they are trying to find someone to blame for this decision – I would say a rather reckless decision.

The arguments cited are essentially clear: Russia and the United States are the only countries that do not produce weapons of this kind. This is actually true. Many other countries – probably about a dozen already – make such weapons, while Russia and the United States have limited themselves bilaterally. Now, apparently, our American partners decided that the situation has changed so much that the United States should also have such weapons.

What will our response be? Simple: then we will do it too.

Allow me to remind you that this year, I think, the US Congress earmarked funds for R&D projects to create these missiles, even before they announced withdrawal from this treaty. That is, the decision was made a long time ago, only quietly.

They thought we would not notice, but we did – the Pentagon budget includes the development of these missiles. Only after that they publicly announced that they were withdrawing from the deal. Their next step was to look for someone to blame; “Russia” is the first word that comes to mind and sounds familiar to a regular Westerner’s ear.

This is not true. We do not agree with the destruction of this deal. But if this happens, we will react accordingly.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59312






Launching the third production facility at Bovanenkovo gas field



Vladimir Putin took part via video linkup in the launch ceremony of the third, and final, gas production facility at the Bovanenkovo oil and gas condensate field, the largest on the Yamal Peninsula in terms of its proven reserves.



December 5, 2018 - 15:10 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Miller, colleagues,

First of all, I would like to congratulate you on this major achievement: you have successfully completed a large-scale and complicated project.

Today, we are launching the third, and final, gas production facility of the unique Bovanenkovo oil and gas condensate field. This means that it will reach its full capacity.

At the same time we are opening the second line of the Ukhta-Torzhok gas pipeline. This will make it possible to deliver more gas from Yamal to central regions of the Russian Federation.

I would like to thank everyone involved in building these important industrial and infrastructure facilities.

This is a significant contribution to the development of Russia’s gas industry and the comprehensive exploration of Yamal. Engineers, geologists, gas workers and builders have created an enormous new modern Russian gas production centre, in the peninsula’s very challenging climatic conditions, almost from the ground up.

The work was really large-scale. Well-equipped production sites and camps for rotating workers were built along with the 572 km Obskaya – Bovanenkovo railway.

Each of these is a large and significant construction project in its own right. Many kilometres of pipelines and other facilities, including an airport, have been built; all of this in compliance with the strictest environmental requirements to preserve the tundra and vulnerable nature of Yamal.

The third production facility will increase Bovanenkovo capacity to the target level, or 115 billion cubic metres of gas per year. This number is colossal, without exaggeration. It equals a quarter of Gazprom’s current annual production. Mr Miller and I discussed this in the morning. This is almost half of what Gazprom provides for Russia’s domestic market and almost half of our exports, both to neighbouring and more distant countries. The scale is impressive.

Let me stress once again that such megaprojects as Bovanenkovo are very important for the national economy and the regions. They create jobs and improve the quality of life.

We are talking about gas production on Yamal. Let me remind you that the volume of Yamal’s largest gas field, Bovanenkovo, which we are taking to full capacity today, is 4.9 trillion cubic metres of gas. However, the exploration of Yamal does not end in Bovanenkovo. The explored gas supply in the peninsula is more than 16.7 trillion cubic metres. This is immense. It is expected that 310–360 billion cubic metres of gas will be produced here by 2030.

But this is not the end. We are developing the province in general and moving forward. This July we decided that the exploration of the Kharasavey gas field located north from Bovanenkovo will begin in full in early 2019. The work will begin in the near future, and production is scheduled to commence in 2023. The target level is 32 billion cubic metres of gas. At the same time, geological exploration continues at the Tambei group of fields. All of this means that our energy and gas sectors are developing at a good pace.

The growth in gas production will further strengthen the energy security of Russia and our export potential and fully cover such new routes as Nord Stream 2, which is already under construction. And, of course, there will be additional capacities to speed up the provision of gas supply to Russian cities and villages. Soon we will begin the preparations and will hold a separate meeting on expanding gas supply in Russia at the beginning of next year.

I would like to thank you all very much for your labour, hard work and results, for fulfilling the most complicated technological and industrial tasks. I am sure that your unique experience of work in the northern conditions will be in high demand in the future, including in new projects.

I express my gratitude to you once again. Thank you for the work you have done and the results you have achieved. I wish you success.

Mr Miller, please.







Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller:

Mr President,

We are at the gathering station of the third gas production facility of the Bovanenkovo gas field, where all gas manifolds from all the production wells meet. The station’s task is to equalise the pressure of the streams and unite them in a single one.

Further in the process, the gas goes to the inlet separator station where the mechanical impurities and water are separated from the gas stream. The next stage is the low-temperature separation station where the gas is cooled down to minus 35 degrees, and the rest of water is separated from it. Then the dry gas goes to the booster pumping station where the pressure is raised to the working pressure of the main pipelines: 120 atmospheres.

There are 173 wells at the third gas production facility. We have with us the director general of Gazprom Dobycha Nadym who will report on production activity.



Vladimir Putin:

Mr Menshikov, please.







Director General of Gazprom Dobycha Nadym Sergei Menshikov:

Mr President, Mr Miller,

I am Sergei Menshikov, Director General of Gazprom Dobycha Nadym.

We are currently here, at the Yekaterina drilling rig. This Russian-produced fourth-generation drilling rig allows us to work in the harsh Arctic environment and drill wells with complex configurations from various angles. This particular well, for instance, will be 1,700 metres deep, and will be drilled at a distance of 790 metres from the rig.

The drilling bit enters the well with the help of drill pipes. Each pipe is eight metres long. You can now see the drillers use the top drive to bring the so-called stand consisting of three 24 metre-long drill pipes to the wellhead. Then, the threaded connection is cleaned, and a special thread lubricant is applied.

Now, we make up connections with the help of hydraulic drilling power tongs. While spinning the drilling bit, the turbodrill lowers the drill pipe stand into the well by 24 metres. The entire process is controlled by a joystick, operated by the driller working in the rig’s control cabin. The drilling fluid used for flushing the well is pumped through the pipes. The rock that is extracted from the well together with the drilling fluid is decontaminated with the help of a special installation, and then used as an environmentally friendly construction material for road and site filling.

That concludes my report.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.



Alexei Miller:

Mr President.

The Bovanenkovo gas field reserves are so large that production will continue up to 2128, that is, for the next 110 years.

Bovanenkovo has an airport that can service almost all classes of aircraft used in the Russian Federation. It also has the 572-kilometre Salekhard-Bovanenkovo railway. The living conditions of local employees are as comfortable as possible. All the necessary transport and social infrastructure has been created here.

The Yamal Peninsula development will continue rapidly. As you mentioned, this July, a decision was taken to begin the full-scale development of the Kharasavey field starting January 1, 2019. This field has estimated reserves of 2 trillion cubic metres. At the same time, we are now exploring the Tambei group of fields.

New gas production capacities are being created at the same time with gas transmission capacities. New gas transmission capacities have been created in the northern corridor to transmit 115 billion cubic metres of gas from Bovanenkovo and today we are putting into operation the Ukhta-Torzhok 2 main gas pipeline. The northern gas transmission corridor is becoming crucial for the country’s unified gas supply system, both for supplying the domestic market and for export.

Now we will go to Director General of Gazprom Transgaz Ukhta.



Vladimir Putin:

Please, Mr Gaivoronsky.







Director General of Gazprom Transgaz Ukhta Alexander Gaivoronsky:

Mr President, Mr Miller,

This is Director General of Gazprom Transgaz Ukhta Alexander Gaivoronsky.

We are at the production control department operating main gas pipelines in the northern corridor.

The primary function of the northern corridor is sending gas from the Bovanenkovo field to consumers in Russia and abroad. Our company operates over 16,000 km of pipeline, including Bovanenkovo-Ukhta (first and second lines), Ukhta-Torzhok and Ukhta-Torzhok 2, the 970 km pipeline we are putting into operation today.

Mr President, Mr Miller,

I can now report that the Ukhta-Torzhok 2 pipeline infrastructure is connected to Russia’s unified gas supply system and gas is flowing in the target volumes.

That concludes my report.



Alexei Miller:

Mr President,

Exactly 10 years ago, in December 2008, it was decided to create a new gas production centre in Russia on the Yamal Peninsula. Today we have brought a major field of this new gas extraction centre to the target capacity of 115 billion cubic metres of gas a year.

That concludes my report.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.

I will repeat this number: 16.7 trillion cubic metres of gas on Yamal alone. These are vast reserves that are global in scale and will allow Russia to move confidently in the direction of consolidating its power security, and to guarantee reliable deliveries to our foreign partners.

Once again, congratulations on this result which is important for the whole economy of Russia.

I wish you new successes and achievements.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59314






Greetings to participants in the Russian Interreligious Council Presidium meeting



Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to participants in the meeting of the Presidium of Russia’s Interreligious Council, congratulating them on the 20th anniversary of the Council’s founding.



December 6, 2018 - 10:30



The message reads, in part:

“Established in 1998, the Council has become an influential forum for maintaining an effective dialogue between spiritual leaders and representatives of traditional faiths in Russia on the most important matters concerning the country and society.

The Council’s key priorities include efforts to preserve our invaluable spiritual, cultural and historical heritage, facilitate interaction between different ethnic groups and religions, and develop effective cooperation with government authorities in education and charity, as well as in strengthening the institution of the family and family values and educating the younger generation.

These numerous and wide-ranging activities deserve the deepest respect and support. And of course, they help foster civil peace and harmony in the country.”

The Russian Interreligious Council brings together leaders of the country’s Orthodox, Muslim, Judaist and Buddhist communities. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia is the Honorary Chairman of the Russian Interreligious Council.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59336






Greetings to participants, organisers and guests of the Russian Paralympic Committee’s Return to Life award ceremony



Vladimir Putin sent greetings to participants, organisers and guests of the 13th award ceremony of the Russian Paralympic Committee’s Return to Life Prize.



December 6, 2018 - 12:00



The message reads, in part:

“Today we wholeheartedly congratulate our prize winners – the champions and record holders who represented Russian sports at the 12th Winter Paralympics in PyeongChang and other important international tournaments this year. These talented, energetic and strong-willed people have not only scored individual victories but have also opened a new page in the history of Russian and international Paralympic movement and have become a source of inspiration for others. The prize has also been awarded to our best coaches, mentors and organisers who honed our athletes’ self-confidence and helped them move forward to their goals.

I would like to stress that the state will continue to support our Paralympians and create conditions for their victorious performance.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59322






Congratulations to KAMAZ-Master team



Vladimir Putin congratulated the KAMAZ-Master racing team on its 30th anniversary.



December 6, 2018 - 17:45



The message reads, in part:

“This anniversary is a good reason to recall the team’s history and triumphant performances at the most prestigious international competitions.

Your outstanding achievements are a hard-earned reward for your courage, will, everyday hard work and loyalty to the remarkable traditions set by your predecessors.

And, of course, it is very important that you build the vehicles you use to win and create daring engineering solutions. The competitions in which KAMAZ-Master takes part promote the use of cutting-edge technologies that can later be used in KAMAZ production, technology for difficult and emergency situations including competitive equipment that strengthens the position of Russian vehicle manufacturing on the national and global markets.

I am confident that you will have many more successes that help glorify Russian motorsports.”

The KAMAZ-Master team, sponsored by KAMAZ, competes in cross-country rallies with race modified KAMAZ trucks. KAMAZ-Master teams have won the Dakar Rally (formerly known as the Paris–Dakar Rally) fifteen times.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59334






The Nutcracker performance



December 6, 2018 - 22:50 - St Petersburg







Informal CIS summit participants attended The Nutcracker ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre.






















After the performance, Vladimir Putin and the informal CIS summit participants met with the company of the Mariinsky Theatre.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59335






Meeting with Valery Limarenko



Vladimir Putin met with Valery Limarenko to inform him of the decision to appoint Mr Limarenko Acting Governor of Sakhalin Region.



December 7, 2018 - 18:10 - The Kremlin, Moscow








The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59350






Valery Limarenko is appointed Acting Governor of Sakhalin Region



The President signed an Executive Order On the Acting Governor of Sakhalin Region.



December 7, 2018 - 18:10



Due to the early resignation of Sakhalin Region Governor Oleg Kozhemyako, the President issued an executive order to appoint Valery Limarenko Acting Governor of Sakhalin Region pending the assumption of office by an elected Sakhalin Region Governor.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59351






Reception celebrating Heroes of Fatherland Day



A reception celebrating Heroes of the Fatherland Day was held at the Kremlin on behalf of Vladimir Putin.



December 7, 2018 - 18:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow






About 250 military members and civilians who have displayed particular courage and heroism were invited to attend the event in St Andrew Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

The participants included Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Russian Federation, full cavaliers of the Order of Glory and cavaliers of the Order of St George.

Heroes of the Fatherland Day is celebrated annually on December 9.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, dear friends, veterans, comrades.

I congratulate you on Heroes of the Fatherland Day.

This holiday is a tribute of the state and society to those who have received the highest state awards: Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Russian Federation, the Order of Glory and the Order of St George.







Russia has always been proud of such people, who are ready to show courage, valour and bravery and perform heroic deeds in the name of the Motherland and their family and friends.

Heroism and self-sacrifice for one’s comrades are qualities of our national character, as we often say. These are the people, heroic people, who claimed the territory of Russia, repelled unfathomable attacks and aggression, and liberated other peoples.







When soldiers go into fierce combat, a fierce battle, and sacrifice themselves, when rescuers save children, when cosmonauts and sailors discover new routes, their own heroism is the last thing on their minds. They just do their duty, guided by their conscience, the memory of their forebears, and the lessons and values instilled by their parents and mentors.

The invincibility of the Russian people lies in this continuity of generations and moral and spiritual strength. Throughout history, it has always been so.







Today we remember the legendary and unknown heroes of past battles who fought in the first and second world wars. Those who fought and won in Afghanistan, took on terrorists in Russia and fight now in Syria.

We are proud of your courage and valour, and sometimes even your genuine modesty. We are immeasurably grateful to you for doing so much for our country and for serving Russia today. We bow in memory of those who perished: perished in the trenches and in the skies, protecting their comrades, but never retreating. We remember those who are no longer with us.







I am confident that a day like today will continue to serve as a symbol of the continuity of the heroic traditions and deeds, and the victories of Russia.

Friends, unfortunately, today’s work schedule and meetings do not permit me to stay with you much longer in this wonderful, festive atmosphere. But I simply must offer a toast to the Heroes of the Fatherland and to the wellbeing of all of you and your families.







To the great Russian nation and the great multiethnic Russian people!




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59352






Russian Geographical Society awards ceremony



Vladimir Putin took part in the Russian Geographical Society awards ceremony.



December 7, 2018 - 19:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow






The President presented one of the awards to Igor Spiridenko, winner in the category Best Expedition in Russia and director of the Tyurikov’s Aircraft. Return project.

The purpose of the award-winning expedition was to recover the legendary Douglas C-47 aircraft from the tundra region on the Taimyr Peninsula. This is the only remaining intact aircraft in Russia from a series that were given to the Soviet Union by the Allies as part of the WWII-era land lease programme.

On April 23, 1947, the plane made an emergency landing in a remote area in northern Krasnoyarsk Territory. First pilot Maxim Tyurikov was able to land safely and avoid casualties. When no rescuers came after four days, however, the pilot, two crew members and six passengers left in search of help and were never seen again. Those who decided to stay were found alive.

The Douglas C-47 is being restored before being added to the collection of the Museum Park of the Exploration of Northern Territories in Krasnoyarsk.

The creators of the National Nature Reserve Heritage Lesson online project won Best Educational Project in Geography. Interactive lessons have been held in over 20, 000 schools across Russia.

The best science project is Lomonosov Moscow State University’s Digital Herbarium, a database of biodiversity with a million samples. Only three countries in the world have similar databases.

Best History and Culture Project went to participants of the Flooded Sacred Sites of Mologa, a large-scale study of the Rybinskoye Reservoir area.

Goodsurfing, an online service that helps combine travelling with volunteering, was awarded Best Youth Project. The project offers travel opportunities to 59 countries, and has brought together volunteers from 73 countries.

Bears of Kamchatka: Early Life, a documentary film, was named Best Media Project. Its authors spent seven months watching bear families and bear cub development. The documentary has received 17 film festival prizes.

Pure Games, a team competition in the collection and sorting of waste to clear natural landmarks, won Best Nature Conservation Project.

A total of 542 entries from 76 regions of Russia and other countries were submitted this year.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Friends,

Before presenting the award, let me say a few words of gratitude both to our nominees for everything they have done and to everyone who takes part in such a comprehensive effort as national awareness, work that is very important for our country.

We have talked about the Russian Geographical Society’s distribution of about 100 grants and only seven awards, which is less than ten percent. But the rest are also doing very important, interesting and useful work.







We have talked about flora and fauna, about aging forests and about bears. These efforts require not only time and enthusiasm, but also courage.

I have indeed visited these places and have seen bears here and there. When they approached us from one side, we thought we should move and withdraw, you know. But these people were living there for seven months right next to the bears.







This is very interesting, exciting and practical. This work allows us to understand who we are, our past, and our future. This helps us grow stronger on the inside, and this is very important. This is one element in our national identity.

The only thing we should worry about is that we know very little about your efforts. These things have been accomplished, and more people should learn about them.

I am back from another Moscow Kremlin hall, where I congratulated the Heroes of Russia and the Soviet Union on our upcoming day (it is called Heroes of the Fatherland Day). I saw this enormous hall filled with so many people. Every one of them – I want to stress this – every one of them deserves to be recognised by the entire country, but we only know of a few of them. We need to educate young people, the younger generation using their lives as examples.







We need to educate people of all ages on the materials you publish. It is vitally important. I would like to ask our journalists, our culture personalities, film and television producers to include this in your programmes; this should be shown, because it is extremely interesting.

And I would like to thank everyone who does this, because thanks to your efforts, talent and courage, we all have the opportunity to immerse into the remarkable world of science, creativity, travel and self-understanding.

Mr Andron Konchalovsky [awards ceremony host, film director, jury member of the Russian Geographical Society’s photo contest The Most Beautiful Country] mentioned the first primitive artist whose rock engravings and drawings were found in caves in Spain.







I often travel in our enormous country. The mountains of Altai. Not a cave, just a giant rock. Rock engravings by an ancient artist depicting animals, birds and so on.

There were no scientists there and no one knows about this. We saw them, cleaned them with our hands.

We do not know how deep our culture and history are.







By the way, many researchers believe the mountains of Altai to be birthplace of the Turkic peoples. There are many things we do not know anything about even though we live next to them. We should know more.

And, of course, I would like to thank everyone who works in this field and wish you success.

Thank you very much.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59353






The President addressed United Russia party congress



December 8, 2018 - 16:35 - Moscow






Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary meeting of the 18th United Russia party congress. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of United Russia, also made a speech at the meeting.

The congress delegates identified the challenges and priorities in the party’s work for the coming year.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues, friends,

Mr Medvedev,

I am pleased to greet everyone at the 18th congress of the United Russia party. It is the most significant event in Russian politics and it is being held on the eve of the anniversary of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

I am very grateful for your support during the Russian presidential election campaign, and in this respect, I would like to say that it is a momentous thing – shaping the top institution of power in the country regardless of an individual’s name.







On the other hand, names are certainly important but only in the sense that each name should be backed by a certain programme of action. This concerns the president, the government, the region – any level, down to the local or municipal one.

If there is a lack of clear awareness of what is to be wished for and needed for the country’s progress, there is no point in joining power structures or taking up politics because the institutions of power are not established for those who get there to look around, relax and idle, and enjoy staying in top positions. Responsible people – and this is exactly the sort of people we are – must act in a completely different way.







Our action plan is presented in a condensed form in the above-mentioned Executive Order of the President of the Russian Federation of May 2018 and was further set out in national projects drafted by the Government (the majority in the Government are United Russia members, as you know) and was supported by legislators (United Russia also holds the majority in the State Duma).

Another important aspect is regional because the bulk of the work is to be done in Russia’s regions. There will be no success without United Russia’s backing at the regional and even municipal level. We must understand and realise that, and act as a united team guided by common goals and challenges.







United Russia has a greater responsibility here – responsibility for the historical destiny of our Motherland and the well-being of our citizens, and this is the goal of any political force, especially the leading political force, of course.

It is the well-being of our citizens, enhancing the country’s sovereignty, economic progress, and responsibility for successful resolution of large-scale breakthrough tasks that we are facing today.

As I have said, United Russia plays a special role. For a number of years the party has been showing its competence, its ability to make responsible decisions, explain these decisions to the people and then take part in elections and convince voters that the earlier decisions were right while the path we have chartered is the only correct one.







Now let me tell you about the “only correct one.” It also has its pitfalls and problems but only this sort of behaviour is that of leadership. Leadership does not mean promising manna from heaven that will come out of nowhere. Leadership means making responsible decisions the country needs.

Of course, it is mandatory to reach out to the people and to show, explain, speak directly to the people; tell them why a certain decision was taken and why it is best for the country and for the current period.

This leadership is an enormous resource to achieve dynamic substantive change; the benchmarks are clearly stated, as I have already said, in the May Executive Order. Let me stress again – only such breakthrough development can ensure a radical improvement in the quality of life and greater well-being of our citizens, safeguard our sovereignty, strengthen it, and achieve a worthy place for Russia in tomorrow’s world.







You know that each of us – those among the audience and the United Russia members who are not here, and any person in general – lives their routine life: gets up in the morning, goes to work, comes back in the evening, talks with family and friends, resolves issues as they appear. Few of us think about where we stand, few people even read analytical reports.

I want to say this to you because it is crucial to understand this. The world is undergoing a transformation, a very powerful and dynamically evolving transformation, and if we do not get our bearings, if we do not understand what we need to do and how, we may fall behind for good.







This is a very dramatic situation in the history of our country. The entire world is going through a dramatic situation, and this applies to our destiny too. We must understand it and work very hard.

I think that United Russia with its tremendous legislative, organisational and human resource potential must fully utilise it and consolidate all of society, our citizens in solving development issues, in implementing our nationwide agenda.

You have representatives all over, in all bodies of power and all spheres of activity. And the overwhelming majority of them are decent professional people, patriots of Russia.







However, and we should be straightforward about it (actually, it has been like that at all times and in all places), there are also those who grasp at opportunities, happily cling to power, especially to the leading political power.

And there are certainly those who behave unscrupulously. I ask you to keep a very watchful eye over this, to never allow any sort of rudeness, arrogance, insolence towards people at any level – at the top level and the lowest, municipal level. Because, firstly, it does the country a disservice, it is unfair to the people and it denigrates the party to the lowest of the low.







It is a positive development that the party is going through a process of renewal that Mr Medvedev mentioned earlier, with new and charismatic people joining in. I am confident that United Russia will get stronger through that and will gain more trust from society.

You know how great public demand is for fairness, honesty and openness. To meet these requirements we must not brush people aside with general remarks; we must listen to them and hear them, be with them so that people get to personally know their deputies, United Russia activists, so that people can freely come up to you with any problem or proposal. It is vitally important to align all plans and actions with the people’s concerns and demands, and to do it carefully, with empathy, in substance rather than giving a formal reply.







We are certainly aware that there are as many opinions as there are people while there can only be one decision. It is clear that it is not always possible to satisfy every idea of how a certain problem should be resolved.

There are many people and many opinions. We must show respect for the people and explain our stand. This is not hard to do if there is a proper stand. And we have a stand on practically every important issue pertaining to the country’s development.

However, people’s opinions and attitudes should also be taken into account. There must be commitment to implementing people’s initiatives, and their initiatives must be used in attaining each common goal, especially at the municipal level.







How can an issue be resolved without the people? How can we decide where and what should be developed, how courtyards should be improved and so on? It is useless to work in any other way. These recommendations from the people are always pragmatic, to the point and show us society’s aspirations. What is “society”, after all? It is the people.

Colleagues,

Vigorous and extensive work lies ahead and the future of our country depends on it, as I have already said. We must all give our best, be active and be ahead of others, without shirking responsibility, work to achieve our goals for the sake of the common cause.







The people need to see in reality that United Russia is not marking time, that it has among its ranks truly brave, gifted, honest and open people.

The number of your supporters must grow in the process of implementing particular projects, and so that people all across the country, in every town or village begin to sense and to see that United Russia does not fear change and is working towards making change for the better.







I would like to say one more thing. The most crucial thing for a political party is a steady standing of its representatives, I already mentioned that. This standing cannot be bought, as you know, it can be only earned.

It can be earned through hard work, sincere attention to people’s needs, readiness to solve their problems, to stand up for the truth, to fight injustice and not to allow oneself to be unjust.

I know, as I have said, that in the past years many young people have joined in. I would definitely recommend that you use the open contests on forming managerial staff that are already operating in the country, especially as United Russia members are actively engaged in the processes.







Ours is a free democratic country, and development tasks presuppose from the outset a creative search and realisation of new ideas and approaches. Discussions and competition, including within the party itself, are very efficient tools for solving problems in the interests of the nation.

I expect United Russia to do everything needed to instil both inside the party and in society in general this political culture, an atmosphere of dialogue, trust and cooperation with all political forces of Russia.







As the largest political force the country the party itself will advance to a new level in its performance and will become the party of Russia’s breakthrough progress.

I wish all of you and all of us success. Thank you for your attention.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59359






The President had a telephone conversation with Veronika Makarova, a participant of the Dream With Me project



December 8, 2018 - 17:20 - Moscow







Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Veronika Makarova, a participant in the Dream With Me volunteer project who was taken on a personal guided tour of Mosfilm Studios. The President wished her a happy upcoming New Year, good health and asked her to pass on his regards to her family.

The President learnt of Veronika’s dream – to have an insider’s look at the filmmaking world – on December 5, as he was viewing the stands of charity projects at the International Volunteer Forum. The Dream With Me project offers an opportunity to anyone to make a sick child’s dream come true.







Messages about the innermost desires were contained in envelopes attached to the stands that the President viewed. Vladimir Putin collected all the remaining envelopes and promised to make the children’s dreams come true. The President promised Veronika that she will be taken on a tour of Mosfilm Studios, and the girl’s dream came true on Saturday.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59360






Condolences on passing of Lyudmila Alekseyeva



Vladimir Putin sent his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lyudmila Alekseyeva on her passing away.



December 8, 2018 - 22:00







The message reads, in part:

“Lyudmila Alekseyeva lived a long, commendable and honest life. She dedicated it to serving the society and protecting human rights and freedoms.

Ms Alekseyeva was a brave, courageous and strong person. Always committed to her beliefs, she stood by her firm and principled position on the key matters in the life of the country.

She made an invaluable personal contribution to the establishment and growth of the civil society in Russia.

The cherished memory of Lyudmila Alekseyeva will remain in the hearts of her loved ones, colleagues and friends – in our hearts!“

The human rights advocate, public activist, chairperson of the Moscow Helsinki Group passed away in Moscow at the age of 91.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59361
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Telephone conversation with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel at the initiative of the German side.



December 10, 2018 - 22:15



The situation resulting from the violation by Ukrainian vessels of the Russian Federation state border on November 25 was further discussed. The two leaders expressed mutual interest in preventing escalation in the waters of the Azov and Black seas and in resolving the problems stemming from the provocative actions of the Ukrainian authorities.

Issues related to the Syrian crisis were touched upon, with emphasis on the priority of promoting the intra-Syrian dialogue and the formation of the Constitutional Committee.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in the area of strategic security in light of the US administration’s intention to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

It was agreed to further maintain contact at various levels.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59368






Greetings to participants, organisers and guests of 19th Arts Square International Winter Festival



Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants, organisers and guests of the 19thArts Square International Winter Festival.



December 14, 2018 - 20:00



The President’s message reads, in part:

“I am glad to welcome you to the 19thArts Square International Winter Festival, which this year is dedicated to the birthday of its founder and inspirational figure, Yuri Temirkanov.

It is in many ways thanks to the powerful, generous talent and inexhaustible energy of the Maestro that this unique project has gained high international recognition to become one of the most notable and truly festive events that take place in the Northern Capital on the eve of the New Year and Christmas.

Bringing together on its venues the best creative talent, the festival offers a vibrant, wide-ranging cultural and educational programme, giving the public an excellent chance to be exposed to the Russian and world spiritual and artistic heritage and magnificent examples of the performing, composing and drama schools.

I am sure that the 19thArts Square International Winter Festival, with its inimitable atmosphere, interesting meetings and impressions, will long be remembered by the residents and guests of St Petersburg.”

The Arts Square festival was founded in 1999 by Yuri Temirkanov, the artistic director and main conductor of the St Petersburg Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59409






Greetings to participants, organisers and guests at 2nd Russian-Chinese Youth Winter Games 2018 in Ufa



The President sent a message of greetings to participants, organisers and guests at the Russian-Chinese Youth Winter Games 2018 in Ufa.



December 15, 2018 - 14:00



The massage reads, in part:

“It is encouraging that the idea of holding our countries’ youth competition has met with such wide public support. And today, here in Ufa, the 2nd Russian-Chinese Youth Winter Games are opening.

Like at the previous games in Harbin, the two teams’ athletes are ready to show their fighting spirit, endurance and strong will, and give the many spectators the highlights of their triumphs and victories in an honest and graceful matchup.

I am confident that the competition will proceed in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding, offer the participants a great opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the Republic of Bashkortostan as they experience the hospitality and cordiality of its residents.

The competitions will also become an important part of preparations for the XXIV Winter Olympic Games in Beijing in 2022.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59411






Congratulations to President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on Independence Day



Vladimir Putin sent a message of congratulations to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on Independence Day, the country’s national holiday.



December 16, 2018 - 10:00



President of Russia noted the impressive progress achieved by Kazakhstan in economic, social, scientific and technical spheres, as well as the country's constructive role in solving pressing issues on regional and international agendas, including as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and as part of the Astana process.

Vladimir Putin praised Russia-Kazakhstan relations of strategic partnership and alliance, and expressed confidence in further stepping up their constructive bilateral cooperation in all areas and interaction as part of the Eurasian integration processes.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59419
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Congratulations to Yury Temirkanov on his 80th birthday



Vladimir Putin wished a happy 80th birthday to Yury Temirkanov, artistic director and chief conductor of the Academic Symphony Orchestra of St Petersburg State Philharmonic.



December 10, 2018 - 09:20



The message reads, in part:

“It would not be an exaggeration to say that your original and rich talent and its immensely creative force is known by everyone who loves and values classical music and takes pride in the unique traditions of the national conducting school.

As the conductor of the best symphony orchestras in the world, you have taken efforts for many years to make the cultural life in Russia and the world brighter, and you have promoted wonderful educational and charitable projects.

And, of course, you invariably provide audiences with unforgettable experiences during their encounters with high art.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59421






Meeting with Norilsk Nickel CEO Vladimir Potanin



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Norilsk Nickel CEO Vladimir Potanin.



December 10, 2018 - 15:05 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Potanin, nature protection is among your priorities, as far as I remember. I know that you are working on this. Let us begin with this subject.



Norilsk Nickel President and Chairman of the Management Board Vladimir Potanin:

You are right, Mr President. We are paying much attention to the environmental problems we have inherited [from the past]. As I told you before, we will have resolved these problems by 2023 by reducing the amount of sulphur dioxide emissions by 75 percent.

We will produce sulphuric acid by neutralising the sulphur emissions based on Russian technology and store the output in a safe place.

We will invest some 150 billion rubles in this programme, which is a great deal for us. We hope to receive financial assistance from the state for the implementation of this programme.

We are working together with the authorities, including the federal government and regional bodies, which understand and support us.

We are not being idle. In 2016, we shut down our oldest nickel plant [in Norilsk], which was built back in 1942.

It stood within city limits and hence did the greatest damage to the environment. [By closing it,] we have reduced the emissions by 30–35 percent.

This year we have launched a new project at our copper plant. It is the second oldest and the second most obsolete plant, which means we have entered the second environmental protection phase.

Next year we will launch the third and final phase at our largest and most modern Nadezhda plant.

Overall, we will implement the requirements of the regulatory bodies and the state and will report on this in 2023.

But we would like the people to feel the effects of our programme much sooner. The air in the city no longer smells of sulphur so much now that we have shut down the copper plant.

When we complete the project at our other copper plant, the air pollution problem in the city will be settled, and we will only need to report on air pollution throughout the region.

It should be pointed out that we have reduced emissions to the permissible level at Kola MMC, which is our second largest production unit. We will further half the emissions by 2020 by completing a modernisation programme there.

This will have the greatest effect on the cities for which we are responsible, because these are mostly single-industry cities where we are the only employer.

But they are located on the border with Norway and Finland, so that our neighbours will have to admit that we are dealing with environmental matters and will not pollute their territories, for example.



Vladimir Putin:

As far as I know, you are using the latest methods to solve these problems, including the advantages of the digital economy. What exactly are you using?



Vladimir Potanin:

Yes, we are working energetically to introduce digital technology at our plants. You know, Mr President, five or seven years ago we never thought this would be possible.

Our labour efficiency enhancement programmes are largely based on digital technology.

It allows us to pinpoint and deal with any flaws in the technological process, improve the quality of output, as well as enhancing labour efficiency and robotising management work.

I must say I believe that our company will dramatically change within five or seven years. There will be fewer people doing hazardous jobs and even fully robotised workshops, and we will learn to take more care of the natural resources, which we are developing under state licences.

We have started an ambitious retraining programme, because we will need personnel for different kinds of jobs.

I believe that we will accomplish all of this at our company, and I know that many other companies in the country are doing the same. Therefore, we hope that our technology will find a market, just as we hope to be able to use other Russian companies’ technology.



Vladimir Putin:

What are the overall indicators for this year?



Vladimir Potanin:

The overall performance indicators remained steady compared to last year, while the output of metals increased by three or four percent, and profitability was also steady, and even improved.

If you allow me, I would like to say a few words about one of the aspects related to the use of digital technology. As a matter of fact, there are dozens of digital initiatives underway across the group.

I am especially delighted that these are grassroots initiatives promoted by rank-and-file IT staff and technology experts working on the ground and coming up with initiatives designed to streamline operations in various fields of technology.

Even though we have only a couple dozens of initiatives in the budget and the business plan, the first pilot projects have already produced returns worth millions of rubles.



Vladimir Putin:

How do you motivate people to engage in initiatives of this kind?



Vladimir Potanin:

We give a share of the overall returns to the enterprises so that they can award their employees, and another share of returns is placed at their disposal to further promote initiatives of this kind.

All in all, we enable enterprises to award people for the positive effect they help to produce, while also facilitating the emergence of solutions that bring about these positive outcomes.

We give 25 percent of the returns to the workers, and another 10 percent go toward innovative technology. In our view, this approach has been quite effective so far.



Vladimir Putin:

What is the average pay at the company?



Vladimir Potanin:

The average pay is over 90,000 rubles, which is one of the highest indicators for this sector.

In addition to this, we offer social benefits that are quite generous. In particular, we help people move to the “mainland” from Norilsk.

This year, we introduced new benefits for our workers when we signed a new collective labour arrangement. It now provides for healthcare services.

I have to acknowledge that we have been paying relatively little attention to these matters recently. We understood that we have to pay more attention to preventing and treating occupational illnesses, also taking into consideration the harsh climate conditions.

For this reason, we decided to reshape the entire corporate healthcare framework, as well as set up additional health centres with the necessary equipment and staff. We set a priority goal of achieving progress within three or four years in the prevention and treatment of occupational and other illnesses.



Vladimir Putin:

But what about the performance in terms of output figures?



Vladimir Potanin:

We produce over 200,000 tonnes of nickel, and over 350,000 tonnes of copper. This year, palladium and platinum output were also near all-time highs due to high market demand on the back of tougher environmental regulations. Consequently, more and more global car manufacturers need palladium and platinum for making emission control catalysts. For this reason, these processes make us quite optimistic.

The current investment programme is quite unprecedented with plans to invest more than $12 billion in expanding output. This is a major breakthrough, Mr President, since for many years we have been focusing on maintaining output rather than increasing it.

The tenor of ore is declining, so maintaining output levels is quite a challenge, since we have to extract more ore. With this new investment programme we will promote a transition from maintaining output to a growth strategy.

This programme runs through 2023–2024, by which time the output of commodity-grade metals will have increased by between 20–25 percent with a 1.5-fold increase in ore output. Our entire investment programme has been designed to deliver on this objective.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59363






President agreed to move capital of Far Eastern Federal District to Vladivostok



December 11, 2018 - 10:20



Vladimir Putin agreed with Acting Governor of Primorye Territory Oleg Kozhemyako’s proposal to transfer the administrative centre of the Far Eastern Federal District to Vladivostok. [Previously, it was the city of Khabarovsk].




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59369






Memorial service for Lyudmila Alekseyeva



Vladimir Putin attended the memorial service for Lyudmila Alekseyeva at the Central House of Journalists on Nikitsky Boulevard in Moscow.



December 11, 2018 - 12:30 - Moscow







Vladimir Putin laid flowers to Lyudmila Alekseyeva’s coffin and offered his condolences to her family.













Lyudmila Alekseyeva was a human rights activist, public figure and chairperson of the Moscow Helsinki Group. She passed away on December 8, at the age of 91.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59370






Monument to Alexander Solzhenitsyn unveiled in Moscow



The President attended the unveiling ceremony for a monument to Alexander Solzhenitsyn in Moscow’s Tagansky District on the 100th anniversary of the writer’s birth.



December 11, 2018 - 13:00 - Moscow






The bronze monument sitting on a granite pedestal was designed by National Artist of Russia Andrei Kovalchuk. His project won the architecture and sculpture tender held in 2017 by the Union of Moscow Architects at the initiative of the Alexander Solzhenitsyn House of Russian Expatriate Community, with the support of the Ministry of Culture.








Head of the Federal Agency for Press and Mass Media Mikhail Seslavinsky:

Good afternoon, friends,

Mr President, Mr Sobyanin, Mrs Solzhenitsyn, ladies and gentlemen,

We gathered today on the street named after Alexander Solzhenitsyn to mark 100years since the birth of a great writer and humanist, as well as to take part in the unveiling of a monument to Alexander Solzhenitsyn. We are joined here by members of the organising committee established under Presidential Executive Order in 2014 and tasked with preparing centenary celebrations, as well as researchers and cultural figures, foreign ambassadors, and participants in the international conference Alexander Solzhenitsyn: A View from the 21st Century.

A plethora of events are being held today in dozens of Russian regions and abroad. These events are driven not by government instructions, but by people who simply love Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s work, by people who remain under the spell of his novels and essays, and who choose to align their worldview with his ideas.







About one year ago the contest to choose the best project for the monument to Alexander Solzhenitsyn was launched. As you may know, about 70 projects were submitted from across Russia, not only from Moscow or the Moscow Region, but also from St Petersburg, Orel, Belgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Khabarovsk and Vladivostok. This is telling in itself.

The contest was managed by the Union of Moscow Architects. There was an exhibition and debates on various projects. At the end of the day, it was the prominent architect and Chair of the Union of Artists, sculptor Andrei Kovalchuk who won the tender.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in this undertaking.

I now invite President of Russia Vladimir Putin to take the floor.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs Solzhenitsyn,

Today we are unveiling a monument to Alexander Solzhenitsyn – our outstanding compatriot, writer, thinker, war veteran, who participated in the Great Patriotic War and was a true patriot of Russia.

December 11 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Solzhenitsyn. For us, it is not only a day of remembrance and respect, but above all an occasion to revisit his literary, social as well as philosophical heritage, which is woven into the very fabric of the 20th century and continues to be up-to-date – for us, for Russia, and for the world.

I remember well all the meetings with Alexander Solzhenitsyn – his wisdom, his prudence and a deep understanding of history. His heart and soul, his thoughts were filled in equal measure with pain for the Fatherland and unlimited love for it. These feelings fueled all his work.

He clearly delineated the true, genuine, people's Russia and the totalitarian system, which brought suffering and severe trials to millions of people. But even being in exile, Solzhenitsyn would not tolerate anyone to speak evil or scornfully of his homeland, and opposed any manifestations of Russophobia.







A man of integrity, an exceptionally principled person, Solzhenitsyn never wanted to be comfortable. In his writings, in his literary, journalistic and social activity, he openly and consistently defended his views and convictions, and argued the unconditional value of the morals that provide for a healthy society.

Without understanding the country's past there can be no meaningful movement into the future, Solzhenitsyn believed. Therefore, he directed his efforts toward finding and designating ways to improve Russia, so that the hardest and most dramatic trials that befell our country would never happen again, so that our multiethnic people would live in dignity and justice. This is how he saw his mission, his goals and the meaning of his service.

Friends, the centenary of Alexander Solzhenitsyn is a landmark occasion for the whole country. Many events have been timed to this date to perpetuate the memory of our great compatriot. One of them is the unveiling of a monument in the writer's native town of Kislovodsk, and the opening of his memorial museum in Moscow, as well as conferences, exhibitions, lectures, productions and theatrical adaptations of his works in many regions.

But the most important thing is that Solzhenitsyn’s voice is still being heard. His thoughts and ideas resonate in people’s minds and hearts. Popularising his work, encouraging and introducing new young readers to it is the best thing we can and must do to honour his memory.

I must certainly express special gratitude to Natalia Solzhenitsyn for her tireless work and her truly invaluable contribution to the preservation of Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s legacy.

Thank you.







Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s widow Natalia Solzhenitsyn:

Friends,

I would like to thank everyone who remains receptive and true to Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s ideas and memory.

Allow me to thank the prominent members of the organising committee. They are very important people with busy lives. Still, they were able to dedicate their time and effort to the celebrations of Solzhenitsyn’s centenary across the country.

As Alexander Solzhenitsyn said back in the 1970s: throughout my life all I do is walk the earth of my Fatherland, and it is only her pain that I hear, and I cannot write about anything but her. Afterwards his was expelled from the country, but they never succeeded in separating him from his homeland. He returned when he was allowed to do so.

So throughout his life he walked the earth of his Fatherland, and now that he is no longer with us he rises once again, and will always stand upright.







I am especially delighted that on the monument’s right side is Matryona, the true Christian who can be found in any village, city and across our land. Let us cherish the righteous ones, who are still among us, staying in the shadows.

To his left is an image of Ivan Denisovich, carved in stone. For him, life in a prison camp was challenging, but on the outside life can also be dangerous, miserable and hard.

What I would like to say is that the world has gone mad, and in many places people do not live as they should: killing each other, keeping one another in poverty, hunger and other hardships. For this reason, the day in the life of Ivan Denisovich is not yet over. We have to be mindful of this, and see the world around us with open eyes. Whenever we spot an opportunity to help Ivan Denisovich, it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to do so.

Thank you all very much.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59371






Meeting with Natalia Solzhenitsyn



Vladimir Putin met with Natalia Solzhenitsyn at the Kremlin.



December 11, 2018 - 17:15 - The Kremlin, Moscow
















Earlier today Vladimir Putin attended the ceremony to unveil a monument to Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Efforts to ensure that the author and philosopher’s creative and civic legacy lives on were discussed.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59373






Meeting of the Council for Civil Society and Human Rights



The President held a meeting of the Council for Civil Society and Human Rights.



December 11, 2018 - 18:50 - The Kremlin, Moscow






The Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights is a consultative body that assists the President in exercising his constitutional authority in the area of protecting human and civil rights and freedoms.




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues,

Today, we bid farewell to Lyudmila Alekseyeva. I think each of you will agree with me that she was a radiant, courageous and strong person. She fought for justice as her conscience dictated. For many years, Ms Alekseyeva participated in the work of our Council, was among us, did a lot to make the Council an authoritative body, and did a lot for the country. I ask you to honour the memory of Lyudmila Alekseyeva with a minute of silence.


(Minute of silence.)


This is the first meeting of the Council after the planned rotation. Over a third of its members are new. I welcome all of you: colleagues with whom we have been working for more than a year, and those who will find new opportunities for promoting the development of civil society and protecting the rights of citizens here in the Council, which I am very much counting on.







The Council includes prominent people, human rights activists, and representatives of a much younger generation. All of you have proved in practice that you can assert your position and defend the interests of civil society.







I also want to congratulate all of you on a significant date which is the 25th anniversary of our Council. Your work today is even more significant and relevant than when the Council was created, because today we face new ambitious tasks outlined in the May Executive Order related to the country's national development goals for the next six years.







I would like to emphasise that the main thrust of the reform is improving living standards, developing the economy, science and advanced technologies. Achieving concrete results in these areas must be geared primarily to the benefit of our people. At the heart of all our national projects are people but there is something I would like to add in connection with this. All these efforts to transform the country, the new technologies and the new ambitious projects must, of course, go hand in hand with the development of society and the growing maturity of the state. Of course, while addressing the overall objectives for achieving a breakthrough, we should not allow a situation where individuals with their everyday concerns and needs are forgotten about. The Council’s mission today is to help the government and society keep a close eye on these matters.







Colleagues, the Council always takes a pro-active position whenever there is a blatant violation of the rights of Russian nationals, our compatriots, including in other countries as well. Defending the rights of the Russian nationals wherever they happen to be, in any spot on the globe, is our common task. I expect you to come up with your carefully thought-out and constructive proposals to make our joint efforts here effective.







Next, I would like to say that the key activity the Council has to engage in is facilitating the development of civil society. As a matter of fact, this activity is indicated in the very name of our Council and we have to address quite a few challenges, all the more so as in recent years Russian society has become much more energised while public opinion, with the rise of modern means of communication, is becoming an increasingly potent and effective force.







The Council must remain an open and effective forum for discussing and resolving any issues, including, of course, the so-called high-profile topics. I believe some of these topics we will also discuss today.

Thank you for your attention.

Let us begin our work. Mr Fedotov, please, go ahead.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59374






Meeting of the Pobeda (Victory) Organising Committee



Vladimir Putin chaired the 40th meeting of the Pobeda (Victory) Organising Committee at the Kremlin.



December 12, 2018 - 14:45 - The Kremlin, Moscow






The meeting was held to discuss preparations to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.

The Organising Committee includes representatives of the Government, the Federation Council, the State Duma, the leadership of federal executive bodies, as well as representatives of public veterans and youth organisations.




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

We have gathered here for a regular meeting of the Pobeda (Victory) Organising Committee. I would like to say that the Great Patriotic War holds a special place in our shared history and in the history of each Russian family.

The mission of the Organising Committee is to help us hold sacred the memory of our glorious forefathers who have saved the country and the freedom and future of Europe and the rest of the world.

Our key priority has always been to take care of our veterans. All the state’s obligations in this regard must be implemented clearly and unconditionally, and the local authorities must know what each veteran needs and deal with them as a matter of priority.

At the federal level, we propose discussing the possibility of making annual one-time payments to the Great Patriotic War veterans ahead of every Victory Day celebration. In the past, such assistance was only issued in anniversary years.

Museums have a great role to play in keeping the memory of the Great Patriotic War alive. A positive trend has developed in the past few years. People go to museums not only to learn more about their history but also to offer assistance in organising exhibitions, restoring exhibits and repairing facilities.







Special thanks go to the volunteers of the legendary aviation museum in Monino who are restoring unique equipment, and also to the search groups who have taken under their patronage military museums in the regions.

The museum authorities must actively support such initiatives. They have to do with our common history and memory. The more people help preserve it, the stronger it will be.

There is no doubt about this. And the fewer chances we will give to those who want to falsify or distort it.

At the same time, we must upgrade the system of state support for military history museums. Our support must be more effective, enabling museums to create modern interactive spaces that will promote visitors’ emotional involvement in past events. This especially concerns young people.

I am speaking, among other things, about the development of such colourful and informative formats as 3D panoramas. Some of the best examples of their relevance are the projects of Nevsky Batalist, a creative team whose work can already be seen in seven regions of Russia. I know that this team is preparing a new large-scale panorama in St Petersburg for the 75th anniversary of Great Victory, and I ask the local government agencies to help them in implementing this project.







Where support for the flagships of museums is concerned, let me draw your attention to the Victory Museum on Poklonnaya Gora, Russia’s main military history museum. In May 2020, it will become the main venue for the anniversary celebrations and should conform to this high status.

At the same time, we need to address the museum’s oldest and most serious problem – the lack of its own depositories. It is necessary to clearly sort out where we stand with sources of funding and other organisational matters. Today, I would like to hear a separate report on this issue.

Generally, the range of objectives that we must deal with ahead of the Victory anniversary is very wide. Let me emphasise that the preparations for all events which are in some way related to the 75th anniversary must be approached in a responsible, creative and, of course, sincere manner.

It is inadmissible that Victory Day and the history of the Great Patriotic War itself should be accompanied by bureaucratic “accountability” events linked to some formal issues. What people see as sacred symbols must be shielded against formalism and vulgarity. The torch is passing to the great-grandsons of the victors, and this memory must remain clean and unite the public.

We should focus on anniversary year events meant for children and the youth. The aim of these events is both to inform and engage young people in the effort to study and preserve the history of their family and their Motherland as a whole.







For this, it is necessary to look for and show the examples of as yet unknown Great Patriotic War heroes, whose feats of valour are still confined to the pages of archive documents, to launch thematic contests and polls using popular social media, and, of course, create decent documentaries and feature films.

They should link the past, the present and the future, and we will hope that these will be striking, good and creative pieces, which will make all of us rejoice.

Many tasks that we will have to perform as we prepare for the Victory anniversary, in a bid to preserve the military historical heritage and promote patriotic education, require that various agencies, public movements and organisations pool their efforts.

In this connection, it think it expedient to establish a special commission based on the Pobeda (Victory) Organising Committee platform, which will eternalise the memory of all those who lost their lives defending their Fatherland, routinely coordinate the work of all those involved in these activities, and make it possible to align positions, define promising areas of action, as well as discuss and draft legislative initiatives.

And now let us get down to work.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59388






Meeting with Constitutional Court Chairman Valery Zorkin



Vladimir Putin met with Constitutional Court Chairman Valery Zorkin in the Kremlin.



December 12, 2018 - 15:40 - The Kremlin, Moscow








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Zorkin, greetings on Constitution Day.

This is not an ordinary Constitution Day, because today is the 25th anniversary of the country’s fundamental law. The Constitutional Court bears special responsibility for ensuring compliance with this crucial legal instrument. I would like to express gratitude to you, the other judges and personnel of the Constitutional Court for doing their jobs.

Many articles in our Constitution are directly applicable, which places special responsibility on those who must ensure compliance with these provisions, because this allows the Constitutional Court to take direct decisions regarding the interpretation of constitutional provisions. I would like to thank you for doing this important and highly responsible job well and for attaining good results. I also wish all the best to you and all your colleagues.







Constitutional Court Chairman Valery Zorkin:

Thank you, Mr President.

We remember that the Constitution includes provisions not only on the Constitutional Court, but also on the Guarantor of the Constitution and other authorities. Therefore, our far from simple task is to work together with the other authorities to keep our Constitution alive, to prevent it from gathering dust.

I think that this has so far been possible, because it is a silver anniversary of the Constitution, which will be followed by a golden anniversary and so on. Thank you very much.

Taking this opportunity, I want to convey the judges’ heartfelt congratulations to you. I brought a small package [with books about the Constitutional Court]. This is a selection of our most important rulings. They represent the generalised practice of the [Constitutional Court].

This is only a small portion of the rulings, because we receive about 15,000 petitions a year. However, it is not the quantity, but the quality of the rulings that matters.

We strive to support the most important areas where a breakthrough is possible, where the Constitution may not work too well, if, say, the legislators failed to do their job properly, or the practice has taken the wrong turn.

However, I would like to emphasise that we have issued more rulings related to constitutional interpretation lately than on the violation of the Constitution.

It is often said that the Constitutional Court is doing little in this regard. I want to say that the legislative framework has been created, so there are fewer errors.







Vladimir Putin:

Of course.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59390






Presenting national awards for achievements in human rights and charity work



In the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin presented national awards for outstanding achievements in human rights and charity work.



December 12, 2018 - 17:45 - The Kremlin, Moscow






Chairman of the National Society of People with Disabilities Mikhail Terentyev received the human rights award for 2018. The award for achievements in charity work was presented to Lev Ambinder, president of Rusfond Charity Fund for Seriously Ill Children, Orphans and Disabled Persons.

The Executive Order establishing the awards was signed more than three years ago. Since then, the President has presented them twice: in 2016, to Yelizaveta Glinka and Director of the Children's Hospice Alexander Tkachenko; and in 2017, to Lyudmila Alekseyeva and chairman of a charity fund for children with leukaemia in the Republic of Tatarstan Vladimir Vavilov.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, friends, ladies and gentlemen,

Today, here in the Kremlin, we are celebrating our estimable fellow citizens, recipients of the national awards for outstanding achievements in human rights and charity work, and paying tribute to their accomplishments and selfless work.

This is the main purpose of today’s ceremony. However, these awards have a special dimension and a high mission of their own.

They help the government and society in general focus more on the important issues that today’s recipients are committed to resolving – issues that often, in the most direct, literal sense determine people's lives. I think that for the recipients themselves this is no less – and maybe even more – important than the well-deserved national awards.







Friends, your achievements remind us again and again of how powerful and effective charity and compassion can be. How there is no limit to what someone driven by a sincere desire to help others and uphold truth and justice can do.

We see how these seemingly simple, but at the same time defining values ​​are resonating with our citizens and becoming a natural moral compass in their daily actions and deeds.

I am glad to have the opportunity to say a few words about the people who are receiving the awards today.







The national award for outstanding achievements in human rights protection goes to Mikhail Terentyev.

The National Society of People with Disabilities, which he heads, unites more than 1.5 million people. As you may be aware, there are 12 million people with disabilities in our country. It is important to consider and advance their interests and to consistently protect their rights.

I believe that in matters of creating an accessible environment, we, including through Mr Terentyev’s efforts, have managed to make major progress in recent years.







Caring for the needs of people with disabilities is becoming the norm, while any attempts to discriminate against them, any cases of unfair treatment are met with a sharply negative reaction from our citizens.

Still, by and large, to be honest, we are only at the beginning of the road today, and there is still a lot to be done, there is still so much to be done.

We are now starting to implement new national projects. Their main goal, their idea is to achieve positive changes for each person, which means developing healthcare, education, transport infrastructure, creating a new comfortable environment for living in urban and rural areas.

We are obliged to think about people with disabilities, to consider their special needs. Working in close contact with public associations, we must not overlook any detail that affects their quality of life or their ability to exercise their rights. This is our direct responsibility.







President of the Rusfond charity fund for seriously ill children Lev Ambinder is the recipient of the Russian Federation National Award for charity work.

Mr Ambinder has been running Rusfond since 1996, when the very concept of charity was just beginning to return to our country. And it was he who laid the foundations for a professional, reliable, and efficient charitable organisation.

More than 6.5 million Russians have donated to Rusfond, and more than 20,000 children have received necessary treatment.

Without exaggeration, every life saved is priceless. And behind each of them lies the caring, disinterested impulse of so many people. I would like to sincerely thank all those who consider it their duty to respond to the pain of others, to thank all our benefactors.

I will also note Mr Ambinder’s and the Rusfond team’s efforts to create a national registry of bone marrow donors. This is a very important project, which requires combined efforts of the state, society, charitable and non-profit organisations, so that all those who need such operations can receive the help they need in time.







Friends,

Public opinion, the active participation of citizens in the life of the country, an active civil society represent a tremendous force whose importance for Russia's steady progress and its consolidation, the consolidation of our people, is, without exaggeration, decisive.

You are probably aware that yesterday we marked the 100th anniversary of Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s birth.







According to the writer, the air of social relations and their purity is a more fundamental value than the level of abundance, industrial development and even the system of governance. These relations determine the life of the country and its future.

Today’s laureates are working to make sure that no one has to bear their misfortune alone, that everyone has both help and support when they need it most. It is you who create and strengthen the atmosphere of justice and goodness that we all, the whole society – the state and the people – need so badly. This is the very “air” of human relations Alexander Solzhenitsyn spoke about.

Thank you very much for this!

Thank you for your attention.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59391






Reception marking the 25th anniversary of the Constitution



Vladimir Putin attended a reception at the Kremlin to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Russian Federation Constitution.



December 12, 2018 - 18:10 - The Kremlin, Moscow






Invited guests included Government members, representatives of the Federation Council and the State Duma, federal executive and judicial bodies, and government bodies of the Russian regions, as well as representatives of religious denominations, public associations, academic and educational organisations.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Esteemed members of the Federation Council, deputies of the State Duma, judges of the Constitutional Court, esteemed drafters of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

Congratulations to all of you on the occasion of an important date – the 25th anniversary of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. (Applause.)

This supreme legal act was adopted by popular vote. It was the free choice of the people as the sole source of power and bearer of sovereignty that granted the Constitution its unequivocal legitimacy.

The people made this historic choice for the sake of their native country, for the sake of themselves, their families and their children, and the present and future of Russia. We put an end to the alarming situation that was developing in our country, and left this lesson of reconciliation and solidarity for posterity.

The new Constitution made a decisive contribution to overcoming the severe political crisis and civil confrontation of the early 1990s. As a document of direct application, it made it possible to avoid the catastrophe of territorial disintegration, and strengthened the statehood and sovereignty of our country.







The greater the distance from the time and events that preceded the adoption of the Fundamental Law, the more we appreciate its unifying and constructive role. The text of the Constitution does not contain empty declarations.

Its provisions are operative. However, the Constitution is not a rigid legal construct, but a living, evolving organism. Foreign experience and domestic legal, cultural, historical and social traditions were taken into account when adopting the Constitution.

Representatives of the regions, political parties, and civic movements were actively involved in preparing the draft Constitution for nationwide referendum.

Their positions did not always align, far from it. But their striving for compromise, wisdom and responsibility for the country ultimately prevailed.







As a result, the supreme legal act, which is often called the Constitution of new Russia, was created and adopted. But this is the Constitution of the same Russia, our same country, whose history dates back centuries.

The idea of ​​such continuity is explicitly underscored in the preamble to the Fundamental Law, which clearly states that the existing state unity needs to be preserved, while warm and poignant words are said about the multi-ethnic people of Russia united by a common destiny on their land.

Back then, at a critical turning point, our country did not abandon its past or the memory of its ancestors. Instead they served as the foundation to further strengthen the powerful, sovereign and democratic state, where the individual is recognised as the highest value, and human rights and freedoms, as well as civil peace and interethnic harmony are affirmed.

The Constitution and its articles are the pinnacle of the Russian legal system and the foundation for its further development. All current Russian laws are built on this constitutional foundation. It is symbolic that the modern history of Russian parliamentarism – both chambers of the Federal Assembly – also dates back to December 12, 1993.







State Duma deputies of all convocations, members of the Federation Council, and legislators from the regions have made a significant and worthy contribution to forming our legal system. Of course, the Constitutional Court has retained its key role. It was involved in the practical realisation of many constitutional norms, upheld the provisions of the Fundamental Law from faulty or biased interpretations and ensured the purity and unity of our legal space to this day.

Of course, the process of legislative and law enforcement work and judicial practice goes on without interruption. To reiterate, there is vast potential for development in all spheres, which is predetermined by the Constitution. Its incisive and straightforward prescriptions in the most fundamental areas exist in harmony with considerable freedom for advancing legislative initiatives, enacting flexible policies and taking effective administrative decisions.

You are aware of how rapidly the world is changing. Among other things, the Constitution helps us keep up with the times without betraying ourselves, and assert our national interests. We are pursuing an independent foreign policy and looking for adequate solutions to current challenges based on its principles and values, which, we realise, are of critical importance not only for us, but the entire world and its future as well.

Friends,

It is essential that all political forces, society and every citizen of Russia experience and understand the letter and the spirit of the Fundamental Law, and respect them. We are well aware of our current problems and difficulties. We will work diligently, step by step, to overcome them. Together, we will certainly achieve our goals by fulfilling the will of our people and respecting and following the Constitution which they adopted.







Let me propose a toast.

Here’s to the Constitution of the Russian Federation!

To our great country!

To the well-being and prosperity of the people of Russia!

To success in achieving our goals!




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59392






The ProyeKTOriya national career guidance forum



Vladimir Putin attended the Breakthrough Directions open lesson held as part of the ProyeKTOriya national career guidance forum.



December 13, 2018 - 15:30 - Yaroslavl






Over 500 school students and teachers from all over Russia are attending the forum this year. The main themes include energy, transport, health, space, IT and new materials.

School children who won in competitions on solving practical challenges and teachers who created the best career guidance lessons took part in the discussion at the Breakthrough Directions open lesson. The live stream was watched by about six million pupils at 20,000 Russian educational institutions.

There also were live video feeds from regional schools.

Tomsk pupils gave a presentation on the Quantorium children’s technological park where they study engineering and address important regional tasks.

Schoolchildren from Novgorod and Nizhny Novgorod spoke about the features of the Ticket to the Future project dedicated to early career guidance for pupils in years 6–11.

Participants in the finals of the International Contest for Children’s Engineering Teams described the contest during a live feed from St Petersburg.

The videoconference with Rostov-on-Don pupils concerned the My First Business contest.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon.

We are attending an event that is described as an open lesson. It is not a lesson for me, and it is not a lesson or instruction for you. I see this as an opportunity for all of us. For me, it is an opportunity to meet with you and your peers from many Russian regions, to learn about your ideas and your plans for the future. For you, it is an opportunity to step into the spotlight. Indeed, people will be looking at you. I am sure that millions are watching you online right now, and this number will increase manifold during the reruns.

Last year – we met here a year ago – one million people watched your forum online. This year we expect an audience of six million people. There were 10 million hits. I think there will be many more this year, at least six times more, that is, 60 million hits. This is what we expect.







Therefore, I believe it is important for you not only that I hear what you have to say, but that you are heard by people across the country who are working in the spheres of interest to you. It is extremely important that there are things that interest you. In fact, it is vitally important to correctly choose the direction for moving towards your bright and, I hope, happy and productive future.







Our host was speaking about a rapidly changing world. Of course, this may sound as a cliché, but it is also true, because the speed of change is gathering momentum.







I spoke about this with other audiences, but I think it proper to say this here as well. The world is at a stage of complex, tectonic change on a global scale. The change is tectonic because it concerns new technology. We are living in the age of a technological revolution. A new technological culture is in the making.







What does this mean for the world and for us? It implies changes everywhere. Not only in technology itself, because technological changes are immediately followed by other developments. I will try to explain what I mean.







First, we are entering the age of the digital revolution and a digital economy. Second, this provides the basis for the development of artificial intelligence and offers new opportunities in the sphere of self-driving vehicles, while new achievements in biology and genetics will help cure diseases and increase life expectancy, which has been growing faster in Russia than in many other countries, including industrialised ones.







And what does this lead to? To new living conditions for the people.

Here is a concrete example. More and more people are now telecommuting and working part-time from home. It is necessary to ensure their rights. This area remains almost unregulated in our labour laws.







With the introduction of digital technology, a great number of workers will become redundant. What are we supposed to do with them? There may be not hundreds of thousands, but millions of people who will no longer work at traditional workplaces. Therefore, we need to think in advance of how to ensure their rights, and what kind of employment the state will find for these people. This means we need to think in advance about retraining them.







Our country is the world’s largest in terms of territory. We have countless natural resources. There are other natural competitive advantages as well. However, such a vast territory and other advantages notwithstanding, there are matters that require our special attention. With 146 million people, we are the largest country in Europe in terms of population. Germany comes second with 80 million, that is, the difference is big. But we are not the leaders worldwide. The population of the United States, I believe, is already 350 million, and there are large states in Latin America as well. I am not even talking about Asia, where there are countries with a billion and more people.







You know, this matters, because it affects the economy overall. The overall economy in purchasing power parity is an important component not only per capita, but also in the total size, because it enables the state to concentrate resources in the most important areas.







What does this new technological revolution give us? It gives us the opportunity to maintain leadership where we held it for a long time, and to gain new competencies where they will be needed for future development. This already eliminates or reduces risks because we are not the leaders in terms of population. If we have brains, and if we are able to use them properly, we will be able to retain leadership in such industries as space exploration, nuclear energy, materials science and many more, and to acquire new competencies. We will not just manage to jump onto the last carriage of this departing train of technological revolution, but will remain a leader in areas where we are a leader now and acquire new competencies in order to become a leader in other areas.







But this will happen only if people of your age, with the help of your teachers, figure out in time what to focus on. In general, finding your vocation is the most important thing. This is the first step to success.

If you love what you do, you will come out on top. Of course, it largely depends on your teachers. I want to humbly thank them and bring this profession to everyone’s attention. This is a very important profession, which deserves special respect and gratitude.







I would very much like to have an exchange of views during our conversation today, so that I could see what your interests are (I want to conclude my opening remarks where I started), and you could present your proposals and ideas to the broader public and dedicated experts in the areas of your focus.

We are allocating more resources to support young people’s creative efforts. This year we allocated about 5 billion rubles. This is a fairly large amount of money, much larger than in previous years. Of course, this is not the kind of money that will allow you to realise all your projects. This state support will give you an opportunity to make a name for yourself and to take the first step. I want it to be an auspicious one for you.

I wish you all the best.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59397






Greetings to participants of Victory Volunteers national movement year-end forum



Vladimir Putin sent greetings to participants of the Victory Volunteers national movement’s year-end forum.



December 13, 2018 - 16:00



The message reads, in part:

“First and foremost, I would like to thank you for the large-scale, very necessary work that you do, for your commitment and dedication, and for your genuine desire to be of use to your Fatherland and your people. I am certain that you will remain forever committed to the great ideas and volunteering traditions of the Victory Volunteers movement.

I am pleased to see this truly nation-wide project thrive and unite ever more people, both in Russia and beyond, around its noble mission. By following the call of your hearts and souls, you greatly contribute to achieving much-needed socially important goals. You support veterans, look after memorials and military burial sites, strive to instill in younger generations respect for the heroic military chapters of Russian history and conduct large-scale civil patriotic rallies.

Importantly, the Victory Volunteers are never satisfied and are steadily expanding their creative and constructive potential as well as their area of responsibility.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59402






Meeting with founder of Vera Hospice Charity Fund Anna Federmesser



While on a working trip to Yaroslavl, Vladimir Putin met with founder of the Vera Hospice Charity Fund Anna Federmesser.



December 13, 2018 - 16:15 - Yaroslavl










The discussion covered various issues related to the organization of hospices’ work in Russia, the availability of medications and palliative care.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59398






Working meeting with Governor of Yaroslavl Region Dmitry Mironov



The Governor updated the President on the socioeconomic situation in Yaroslavl Region.



December 13, 2018 - 16:50 - Yaroslavl







Dmitry Mironov and Vladimir Putin also discussed issues related to providing affordable housing, measures taken to address the problems of shared-equity construction and the implementation of the programme to relocate residents of dilapidated and unsafe housing.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59399






Capital of Far Eastern Federal District moved to Vladivostok



The President signed the Executive Order On Amending the List of Federal Districts Approved by the Russian Presidential Executive Order No 849 of May 13, 2000.



December 13, 2018 - 17:00



The Chief of Staff of the Government Executive Office was instructed to conduct the necessary organisational actions in order to transfer the capital of the Far Eastern Federal District to Vladivostok.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59396






Meeting with theatre professionals



During his trip to Yaroslavl, Vladimir Putin visited the F. Volkov Russian Drama Theatre and met with theatre professionals.



December 13, 2018 - 18:30 - Yaroslavl







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Friends, colleagues,

I think that it is particularly pleasing for us today to meet here in Yaroslavl, the birthplace of our theatre art. As we all know, the first professional theatre was established here, for a wide audience.







It is symbolic that we have gathered here, ahead of the Year of Theatre in our country.







I would like to congratulate everyone on this event. People in Russia love and appreciate theatre art, and rightly feel proud of our theatre, actors and playwrights, who have always made a considerable contribution to national and world culture.







Theatre brought together music, singing, painting and dancing, and became the most popular and multifaceted kind of art, distinguished by its unique ability to constantly develop and renew. Even in the age of the internet, it remains relevant because it is a living organism, which responds to today's most burning issues.







I would like to emphasise the importance of the cause that you serve. I know there are many questions regarding how this is organised and the efforts being taken. I think we will discuss it in an informal setting.







In conclusion, I would like to note that theatre has a vast and immense influence on society and culture as a whole. We can directly say that, on the one hand, it determines the government's great interest in developing and supporting theatre art, and on the other hand, it increases the responsibility of theatre community members for their work.







I am confident that you and your colleagues have taken efforts to prepare for the Year of Theatre. Let us think of how it should be organised, what has to be done to make sure it is not just empty words, but to make it benefit society, the country, and, of course, theatre art.







Let me conclude here, and let us proceed to our work in an informal setting and exchange opinions.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59400






Opening of Year of Theatre in Russia



Vladimir Putin spoke at the opening of the Year of Theatre in Russia. The ceremony was held at the F. Volkov Russian Drama Theatre in Yaroslavl.



December 13, 2018 - 19:00 - Yaroslavl







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Friends,

We have gathered here in Yaroslavl for a good reason, which is to kick off the Year of Theatre in Russia, as 2019 will be the year of theatre art. The choice of venue is clear: Russian theatre, the drama theatre for the general public, was born here.

As you may be aware, 534 B.C. is the year when theatre, world theatre, was born. In our country, theatre in its proper form was created in the 18th century. As you know, our people often come up with wonderful sayings, one of which goes like this: in Russia, they saddle slow but ride fast. About the same thing happened with our theatre.







At first, it existed in the form of private performances at various estates and was promoted by the people who loved art and theatre. In 1750, our professional theatre was born here. In 1752, the company moved to St Petersburg, and in 1756, Empress Elizabeth of Russia decided to create, essentially, the first national theatre for the general public. This, of course, gave an incredible impetus to theatre art not only in our country, but throughout the world as well.

Saddling slow and riding fast is part of our national character, and it fully made itself felt in theatre art, because our theatre, without any exaggeration, has become the world’s leader. Theatre in the broad sense of the word.







It is not accidental that the colleagues with whom we met today told us that their foreign colleagues often come to Russia and do so with pleasure. Now we know why. Because we have created wonderful theatre schools in Russia in general, including the Russian Empire, later the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation today. We have the largest number of publicly-funded theatres compared to any other country. Of course, this is our strong side.







Theatre is a unique art that includes dancing, singing and acting. This art has an amazing effect on people. It is a multifaceted art. Our skilled actors and theatre directors have mastered this multifaceted art perfectly.

I strongly hope that the Year of Theatre in Russia will do more than just give an impetus to theatre art. It will help theatre professionals strengthen their positions in our country, take them around the world again and, of course, give an opportunity to theatre lovers in Russia to enjoy the performances that the theatre community brings to our people.







I congratulate you on the beginning of the Year of Theatre in Russia.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59401






Meeting with Head of Federal Agency for Fishery Ilya Shestakov



Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Head of the Federal Agency for Fishery Ilya Shestakov to discuss the results of the year and the current state of the industry.



December 14, 2018 - 14:35 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region








Vladimir Putin:

The year is coming to an end, and you wanted to report on the industry’s performance.



Ilya Shestakov:

Mr President,

I would like to report on the preliminary results of 2018; in general, production has increased. This year it grew by almost six percent. I would like to remind you that it has been on the rise since 2014.

We are confident that this year we will cross the mark of five million tonnes. The last time we caught that much was in 1992.

In 1992, it was 5.6 million tonnes. We have not managed to reach that volume since then. But now the situation has changed due to the current support measures and regulations.

Of course, the main contribution was made by the 2018 salmon-fishing season.



Vladimir Putin:

It was an unusual one.



Ilya Shestakov:

Very unusual, we caught 676,000 tonnes of salmon. This is an all-time record.



Vladimir Putin:

So where is the red caviar?







Ilya Shestakov:

As for red caviar, most of it comes from humpback salmon; it will be sold on the domestic market.

This is a socially important species of fish; and the prices have already gone down: the wholesale price dropped by half, the retail price decreased a bit less. It became possible due to such a record-breaking fish ‘harvest’.

We caught more humpback salmon than any other fish. The main region for salmon fishing is Kamchatka. All this, of course, was possible due to the professionalism of fishery experts and the regulatory measures that were adopted.

This, of course, includes the work of fishery protection units, the border guards and the Interior Ministry. This year and in past years as well, we managed to successfully prevent poaching. Humpback salmon is also fast to return to the rivers after spawning.



Vladimir Putin:

How often do you have such successful fishing seasons?



Ilya Shestakov:

This one was an all-time record. We would like to check, but we have not had such seasons in general.

In fact, it presented us with certain challenges because we ran out of refrigerating capacity and vessels to transport fish to Vladivostok.

The Minister has issued instructions to review support measures in the agricultural development programme to build additional refrigerating infrastructure in Kamchatka and Sakhalin.



Vladimir Putin:

Do you reach the European part of the country?



Ilya Shestakov:

Yes, of course, but we lack capacity there during the fishing season.

As you know, plans call for another logistics project on the Nazimov Cape, and it is promising in terms of organising a fish exchange there.

The thing is that the most popular fish products are traded at Asian auctions, and we want to transfer it to Russian jurisdiction and compel the companies to trade part of their produce at the Russian auction platform. But in order to do so we need to create the relevant infrastructure.

As for economic data, in the first nine months of 2018 we received 34 billion rubles in taxes, which is ten percent more than last year. Therefore, we are growing in terms of our contribution to the GDP and tax payments.

Aquafarming also grew by six percent in the nine months of 2018.

This is due to the new law on the aquaculture, and we also increased the number of facilities used to breed fish for sale.

That is, we gave 500,000 hectares to entrepreneurs so they could farm fish. Mariculture is also developing rapidly, especially in Primorye Territory and Crimea.

We have high expectations there too: the production volume might be not too high, but given its value, it will make a significant contribution to the sector.







Vladimir Putin:

Why? What special value does it have?



Ilya Shestakov:

I mean that the price and cost of this production – sea cucumbers, oysters and scallops, for instance – is high and they are popular on Asian markets and in Primorye cities. Of course, this is more valuable produce and it costs more.



Vladimir Putin:

And in Crimea?



Ilya Shestakov:

In Crimea, we have oysters and mussels. This sector is developing rapidly and there are many companies that are engaged in this kind of production. There are certain difficulties related to providing water bodies and land plots for use, but in all, the development is rapid.



Vladimir Putin:

What are the land plots for?



Ilya Shestakov:

The land plots are needed to create a production base…



Vladimir Putin:

Fodder?



Ilya Shestakov:

Yes, the production base is needed for loading and processing.

I would also like to tell you about the investment programme. We are planning to launch six ships as early as 2019. All in all –we have already signed a contract – 33 fishing boats and 22 coastal factories will be built.

The total volume of investment committed is 132 billion rubles. Not all the investment quotas have been distributed yet. We will complete this programme in 2019, but two vessels have already been launched.

Mr Putin, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you, on behalf of the fishing community, to the launch of the next fishing vessel because that would be a major event for the fishermen.



Vladimir Putin:

Where is this vessel being built?







Ilya Shestakov:

Mostly in St Petersburg, and there is a facility in Kaliningrad. The next vessel will be launched in St Petersburg in March.



Vladimir Putin:

Will it be big?



Ilya Shestakov:

85 metres long. These are big vessels that can handle the full processing cycle. We deliver processed products. There will be a processing factory and waste-free production, that is, the product will be either fishmeal or fish oil, so it is a totally new class of vessel no other fishing country has.

Mr Putin, I would like to tell you about our plans for 2019–2020. The Federal Agency for Fishery has been instructed to organise a round-the-world expedition of instructional sailing vessels dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the discovery of the Antarctic and the anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

We are planning for our two vessels to sail round the world and meet off the Antarctic coast. It will be a momentous occasion because very serious events are planned as part of our calls at foreign ports.

And of course we think that the work our instructional sailing vessels are doing will change how our country is perceived as a fishing power in the international arena.

Finally, Mr Putin, I would like to say that following your instructions we will shoot scientific research footage in the Antarctic in 2019–2020. No such research filming has been done since 2002. We are starting on it together with the Russian Academy of Sciences next year.



Vladimir Putin:

How are the crews of the sailing ships formed?



Ilya Shestakov:

They are mainly trainees at institutions under our jurisdiction. We also invite foreign students who apply, and they take part in these expeditions.



Vladimir Putin:

Will the crews be rotated as the expedition proceeds?



Ilya Shestakov:

Yes, they will be rotated. Two rotations are planned and they will take place at our ports of call.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59405






Meeting with Artyom Palyanov



Vladimir Putin met with Artyom Palyanov, a boy who dreams of catching a bird's eye view of St Petersburg, as well as his brother and father. The President promised to make his dream come true.



December 15, 2018 - 14:30 - St Petersburg






Prior to the meeting of the Council for Culture and Art Vladimir Putin met with Artyom, his father and brother. The President wished them a happy upcoming New Year. They looked at the route of the flight, after which Atryom went on a helicopter tour over the city.




























On December 5, Vladimir Putin attended the International Volunteer Forum and took part in the Dream with Me charity project. Any forum participant could pick an envelope and make one dream come true. The President took the remaining envelopes with Artyom Palyanov’s letter among others, and promised to make his dream come true.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59415






Meeting of Council for Culture and Art



Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Presidential Council for Culture and Art in St Petersburg.



December 15, 2018 - 16:40 - St Petersburg






The participants discussed drafting and implementing the Culture national programme for the period up to 2024.




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

Our meeting today is dedicated to the Culture national programme.

The task of drafting such a programme was set forth in the May 2018 Executive Order, which, as you are aware, outlines the key priorities for the country’s development. Culture is undoubtedly among these priorities as a basis of public life and our identity. Let me add that global competition in creating best conditions for self-fulfilment and revealing the potential of each individual is growing, and the world’s leading powers including Russia, rightly see it as a key to the future. Of course, a significant role here will belong to establishing a vibrant, rich cultural space, which will be interesting and attractive not only for the citizens of our country but also for the whole world.







Overall, the draft national programme has already been finished but I think it is crucial that we discuss it at the Council but also give this discussion a broader outreach to include the entire professional community.

I would like to lay a special emphasis on setting up large culture clusters in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. They will bring together branches of our leading art organisations at a single venue, contribute to enhancing the participation of the regions’ residents and Russia’s guests, tourists, in the cultural life of the country and the world.







The cities to have the first clusters have already been identified: Vladivostok, Kemerovo, Kaliningrad and Sevastopol. In addition, art academies, museums and theatres to be showcased there have been selected. We must not delay the launch of these important projects and use the best domestic and international experience in doing it. For example, the successful experience of the State Hermitage Museum must be used as it has been implementing the programme of increasing its presence in the Russian regions for many years.







I ask local authorities to join in the work, create the necessary conditions for a public and expert discussion, which will allow for determining the content of the cluster programmes. It is also vitally important to address such current issues as regulating the operation of the new facilities, their funding, maintenance and staffing.







Setting up branches of federal museums, theatres and universities does not remove the task of supporting and developing similar facilities at the local and regional level. They should by no means feel like “poor cousins”, and closing them down is absolutely unacceptable. I would like to draw special attention to that.







On the whole, the Culture national programme must acquire a powerful regional dimension, boost the quality and diversity of cultural life in small towns and rural areas across the country. It is no accident that the programme has a special focus on establishing culture and leisure facilities of a club type in the regions, supporting volunteer efforts in the preservation of the historical, cultural and intangible heritage of Russia’s peoples, expanding the network of regional, and, which is key, municipal libraries.







We see the emergence of an increasing number of interesting, substantive authors. The demand for books and, respectively, the number of printed copies keep growing. Yet at the same time so do prices, especially on children’s literature. In this respect, libraries acquire a special significance, where one can loan a book easily and, the main thing, free of charge. Supplying libraries with books in a well-timed and regular way, including new editions, is one of the objectives of the Culture national programme.







Supporting talented young people is equally important. We are actively engaged in this area. I know that many of those present here are also involved in this work, giving their personal time without seeking to gain anything from it for themselves. I would like to thank you for this work. But the tempo must not slow down. This applies to cultural figures and to different bureaucratic agencies of various levels. This work must go on.







Our task is to provide gifted beginner musicians, actors, artists and museum specialists with every opportunity for successful professional growth and self-fulfilment, and preferably in their home country, of course. To teach them, help with internships and practical experience, even give a personal grant is not bad, it is good but it is not enough, it is too little. Young people must be sure that each of them has a vacancy waiting for them, as well as a worthy wage and housing.

I would like all the agencies concerned to keep it in their focus.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59416






Gala concert in honour of Yury Temirkanov’s 80th birthday



December 15, 2018 - 19:30 - St Petersburg







Vladimir Putin attended a gala concert of the 19th Arts Square International Winter Festival marking the birthday of the artistic director of the Dmitry Shostakovich St Petersburg Academic Philharmonia Yury Temirkanov.

The conductor turned 80 on December 10.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

It is a great pleasure for me to be within these walls and a great honour to wish the maestro a happy birthday from this stage, in this outstanding hall, without any exaggeration one of the best musical venues in Europe and the world.







World’s top stars have performed here, and Yury Temirkanov unquestionably falls in that category. Mr Temirkhanov, we heartily and sincerely wish you a happy birthday.







Thanks to Mr Temirkhanov and other people of his magnitude, we – and I am going to say this on behalf of all music philistines, all those who are not specialists or musicians – thanks to him we become immersed in the boundless magical world of music, we perceive its depth and the all-encompassing scale. Thanks to Mr Temirkhanov, we experience such vivid emotions that defy any description. Thank you very much for this, Mr Temirkhanov, from hundreds of thousands and millions of music fans.










Mr Temirkhanov is a many-faceted person and he has many talents: he is a lecturer, a philanthropist, and a volunteer since it is due to his efforts and initiatives that a great number of festivals have been launched – and this gala is a part of one of them – as well as grants and other tools of support for young talents. All this was made possible by him because as he was working with the world’s top-class orchestras, he always focused on supporting and developing our school of music and the Honoured Ensemble of Russia, and he considered it to be his home. And of course, our music world, the world of Russian arts, will always be happy if it has such people in it as Mr Temirkanov.







We did not notice – or maybe I failed to notice – that Mr Temirkanov has been leading the Honoured Ensemble of Russia since 1988, that is for 30 years already. But your brilliant predecessor, maestro Mravinsky worked here much longer. I want to express the hope that you will continue bringing joy with your art to your audiences and to all of us for many more years to come.







Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59417






Meeting with Lyudmila Verbitskaya



During his visit to St Petersburg, Vladimir Putin met with Lyudmila Verbitskaya, linguist, academician and honorary president of the Russian Academy of Education.



December 15, 2018 - 21:10 - St Petersburg







The head of state presented the badge of a laureate of the Presidential Prize for contribution to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation to Lyudmila Verbitskaya. The Executive Order on awarding the prize was signed by the President on October 24, 2018.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Ms Verbitskaya, I am very pleased to congratulate you on receiving the prize for contribution to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation. This is a special badge and a special award, and it sounds special as well: for contribution to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation.










As a state-forming and nation-forming language, the Russian language plays a special role in this regard, and you have made a considerable contribution to supporting and strengthening it, as well as to the education. Thank you very much.










My congratulations!




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59418
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Congratulations to Emperor Akihito of Japan



Vladimir Putin congratulated Emperor Akihito of Japan on his birthday.



December 23, 2018 - 10:30



The message of the Russian President reads, in part:

“Please, accept my heartfelt greetings on the occasion of your birthday.

I would like to express confidence that Russia-Japan relations will continue to develop, both for the good of our peoples and in the interests of security and stability in the Asia Pacific region.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year. I wish you and the members of the Royal family good health and wellbeing, and all the people of Japan – happiness and prosperity.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59475






Condolences to President of Indonesia Joko Widodo



Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to President of Indonesia Joko Widodo over the tragic aftermath of the tsunami that hit coastal areas of the Sunda Strait.



December 23, 2018 - 11:00



The message reads, in part:

“Please accept my deepest sympathy in connection with the tragic aftermath of the tsunami that hit the coastal areas of the Sunda Strait.

Russia shares the grief of the friendly people of Indonesia. Please pass on my words of sincere sympathy and support to the victims’ families and friends and wishes for a speedy recovery to all those who were injured as a result of the disaster.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59474
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Vladimir Putin’s annual news conference - PART I



December 20, 2018 - 15:50 - Moscow






The President’s news conference was broadcast live by Rossiya 1, Rossiya 24, Channel One and NTV, as well as Mayak, Vesti FM and Radio Rossii radio stations.

Television channel Public Television of Russia (OTR) and its site (http://www.otr-online.ru/online/) provided live sign language interpretation of the news conference.

The host broadcaster of the event is the National State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK).




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues, friends.

Let us begin our traditional end-of-year meeting that we call a news conference.

As always, I will spend just a few brief seconds to sum up the results of the outgoing year. A lot has been said already, but I have the latest data reflecting the most recent results, some just a couple of days old.

In the first nine months of 2018, GDP increased by 1.7 percent, while the Economic Development Ministry expects the annual increase to total 1.8 percent. Industrial output was growing at a faster pace, totalling 2.9 percent in the first ten months of 2018, with the annual results expected at 3 percent, up from a 2.1 percent growth in 2017. In addition, processing industries have been growing at a somewhat faster pace of 3.2 percent.

In the first three quarters fixed capital investment increased by 4.1 percent. Cargo shipments and retail trade are on the rise, having increased by 2.6 percent. Consumer demand growth has been apparent. This is a positive factor. After a lengthy interval, the population’s real income has shown some, albeit very moderate, growth. According to the latest statistics, real incomes will increase by 0.5 percent. I hope that this momentum will be maintained, since real pay levels are on the rise, having grown by 7.4 percent in the first nine months, which is expected to give us 6.9 or 7 percent by the end of the year.

Inflation remains at an acceptable level, although it has increased a little in the past week, by 0.5 percent, I think. Therefore, we will be able to reach the Central Bank’s reference rate of 4 percent and will have an inflation rate of 4.1 percent to 4.2 percent – somewhere just over 4 percent.

The unemployment rate is going down, which is good news. If last year it hit a historical low of 5.2 percent, this year it will be even lower – 4.8 percent.

The trade balance surplus is growing. In 2017, if you remember, it was around $115 billion. Over the three quarters of this year we already achieved $157 million. As of the end of the year, we expect it to reach $190 billion.

Our finances are growing stronger. Our gold and foreign currency reserves have grown by over 7 percent. In the early 2018, they amounted to $432 billion while now they stand at almost $464 billion.

For the first time since 2011, we will have a budget surplus. We are about to reach the federal budget surplus of 2.1 percent of the GDP. The National Welfare Fund has grown by around 22 percent.

The average annual insurance component of the retirement pension stood at 13,677 rubles in 2017. By the end of this year, it will be 14,163 rubles.

Life expectancy has also increased slightly compared to 2017, from 72.7 to 72.9 years.

These are the general results that I wanted to mention in the beginning. Let’s not waste our time and proceed to your questions and my attempts to answer them.







Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov:

Let us begin by giving some priority to the Kremlin pool. Its members worked with us throughout the year, following the President both in Russia and abroad.

ITAR-TASS, the state news agency.



Veronika Romanenkova:

Thank you.

The year 2018 arguably went by under the sign of new national projects that you launched with the May Executive Order. They are expected to cost an enormous amount of money. However, some experts, members of the State Council, as was mentioned in Yalta only recently, have questioned the feasibility of these national projects and whether they are needed. How well thought out are the performance assessment criteria for the national projects? For example, the Accounts Chamber Chairman said that there is no way to assess their effectiveness. What can you say to counter this?



Vladimir Putin:

I will have to begin by saying a few words on whether these projects are needed, since you said that some question this.

I have said it on numerous occasions, and I will repeat it today. We need a breakthrough. We need to transition to a new technological paradigm. Without it, the country has no future. This is a matter of principle, and we have to be clear on this.

How can this be done? We need to focus the available resources, find and channel them to the essential development initiatives. How can these efforts be organised? By simply distributing money, and that’s it?

First, we had to find this money. It took us the entire year 2017 to articulate the objectives and find the resources. Both the Government and the Presidential Executive Office contributed to this effort. By the way, when some call for more changes within the Cabinet, we have to understand that it was the Government’s financial and economic block that developed the national development programme to 2024. For this reason, they are the ones who must take responsibility for the plans they made. There is no way around it.

So how should this effort be organised? By simply distributing money? After all, as much as 20.8 trillion rubles are expected to go into the national projects alone, and another 6.5 trillion will be invested in a separate infrastructure development plan. Of course, the allocation of these resources has to be set forth in documents of some kind on achieving breakthroughs. You can refer to these development plans any way you wish. We call them national projects. After all, it makes it clear that there are goals that have to be achieved. If there are no objectives, you will never achieve the final outcome, no matter how you manage these investments. It is for this reason that the 12 national projects were developed alongside an infrastructure development plan. Let me remind you of the main vectors.

Healthcare, education, research and human capital come first, since without them there is no way a breakthrough can be achieved. The second vector deals with manufacturing and the economy. Of course, everything is related to the economy, including the first part. But the second part is directly linked to the economy, since it deals with the digital economy, robotics, etc. I have already mentioned infrastructure.

Why did we have this meeting in Yalta, Crimea, to discuss with our colleagues from the Government and the regions how we will proceed in these efforts? Because there are questions on how to assess performance under these projects. We need effective controls, while making sure that all efforts by the federal centre to monitor what is happening in the regions are effective. It is true that there are challenges in this regard, but we are working on them. So what is the tricky part? The tricky part is that funding mostly comes from the federal centre, and this applies to all programmes, while most of the efforts are undertaken in the regions. The regions must be ready to work constructively. Instead of simply hiking up prices in response to an increase in the available funds, they must focus on achieving concrete results that will be clearly visible. This is the first point I wanted to make.

Second, we need to understand whether they will be able to succeed. This is a real question. Some argue that this would be impossible. But this is what we hear from those who must deliver. Instead of having these thoughts they need to work on delivering on these objectives, and if they feel that they are unable to do so, they have to clear the way for those who are positive about their ability to deliver and are ready to work. To tell you the truth, I have not seen anyone who did not want to do it or said that it was impossible. These messages come from outside observers.

Without ambitious goals we will never achieve anything. For this reason, I do hope that the federal centre and the regions will be able to work together in a consolidated and positive manner. Yes, some indicators have to be adjusted. Our colleagues from the regions have submitted their proposals to this effect, and I have high hopes that the Government will take them into consideration and adjust specific indicators so that we can move forward effectively.







Pavel Zarubin:

Rossiya TV channel.

I would like to expand on a topic that has already been raised. Many economics experts, including Alexei Kudrin, assert that in reality, the Russian economy has been growing just by one percent on average over the past ten years, and if so, this is essentially marking time, or stagnation. You set the goal of making a breakthrough, a leap, but for this, even if we take the lowest estimate, the growth rate should be at least four to five times higher. The Government promises to achieve the goal, but that same Government acknowledges that in the next few years, GDP growth rates will not exceed even 2 percent. In this regard, here are my questions: what does the Government rely on in its forecasts, in the planning of its work? Is a breakthrough possible at all, in this context, or will the economy continue operating like this: we make some money on oil surplus, put it aside, then spend it when there is a need for it? In general, are you satisfied with the Medvedev team?



Dmitry Peskov:

Friends, I would ask you please to respect each other – ask only one question each.



Vladimir Putin:

Look, economic growth has been one percent per year for a certain period of time. But, first of all, it was while Mr Kudrin was Deputy Prime Minister, so you must not blame the mirror for showing a crooked face, as they say. This is the first point.

The second is, one should not just count mechanically. I have great respect for Mr Kudrin, he is my friend and a good professional, and as a rule, I listen to his recommendations. He is a reliable specialist, a good one. But look, from 2008 to 2018, the economy grew by about 7.4 percent. In simple maths – yes, it equals one percent, a little more. However, let us not forget how the economy developed. There were higher growth rates, alternating with recessions associated with the global crisis. In 2009, after the crisis in the global economy, not in ours – Russia was not the cause of the global financial crisis of 2008–2009, it came to us from the outside – the decline was about 7.8 percent. Then little by little, we were crawling out of it for many years.

Then, in 2014–2015, another meltdown occurred – a collapse in the oil prices, our main exports. That is why I am saying we should not simply count mechanically.

However, of course, the country's GDP, the GDP growth rate is one of the main indicators. But we will not be able to achieve the GDP growth rates necessary for this breakthrough unless the structure of the economy is changed. This is what the national projects are aimed at, and why such enormous funds will be invested, which I have already said – to change the structure and build an innovation-based economy. The Government is counting on this, because if this happens, and we should all work towards this, then the growth rates will increase and there will be other opportunities for development.

By the way, you mentioned the projected 2 percent growth for the next two years. Yes, in the next years, 2019–2020, two percent each, but from 2021, the Government is already planning 3 percent, and then more. Therefore, I strongly hope that we will manage to do all this. Some fluctuations are probably possible, but, I repeat, the most important thing is that we need… Do you see what we need to do? We need to join another league of economies, and not only in terms of volumes. I think that taking the fifth place in terms of volume is quite possible. We used to rank fifth in terms of the economy, in purchasing power parity, and we will do it again, I think. However, we need to ascend to another league in terms of the quality of the economy. This is what our national projects are aimed at.



Pavel Zarubin:

Are you satisfied with the Medvedev team?



Vladimir Putin:

Overall, yes.







Question:

Good afternoon.

Mr President, in my city of Volgograd we had a wonderful year. We celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad. You made it a federal holiday and we really appreciate it. You also paid us a visit.

We successfully hosted the World Cup and our region indeed began to breathe and develop.

There is a lot that still needs to be done. I think the economy will be extensively discussed. But Volgograd residents have a big wish and a great favour to ask. In 1998, the Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots, which had a very long history, was shut down.

It was established at the Tsar’s decree in 1910 and we were truly proud of it and want to be proud of it further. We want the military traditions to live on. Please consider re-opening it.



Vladimir Putin:

In which year was it shut down?



Remark:

In 1998, unfortunately. It had the Order of the Red Banner and a long history.



Vladimir Putin:

You see, it is already 2018. It happened 20 years ago and I do not quite know what is left of this legendary school.

You are right, it was indeed a legendary school. But the Russian Defence Ministry plans personnel training resources based on whether there is a demand for specific types of personnel in the Armed Forces.

Therefore, we need to look at what can be done not only to remember it but perhaps to preserve the remaining traditions. I will make sure to look into this and consult with the Defence Ministry.







Maria Balyuk:

Mr President, good afternoon. My name is Maria Balyuk, I represent the Prime news agency.

Mr President, the budget in the current year and the next year will have a surplus. However, starting January 1, a number of decisions are coming into effect that may cause a significant increase in prices of a wide range of goods and services.

For example, the VAT will increase to 20 percent, which has already triggered a two-stage increase in the housing and utilities rates next year. There is also the new tax for self-employed persons in pilot regions. Please tell us how these measures agree with the state’s economic policy.



Vladimir Putin:

Housing and utilities rates in two stages, and what else?



Maria Balyuk:

And, for example, a tax on self-employed people in pilot regions.

Isn’t this amount of new measures too much of a burden on Russians and the economy?



Vladimir Putin:

You said about the surplus.

Yes, this is indeed a good indicator of the Government’s economic block performance. As I said in my opening remarks, for the first time since 2011 we will have a budget surplus of 2.1 percent. And this is good.

Let us not forget that as an oil producing country and a country that derives much of its revenue from selling oil and gas, we also have what is called a non-oil-and-gas deficit. This is what the country earns from selling products and services other than oil and gas.

Let me remind you that this non-oil-and-gas deficit was 13 percent in 2009, which is a lot. In the early 2000s, it was at about 3 percent, but the global economic crisis forced us to use our oil revenues to meet our social commitments and finance the Armed Forces, so we had to tap into the oil revenues.

In this situation, the non-oil-and-gas deficit surged into the double digits almost reaching13 percent, I believe. This was a very serious challenge for the Russian economy. We have now reduced it to 6.6 percent, and next year it is expected to decline to 6 percent and remain at this level for the next few years.

This is a very important indicator of economic resilience for the Russian Federation. Therefore, the increase in the VAT rate, among other things, is due to the need to maintain the non-oil-and-gas deficit at a certain level.

Second, in many countries VAT is 20 percent or even higher. It used to be higher in Russia as well, but we reduced it at a certain point. Now we have returned to a 20-percent tax rate.

However, the effective VAT rate for the overall economy will be below 20 percent since almost all benefits remain in place: for pharmaceuticals, children’s goods, and so on, including for IT companies. Many benefits have been preserved. With this in mind, the effective rate will be actually lower.

Finally, I do hope that the rate hike will be only a one-off measure with a possible slight increase in prices and inflation in the beginning of the year, after which the inflation will go down.

The Central Bank also seeks to prevent inflation from picking up. Only recently, the interest rate was increased by 0.25 percentage points.

While there are definitely both benefits and disadvantages to this decision, all this is done in order to prevent inflation and prices from growing. For this reason, I believe that the overall decision was correct and balanced, creating additional budget revenue and the possibility to deliver on our development plans as part of the national projects.

As for increases in housing and utilities tariffs, over the past years they grew by about 4 percent per year. It is true that next year there will be two hikes: the first one will be at about 1.7 percent, and the second one I think will be about 2.4 percent, but in total this still makes up 4.1 percent.

Why will the increase be spread out in two stages? The reason is that with a higher VAT, prices of some goods and services are expected to increase, and we need to make sure that the utilities sector does not come under stress.

For this reason, in order to shield companies in this sector from these developments and ultimately in the interests of the people, we decided to proceed in two stages. That said, the overall increase should not exceed 4.1 percent.

In some regions, where the utilities infrastructure requires major upgrades and bigger hikes are required, this can be done as an exception, and subject to federal Government approval.







Yekaterina Gagarina:

Good afternoon, Mr President. My name is Yekaterina Gagarina. I represent the Rossiya TV channel in Novosibirsk.

The importance of the Akademgorodok 2.0 [Academic Town] project that you supported during your visit to Novosibirsk is obvious not only to Siberian scientists. This project is unique for the entire country.

But behind the technological component of this project there are a number of tasks of a similarly large scale. They include building housing, roads, kindergartens and schools. My question is what if our scientific ambitions crash at daily living problems? Will the scientists have somewhere to live?



Vladimir Putin:

I would not want them to crash.

I understand that it is a very important part of the entire process. Of course, we will be working on this with the regional officials. When I visited Novosibirsk, I also spoke about this with my colleagues.

The first objective of the federal government is to honour its obligations related to the facilities which trigger the development of Akademgorodok – which, by the way, is the opportunity to earn money on these high technologies. The social component will definitely be carried out after this.

But if any additional action is required to resolve the scientists’ social issues, of course, we will try to do it. By the way, the mortgage sector has been growing lately. We will support it as well. It is growing very fast for everybody. The growth of the mortgage sector stands at over 20 percent.

But, of course, we will try to address these issues for Akademgorodok. If there is a critical need for a response from the federal government, we will discuss it.







Sergei Marov:

Hello, Mr President. My name is Sergei Marov, Zvezda newspaper, Volgograd Region. I will start with small details and bring you to the bigger question.

I will give you a simple example. Next to our editorial office, there is a company which for nine years…



Vladimir Putin:

A company?



Sergei Marov:

Yes.

For nine years, it has been putting gigantic efforts into building a technological chain for full-cycle flax processing. Imagine…



Vladimir Putin:

Excuse me, for the full cycle of processing…



Sergei Marov:

Flax.



Vladimir Putin:

I see.



Sergei Marov:

From planting a seed to finished clothing. This is what they did.

It appears that the message from these industrial workers is clear. At the same time, when I was going to this conference, I had serious consultations with the company’s workers, and they said: “The last research institute dealing with flax is in the process of liquidation.”

The last training institute for executive personnel in the fibre flax cultivation is in the process of liquidation. We are receiving completely different messages from the industrial companies working on the product and from the government that is supposed to support these industries.

Therefore, I have a question. How do you assess the state of industrial production and its growth rate? Do you believe that at this stage the government provides sufficient support to Russian producers?



Vladimir Putin:

Frankly speaking, I am not aware of the problems of this flax research institute. But in general, flax is one of Russia’s traditional industries. It has always been our signature product, our pride. I will look into this situation.

Usually the problem is worse than it appears from the outside. I just do not know the details of what is going on with that institute – although, of course, flax production, once again, has always been Russia’s pride. If the industry needs this institute, it may be preserved, but we need to understand how this can be done. I promise you to look into this.

Now over to industrial production. As I said, industrial growth in general is ahead of GDP growth at 3 percent. The processing industry has grown by 3.2 percent. This is a good performance indicator.

As concerns light industry, it is developing even faster. Over the ten months of this year, food production has grown by 13 percent, which is, by the way, confirmed by the consumption figures that are generally growing. Clothing and footwear industries posted a growth of 9 percent, a very good result.

Now, is government support sufficient or not? It is not. This is why we have mapped out a number of programmes to support specific production sectors. Overall, by 2024, this support will amount to 1.376 trillion rubles and will extend to the light industry, aviation, the defence industry and some other sectors.

We have individual programmes for major industries. Next year, they will receive 450 billion rubles in support. The year after, it will be 450 to 470 billion rubles. These are the indicators, the figures. The total funding stands at 1.376 trillion rubles.







Anton Vernitsky:

Mr President, as Soviet-era children, all of us feared a nuclear war very much. As you remember, various songs dealt with this issue. One of them had the following lyrics: “Sunny world: Yes, yes, yes; nuclear explosion: No, no, no.”



Vladimir Putin:

Are you not afraid today?



Anton Vernitsky:

Forty years have passed, and major media outlets on both sides of the ocean are beginning to publish a scenario for a nuclear exchange between Russia and the United States. The word “war” is sounding more and more often at household level, in kitchens.

Mr President, how can you calm down my little son who, just like me, also fears a nuclear war today? What words and actions can calm us all down?



Vladimir Putin:

You know, I think you are right.

I just thought that all this, including the danger of such developments in the world, is now being hushed up and played down to some extent. It seems impossible or something that is not so important. At the same time, if, God forbid, something like this happens, it might destroy the whole of civilisation or perhaps the entire planet.

These issues are therefore serious, and it is a great pity that there is such a tendency to underestimate the problem, and that this tendency is probably becoming more pronounced. What are the current distinguishing features and dangers?

First, all of us are now witnessing the disintegration of the international system for arms control and for deterring the arms race. This process is taking place after the United States withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty that, as I have already noted a thousand times, was the cornerstone in the sphere of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and deterring the arms race.

After that, we were forced to respond by developing new weapons systems that could breach these ABM systems. Now, we hear that Russia has gained an advantage. Yes, this is true. So far, the world has no such weapons systems. Leading powers will develop them, but, as yet they do not exist.

In this sense, there are certain advantages. But, speaking of the entire strategic balance, this is just an element of deterrence and for equalising parities. This is just the preservation of parity, and nothing more.

They are now about to take another step and withdraw from the INF Treaty. What will happen? It is very difficult to imagine how the situation will unfold. What if these missiles show up in Europe? What are we supposed to do then?

Of course, we will need to take some steps to ensure our safety. And they should not whine later that we are allegedly trying to gain certain advantages. We are not. We are simply trying to maintain the balance and ensure our security.

The same goes for the START III Treaty, which expires in 2021. There are no talks on this issue. Is it because no one is interested, or believes it is necessary? Fine, we can live with that.

We will ensure our security. We know how to do it. But in general, for humanity, this is very bad, because this takes us to a very dangerous line.

Finally, there is another circumstance I cannot ignore. There is a trend to lower the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons. There are plans to create low-impact nuclear charges, which translates to tactical rather than global use. Such ideas are coming from Western analysts who say it is okay to use such weapons. However, lowering the threshold can lead to a global nuclear disaster. This is one danger we are facing today.

The second is the use of non-nuclear ballistic missiles. True, our US partners seem to have dropped this idea, but it still exists. What does it mean?

Suppose, a ballistic missile is launched, nuclear or non-nuclear. The missile attack warning system identifies the launch and the launch site, and, seconds later, determines the flight path and the possible warhead landing area. This is all on the verge of a possible error. It is terrible, and we cannot take it that far. Nevertheless, such an idea of using non-nuclear ballistic missiles exists.

Suppose, a submarine fired a ballistic missile from the World Ocean, but who the hell knows if it is nuclear or not, go figure. This is very dangerous. All of that is being widely discussed, which is dangerous.

However, I believe humanity has enough common sense and enough of a sense of self-preservation not to take these things to the extreme.







Dmitry Peskov:

Let us go to this sector. I see the Ukrainian flag in the second row.



Vladimir Putin:

You attend all our news conferences, correct? You are from Ukraine?



Dmitry Peskov:

Yes, he is our colleague from Ukraine.



Vladimir Putin:

Right, my colleagues told me it was better not to let him speak, because he would cause a scandal. Are you going to cause a scandal now?

Please go ahead.







Yegor Sozayev-Guryev:

Yegor Sozayev-Guryev, Izvestia. My question is about the incident in the Kerch Strait.



Vladimir Putin:

But Izvestia is not from Ukraine, is it?



Yegor Sozayev-Guryev:

Well, my question is about Ukraine.



Vladimir Putin:

Well, go ahead.



Yegor Sozayev-Guryev:

I have a question about the precedent in the Kerch Strait, I wonder about the future of the captured Ukrainian military. What will happen to them? Do you think this provocation was a success?

I cannot help asking about the citizens of Russia imprisoned in the United States. I mean Butina and Yaroshenko. How can Russia protect their rights? Perhaps, we should look at our Chinese partners? A Chinese citizen representing Huawei was detained in Canada. In response, they detained several Canadian citizens. Perhaps, we could learn from that experience?



Vladimir Putin:

With regard to your first question, you said: “Do you think this provocation was a success?” First, let us state that it was a provocation, and you agree with that. This is already a good start.

Now, whether it was a success or not, I believe provocations are a bad thing whatever way you look at them. Provocations seek to aggravate things. Why do our Ukrainian partners need things to go that way? Clearly, they are in the middle of an election campaign right now, and they want to aggravate the situation in order to raise the ratings of one of the contenders, I mean the incumbent president and the current government. Well, this is bad, it is ultimately bad for the interests of the Ukrainian people and state. However, it is possible to move forward without any provocations and do so calmly, as before.

Whether it was a success or not, I mean in terms of improving popularity ratings, maybe it was, as Mr Poroshenko’s ratings seem to have increased a little and he has moved from the fifth position to the second or third, where the figure fluctuates around 12 percent. Ms Tymoshenko, I believe, has 20 percent or even more, whereas Zelinsky, Boyko and Poroshenko have around 12 percent each. In this sense, yes, he probably achieved the goal. At the expense of the country’s interests, I believe. This is a bad way to boost ratings.

With regard to the future of the Ukrainian servicemen, they were sent on this mission and some of them were expected to die in the process. I can see that the leadership is very upset by the fact that no one died. They expected some of them to die. Thank God, this did not happen. An investigation is underway. Once it is over, we will know what to do with them.

Still, I will ask you to give the microphone to our colleague from Ukraine.







Roman Tsymbalyuk:

Thank you. There will be no scandal. There never was a scandal actually.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank God. That already is good news.



Roman Tsymbalyuk:

Mr President, I would like to ask you how much money you are spending on the occupied Donbass? Under your leadership, people there are living in poverty. Let us face it, they have become slaves to Russia. You are concerned about the threat of a nuclear war and at the same time, you are preparing for a war against NATO, and, in fact, you are shooting at Ukrainian citizens. It was you as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief who issued the order to open fire at seamen. My question is what are the terms of the exchange?

And a question about the elections, if I may. You say that you analyse the approval ratings.



Vladimir Putin:

Just a second. Terms of exchange?



Roman Tsymbalyuk:

The terms of exchange of Ukrainian political prisoners and Ukrainian servicemen. You do need your Russian citizens back, don’t you?

And about the elections, if I may. You constantly analyse the ratings and one gets the impression that…



Vladimir Putin:

I do not analyse them, I look at them inasmuch as you print them.



Roman Tsymbalyuk:

… in this way you are meddling in the electoral process like you did in the United States. Doesn’t it seem to you that a direct dialogue between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia will never take place until you change your job?

Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

Regarding the suffering of the people who live in Donbass. You are a Ukrainian citizen, aren’t you? And you consider the people who live on this territory to be the citizens of your country. Can you tell me who established the blockade between Donbass and the rest of Ukraine? Did Russia do it? The Ukrainian authorities did it: they imposed a total economic blockade of the territory they consider to be their own. They shoot at the people they consider to be their own citizens. People are killed there almost every day, peaceful civilians, by the way.

We do render humanitarian and other assistance and support to the people who live on that territory. But we do it only to prevent them from being finally crushed, devoured and torn to pieces, and we will continue doing it. Because attempts to solve these political issues by force – and we have seen this being done by the current Kiev authorities for several years – are doomed to failure. This has to be kept in mind.

Now concerning how to settle these relations and who will and will not remain in power. It is not about personalities, it is about the attitude towards people. We want to see peace and prosperity on the entire territory of Ukraine, including Donbass. We are interested in it because Ukraine remains one of our biggest trade and economic partners.

Trade between Ukraine and Russia, in spite of all the efforts of the current Kiev authorities, is growing, it has grown in the outgoing year, it has grown during the current year. Is it strange? No, it is not strange because these are natural ties. These natural ties will sooner or later make themselves felt. But as long as the Kiev corridors of power are peopled by Russophobes who do not understand the interests of their own people this abnormal situation will persist. Regardless of who is in power at the Kremlin.

We have attended to the issue of exchange all along. Mr Medvedchuk, on instructions from Poroshenko, by the way, has been constantly engaged in this. He came to Moscow just recently and raised the issue of the release of Ukrainian servicemen detained in the Kerch Strait, in the Black Sea to be more precise. Yes, Medvedchuk raised this issue. However, as I have said, these issues could only be tackled after the criminal case is closed.







Margarita Baulina:

Good afternoon, colleagues, Mr President. My name is Margarita Baulina, I am from the Family, Society, Traditions publication.

Two years ago, a group of activists from my paper decided to take part in a social project to build a covered football pitch for disadvantaged children, as well as for kids from children’s homes.

For two years, we have been knocking on the doors of various committees, writing letters, holding meetings and still everybody is totally indifferent to our cause. I do not want to speak ill of my colleagues from other professional fields, but we are treated like we want to open a flower shop or a gas station, and nobody pays attention to the fact that we want to help the state perform its functions and carry out an important mission.



Vladimir Putin:

Sorry, I did not understand you: what are you trying to do?



Margarita Baulina:

We are trying to open a covered football pitch for disadvantaged children and children from children’s homes, to give them an opportunity to fulfil themselves for free, to find their true identity not in the streets through some harmful activities.



Vladimir Putin:

Do you have a non-governmental non-profit organisation established, or what?



Margarita Baulina:

We are registered as a limited liability company on the base of our publication.



Vladimir Putin:

So it means this is a business?



Margarita Baulina:

Currently, yes, because we cannot find other ways to implement our project.



Vladimir Putin:

Who have you addressed?



Margarita Baulina:

We are trying to address this issue with several committees in out city, such as the Property Committee, Sports Committee and the Committee for Youth and Social Policy. And each time we go from one committee to another, and exchange letters with them, etc.



Vladimir Putin:

How much does your project cost?



Margarita Baulina:

At the moment we need 11 million rubles.



Vladimir Putin:

What was your city again?



Margarita Baulina:

St Petersburg.



Vladimir Putin:

I will speak with the Acting Governor. I am sure we can solve this problem.



Margarita Baulina:

Thank you very much.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, I am sure.







Kseniya Golovanova:

Congratulations on Counterintelligence Day, Mr President. This is observed today.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you and the same to you. I feel that you are quite closely connected to this sphere…

Intelligence, counterintelligence and information work are all the same. At the end of the day, they are all about information: you work with information, and so do the special services.



Kseniya Golovanova:

Russian society, especially its younger part, have recently witnessed strange actions by the authorities that I believe can cause unnecessary conflict. One example is the case of the rappers – I think you are already familiar with this word. They come under pressure, with crackdowns on their concerts.



Vladimir Putin:

Are you questioning my competency?



Kseniya Golovanova:

Not at all.



Vladimir Putin:

You said, “I think you are already familiar with this word.” Well, I knew it even before.



Kseniya Golovanova:

Well, you tend to use it more often now.



Vladimir Putin:

There were rappers among my authorised representatives. Take Timati, for example. Just look at this spectacular guy. By the way, he is a wonderful person and a brilliant artist.



Kseniya Golovanova:

During the meeting of the Council for Culture, you said that if you cannot rein in a movement, you have to become its leader. Could you tell me why the state has to have a role in all this? Why not just leave it alone? Why did the people have to be dispersed? Who needed it? So they use obscene language in their songs – let them be.

There is a second question I wanted to ask that also deals with young people. A lot of people have recently voiced their misgivings over a legislative initiative on introducing tighter responsibility for negative statements regarding the state and authorities. This will also primarily target young people on social media. Aren’t you afraid that these initiatives could cost you their support?



Vladimir Putin:

Let me start with the question on alienating young people or attracting them.

You know, in any discussion about the youth, I always remember ceratin tragic and heroic chapters from our recent past. Do you remember the airborne squadron of 96 young lads, 19 or 20 years old, who found themselves in the Armed Forces almost immediately after graduating from school? These 96 soldiers fought against 2,000. Only six survived. They fought for almost three days, at times fighting at close quarters, with shovels and knives. They are heroes, and they were young, 19 or 20 years old (Applause).

Take volunteers, for example. There are thousands and thousands of them. I think that as many as 35,000 worked at the World Cup. And what about those involved in battlefield archaeology? There are thousands of them as well. They are all young people.

People of this kind form a very substantial social stratum, a large social group. They are all young, they are the foundation of Russia’s present and future. There are also young researchers, talented artists and musicians, including rappers.

As for responsibility for desecration of the flag or other state symbols, it exists in almost every country. People must respect their country. There are rules that must be respected everywhere. If there is responsibility offline, it must also exist online.

In what way does online behaviour differ from offline activity? After all, these are still social interactions, especially since the internet has penetrated all areas of our lives. For this reason, there is nothing extraordinary about it.

As for these rappers being detained, I agree with you. This does not make any sense and brings about the opposite effect to what was intended, leading nowhere. That being said, there is nothing good in what you said about letting people use obscene language and not paying attention to it.

Recently, as you must have seen, I attended Yury Temirkanov’s birthday celebration; he turned 80. He said something very common and still absolutely correct: “Art does not exist to indulge base motives, base interests and low cultural profile. Culture is there to raise the level of those things.”

Of course, this is not something people should be caught, restricted or punished for. This would be wrong. But there are other things. For example, remember, I did not know it was broadcast live, where I told my interlocutor: “Let us all use foul language here at the Council on Culture meeting.” Everyone laughed. Why? It never occurs to anyone to do this. Why should we condone it? No, we should not do this.

But there are other elements. For example, drug propaganda. Do we want our young people to use drugs? Why should we condone the promotion of drug use? This is a degradation of society, a degradation of young people, and a degradation of the nation.

Do we want to degenerate? Someone wants to promote drugs – so let them. But we should not do this, and in no way should we encourage it, and we should not turn a blind eye either. Only, we need a different way of dealing with these trends.

Another example: it has become trendy to promote suicide among young people. So what do you say, let's go now and hang ourselves, or what? Then you go first, not me. You do not want to, right? This cannot be allowed in the youth environment. That is what I said – you take the lead.

This is different from catching, restricting or telling someone to ”do as I do.“ No, this is not aviation. Here you have to act differently. Are there any different methods? Of course there are. We need to carefully and calmly build our case, convince people of the greater appeal of other values. But you cannot ban it outright, I agree with you.







Dmitry Peskov:

Are there, in addition to the Ukrainian media, media representatives from other countries as well? Our Japanese colleagues from Kyodo Tsushin in the middle of this centre section, please, take the floor. Please, pass the microphone there.



Hirofumi Sugizaki:

Good afternoon, Mr President.



Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon.



Hirofumi Sugizaki:

Hirofumi Sugizaki,Kyodo Tsushin, Japan.

It is natural that my question is, unfortunately, about the peace treaty that, as I understand, our countries are seeking to sign. After your meeting with Mr Shinzo Abe in Singapore, where you agreed to push the negotiating process forward on the basis of the Soviet-Japanese Declaration of 1956, our public’s only concern is about how many islands we are going to get: nil, two, three or four – we do not know. On the other hand, as I understand, the Russians are also puzzled, as they mainly ask questions like, “Why should we return them?” Some people even approach us with a threat: “We will not yield an inch of our land.” And so on. The question is about the delimitation that we must carry out. But if our new treaty – a peace treaty – is confined to the delimitation of borders, this will not be enough and will not be interesting to our nations, and people will not understand this. What new idea do you think should be embedded in a treaty to bring our relations to a new level?

There is another question that I cannot fail to ask in connection with the above. Russia – and you yourself – has brought up security issues recently, I mean the deployment of the US missile defence system in Japan and the possibility of deploying American troops and military infrastructure on the islands should they be transferred to Japan. We are holding negotiations at an expert level, but in military matters Japan almost fully depends on the US. Do you think these issues can be resolved on a bilateral basis, or will you have to deal directly with the US? Thank you very much.



Vladimir Putin:

Let us talk about the final part of your question so that we do not forget what you said. The issues of security are crucially important, including when signing a peace treaty. You spoke about the deployment of the US military infrastructure in Japan, but it is already there, the largest US base is in Okinawa, it has been there for decades, as we know.

Now, about Japan’s ability to take part in this decision-making. To us, this is an unclear, closed issue. We do not understand the level of Japan’s sovereignty in making such decisions. You know better than all other colleagues, and I know too that the Okinawa Governor is opposed to some decisions related to improving and expanding the base. He is against it, but he cannot do anything about it. People who live there are also against it.

There is a lot of evidence of that; there have been opinion polls and protests demanding the withdrawal of this base. And, in any case, they are opposed to strengthening the US Air Force part of the base that is there. There are plans to improve and expand it, and it is happening despite the fact that everybody is against it.

We do not know what will happen after the peace treaty is concluded, but without an answer to this question it will be very difficult to make any crucial decisions. And, of course, we are concerned about the plans to place ABM systems there. I told the United States this many times and I will repeat again that we do not consider this to be defensive weapons; this is part of the US strategic nuclear potential placed outside. And these systems, they are synchronised with the missile strike systems.

So there are no illusions and we understand everything. But nevertheless we are sincerely striving and will strive to sign a peace treaty with Japan. It is because I am confident, and Prime Minister Abe shares my confidence, that the current state of affairs is not normal. Both Japan and Russia are interested in a complete settlement of our relations, and it is not only because we need something from Japan in terms of the economy. Our economy is more or less developing.

Just this morning, Economic Development Minister Maxim Oreshkin reported on his trip to Japan. There is some progress, including an agreement on deliveries, on opening the Japanese market to Russian meat and poultry products. There are other improvements as well. Therefore, we are moving forward, and will continue to move forward, as it will be necessary. But the normalisation is important to us, both for Russia and Japan. It is a difficult process, but we are ready to move forward together with our colleagues.







Dmitry Peskov:

Thank you. As you may know, British media regulator Ofcom has just found RT guilty of violating broadcasting regulations and is looking into the possibility of introducing sanctions against it. I saw an RT correspondent somewhere here. Let us give him the floor, as he is the main source of such information.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, please.



Ilya Petrenko:

Thank you, Mr Peskov.

Good afternoon. My name isIlya Petrenko from the Russia Today television channel.

But I have a different question. First, I would like to inquire about a recent decision to simplify procedures for the people of Ukraine to obtain Russian citizenship. Our channel often dealt with this issue, as well as with bureaucracy. It goes without saying that this is an important step, but I would like to ask you to explain the logic of this from a purely political standpoint. If this is so essential, and if this is needed to help people in eastern Ukraine, why didn’t we do it earlier? Are you not afraid that bureaucracy will persist, and that papers will, from now on, be placed to the left, rather than the right?

I would also like to come back to the question from my Izvestia colleague. There is the Skripal scandal and the Western response to it. Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi Arabian journalist, was murdered, and this incident caused an entirely different response. Kirill Vyshinsky and Maria Butina, as well as Huawei Chief Financial Officer were arrested. And Donald Trump is saying openly that sheis a bargaining chip in a trade war. My colleague wanted to know if we would ever see this happening in Russia, when foreign citizens would be arrested under far-fetched pretexts and exchanged for someone else. Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

Let us start with the last part of your question. I do not want to comment on US-Chinese relations, who arrested whom and for what actions, etc. This is a very sensitive area, and we will not act according to the laws of the Code of Hammurabi here. The law of retaliation states, “An eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth.” We need to act very cautiously here, and we need to be real. We will respond if certain people violate Russian legislation, regardless of their national and state affiliation. But we will not arrest innocent people simply to exchange them for someone else later on.

As for the fate of Russian nationals, we do care about them, including the fact that Butina is being forced to admit something over there. I cannot understand what she could possibly have admitted, since she was not following any instructions from the Russian Government or its agencies. I am saying this because I mean it, no matter what she says under the threat of being sentenced to 12 or 15 years in prison. It is understandable that together with her lawyer she is fighting to get out of prison. I do not quite understand why they put her there in the first place. There were simply no grounds for it. But now this is a question of saving face for them and finding a way out. I am primarily referring to the US justice system. We will see how it plays out. We do care, and we will keep an eye on this case and provide our support accordingly.

As for the Skripals and Khashoggi, no comment is required. Khashoggi was obviously murdered, and everyone acknowledged it. Skripal is alive, thank Heaven. Nevertheless, Russia was slapped with a salvo of sanctions in this connection, with no end in sight, which contrasts with complete silence in the second case. This is a politically-driven, Rusophobic approach. It serves as a pretext for attacking Russia once more. Without the Skripal case, they would have come up with something else. This is quite obvious to me. Their only goal is to contain Russia and prevent it from emerging as a potential competitor. I do not see any other end to it.

Regarding red tape on citizenship matters. You said “red tape.” How so? Red tape is perennial. You cannot defeat it. At the same time, you cannot live without it either, and this has to be said as well. It is true that there must be rules for this bureaucracy and governance mechanisms, etc.

Regarding naturalisation, this does not have to do only with what is taking place in southeastern Ukraine. Our initiatives do not target exclusively people living in these territories. The Government is currently working on amendments to the relevant law on citizenship and naturalisation. What for? These efforts are designed to show that we do not seek and will not support policies of division or the ones designed to alienate the peoples of Russia and Ukraine. What are the current [Ukrainian] authorities doing? What is their mission? What are they trying to achieve on the back of Russophobia they are promoting? They are practically admitting that they are pursuing a historic task of separating the peoples of Russia and Ukraine. This is what they are up to. And for that, they can get away with anything.

Your colleague from the Ukrainian media talked about the challenges faced by people living in Donbass and the Lugansk Region, and their poor living standards. But is it any better in Ukraine? The situation is quite similar compared to Donbass, and it is getting worse all the time. Anything can be forgiven within the country, and even more so outside it against the backdrop of war, hostilities and tensions. And they are getting paid for this. They are about to receive another IMF tranche. We do understand what this is all about: just enough to pay out pensions and salaries to social sector employees, and the future generations will have to foot the bill. For this reason the overall situation is quite unfavourable. I believe this to be the case for the economy, society and domestic political processes. But our nations are very close and share the same history, so we will do everything to move in this direction.

The law on citizenship is currently being amended, and it will be adopted in early 2019.







Yury Abumov:

Yury Abumov, Khakassia newspaper.

Mr President, I would like to ask about the latest regional elections. It is no secret that in some regions, they were quite turbulent and tense, and sometimes even long, like in Primorye, where they have just ended, and Khakassia actually set a record of holding elections that went on for two whole months.

But the most important thing is that, as a result of the protest vote, opposition parties’ candidates won. In particular, a candidate from the Communist Party won in Khakassia, and candidates from LDPR won in Khabarovsk and in Vladimir Region. This raises some questions.

First, why do you think this happened? Second, why, contrary to the tradition you established, have you not met with the elected regional heads yet? And most importantly, how do you intend to build relations with the regions where the opposition parties won? Because there are concerns that the federal Government may cut their funding and support – there are such fears.



Vladimir Putin:

Do not worry about it. It is strange that this question even occurred.

About the meetings. The elections in Vladivostok were held just last Sunday, and that is why there were no meetings. They will be, and they are scheduled for next week, I believe. We will have the State Council meeting, and, I have already instructed the Executive Office to schedule a separate meeting with the newly elected heads of the regions you have just mentioned. We had to wait for the voting results in Vladivostok. This is the first point.

Second. This is not the first time that representatives of opposition parties win elections, is it? For several years now, an LDPR representative has been heading Smolensk; in Omsk, there is someone from United Russia, I think, and in other regions, there are representatives of the Communist Party. So what? They are working; everything is fine.

I am not a member of any party. True, I created the United Russia, but the President is not a member of any party. And the main thing for me is that people in the cities and regions of the Russian Federation feel that life is changing for the better.

In fact, if they cast their vote for a specific person who does not represent the United Russia party, that is their choice. I will help in every way any elected leader of the region.

The only question is that the newly elected heads of regions themselves should rise to the challenge, should be able to fulfil the electoral promises they made to the people.







Yelena Glushakova:

My name is Yelena Glushakova, and I am from RIA Novosti.



Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon.



Yelena Glushakova:

I have also brought a picture, Masha and the Bear, that relates to the topic of my question. As my colleagues have said, Russia has been living under a huge amount of the most varied sanctions for the past few years. It can be hard to keep track at times, and, in some cases, they are vowing to introduce sanctions against cartoon characters.

But this is beside the point. My question is more serious. They are planning to introduce even more serious sanctions; for example, US lawmakers are preparing for this. And is Russia prepared for a new round of sanctions escalation? Does the Government have any plan for minimising their impact on the Russian economy? And what do you think the impact is, all the more so given the widely differing views expressed on it?



Vladimir Putin:

Well, we have discussed sanctions many times. If you want to discuss this issue once again, that is okay with me.

Throughout virtually its entire history, Russia has faced various restrictions and sanctions. Really its entire history.

If you look at the history of the 19th and 20th centuries, you will see that the situation is always the same. You can read diplomatic correspondence dating to the 19th century and the early 20th century. Everything is the same. They urged Russian diplomats to quickly establish order in the Caucasus and to do many other things. Nothing changes.

How can this be explained? I have already discussed this, and I hope that an overwhelming majority of today’s audience also realises that it is related to Russia’s growing might and its greater competitiveness. A mighty and powerful player is emerging, one that has to be reckoned with, even if others would rather not.

Quite recently, they believed that a country like that no longer existed, but it turns out it does and it must be reckoned with. Our country has a population of 160 million. This is not just some wishful thinking on the part of its leaders, it represents the interests of the people that we are defending. By the way, we are carefully defending these interests with calm and restraint, nothing boorish. But we are going about our business, and we will continue to move in this direction.

Speaking of present-day sanctions, they have just mentioned the Skripals and Khashoggi incidents. So, is there any logic here? No, there is none. This is just a pretext for taking additional action to contain Russia.

Our economy, as it has been said many times, has adapted to these external restrictions. Look, in the beginning of this meeting I mentioned that after the 2008?2009 global crisis, our GDP dropped by 7.8 percent. There were no sanctions at the time. After the sanctions were imposed in 2014, the drop was 2.5 percent.

You asked how we assess this situation? We always assess it in our favour. But let us look at how our opponents see it – those who impose the sanctions. For example, the US Treasury Department believes that this 2.5-percent drop in 2015 was one-third due to the sanctions and two-thirds due to the collapsed prices on energy sources, mainly, oil. In fact, I think that one-third is too much. But all, right, they did affect our GDP.

The sanctions also affect those who introduced them. According to the European Parliament, the European economy lost around 500 billion euros due to the sanctions against Russia because they lost our market, they under-export and they under-import certain goods from us. The number of jobs has dropped.

It is significant for them because many EU countries suffer from a very high unemployment rate. In Spain, if I am not mistaken, it is still around 15 percent. We have 4.8 percent and they have 15 percent, you know. And the development of global trade, which lost over 400 billion, is also a result of such an unpredictable policy, including sanctions. This policy is harmful to everybody.

I will repeat once again, our economy has adapted to this. Yes, there are some adverse effects but look, there are also positive sides to these sanctions. What are they? The sanctions made us switch on our brains in many areas and Western experts also acknowledge this. The share of Russian transport machine building was 98 percent in 2017. Automobile production accounted for 85 percent. Several other industries, also key areas, accounted for around 80 percent.

This year, we spent 600 billion rubles on import substitution, including 125 to 128 billion from the federal budget. I will not even mention agriculture. We had to compensate for the imports in the market. Yes, unfortunately, this resulted in a short-term price increase in the domestic food market but right now, the prices have stabilised to a large extent in this sector of the economy and agriculture has made a breakthrough that we could not have ever imagined.

Since 2000, the amount of exports has increased 16-fold, which is just unbelievable except it is actually happening. There are negative and positive sides but in any case, we would like the world economy to develop without any shocks, unlawful measures or external restrictions, to develop naturally, for its own benefit.







Dmitry Peskov:

Now, to our respected regional media. Chelyabinsk, please.



Vladimir Putin:

Wait a second. I see a poster saying ‘KGB and children.’ Today is December 20, the day of the Cheka. What do you mean, there are children in the KGB? What is it? Please, hand them a microphone.



Remark:

As my good friend said once, “We all are the children of the KGB, but life has taught us different things.”



Vladimir Putin:

If you are the children of the KGB, why does life teach you? The KGB should do that.



Question:

Mr President, society strongly demands social justice. According to Levada Centre, 66 percent of respondents feel nostalgic about the Soviet Union. And here is my question: do you think that a restoration of socialism is possible in Russia?



Vladimir Putin:

I think this is impossible.

I believe that the deep changes that have taken place in our society make restoring socialism in the sense you mean impossible.

There can be social elements in the economy and the social sector, but expenses will always exceed profits, and as a result, the economy would be at a dead end.

But the just distribution of resources, the fair treatment of people who live below the poverty line, and a state policy aimed to lower the number of people who have to live like that, to provide the majority of people with healthcare services and education in acceptable conditions, if this is the socialism we are talking about, we are holding to the very same policy. Our national programmes that we talked about in the beginning of this meeting, are mostly aimed at all this.







Dmitry Peskov:

If it is not about the KGB then please go ahead. You are from Chelyabinsk, aren’t you?



Yana Skonechnaya:

Thank you.

My name is Yana Skonechnaya, I represent the Southern Urals State Television and Radio Company, the city of Chelyabinsk.

I have a question that concerns not only Chelyabinsk, but all of Russia. I am talking about waste management, waste sorting, in particular. Not a single city in our country has either the industry for separate trash collection, or a culture of waste sorting. I have a colleague who does separate trash collection, but her entire apartment is filled with trash bags, because she needs to collect a certain amount of it, then load it into her car, take it to the other end of the city and only then dispose of it. Of course, some regions have already begun building the appropriate infrastructure, but this is all a drop in the ocean. You raised this issue on many occasions. So why is it so hard to make it happen? Why can we not use international experience and have our waste properly recycled?

Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

You know, the answer is fairly simple. The situation is complicated, but the answer is simple – we have never dealt with it. For decades, since Soviet times, we have been dumping garbage in pits, to put it colorfully. No one has ever engaged in its processing, unless minimally in certain areas, while we produce, I believe, 70 million tonnes of trash annually, and there is no place to dispose of it. The amount of waste tends to increase with the development of industry, including the development of the consumer goods industry. As chemistry progresses, the amount of plastic trash increases. In the Pacific, there are entire islands of it the size of France and several metres thick. Plastic tends to accumulate in these spots and there is nothing you can do about it. However, this is the Pacific, while we dump it all in landfills.

We need to address several key and top priorities. First, we need to eliminate illegal landfills. Second, we should create a waste treatment industry. What your colleague is doing is great, and is highly commendable, but this is a problem for environmentally conscious people. The state, first of all the regions, and then the municipalities, should create conditions for separate trash collection and subsequent recycling. I understand the people who oppose the construction of waste disposal plants. You have just mentioned international best practices. It is necessary to use them in our country. We often manage to do so. Here, we need to do the same. Some environmentalists and even some citizens object to building even waste incineration plants in the regions. These plants need to be of high quality and efficient, so as not to have to scrimp on the filters for them. They are the most expensive part of the processing and incineration plants. Everything has be done according to the corresponding technology and methodology.

In Tokyo (as our colleague will confirm, I think), waste incineration plants are located in central parts of the city. There is no smell, no problems whatsoever, because the process is adhered to. We need to do the same. We must build 200 waste treatment plants before 2024. I am not sure this will be enough, but we must have at least 200 such plants in our country.










[A piece of text was lost here.



Dmitry Peskov:

Mr Putin, may I give the floor to our colleagues from China? I see the Xinhua News Agency.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, please.



Question:

Good afternoon, Mr. Putin. I am a Xinhua correspondent.

My question is about China. In China, a solemn meeting was held on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up policy. On it, President Xi Jinping called for the completion of all measures related to reform and openness. How do you estimate the changes in China over the years?

And one more question. Russia and China approached the bilateral trade turnover of $ 100 billion, while Russian exports to China grew by 44 percent and were $ 10 billion more than imports from China. Are you satisfied with the development of Russian-Chinese relations this year? Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

Indeed, this is a landmark. I don’t know if we can reach 100 billion or not, but we’ve gotten closer to this. This is indeed a significant indicator in principle. It will be necessary to calculate the total volume of trade at the beginning of next year, but it will be somewhere around 100 billion, and this is an achievement in itself. And of course, we are very pleased with this result. But this is a derivative result from the state of Russian-Chinese relations, from the growth of the level of trust between countries.

We work in a bilateral format, and very reliably, we have solved all the problems that have come to us since the days of the Soviet Union, and we continue to move on. We work not only in the economic sphere, but also in the field of security, we cooperate very actively in the international arena, and Russian-Chinese interaction in the international arena is undoubtedly a factor improving the international situation, a factor of stability and predictability of the development of the situation in the world.

We appreciate the changes that have occurred in China. I believe that for a country like the People's Republic of China, which has a billion and three hundred million people, stability and predictability are very important, including in domestic policy, including the personnel component. Chairman Xi Jinping made a decision, and comrades from the Chinese Communist Party supported him in this direction, and I think that China did the right thing, stability guarantees the ongoing development of the People's Republic of China.]










Alexander Ilyin:

Alexander Ilyin, Yakutia newspaper.

Mr President, my question is this. The Crimean Bridge has become a symbol of Crimea’s return to its homeland. The bridge over the Lena River can become a symbol of the development of Russia’s Asian part. I would like to ask you, should we expect this bridge to be built? If so, when? Because the Yakut people really need it. Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

I see. A symbol is always good; it is always a landmark of some stage of work that has been completed and a springboard for further progress. In this sense, the Crimean Bridge is both. I agree with you: it is both a symbol of Crimea’s reunification with Russia, and an opportunity for the peninsula’s development. It opens opportunities for development. It is very important.

The same applies to the bridge across the Lena River. You said it has to spur development. This needs to be calculated carefully. The cost of this project – and we have been talking about it for a long time, for several years – is very high. It is an expensive project. We need to look if it will simply stop at the city and that is it, or if there is a possibility of developing the region as a whole, the area on the other side of the Lena River: the local economy, infrastructure, access to mineral deposits. Here is what we need to decide. We need to match the costs against the end result for the economy of the region as a whole. If our colleagues at the Transport Ministry and the Economic Development Ministry agree, then of course we will implement this project.

Let us go on. Nature, Motherland, people.







Remark:

(From the audience.) We will soon run out of gas.



Vladimir Putin:

We will talk about gas in a moment. We will not run out of gas. We have more gas than the rest of the world. We have 67 trillion cubic metres in Yamal alone.

Go ahead, please.







Sergei Lisovsky:

Mr President,

Thank you for the opportunity to ask you a question. Sergei Lisovsky, editor-in-chief of Society and the Environment newspaper. I have been publishing it in St Petersburg for 19 years now. Next year it will turn 20 – the oldest environmental newspaper in Russia, steadily published. Small but steady.



Vladimir Putin:

We will celebrate.



Sergei Lisovsky:

That is what I wanted to say, before asking a serious question, I would like to invite you to St Petersburg to attend a roundtable discussion on Russia's development strategy, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Society and the Environment.

My question is as follows. We are working on the protection of the Neva River, the protection of forests, water resources, the protection of the Don River… And thank you so much for issuing instructions at the Russian Popular Front’s media forum on April 23 to report to you on the construction of the Bagayevsky hydroelectric dam, this dangerous facility the local residents are opposing.

Mr Kiriyenko at the RPF congress told me that your instructions remain in force. But local officials are reluctant to comply with them. Therefore, I would like to ask you to pay attention to the Don River – this is as great a Russian river as the Volga and the Neva. This is my first point.

And second, Mr President.

On December 15, you chaired a meeting of the Council for Culture [and Art] at the Constantine Palace. All the questions asked there were very good and correct, including about drug addiction. But Andrei Mikhalkov-Konchalovsky asked one of the key questions, and I would like to follow up on this issue after thinking it over.

He said that Russia now lacks an ambitious national development idea. The Russian Empire had the following triad: Orthodox Christianity, autocracy and nationality. The Soviet Union had the moral code of the builder of communism. Today, it is unclear what kind of society we are building, but it looks more like the amoral code of the builder of capitalism.

I came up with a triad of my own, and I would like to ask you to get our federal television channels, including Channel One, NTV and Rossiya, to hold a nationwide discussion of what kind of country and society we are building, after all. So, I suggest the following triad: nature, motherland and the people. Its three component – nature, motherland and the people – cannot exist without one another. And that is why we now watch shows about who left whom and who cheated on whom. That is, there is a kind of media lawlessness. And if we raise the issue of all television shows …



Dmitry Peskov:

What is your question, please?



Sergey Lisovsky:

Yes, is it possible to create a television show on strategically important issues related to Russia’s long-term development?



Vladimir Putin:

It is always very interesting to speak with Andrei Mikhalkov-Konchalovsky. He is very insightful. He has his own opinions, which he is not afraid to express, whether you agree or not. He is not a conformist, and he speaks his mind. He is an insightful person.

I have repeatedly discussed whether we have an idea for building the state, the country – the foundation on which to build. I believe that patriotism in the best sense of the word, rather than the basest, simply has to be the foundation for strengthening our state in the broadest and noblest sense of this word.

As for our many channels on television and online that probably are not worth the air time they take up, you know, Daniil Granin (I believe that I mentioned this some time ago) discussed the matter at our last meeting.

We had a long private conversation, and I never saw him again, he passed away some time later. He said: “Look, you have to do something about this.” I asked: “What are you talking about?” “We are all tired of it,” he replied. “What do you mean?” I asked. “All the television channels are telling us about people who stole money, how much, how they did it. I am really sick and tired of it. Are there really no happy and positive events in life here?” I said: “Well, that is their programming choice.”

As I see it, things are actually gradually changing for the better, to some extent, the information is becoming more balanced perhaps, although I don’t go online or watch television very often just because I don’t have enough time.

I try to keep an eye on the media environment, and I get the impression that there has been some improvement. But there would certainly be no harm in discussing what you have suggested. I will need to speak with my colleagues.

They can hear you now, and I hope that they will respond.

The Chicago Tribune’s correspondent over there, you have the floor, please.







Rachel Marsden:

President Putin, Rachel Marsden with the Tribune Publishing out of Chicago, United States.

Yesterday, President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the American troops from Syria. He also announced that, in his opinion, the United States defeated ISIS in Syria, he made that very clear.

What is your position with respect to his statements, both on the withdrawal of the American troops from Syria and also with his statement regarding the defeat of ISIS by the United States?

And, secondly, do you have concern that the American troops will remain in some form? There has been much discussion, for example, around the presence, potentially, of contractors in other jurisdictions where the United States is either out of militarily or might want to be out of militarily but in a more discreet way.

Thank you very much.



Vladimir Putin:

As concerns the defeat of ISIS, overall I agree with the President of the United States. I already said that we achieved significant progress in the fight against terrorism in that territory and delivered major strikes on ISIS in Syria.

There is a risk of these and similar groups migrating to neighbouring regions and Afghanistan, to other countries, to their home countries, and they are partly returning.

It is a great danger for all of us, including Russia, the United States, Europe, Asian countries, including Central Asia. We know that, we understand the risk fully. Donald is right about that, and I agree with him.

As concerns the withdrawal of American troops, I do not know what that is. The United States have been present in, say, Afghanistan, for how long? Seventeen years, and every year they talk about withdrawing the troops. But they are still there. This is my second point.

Third. So far, we have not seen any evidence of their withdrawal but I suppose it is possible, the more so because we are progressing towards a political settlement. The current issue on the agenda is building a constitutional committee.

By the way, when we met in Istanbul – I mean Russia, Turkey, France and Germany – we agreed to make every possible effort to create this constitutional committee and Russia, for its part, has done everything in its power for this to happen.

As strange as it may seem, we fully agreed on the list of members with President al-Assad, who designated 50 people and was involved in selecting 50 more from civil society. Despite the fact that he is not happy with everything, he agreed with this.

Turkey, which represents the interests of the opposition, also agreed. Iran agreed. We submitted the list to the UN and, as Minister Lavrov reported to me just yesterday, unexpectedly, prompted by our partners – Germany, France and the United States – UN representatives (Mr de Mistura) decided to wait and see.

I do not understand what is going on there but at any rate, I want to believe that this work is in its final stage. Maybe not by the end of this year but in the beginning of the next the list will be agreed and this will open the next stage of the settlement, which will be political settlement.

Is the presence of American troops required there? I do not think it is. However, let us not forget that their presence, the presence of your troops, is illegitimate as it was not approved by a UN Security Council resolution. The military contingent can only be there under a resolution of the UN Security Council or at the invitation of the legitimate Syrian Government. Russian troops were invited by the Syrian Government. The United States did not get either of these so if they decide to withdraw their troops, it is the right decision.

There is another very important component in this process. Despite all the disagreements, our specialists, our military personnel, security services and foreign ministries have established a rather constructive dialogue to address acute issues in combating terrorism in Syria. Overall, we are satisfied with our cooperation.







Remark:

(From the audience) You will not forget about Gazprom, will you?



Vladimir Putin:

How can I forget about Gazprom? Just a second.







Olga Ivanova:

Good afternoon. My name is Olga, I represent the Selskaya Zhisn (Rural Life) newspaper. It marked its 100th anniversary last March. You congratulated our editorial board, and we are very thankful for that.

Here is my question. Judging by the current statistics, the growth rate of the agricultural sector has slowed down despite the absence of competition because of the sanctions and the terrific environment. How can you explain that? And does that bother you?

And another one: there are no national projects for agriculture, why is that?



Vladimir Putin:

As for national projects and agriculture, agriculture has long been a national project in Russia. It receives state support worth hundreds of billions of rubles, and it will keep receiving it, both large and small farms, all segments of the sector.

As for the low growth rate. Yes, it is true. Are we worried? No. And the environment is far from being terrific, our agricultural producers work in difficult conditions.

First, there is still competition. Thank God, competition is developing inside the country, and this is very important for the development of this sector of the economy. There is also foreign competition. Not all countries imposed sanctions, which means we did not take counter-measures against them. We introduced such measures against the EU countries, the US and other countries that imposed sanctions against Russia at the instruction of the US. But the majority of countries in the world did not, and there are many of them. They supply us with their products and therefore there is competition.

Speaking of what is going on in agriculture, these are statistics and they relate to grain production. As you know, last year we had a record-breaking grain harvest of 135.5 million tonnes. This is the main factor influencing the statistics. This year, due to unfavourable weather conditions – and in 27 regions a state of emergency was declared – the harvest was smaller: 110.5 million tonnes. Therefore, as compared to last year, there is a decline. However, these 110 million tonnes rank third in terms of production volume in the past 25 years. It is a very good result. Combined with the reserves from last year, potential exports grew to 52.5 million tonnes. We will fulfil all obligations and contracts. So we are not worried at all.

In the agricultural sector, there are areas where we need to act and maintain our efforts. What are these areas? We need to improve our competitiveness, and expand the infrastructure, in order to boost exports, among other things. Incidentally, last year exports totalled 20 billion, and this year they will reach 25 billion. There was a time when these figures were hard to imagine. Russia exports 16 billion worth of arms, while agricultural exports are at 25 billion. We will continue to support agricultural and export infrastructure development; about 400 billion rubles will go toward these ends over the next few years. This includes developing ports, roads and so forth, and supporting exports with financial instruments. This is how we can enhance our competitiveness. Of course, professional training, selection breeding, etc. are also important. You know this better than I do.

Second, we need to promote high value-added production, including meat and meat processing.

For course, we also need to address matters related to the social development of rural areas. This programme will remain in place.







Artyom Artemenko:

Good afternoon, Artyom Artemenko, Crimea 24 television network.



Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon.



Artyom Artemenko:

Mr President, you recently said that the restrictions Russia is facing from some countries have a direct bearing on the people living in Crimea who voted for reunification with Russia in 2014. Can you explain what you meant? How do we deal with this? Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

I did say this, even though I can hardly recall where I was at the time, but I can explain it. This is an interesting situation. What we hear from the outside is that Russia annexed Crimea. But what does annexation mean? It means a forcible takeover. If this had been an annexation and a takeover by force, the people in Crimea would have had nothing to do with it and would not be to blame. But if they came out and voted, this was not an annexation. So what is going on? After all, sanctions were imposed against them, against you. What are these sanctions? Restriction on mobility, restrictions on border crossings, visas, financial transactions, insurance companies, marine infrastructure use and the use of other facilities. These measures affect almost everyone living there. They were the ones targeted by these sanctions, and this is not just about singling out specific individuals like the government leaders in the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, but about targeting everyone. If they had had nothing to do with it, if it had been annexation, why were the people sanctioned? But if you were sanctioned for taking part in a specific vote, then they would have to admit that it actually took place. This is what this is about, and this is what I meant.







Alexander Yunashev:

Good afternoon. Alexander Yunashev, Life online publication.

Mr President, there is a state programme for supporting positive content in cinema and television, which is, in fact, funded with our taxes. Are such support measures possible and necessary for the Russian segment of the internet?

And the state channels will not ask: when are you getting married? And to whom? (Laughter.)



Vladimir Putin:

These are two completely different questions.

Are you married?



Alexander Yunashev:

Yes, I am, and I have no regrets about it. I can recommend it.



Vladimir Putin:

He is married, and wants me to be in the same boat. (Laughter.) Well, all right. Let us assume that I answered your second question, although as a gentleman I will probably have to do so at some point. (Laughter.)

Now, with regard to supporting the Russian segment of the internet. Yes, it is the right thing to do, and we are already doing so. We have grants, I am not sure about the exact amounts, but they are measured in hundreds of millions of rubles. These grants are related to content, and we are allocating, I believe, 144 billion rubles to this end. Overall, we officially allocate about 400 million rubles for this type of activity, so we are doing this and will continue to do so.

Let us continue with the Eurasian Women's Community. It is an important follow-up to the question of marriage. Please go ahead.







Marina Volynkina:

Eurasian Women's Community, Marina Volynkina.

Mr President, first of all, I would like to thank you for attending the Second Eurasian Women's Forum. It was important for the women of the world.



Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.



Marina Volynkina:

There was a panel dedicated to the media at that forum. After we conducted this panel, 15 memorandums on peace were signed by the participants about responsible media which joined our campaign and which support the idea that information in the world should be positive.

In this regard, I have a question for you: how important is it for you, as President, that all the journalists present here not just tell the truth, but also do their job objectively and responsibly, so that they act as a serious soft power, and not just as a medium to resolve certain business problems.

Today, for us, women, it is very important, amid aggression and tensions – and we are really afraid of war – for the soft power to work. Is there soft power in Russia and what is the role of responsible journalism?



Vladimir Putin:

You know, the truth is not in power …



Marina Volynkina:

The power is in the truth.



Vladimir Putin:

The power is in the truth, that’s right. This formula includes what the media are all about. The power is in the truth, and this is the only way that the media can win the trust of millions of people.

Unfortunately, let us face it – our life is very much commercialised just as in the past in the Soviet era everything was politicised, which undermines media credibility with many people.

People are dividing everything they see or read by 100 or 1,000. Still, we must strive for this. Clearly, we must strive to be as objective as possible in matters that are vital for our country and the rest of the world.

This is important not just for me, but for all of us. I hope that this trend is still there, and I think it will continue.

Let us have the question about Afghanistan, as I promised.







Question:

On December 6, Russia refused to support a UN General Assembly resolution on Afghanistan because of its disagreement with the position of some Western countries.



Vladimir Putin:

Because of what?



Remark:

Because of its disagreement with the position of some Western countries.



Vladimir Putin:

What was that resolution about? Can you remind me, please?



Remark:

Western countries.

They said the situation in Afghanistan was good, while Russia believed that…



Vladimir Putin:

We believe that it is not good. What do you think about this?



Remark:

I would like to know what you think.



Vladimir Putin:

Do you want my opinion?



Question:

At the same time, the US is conducting separate talks with the Taliban. In light of this, what will be the future of the Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan, which were attended by delegates from 11 countries?



Vladimir Putin:

The Moscow format?



Remark:

Yes.



Vladimir Putin:

To be honest, I do not recall the details of that draft resolution. But I think you will agree with me, and I am sure that the majority of those who live in Afghanistan will agree with me.

I do not know what our Western partners wanted to achieve with that resolution. If they wanted to declare that everything is fine there, this has little to do with reality.

What part of the country does the Kabul government control officially? Not more than one third, to be perfectly frank; do you agree? When elections are held, it takes months to add up the results. Is this how it should be? So what is there to approve of?

Talks are underway with the Taliban. This is probably unavoidable. But we must understand the subject of these talks and their possible outcome. If there is a force that controls the bulk of Afghanistan’s territory, its opinion must be taken into account, but this should be done openly and publicly, so it is clear what we are talking about.

I believe that this is probably the essence of our Foreign Ministry’s position at the talks. We are not against a settlement. Overall, we believe that the problem can be settled exclusively through an agreement between all parties to the political process in Afghanistan.

Until then, we will need to reinforce our military base in Tajikistan. We believe that the people of Afghanistan will eventually reach an agreement, and that all political forces and ethnic groups will reach a consensus.

We will facilitate this process as much as we can, including by promoting economic cooperation with Afghanistan and by taking part in various international projects, such as the Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline [gas trunk line], TAPI.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59455
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Vladimir Putin’s annual news conference - PART II



December 20, 2018 - 15:50 - Moscow








Dmitry Peskov:

Mr President, let’s give the floor to Andrei Kolesnikov.



Vladimir Putin:

You have not been called on for four years in a row. How can this be? Go ahead. It is [Dmitry] Peskov’s fault. We will punish him.

(Addressing Andrei Kolesnikov.) Andrei, please, let the young lady speak first. She has not been called on for four years in a row.



Remark:

It is seven years for us.







Anna Vavilova-Dollezhal:

Thank you very much for sparing me having to wait another year.

After the law on foreign agents was passed, there was an enormous uproar over human rights being violated and so on.



Vladimir Putin:

One of my colleagues – I will not give his name – was asked during talks: “What is the situation with human rights in your country?” (Allusion to a Soviet-era joke.) He looked at his interlocutor and asked: “Who is the human being you are talking about?” I would like to ask you: who is the human being you are referring to?



Anna Vavilova-Dollezhal:

In our country this primarily applies to legal entities, while Maria Butina was arrested in the United States as a private individual. This law [on foreign agents] has been in effect in the US since 1938. I would like to ask you if it makes sense to borrow from the experience of our Western partners here.

I have another question that is very important to us. I represent Tsargrad TV channel and we want to know what you think about the situation developing around Orthodoxy globally, given recent sectarian activities by the Patriarchate of Constantinople and Kiev. Perhaps, everyone is now beginning to realise that the United States is the main player here. So it turns out that religion is heavily dominated by geopolitics. Is that the case?



Vladimir Putin:

Regarding the first part of your question, we have relied on international experience when we passed the law on foreign agents. This is not about bans. This law requires that any entity receiving funding from abroad to carry out its public political activities must be registered as a foreign agent. That is it. Incidentally, this type of activity is banned in the United States and here you have the result: under this law Butina was arrested and taken into custody and might be sentenced to 12 years in prison. We do nothing of the sort here. Our law only requires registration for entities receiving funding from abroad. There is nothing here to fear. Frankly speaking, I do not see any problems here, as far as law enforcement is concerned. However, we, of course, need to look into the matter.

When I meet with human rights activists, they point out certain drawbacks in this law, aspects actually related to charity rather than politics. And I think they are right. We need to pay close attention to what is happening in life and make adjustments where necessary. This must not interfere with our normal life and must not hinder the activity of honest and decent people who want to solve problems, including with the support of like-minded people abroad. There is nothing wrong with this. But political activity must, of course, be prohibited. Well, not prohibited but at least subject to law.

Second, the Orthodox church. The situation with the Orthodox church defies comprehension. This is direct interference of the state in religious life. This has not happened since the Soviet Union. But, unfortunately, it is happening in Ukraine now. They created this breakaway church of the Istanbul curacy. They did not like the Moscow curacy so let it be the Istanbul curacy.

Note that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchy was completely independent. Perhaps few people know this but it was actually a completely independent church. They did everything independently, including the election of bishops. The only connection was spiritual as they mentioned the name of Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia during sermons. That was all. Now look at how dependent they are becoming on Turkey, on the Turkish Patriarchy. Many appointments and, most importantly, a lot of money. I think this is Bartholomew’s main impelling motive, to bring this territory into subjection and make money on it. I believe this is the main underlying motive – except for a tip from Washington, of course. The fact that the State Secretary called Kiev about this matter and discussed it is an outrage. Absolutely unacceptable. However, it is happening.

Of course, this is another indication of the fact that the measure is also related to the election campaign and is meant to further widen the gap between Russian and Ukrainian people. The rationale behind it is, without doubt, political, and it is not good news for religious freedom in general. This is a clear and flagrant violation of the freedom of religion. I am mostly concerned about the likelihood that property redistribution will follow. This is already happening. This redistribution could turn into a heavy dispute, if not bloodshed, God forbid. I am sorry for the people who are defending their interests. They are usually helpless and unarmed. They are usually seniors and women. But there is, of course, the risk of property redistribution.







Dmitry Peskov:

You promised a word to Kolesnikov, Mr President. We have been on for two hours now.



Andrei Kolesnikov:

Good afternoon. Andrei Kolesnikov, Kommersant newspaper.

Mr President, the French protests against the fuel hike have, as everyone knows, morphed into a general protest against everything. President Macron has had to impose emergency social and economic measures. What is your take on the events in France? Are there any plans to raise fuel prices in Russia? There has been much talk about it recently. How likely do you believe it is that Russians would take to the streets, and what should the Government prioritise in that case? Its responsibility to protect the rights of the protesters or the need to uphold the rule of law?

Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

One does not exclude the other. Let’s begin with the final part of your question. We certainly must ensure our citizens’ freedom of expression, their right to voice their opinions including by holding public events. But such events, including public gatherings, must always remain legal. Activities that violate the law are unacceptable, and warrant the government’s response.

Let’s now turn to the events in France and to how they are seen from our shores. I believe that of course they have to do with the rise in fuel prices. But the hike was a trigger that sparked the unrest involving a large part of French society, and generally native French people. Recent data suggest that a significant proportion of the French, over 7 percent, support this. However, I do not believe it would be right to judge the French authorities’ response to this.

What is the difference between what we see in Russia and the situation in France with regard to fuel prices and the rest? The French Government was deliberate in its decision to increase the price of petrochemicals and fuel, which means that the Government did it. It was a policy move. This initiative was intended to redistribute resources, in this case, the resources of the population, and to use them to address other matters related to the energy policy. The funds that the Government expected to raise from gasoline, diesel fuel and motor oil sales were to go towards developing alternative energy sources such as solar energy, wind power, and so on. This was a deliberate move. The people did not like it, because they did not want to be the ones to pay for these changes.

What is happening in Russia? Gasoline prices have been growing since mid-2018 as the price of oil went up on the global markets. However, the Russian Government was prompt to take action in order to contain and even lower prices, and an agreement to this effect was reached with the main oil companies and refineries. That is the difference: over there the price hike was a conscious move, they were the ones who did it, while the Russian Government is fighting to ensure that prices do not go up.

Of course, no one likes it when prices go up, but the fact that the Government is acting this way is obvious. Whether it is for the better or for worse is another question, but this is what is going on. An agreement has been reached, and it covers a period until March 2019. Yes, an adjustment is possible when VAT goes up in early January, but I do not expect it to be substantial. This should be an adjustment in the order of 1–1.5 percent, not more, after which the Government will carefully monitor developments on the Russian and international markets.

I can share more details on this subject later on, but generally speaking this worked, even if we had to micromanage the situation, and I hope that it will also work in the future, so that the Government will be able to prevent any sharp surges in fuel prices next year.







Remark: (From the audience)



Vladimir Putin:

What did you say? I cannot hear you.



Dmitry Peskov:

This is about the potential for protest in Russia.



Vladimir Putin:

I have already answered this question. I said that people have the right to express their point of view and to defend it, including in public, at rallies, but only within the limits of the law.







Alexandra Tinyayeva:

Alexandra Tinyayeva, Ryazansky Krai TV company.

Mr President, digital television is fast approaching, and our region will be one of the first to get it. Analog television will be turned off as soon as February 11.

In this regard, the question is how do you assess the level of preparedness of all the regions for the transition to digital television? Will small towns and villages not be left out?

How to ensure the interests of those for whom buying even the cheapest console or any kind of equipment, for that matter, is a major expense? Of course, digital television of excellent quality and 20 free channels are a good thing. But what about regional media?

I think many colleagues will support me, because for us it means we should pack up and grab the want ads, as we will not be able to survive in analog television, and they will not let us into the multiplex.



Vladimir Putin:

I am fully with you. My colleagues are aware of it. I am not pretending, or making up anything. When I discussed this matter with them, and when they insisted on moving ahead with digital, I agreed with them, just as I agree with you now – it improves the quality and the quantity of free channels.

Trust me, just like you, almost word for word, I asked them this question: “Is it possible that someone in a small village will be left without television?” That is the question. They say no. So, we agreed that we would proceed very carefully, in small steps.

Currently, Tver is undergoing such an experiment, then you. So far, there have been no complaints in Tver. The governor reported to me that he had gone to almost every village and is on top of things. They will help everyone in need of support in order to help them switch to digital, including the small devices needed to receive television of such quality. Then, another couple of regions, on and on …

Truth be told, there was a proposal to move fast and be done in six months. I said, “No, we cannot do that. We must act very carefully and monitor things on the ground and, of course, ensure the interests of the people who cannot afford these consoles, even though they are not expensive.” We will see how it goes in individual regions and then take small steps along this path.







Sergei Brilyov:

Good afternoon, Mr President.

For understandable reasons, when international politics are discussed at this news conference, it is commonly about conflict, with the possible exception of China.

Today, on December 20, I wanted to mention a project I am working on with my British colleagues. This unprecedented project is on the history of cooperation between Soviet and British secret services during the Great Patriotic War, and the story of 36 Soviet agents that were sent to Nazi-occupied Europe. If you allow me, I will send the materials to you through Mr Peskov.

In this connection, I cannot help but ask you about the current status of Russian-British relations. Let us start with the small things. After the G20 summit, Dmitry Peskov told us that he did not know whether you had met with Theresa May, but you did meet with her. What do you think of these relations? And another interesting question: How, in your opinion, will Brexit impact Russia? What if it does affect us?



Vladimir Putin:

Regarding these meetings, there are many meetings at events like the G20; you cannot even list them all because everyone is busy, and we meet, as they say, on the sidelines.

What does “on the sidelines” mean? We get up, we are walking near each other, you greet someone and say something to them. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and I greeted each other in about the same way and said a few words to each other. In my opinion, Russian-British relations are at an impasse, and it is in the interests of both states to move beyond this impasse.

How will Brexit impact us? The impact will be minimal, but it will affect the entire European economy and the global economy, as well. Therefore, it will affect us indirectly.

Are we interested in restoring full relations with the United Kingdom or not? Yes, we are interested; besides, in my opinion, the United Kingdom, primarily its business community, is also interested in this.

We know the British work in our country – fairly actively, I can tell you. Flagships of the British economy like British Petroleum, one of the key shareholders in our leading oil and gas company, Rosneft, – they are working here, and continue to do so, actively operating in our market, and they want to continue, and not just them.

Now, in connection with Brexit – if this eventually goes through to the end, and, by the way, I understand the position of the Prime Minister, she is fighting for Brexit (let them decide this for themselves, this is none of our business, or else they might accuse us of wrongdoing again), but the referendum did take place. So what can she do?

She must implement the will of the people as expressed in the referendum, or that is no referendum at all. Some didn’t like it – and the whole thing goes around and around. Is this democracy? I wonder how the critics of this process will assess the situation if and when some spit on this Brexit deal and carry out all these events again until they satisfy someone.

So what is the point of holding a referendum and what is the meaning of direct democracy? Well, anyway, this is their concern, never mind. But, they are interested in our market, interested in direct partnerships. We did not discuss this with the prime minister, but we discussed it with our colleagues and friends; we have many in Britain, especially among the businesspeople.

You know, if you look at direct foreign investment, where has most of the direct foreign investment come from this year? From Britain – $22 billion. Germany is second, followed by Singapore. That says something, right?

True, this may be partly due to the repatriation of our capital, because they have somewhat scared it off over there, but all the same, there is huge interest in our agriculture (our export potential is enormous and keeps growing), industrial production and the energy sector. There are so many areas. And I hope that common sense will prevail.

What about the skis over there? I find it interesting; it’s winter now.







Svetlana Shaganova:

Svetlana Shaganova, State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, Karachayevo-Circassia. I have one simple problem for you: Putin plus skiing equals our region – Karachayevo-Circassia. You are certainly faithful to judo and sambo, but we would be happy if you visited our region, our new Arkhyz resort and enjoy the skiing there. Will you find such an opportunity in your busy schedule?



Vladimir Putin:

I would very much like to do this. Either way, I congratulate you on the development of tourism. The republic is developing, these are competitive advantages for the republic – developing resorts like this. I’m sure this will develop further. If I can, I will come with pleasure. Thank you very much.







Remark:

Regarding Gazprom, Mr President.



Vladimir Putin:

Ah yes, Gazprom. Yes, one more question now, please, and then about Gazprom.



Goar Botoyan:

Thank you.

AZG Daily, Armenia, Goar Botoyan. Thank you for letting me ask you a question for the fourth time already.



Vladimir Putin:

I am listening.



Goar Botoyan:

My question is, how will Russia restore its policy towards Armenia after the elections?



Vladimir Putin:

What do you mean, restore? We have nothing that collapsed to the point of needing to be restored. Russia and Armenia have smooth relations, this country is our strategic partner in the region and the world in general; it is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation and the Eurasian Economic Union. What is there to restore? We only need to build on the foundation that has been created by the previous generations of leaders. The Armenian people are the closest ally of the Russian people in Transcaucasia; that is the way it has been historically, the way it is today and the way it, hopefully, always will be. We need to proceed from the realities of the current situation in the world and the region, proceed from the needs and our capabilities. We will discuss this soon with Mr Pashinyan, who is to pay us a visit next week.



Goar Botoyan:

Thank you very much.







Vladimir Putin:

What about Gazprom, what’s up? Why are you scaring us?



Viktor Smirnov:

Viktor Smirnov, 47news.ru, Leningrad Region. I will explain why Gazprom has no more gas.



Vladimir Putin:

Do, please.



Viktor Smirnov:

A bit of an introduction first. As you know, the Nord Stream pipeline passes through Leningrad Region; Nord Stream 2 is underway as well. You are now launching the TurkStream project, it all sounds good. But many Leningrad Region residents, who see these pipelines pass through their territory, have not had any gas for many years. Just recently, on December 7, Gazprom went ahead and said that it had no gas for the new consumers residing on the territory of the entire Karelian Isthmus.



Vladimir Putin:

The Karelian Isthmus, you say?



Viktor Smirnov:

The Karelian Isthmus, yes, two Leningrad Region districts and a section of St Petersburg’s territory. They believe the reconstruction of some compressor station for supplying people with gas is unnecessary (either they do not have money to spare or have already allocated it someplace else).

Similarly (this is just for the record, though), a couple of years ago, a pipe was stolen there – simply stolen. It cost a total of 1.8 billion rubles. No criminal proceedings have been initiated since.



Vladimir Putin:

I do not understand. Did someone dig it out and drag it away, or what?



Viktor Smirnov:

No, it was not installed, but the paperwork was all in place. So it kind of exists, but kind of does not.



Vladimir Putin:

You mean, the money was allocated, but no pipe was laid?



Viktor Smirnov:

Right. No criminal proceedings were initiated either.



Vladimir Putin:

Where did this take place?



Viktor Smirnov:

Priozersky District. You have been there before, you have seen it.



Vladimir Putin:

I have indeed.



Viktor Smirnov:

On top of this, the deadlines for connecting the Leningrad Region users to gas grids are often missed, but in the gas monopoly they use the beautiful words “postponement and synchronisation,” annual. That is, the deadlines are missed, and missed, and missed again, but this is synchronisation.

And the fourth point I would like to mention. With all the problems in the gas monopoly and the problems of the residents who also suffer from these problems (some have had no access to gas since 2009), despite all this, the children of the board members, the specific individuals we wrote about, have no qualms about taking top management positions in subsidiaries. And they have no qualms about posting photos of luxury cars on the internet, and flying in business jets to watch football in Italy. How is that for national wealth, Mr President? Aren’t they going too far?



Vladimir Putin:

Well, it always helps to keep track of expenses, on superjet flights, to look what they actually did there, and what kind of football they watched. After all, Gazprom, among other things, sponsors foreign football clubs, like FC Schalke 04 in Germany. But why does it sponsor them? Because it does a lot of work there, in Germany, and in Italy too. These contacts need to be maintained. As long as it is within in the bounds of common sense, all is well, and we must always watch this very carefully. So you are right to pay attention to this. I will also look what they fly on and where.

As for domestic gas supply, it is growing. True, our sales on the foreign market are growing also. This year, exports will top 200 billion cubic metres – this is a very good result, a historic high. This is what Russia needs, not Gazprom, it is what our national economy and the federal budget need, because the bulk of Gazprom’s revenues, which then flow into the budget, come from exports, as it should be.

As for internal issues and decisions on connection, I repeat once again, things are moving forward. It is not only about Gazprom, Gazprom lays the pipelines to populated areas, and then there is further distribution, and the so-called last mile, so this problem should be resolved with the help of the region.



Viktor Smirnov:

Well, the region has built it.



Vladimir Putin:

Built it?



Viktor Smirnov:

Yes.



Vladimir Putin:

Well, I will check it out. I do not know, I will check and see.

Of course, Gazprom is driven by considerations of economic feasibility, but in addition to economic feasibility, there are social issues, of course, including the provision of gas to households in a given area.

I will see how it is built. You know, in any case, very often there is a discrepancy between the statements of local authorities and the reality. I will definitely pay attention to this. Priozersky District is what I heard. Priozersky, right?



Viktor Smirnov:

Part of Priozersky, part of Vyborg, and part of St Petersburg.



Vladimir Putin:

Ok.



Viktor Smirnov:

Gazprom says that their station is not ready.



Vladimir Putin:

I assure you, I will definitely look into this and respond.

Everything is not smooth sailing with us, but things are more or less stable. Here is Novaya Gazeta, I am sure they will come up with something. Please go ahead.







Ilya Azar:

Good afternoon.



Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon.



Ilya Azar:

My colleagues and friends Alexander Rastorguyev, Orkhan Dzhemal and Kirill Radchenko died in the Central African Republic this year.



Vladimir Putin:

This is a major tragedy, I agree.



Ilya Azar:

What do you know about the circumstances of their death and, in particular, the possible involvement of private military company Wagner in this?

Secondly, do you think it is right that a businessman whom everyone calls your chef, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is believed to be involved in managing PMC Wagner?

In general, what do you think about private military companies? One gets the impression that you are somewhat embarrassed by or deny their existence. Perhaps, we should be proud of them, because they operate in Syria, Donbass, Central Africa and other countries.

And another short question. As you are aware, human rights activist Lev Ponomaryov, a 77-year-old man, was arrested and jailed for 15 days for a post on Facebook. What do you as a human being think about this? Is that a normal thing to do?



Vladimir Putin:

Let us start with Wagner and chefs.

All my chefs are employed by the Federal Guard Service. They are servicemen holding different ranks. I have no other chefs.

This matter should be made clear once and for all so that we do not have to return to it in the future. If someone wants to label someone, they are free to do so, and there is nothing wrong with that. This is part of politicking in our country. There is even such a thing as “safe food.” For your information, we do not outsource this job, and the Federal Guard Service employees do all the work.

Now, on to Wagner and what these people are doing. Everything must remain within the law, everything. We can ban private security firms altogether, but once we do so, I think you will be flooded with petitions demanding to protect this section of the labour market. Almost a million people are employed there. If this Wagner group breaks any laws, the General Prosecutor’s Office will go ahead and give it a legal assessment.

Now, about their presence in foreign countries. To reiterate, if they comply with Russian laws, they have every right to work and promote their business interests anywhere in the world.

Finally, the tragedy that you mentioned. It was certainly a tragedy. These people died and left behind families and friends. In general, unfortunately, a lot of tragedies are connected with journalists. I think we should never forget them, including the journalists who died in southeastern Ukraine under fire, or were killed in gun attacks, practically assassinated. Please do not forget about them, either.

As far as I know, your colleagues travelled to Africa as tourists, not even as journalists, without notifying local authorities. According to the data available to date, some local groups are behind this attack.

As far as I understand, an investigation is underway. Unfortunately, there is no reliable information yet, but we strongly hope that it will be eventually obtained. We are on top of this situation through our diplomatic channels. I hope that at least at some point we will find out what happened there. My heart goes out to you, to all members of the editorial board and the families of the people who died there.







Sergei Milvit:

Vladivostok!



Vladimir Putin:

Okay, let us hear from Vladivostok. It is louder than the others…



Sergei Milvit:

Good afternoon, Mr President. Thank you very much for giving me the floor.

I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of all residents of Vladivostok for your decision to make it the capital of the Far Eastern Federal District. Thank you very much.

At the last news conference I asked you questions about ecology, a waste incineration plant, Snegovaya Pad and forest clearance. Thank you very much for the closure of the waste incineration plant. I hope it will not be reopened.

The only problem is that there are some companies that would like to handle separated garbage but for some reason the regional operator does not allow it because it is leased and a land plot cannot be subleased and so on.

Recently we had elections and as you know of course, the pension reform was the main reason for protests. This is why the elections were drawn out, this was the main reason.

I would like to continue talking about environmental protection and the sports complex that has not been finished and house equity holders that have been cheated – their residential houses have not been finished. Dalkhimprom-Karyernaya is where our marines are deployed. There is also school #55 that was closed and now children have to go to faraway schools.

And one more thing. The lands of the forest fund are government property like the strategic Primvodokanal facility. What is happening currently? To this day forests have not undergone cadastral registration. They are being cut down and cottages are being built – nothing has changed.

Lakes and water reservoirs at Primvodokanal that should be government property are now privately owned. I would like to ask you to clear up this question.



Remark:

Question!



Sergei Milvit:

Ok. Excuse me please. We will move on to the next issue. If you could comment briefly on the pension reform.

It seems to me that you were likely deceived about the pension reform. I will explain why. It appears that the pension deficit for 2018 amounts to 257 billion, right?

And when there was some popular unrest, they decided to give them another 500 billion so as to provide some benefits. Don’t you think that it is worth paying attention to this and maybe it is better to cancel the pension reform?

We are spending a lot of money. We have a deficit but are still spending so much. I think generally I have said everything I wanted about the pension reform.

Wait a minute. I would like to say happy New Year to Mr President and wish him strength, every success and all the best.

And, sorry guys, I would like to make one last point. Mr Peskov said that there was some information and I would like to share it.

Instead of all the requests that journalists want me to make, I will speak about the most important issue.

Mr President, please help. Vladislav Shestakov has been sick for three years. He is from the Irkutsk Region, the city of Cheremkhovo. He simply needs to be transferred to Moscow.

People have raised money. Please help us resolve this problem. And please answer the questions that I asked.

Please take measures to return the forest fund to the state and lakes to Primvodokanal.



Vladimir Putin:

Let us begin with the most sensitive issue.

I apologise to Novaya Gazeta – you asked me about Lev Ponomaryov. We discussed this issue at a meeting with human rights activists at a Council meeting. It is not because I want to dodge the question, I just skipped over it inadvertently.

With regard to Ponomaryov, the court ruled based on calls for an unauthorised rally. I do not want to question court decisions or the fairness of this particular ruling.

Now, regarding the sensitive issue of the pension reform. In the early and mid-2000s, and you are aware of my position, I said that I was strongly against raising the retirement age, and it was impossible to do so back then.

I still believe this was the correct position, because life expectancy was at a low of 65, and the number of workers (the workers/non-workers ratio) was different and more or less acceptable.

Now, things have changed dramatically. The point is not about the current shortages. The fact is that trends are such that the number of workers is declining, while the number of non-working pensioners is on the rise.

You are right, we can leave this issue unaddressed, and I said so in my remarks. We can forget about it for the next five to seven years; however, then the country will have to do it no matter what, but it will have to be done abruptly, without a transition period, or any easing of terms, including for women.

We will then have to act quickly, that is the problem. If I did not see these trends, I would have never allowed this to happen, but these are objective trends that cannot be ignored.

You know, I was well aware of how people would react. No matter what arguments one can come up with, when a particular person’s interests are at stake, no one is delighted with the prospect. I was well aware that criticism would be coming both from the right and the left.

We know what was done by the left. In their time, they dismantled the Soviet Union with their economic policy, and later, in the 1990s, almost destroyed Russia. We would not be living in the Russian Federation now. Instead, we would be left with Moscovia, or something like it. We managed to keep the situation in check. Moreover, the country is getting stronger and better.

This is an unpleasant and, clearly, not a fun thing to do, but it has to be done nonetheless. To reiterate, if I was not convinced that it would have to be done some time down the road, I would have never allowed it to happen.

Now, regarding the specific questions that you asked, including forest reserves, the school and the sports complex. This, as you understand, requires separate consideration, as these are separate issues.

I promise that I will definitely look into them. I hope that Oleg Kozhemyako will do so as well. I am sure he can hear me now. I want him to submit the corresponding information to me and report accordingly.

Regarding the transfer of the administrative centre to Vladivostok, [Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District] Trutnev raised this issue a very long time ago. Vladivostok is doing very well and is really the centre of the region and, to a certain extent, a centre of gravity, I mean with regard to neighbouring countries, so I think this is a well-grounded decision.



Sergei Milvit:

More about the child…



Vladimir Putin:

Where is the boy now?



Sergei Milvit:

The town of Cheremkhovo, Irkutsk Region.



Vladimir Putin:

What is wrong with him?



Sergei Milvit:

He is ill.



Vladimir Putin:

All right, we will definitely help him.







Dmitry Peskov:

Our colleagues will take your contact information.



Vladimir Putin:

Please go ahead.



Anastasia Melnikova:

Good afternoon, my name is Anastasia Melnikova, Znak.com.

Mr President, torture at some prisons, pre-trial detention facilities and special penitentiaries has been reported with frightening regularity lately.

I am now talking about the Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk, Orenburg and Saratov regions, Khakassia and the Trans-Baikal Territory. Then last summer, thanks to our colleagues at Novaya Gazeta, we learned about atrocious torture at the Yaroslavl prison.

At the same time we hear the story of serial killer Vyacheslav Tsepovyaz, who, while being held at a high-security prison, was allowed the pleasure of eating crab, caviar and the like.

Don’t you think the Federal Penitentiary Service desperately needs reforming – and this needs to be done right now? Since I am clearly not the first to alert you to this problem, can you tell us what is being done and who will be given this responsibility?

When will prisons in Russia stop being a place for recreation for some people and a place where other people are subject to medieval torture? Because this is really too much, I mean the things that are now happening at federal penitentiaries. This is really too much even for our country.



Vladimir Putin:

The situation at the prisons must constantly be overseen by the prosecutor’s offices, first of all. Clearly, the incidents that are being reported are absolutely unacceptable.

Any violation of the law, to say nothing of torture, is a crime. Those who violate the law, who commit these crimes must be held responsible. Incidentally, this is what happens when these kinds of stories come to light, in part, thanks to the media.

But it would also be incorrect to say that we need to destroy the whole system. We should improve the system and bring public oversight to a new level – I completely agree with this.

In connection with this, I would like to remind you that we have established commissions that must work on this and which will receive support from the Government and the President. I expect them to play a positive role in resolving the problems that the system definitely has.







Rustam Falyakhov:

Gazeta.Ru, I am Rustam Falyakhov, good afternoon.

Mr President, when you opened the press conference, you summed up macroeconomic results and it seems we are living increasingly better. Paris residents might just be very jealous if we believe the statistics.



Vladimir Putin:

Native residents of Paris are moving to the suburbs for a number of reasons. This is why a hike in petrol prices caused such discontent, many native Parisians moved to the suburbs and higher petrol prices are very hard on their budgets. But this is a different issue.

Let us speak about housing construction.

Go ahead, please.



Rustam Falyahov:

I have a question about the accuracy of statistics, the accuracy of the information used to measure the standard of living in Russia. If we believe the Government reports, incomes are growing, you also gave the number of half a percent.

Incomes are rising whereas prices are falling. When Russians see price tags on goods and services, they understand that government officials are just playing loose with the numbers. I am speaking about the statistics from the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Finance Ministry and others.

Experts are also bewildered as their numbers and their data do not conform to official statistical data, and apparently, desperate experts are already proposing to introduce a somewhat exotic happiness index, which would take into account the voice of the Russians.

My question is very simple – is it time to fine-tune official statistics? Otherwise, the May Executive Order will be fulfilled easily whereas the happiness index will stand at zero.



Vladimir Putin:

I understand and partly share your concern, but only partly in the sense that it should be explained to people where the numbers come from and what they mean, and how they should be taken.

Because when pure numbers are presented and it is said that life has become better and happier whereas people see, as you say, real prices in the shops going up, it causes bewilderment and mistrust of the statistics. They are not perfect, by the way. If we can, if we do not get tired of talking for such a long tome, we can revisit the issue.

The statistics are not ideal but the point is not so much their quality, which needs perfecting, the point is also that people should be told that those are average figures.

We are talking about living standards. We are talking about salaries. I said that in the first ten months there was a 7.4 percent increase, and that by the end of the year it will be 6.9 percent. But people will see this and say, “I have had no such increase.”

This is an average. It concerns certain sectors and certain regions. Somewhere there is an increase in a certain sector, for example, for oil workers or steel workers. And in some cases, there is no increase. These are average figures. That’s the point.

Among the most important indicators are the disposable income of the population and retail sales numbers. This more or less conforms with the real state of affairs. And what is this like?

In 2015, we had an over-2-percent drop in the real disposable income of the population, in 2016 – minus 5.8, and in 2017 – 1.2, but also on the minus side. This is the disposable income of the population.

Incidentally, analysts certainly understand what I am talking about. But for the majority of people it’s unclear. Let me explain what it means and how these figures are calculated, it will take 30 seconds.

It is fairly easy to calculate people's expenses: how and where they spend money and how much. In other words, if people spent money, they had it. Added to this are bank deposits and cash savings. This is, on the whole, a calculable sum, because it is more or less clear how much money people keep in banks. The Central Bank, which regulates the money supply, is aware of the total amount: how much is kept in banks, how much is in the hands of consumers. Cash savings in foreign currencies are harder to calculate. But this is basically clear. Then the taxes paid by an individual (personal income tax, or property tax if there is any property) are deducted, and then the figures are adjusted for inflation.

These are the disposable incomes of the population. Again, they had been falling in our country in these years. And only now, by the end of this year, we may have a 0.1-percent increase, but only if we do not take into account the lump-sum payments of 5,000 rubles to pensioners at the end of 2017.

So, the trend is generally positive, and it is backed up by other data. What data? Sales volumes – sales are picking up. Despite some problems in the auto industry itself, car sales have grown 27 percent.

As I said, the production of clothing and footwear has increased, food production is up 13 percent compared with the previous increase of 9 percent.

The volume of international air transportation has surged 46 percent, while domestic air travel has grown by more than 20 percent. These are all signs of growing consumer purchasing power. It is gradual and cautious, but it has been recovering.

It seems to me that if we explain this to people in normal human language and show it as a whole, it will become clearer where we are and where we are going. But this system undoubtedly needs to be improved, I completely agree with you.

It is difficult for me to decide… The one with the Russian flag – by all means.







Yelena Yeskina:

Thank you very much Mr President, first of all from the cameramen because it appears that my flag was in their way. But do not worry, the flag was the longest but my question will be brief. My name is Yelena.



Vladimir Putin:

The Russian flag cannot be in anybody’s way.



Yelena Yeskina:

You see, camera operators. So, my name is Yelena Yeskina, and I am a journalist of the Dagestan State Television And Radio Broadcasting Company.

We live in a multi-ethnic country and this is wonderful, is it not?



Vladimir Putin:

It is very good.



Yelena Yeskina:

Here is my brief question. I will just add a little. I am indeed lucky because I live in a multi-ethnic country…



Vladimir Putin:

Please say a few words about yourself. Go ahead please.



Yelena Yeskina:

…in the multi-ethnic republic of Dagestan and plus in a multi-ethnic family. I am Russian and my husband is Avar, so our children do not really look Slavic.



Vladimir Putin:

You yourself look like an Avar.



Yelena Yeskina:

Really?



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, a bit.



Yelena Yeskina:

Must be all the years of living in Dagestan.



Vladimir Putin:

Indeed. (Laughter)



Yelena Yeskina:

After I had children, I started paying attention to what they show on Russian television. Very often, if not always, they show in ads beautiful children – so fair, with light hair, light eyes, big blue eyes.

And I started wondering where the other types, for instance Mongoloids, were. After all, Russia is multi-ethnic; we have about 200 ethnic groups. Let us take a regiment, the main regiment of the country– the Kremlin regiment and the guys there look Slavic. There is an unspoken requirement that Slavic guys should form this regiment. Do you not think so?



Vladimir Putin:

No, I do not.



Yelena Yeskina:

You do not. Then it just seemed so to me. Okay, Then I will just ask you…



Vladimir Putin:

It just seems like that to you.



Yelena Yeskina:

Probably it does, I apologise.

I have a request for you. This has nothing to do with seeming, and it is a big request. Please look into the investigation of the Gasanguseinov brothers’ case.

Two teenagers were shot in Shamil District in 2016. It turned out later that they were not militants and were not involved in illegal armed units.

Now the case has been reclassified and is being investigated under Article 105 Murder where the father is considered the injured party. This case has been transferred to Moscow but has not been brought to a close.

I would like to ask you to personally oversee the investigation of the case of the murder of the Gasanguseinov brothers and please rehabilitate them officially as soon as possible. I just feel so sorry for their parents.



Vladimir Putin:

I must give corresponding instructions to Mr Bastrykin [Chairman of the Investigative Committee]. Consider it done. He will take control and report to me on what is happening there.

To be honest, this is the first I have heard of it, but I promise you that I will give it the attention it deserves and Alexander Bastrykin will receive corresponding instructions.

Turkey… Please pass the microphone.







Fuad Safarov:

Fuad Safarov, journalist and analyst on Turkey, RiA Vesti (Russia and Azerbaijan Vesti) news website.

Mr President,

Recently, Turkey marked the anniversary [of the death] of the founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. I would like to know what you think of Ataturk as a person and his historic role in global policy. Looking back at Ataturk, how will you assess today’s progress in relations between Russia and Turkey?



Vladimir Putin:

Ataturk is certainly an outstanding figure in Turkish history. He made an extraordinary contribution to the efforts to preserve and restore Turkey as a state, he did quite a lot to achieve this.

He was a great friend of Russia, we know this, and he cooperated with Russia, worked with it and we appreciate his input very much.

Ataturk created modern Turkey, having laid the foundation for the state. This is what I think of him.

As for the status of our relations today, I think we should be satisfied with the progress in the development of ties between Russia and Turkey in the economy and on security issues. Although our interests have not always coincided on some matters, we have managed to make compromise decisions on how to resolve the Syria crisis.

We respect the national interests of the Turkish Republic and the Turkish people in this area, and we see that our Turkish partners are willing to compromise and so together we make these compromise decisions to secure the development of a favourable situation in Syria and for the sake of fighting terrorism and strengthening our relations.

As for the economy, you can see yourself that our ties are growing stronger. Despite Turkey being a NATO member country, it delivers on its commitments, as far as we can see. At the same time, being a NATO member it is pursuing an independent foreign policy.

We appreciate this, as it creates conditions for maintaining predictable and healthy relations. Of course, in this sense, the role of the incumbent Turkish President is great. Hopefully, this trend will continue under the leadership of Mr Erdogan.







Dmitry Peskov:

The CIS TV and radio company MIR, if you please.



Vladimir Putin:

The next one will be for equity holders, okay?



Elina Dashkuyeva:

Hello, Mr President. Elina Dashkuyeva, MIR.

You said at the Russia Calling! forum that the dollar is leaving Russia. First of all, what advantages and disadvantages can we expect from this? What currency will the Eurasian Economic Union countries now use to pay each other – will they adopt an interstate currency or use new digital technologies such as blockchain?



Vladimir Putin:

A very important and interesting question. About dollarisation and weaning the economy off the dollar, including the Russian economy.

In general, according to the IMF, payments in dollars have slightly decreased around the world. The year before last, they were a little over 63 percent I think, and now slightly over 62. But for Russia, this figure is higher, 69 percent.

This is due to the fact that our main export products, primarily oil, are listed on world exchanges in dollars, and this is a large amount.

Our foreign exchange reserves in dollars are declining; only recently, we were holders of American securities quoted in dollars in the amount of $104 billion, now down to $14.4 billion. Payments in yen and pounds have slightly grown in world trade.

As for weaning Russia off the dollar, it will exclusively concern settlements between economic entities, but will in no way affect citizens.

When we were discussing today's news conference yesterday, Mr Peskov told me that they are removing exchange rate ads in some cities, including Moscow, and people are wondering about the reason behind this, whether this may be connected with some restrictions on using dollars.

There is nothing of the kind, and it will not happen, I would like to reassure everyone. Advertising exchange rates on currency exchange offices is only connected with one thing: the fight against illegal money exchange businesses. This is about streamlining the sphere of finance, money circulation, and cracking down on grey businesses operating in this area, nothing more.

Regarding the ruble. Yes, use of the ruble as a reserve currency in transactions is growing, maybe not a lot, but it is growing, primarily in transactions between the EAEU countries and in the post-Soviet space.

For example, use of the ruble has grown significantly in transactions between Russia and Belarus, reaching, if I’m correct, over 60 percent, almost 70 percent in clearing transactions while the numbers in cash settlements are smaller. But the role of the ruble will certainly increase in this segment, that’s obvious.

It’s more reliable and does not involve extra costs, especially the costs associated with dollar transactions. Because you and I know perfectly well: wherever clearing operations are made, they all go through US banks.

And if there are restrictions, it makes you want to sidestep these restrictions which is a natural reaction. This is happening around the world, by the way, in view of instability with these transactions.

However, several issues must be resolved for the ruble to be used at least as a regional currency. First, cutting volatility. The exchange rate must be stable, and we have generally managed to maintain it recently.

This is related to the activities of the Central Bank and the Government of the Russian Federation. As you have seen, it is stable; it has somewhat lost its dependency on fuel and oil price fluctuations partly due to the introduction of a floating exchange rate for the ruble.

This is the first goal. But we have to ensure further stability and keep inflation low. This is an extremely important condition.

Then comes the next step – we have to develop the financial infrastructure for transactions in the ruble. It is clear what this means. We need to improve the settlement mechanisms between economic parties and financial institutions. We will be working on this.







Dmitry Peskov:

Mr Putin, perhaps you will take a question from foreign media. I can see The Wall Street Journal here.



Ann Maria Simmons:

Good afternoon, Mr President. Thank you very much for the opportunity to ask you a question.

In the West, many politicians, experts and even ordinary people see Russia as a great threat. They even think that you, as the President of Russia, want to rule the world.



Vladimir Putin:

Well, of course.



Ann Maria Simmons:

I want to know if you really want this. Also, please, what is the real goal of your foreign policy? Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

With regard to ruling the world, we know where the headquarters that is trying to do so is located, and it is not in Moscow. However, this is related to the leading role of the United States in the global economy and defence spending: the United States is spending over $700 billion on defence, while we spend only $46 billion.

Just think of it, we have 146 million people in Russia, whereas the NATO countries’ population is 600 million, and you think our goal is to rule the world? This is a cliché imposed on public opinion in Western countries in order to resolve intra-bloc and domestic political issues.

When I say intra-bloc, I mean that in order for NATO to rally countries around itself, it needs an external threat. It does not work otherwise. You have to have someone to rally against. As a major nuclear power, Russia fits the bill perfectly.

With regard to domestic political issues, unfortunately, Russophobia continues to flourish in many countries, especially in Eastern Europe. For what purpose? In order to use old historical fears to ensure their own domestic political well-being.

This is also harmful, because, ultimately, it is about exploiting the phobias of the past, which prevent us from moving forward. It is harmful for the countries and peoples whose leaders are trying to pursue such a policy.

In fact, the main goal of our foreign policy is to provide favourable conditions for the Russian Federation, its economy and social sphere, to ensure unfettered movement forward and to strengthen our country from the inside, above all, so that it can take its rightful place in the international arena as an equal among equals.

We are in favour of consolidating the system of international law, ensuring unconditional compliance with the UN Charter, and using this platform to develop equal relations with all the participants of international affairs.







Dmitry Peskov:

Mr President, you promised to talk about housing equity holders. Who wanted to ask about this?



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, please. This is an important question.



Alla Andreyeva:

Good afternoon, Mr President! Alla Andreyeva, Ryazanskaya Oblastnaya Gazeta newspaper. Mr President, thank you very much for giving me the floor.



Vladimir Putin:

You are welcome.



Alla Andreyeva:

I am speaking on behalf of St Petersburg.



Vladimir Putin:

St Petersburg?



Alla Andreyeva:

Like you, I am from St Petersburg.



Vladimir Putin:

St Petersburg again. A Ryazan newspaper from St Petersburg. St Petersburg is everywhere.



Alla Andreyeva:

We both work in different places than where we were born.



Vladimir Putin:

Totally different.



Alla Andreyeva:

Mr President, I have a very big request for you: can you please pay more attention to housing equity holders that have been cheated: in St Petersburg, the Leningrad Region and all across Russia.

What is happening now? Unfinished buildings that do not comply with building equity contracts are being commissioned in St Petersburg just to report to Moscow that everything is fine. You see, during your Direct Line on June 15, 2017, Albin and Minenko, a federal inspector, stood in front of my house, which had not been finished; construction was ongoing, but they officially declared the building commissioned, thus committing a criminal offence. But, you see, activists like me are being bullied for taking this position. They are trying to open a criminal case against me, because I am trying to write the truth about the officials.

My husband was killed on October 6, 2015. The investigation has not made any progress. Over the first 18 months they have made my life a nightmare, as well as the lives of my family, because someone leaked information to mass media. My mother passed away when she heard about this from a television report. Can you see what is happening in St Petersburg? My car was burned before that. All of this is happening in our hometown, our St Petersburg. Please, I am begging you to look into this case, to look into housing equity holders not only in St Petersburg, but in the Leningrad Region and everywhere in Russia.

I do not know. Let us, together with you… We are just like you, we do not bite. Come to St Petersburg and meet our activists. We will tell you the truth. We will tell you everything as it is, without these fake reports and road maps, without these useless scraps of paper published by these officials on their websites all over the country. I communicate with equity holders practically from all regions. We have a large group of activists. I have a pressing request. This is not even a question but a cry for help: please help the cheated equity holders and on the investigation of my husband’s case.



Vladimir Putin:

Do you think your husband’s murder was related to your activities to protect the interests of equity holders?



Alla Andreyeva:

Yes, this is the only connection I can see.



Vladimir Putin:

Is that so? I promise you to pay attention to this by all means. Do not have any doubts about this. This is the first thing I will say.

The second is about the problem you raised, it is very urgent indeed. This gives me an opportunity to speak in greater detail about the problem and the construction industry. You know, this will never end if we do not sort out the mess and switch to civilised ways of housing construction. Indeed, the real estate industry is faced with the task of building 120 million square metres of housing but we must stop the practice of attracting people’s money and irresponsibly spending it.

This is what happens: yes, we keep the cost of housing relatively low but at the expense of what? Because some people acquire this housing at relatively low prices. In particular, this is also done at the expense of the people whose money is taken but who do not receive anything – either money or housing. This is the root of the problem and all evil. So we must certainly switch to civilised ways of funding this industry even if this leads to a certain reduction in the construction sector and some increase in prices. But without this we will never be able to put things in order there.

We must switch to bank financing, to normal and civilised loans or else this will never end. The people who found themselves in a difficult situation because they paid the money but received no housing must certainly be helped. We should not shut our eyes to the scale of this problem. It is clear and I agree with you that even the figures that are now shown, the figures on cheated equity holders and their personal problems do not click with reality. In fact, the problem is even more urgent than these documents show.

As for the situation you described in your question, I do not know these buildings of course, but we will see. I will also talk to the Acting Governor of this region, Mr Beglov. He is a very experienced man and can figure this out. I hope the situation will improve. In any case, be sure that this will be a subject of my conversation with him. The first thing that will happen is that he will meet with you.

Colleagues, listen to me. If we want to go on a little longer, we must not turn our press conference into an unauthorised rally. OK? Let us not. So I ask you to calm down.







Dmitry Peskov:

Mr President, let me authorise: Marina Kim, The Great Game.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, please.



Marina Kim:

Good afternoon, Channel One.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to ask questions. By the way, regarding the question of whether there are non-Slavic faces on Russian TV, well, there are and Channel One shows me live on a daily basis.

Our question is: The Great Game show is about Russia-US relations. We would like to know if a meeting with Mr Trump is possible after he cancelled it himself, for example, in the immediate future. Are you ready for one?

And to quote Kipling, the 19th century, who said the Great Game is finished when everyone is dead. And it was a standoff of the Anglo-Saxon world.



Vladimir Putin:

That’s great! “Would you like to meet?” “Will there be a meeting?” “Everyone will die.”



Marina Kim:

I will explain. There was a standoff between the Anglo-Saxon world and the Russian world in the 19th century. Have the rules changed now or is it the same game? Thank you very much.



Vladimir Putin:

Unfortunately, we see that many birthmarks of the past, as Karl Marx used to say, are still there, but I hope that some things will somehow be made right. Ultimately we will reach the bottom in our relations and will understand that we have to go up, to push off from that bottom, go up, take a lungful of fresh air and with a clear head start thinking how to proceed.

I do not know if we have a meeting or not, I said a number of times that we are ready. We believe there are issues that we have to discuss together. Work at the expert level on Syria, for example, is ongoing. We also have to speak about North Korea, and Afghanistan, a great many other situations in the world.

After all, we need to talk about bilateral relations; we are interested in this, as well as our American partners are, by the way. Of course, there is no super-global interest. Our mutual trade stands at a meagre 28 billion, or even lower now, less than 28, 25 to 27 billion maybe. This is nothing, zero. With China, we will reach 100 billion this year, and with the US, everything is in decline. Who is interested in this? No one, not even the President of the United States, who is promoting the idea of reviving the economy, as he says, in his quest to make America great again.

I certainly believe that working with Russia is important in itself, and this includes economic cooperation, at least bearing in mind that we play a key role in the global energy market; cooperation in the field of nonproliferation and global security also matters, among other things. We have a lot to talk about. But we see what is happening there. Now power will change in Congress. Almost certainly, 100 percent sure, there will be new attacks on the current President. Under these conditions, whether he will be able to achieve any kind of direct dialogue with Russia, I do not know; you will have to ask them.

What worries me though? You mentioned the Anglo-Saxon world, where some deep-rooted, tectonic changes are occurring. After all, please note, Trump won – this is an obvious fact no one seems to be arguing with, but they do not want to recognise his victory either. This actually shows disrespect for the voters – refusing to recognise his victory, doing everything to delegitimise the incumbent President.

The same applies to Britain: Brexit got the majority vote – but no one wants to implement it. What are they refusing to recognise? The referendum results. Democratic procedures are being dropped out of the equation, and destroyed; their value is being destroyed. That is what is happening there. This is a serious process. I have pointed out that Western analysts are already discussing this matter, both in the States, by the way, and in Britain. We must keep this in mind. But whatever happens, we still need to build bilateral relations. We are willing to. As soon as possible. As soon as the other side is ready, we will do this.

This one. [Sign] “How’s the health?” Did you mean your health, mine or someone else’s? Or did you mean the country’s healthcare?







Yekaterina Butkevich:

Good afternoon.



Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon.



Yekaterina Butkevich:

I’m Yekaterina from Ministry of Ideas TV channel. I was asking about your health.



Vladimir Putin:

What is the channel’s name?



Yekaterina Butkevich:

Ministry of Ideas. It is a private TV channel located in Yekaterinburg. The question is about your health. How are you feeling? How are you?



Vladimir Putin:

Don’t hold your breath! (Laughter in the audience.)



Yekaterina Butkevich:

I mean everyone is just asking their questions but no one is wondering how you are and whether you need help in some matters. (Laughter in the audience.)



Vladimir Putin:

What is your name?



Yekaterina Butkevich:

Yekaterina.



Vladimir Putin:

Yekaterina, we will discuss it later. (Laughter in the audience.)



Yekaterina Butkevich:

Mine is not a question but a proposal.



Vladimir Putin:

Go ahead.



Yekaterina Butkevich:

We all know that everything is based on ideas. Our life, our future and our country are also based on ideas. And our team proposes to establish a Ministry of Ideas of the Russian Federation.



Vladimir Putin:

Establishing the Ministry of Ideas is a good idea.



Yekaterina Butkevich:

I would like to hear your opinion on this matter. And we are ready to help establish this agency.



Vladimir Putin:

I believe that our Ministry of Economic Development should fulfill this function, because it should generate ideas to promote development. But I am ready to discuss your proposal. We just need to understand the substance, what it means. You and your colleagues please think about it, explain what the “ministry of ideas” is, what it should do, how it will function, on what principles, and what the substance of its work would be.

As for my health, it really does not differ from anyone else’s. I mean, thank God, I do sports, and I am fine. I try to take care of my health. But just like everyone else, I can catch flu or something in the offseason. So far, everything is okay. Thank you very much for your concern.



Yekaterina Butkevich:

Thank you.







Dmitry Peskov:

Mr President, you have not taken any sports-related questions so far. Will you take one from Sovietsky Sport?



Vladimir Putin:

Fine. There is something about a pike. What is up with the pike?



Nikolai Yaremenko:

Good afternoon, Nikolai Yaremenko, Sovietsky Sport.

There are many sporting events, but I have only one question. I will not mention the World Cup, which we hosted brilliantly (strangely, no one has mentioned it today), nor will I say anything about Mutko leaving football forever yesterday, or even the upcoming 95th anniversary of our newspaper and our hope to see you as a guest in our editorial offices.

I have a quick question about doping which is a longstanding issue. It appears that this has long since become a political matter. Similar to the sanctions, international sports organisations seem willing to take a bite at us whenever they get the chance.

On the other hand, this is a comfortable position for many of our sports officials as they can sit on their hands and blame everything on politics. Do you think we are now clean enough in this area to be able to say that everything is fine now?



Vladimir Putin:

First of all, to a large extent, we ourselves are to blame for this situation, because our athletes did use doping.

It is a different matter that we were accused of authorising the use of doping at the state level. This is not true, and it has never happened and will never happen, because we must keep in mind not only the results, which, of course are important, but also the health of our athletes.

However, since this has happened, we must, first, acknowledge it and, second, admit our fault, which means that we were unable to properly control doping. This is the responsibility of the organisations and government agencies that were supposed to do this.

With regard to whether we have stopped this or not, probably not, not 100 percent. Enormous efforts were made, and a good framework was created to do it properly and to make sure it was done with integrity.

But this is not just our scourge; doping is used around the world. Nevertheless, we must strive to reduce it completely.

The WADA commission is currently working in our country. They are holding talks with the Ministry of Sport, including on access to related materials. But you are right about the political aspect of it, which I hope will be overcome completely as well.







Dmitry Peskov:

Mr President, we have been working for quite a while, almost three and a half hours. And so I have a suggestion. There are three veteran journalists from the national level – Terekhov from Interfax, Gamov from Komsomolskaya Pravda and Kondratyev from NTV television channel. I suggest wraping up by taking three questions from them.

Go ahead, Mr Terekhov.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, but let several other colleagues ask their questions too.



Dmitry Peskov:

Since you are the most experienced you must express yourself in a few words.



Vyacheslav Terekhov:

Absolutely.

In the very beginning you spoke about health, medications, healthcare and the like. In many respects our health depends on medications. Could you please tell us to what extent we are independent of foreign supplies as regards medications? How do our medications compare with their foreign counterparts in efficacy and who is responsible for the fact that our analogues are even worse than planned?



Vladimir Putin:

You know, we must put things right here in many respects and counter the assertions you just made. You asked: Who is responsible for the inferior quality of our medications compared to their foreign counterparts? This is not true, they are in no way inferior, however we must combat certain things in several areas.

Doctors that prescribe these medications should cooperate less with producers and think more about their patients. Do you understand? Because when they cooperate with specific producers they say: “Ours are worse – take this imported one.”

But this does not mean that we should get rid of all imported medications. If a certain medication is required, it should be prescribed. This is a sensitive process but it is important to understand what the problem is in all respects.

Now I will say a few words about the scale. First, we have even started to export our medications. This year we will export 700 million worth of medications. This is not so much but still a considerable amount – 700 million.

If we look at price tags, 30 percent of medications are produced at home for the domestic market. They are 60 percent of the range.

As for our dependence or independence, everything is interrelated in this world. That said we produce, say, 80 percent of vital medications. Importantly, there are an increasing number of substances produced in Russia, not simply generics that are brought in from abroad. On the whole, this programme is working. I believe it was launched in 2015 and will be carried out until 2020.

As for the development of the pharmaceutical and medical industry, it is working. About 200 billion rubles are allocated for it and it is fairly effective on the whole. This is a very important area of our work and we will certainly continue it.







Alexander Gamov:

Komsomolskaya Pravda website, radio and newspaper.

Mr President, frankly speaking, I feel sorry for President Putin because we have nice numbers, truthful numbers, they are real, they do not raise doubts among experts, I think. Meanwhile, ordinary people do not quite trust them because life is hard in Russia. This is my first point.

The second. There is no peace, I do not mean the situation itself, but in people’s hearts, souls, minds, and thoughts. In other words, people worry a lot about both you and the country. So why does this happen? I believe that the middle tier official, the top tier, ministers, governors – they are all afraid of Putin. You have appointed everyone, lined them up, there are basically all normal people. Whereas those officials who want to talk about an excise tax on sausage, or the Kremlin banning births or whatever, they muddy the waters and make it harder for people to believe Putin, the state and so on. I think some sort of reform is needed. We must do something with this middle tier. Let us retrain them, and let us help you.

To conclude, literally just before the press conference I got a telephone message, a very short one, “Gamov, ask Vladimir Putin if it is time to look into the disastrous gap between the incomes of top managers and ordinary people? When will the President finally make a clear statement about it?” Because you have revisted that topic several times.

Thank you very much.



Vladimir Putin:

The point you are making is an eternal Russian argument: The Tsar is good while the courtiers are thieves and outlaws. You see, if something does not go well, it is everyone’s fault. This is my first point. And secondly, as I have already said, the point is not that the numbers are somehow wrong. The point is that they do not work well with the numbers. They do not explain the numbers to the people. Whereas you said that the numbers are good but they are not trusted. As if you failed to hear what I said in the beginning and in the middle, when I gave data related to a decline in the real disposable incomes of the population. What is good about that? I did not say it was good. Incomes fell in the country in 2015 while in 2016 they were down by 5.8 percent. What is good about that? And I did not say it was good, I said the trend is righting itself, thank God, and it is an objective factor. I do not think that people here do not believe it. These are truthful things, and I hope people do understand that.

Speaking about officials in general, you, of course, know that there are people who have no idea what they are saying. They are not where they should be and are not careful with their words. There are people like this. But this is what we all are, our environment. That kind of person was just someone yesterday and is an official now, so they can blab. They are not ready. This means they are simply not ready for the job.

And, of course, we must work with people, with all the officials. There are many good and active people among them, too. This is a fact, we should accept this. You see, it is impossible to close everything and then open the box to make it right. It is not a coincidence that Moses and the Jews wandered in the desert for 40 years. Well, we cannot lead 146 million people across the desert for so long.

This is a process of growing up for the civil service. We are working with it; see, we are organising various contests for young people. We have a human resources contest, Leaders of Russia. We teach them later at our academy. I believe 12 or 15 graduates have already become governors, two are federal ministers and five or six are deputy ministers. Little by little we will be expanding this. It is a long process.



Alexander Gamov:

You have not talked about the gap.



Vladimir Putin:

Speaking about the gap. First, unfortunately, it does exist.

Second, which is also unfortunate, as rule, this is a global trend. In any case, this is what is happening in large economies. Look what is happening in the US. Our US colleagues are present here, they must read US analyses. The gap between those who earn a lot and those who earn very little is expanding by their estimation. By the way, the campaign of President Trump, the current president, noted this very clearly. They used this in their campaign and turned out to be right.

Of course we must take this into consideration. At the very least we must decrease the number of poor people. This is true.

Is that all?







Dmitry Peskov:

Mr President, we have a veteran to wrap things up.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, another veteran.



Vladimir Kondratyev:

I will really be brief.

Mr President, speaking at an earlier press conference, you said something interesting, that you collect emotions. You collect emotions, and this is your wealth as the country’s leader. What kind of year was this in terms of emotions? Which event do you consider the biggest?



Vladimir Putin:

Two events.



Vladimir Kondratyev:

Two events?



Vladimir Putin:

Yes. Certainly, the presidential election, as this is important for the whole country. And the World Cup, which also turned out to be important for the whole country and the world.

Ussuriysk, please go ahead.







Yekaterina Kharina:

Good afternoon, I am Yekaterina Kharina, Telemix TV Channel, Ussuriysk.

Mr President, last week you signed an executive order on moving the capital of the Far East from Khabarovsk to Vladivostok. I have a question about this: what plans does the Government have to strengthen the regions in the Far East and in particular, of Primorye Territory? Will we live to see the gasification of the entire region? And what do you think about the merging of our territory with Sakhalin Region?



Vladimir Putin:

You see, the merging of any constituent entities in the Federation is a matter for the entities of the Federation themselves according to current law. If Sakhalin and Primorye Territory decide to unite, they can; they have to go through their respective procedures in parliament or hold a referendum, whichever is provided for in the regional legislation. But looking deeper, Sakhalin is a self-sustaining region, it provides a large share of its own budget, and the average income of the population is higher than in the Territory in general, but this is the internal business of the two regions. That is my first point.

The second concerns development. We have a complete programme, a package of measures to develop the Far East and Primorye Territory, a complete programme to establish favourable development conditions in the Far East. This includes the well-known Priority Development Areas, which is the ‘Far Eastern hectare’, the development of infrastructure, ports, airports, it is support for exports, including, and primarily, non-energy exports. We will do all this; it will never disappear. On the contrary, all of this will be actively pursued. There must be no doubt about it whatsoever. This will offer us an additional competitive edge.

We will definitely develop science and education; we will keep supporting the Far Eastern Federal University. We will certainly develop the shipbuilding sector and continue the construction of the shipyard in Vladivostok. And you know, the first steps have already been taken for this, and fairly big steps. Russia’s largest tonnage ships will be built in Vladivostok. We will build ships that are bigger than anything seen in the Soviet Union.

We will obviously continue our support for the aviation sector; plants will have contracts to keep busy, and research will be developed. And a totally new sector has emerged – aerospace, the new Vostochny Space Launch Centre. Marine biology, everything connected with fisheries – this will all be a priority for us. I have no doubt that we will achieve positive results.

I promised Euronews. Go ahead, please.







Galina Polonskaya:

Hello, Mr President. Galina Polonskaya, Euronews TV channel. Thank you for the opportunity to ask you a question. I will put down the sign, I have already become one with it during these four hours.

The UN adopted a resolution about Russia’s militarisation of the Sea of ​​Azov, Crimea, and part of the Black Sea. After what happened with the Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait, there were reports that Russia was sending military equipment to Crimea. Why should Russia reinforce its military presence in Crimea? Is Russia ready to declare the entire water area of ​​the Sea of ​​Azov its territory? Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

Look, in 2014, people living in Crimea came out for the referendum and ultimately voted for reunification with the Russian Federation. From that moment, after the relevant domestic procedures, Crimea became part of the Russian Federation, part of Russia. Therefore, we are entitled to and will continue to pursue our military policy on any part of our territory, as we see fit to ensure national security. Crimea is no exception. If the General Staff, if the border guards believe that we need to do something extra in some area, we will do it. Russia's security in this area will certainly be ensured. We are not going to overdo it there, but what needs to be done, will be done. This is the first point.

Now about the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait. We almost immediately announced that we intended to build a bridge to link up with Crimea, which we did. First we built an energy bridge, then a gas pipe, and now we are building two power plants there, in Sevastopol and in Simferopol, with a total capacity of 940 megawatts. We are building the Tavrida road, to be completed by the end of 2020. Next year, I think, the two-lane road will open, and by the end of 2020, a four-lane road.

We will develop the local infrastructure. That is, it is not only about reinforcing the military component, but above all, the civilian, infrastructure component. All this will certainly be implemented. We have a federal targeted programme for the development of Crimea. For the next two years, we have allocated 300 billion rubles for the development of the peninsula. All this will progress. Along with that, the military component will be strengthened, as far as we need it.

As for the Kerch straits, the situation is difficult, in terms of nature. These straits are very narrow and rather shallow. Their depth is about 13 metres. Let me emphasise that pilotage has always been conducted there. The construction of the bridge does not interfere with anything. Pilots escort ships as they used to.

Freight turnover is growing, in particular, in the ports of the Sea of Azov, this is true. But work there is organised and all participants in these economic activities know how this is being done. There is a queue there. Sometimes it is bigger and sometimes it is smaller. Just look at the number of vessels in front of the entrance to the port of Novorossiysk. There are quite a few of them.

I will have to repeat this once again: On September 11 of the past year Ukrainian vessels, including warships, fulfilled all requirements of passage through these straits and under the bridge and were calmly led by our pilots into the Sea of Azov and further on to their destination in the Sea. Nobody interfered with them – just helped.

This time everything was different. This is a deliberate provocation in the course of Mr Poroshenko’s election campaign. We have already shown in the media the logbook that contains the order to “enter secretly.” What does “secretly” mean? Nobody can say what might happen there without pilotage, all the more so when some politicians say in public that they are ready to blow up the bridge. Naturally, we cannot allow this to happen. This would be simply absurd for us, period. As for routine activities, nobody restricts them.

Now a few words about the regime in the Sea of Azov. We have a treaty dating back to 2003, I think. What does it say? It reads that there is a coastal area of five kilometres, not the usual 12 sea miles in accordance with the international Law of the Sea, but five kilometres off the coast. These are the territorial waters of a state, in this case of Russia or Ukraine, and the rest is common sea. Incidentally, our fishermen were once captured although they did not enter the five km zone. Nonetheless, they were seized and their captain is still detained. And your Euronews channel does not even mention this as if this is how it should be. The same is true of other Russian seamen: there is a dry-cargo vessel with its crew out there somewhere, but nobody recalls anything. Therefore, we should observe these agreements and abstain from announcing any unilateral actions.

As for warships, they should be in constant contact with our border guards. The border guards conduct their border mission. In conditions of martial law, I can hardly imagine warships going to and fro, but in general we would like to normalise the situation. We do not create any obstacles to vessels, including warships. Let me repeat that last September vessels were led by our pilot and nobody interfered with them, on the contrary we only helped.

Urals, there is a sign that says Urals.







Roman Zykov:

Good afternoon.

My name is Zykov Roman, Urals television.

Mr President, you say that patriotism should be our national idea. Isn’t it time we codify this in law, amend the Constitution to stipulate that patriotism is the national idea? Right now, a national idea is prohibited by of the Constitution. This is my first question.



Vladimir Putin:

It is ideology as a leading force that is prohibited, not patriotism. I hear you. This is a subject for a wide public discussion.



Roman Zykov:

And the second question. We have spoken about active patriotism; now, I am worried about the environment.

A lot of money is being allocated for the purification of water, which then goes to consumers, but there is practically no money allocated to maintain the quality of the pipes that deliver it to consumers, and to ensure that the sewage does not pollute our nature.

Unfortunately, 30 percent of sewage water pollutes nature – experts confirm this. Could you look into the issue and possibly adopt some technical regulations so that the quality of the pipes that deliver water to consumers like you and me is higher and we do not pollute the surrounding waters?



Vladimir Putin:

This is a question of technical regulations.

You are certainly right. We must look into what is being supplied. I agree with you. It is a problem. But the problem is not only the pipes.

The problem is in the discharge of wastewater, and its purification. This is an issue that affects the entire country. But the relevant decisions have actually been taken here. This also applies to industry.

Applicable law provides for a transition to the latest available technologies. Penalties are imposed for the discharge of untreated water, and, generally, for waste, on companies that do not comply with the environmental requirements.

This is a complicated problem, which we will certainly keep working on. You are right about this, I agree.

As far as the amendments to the Constitution are concerned, this is a matter for broad public discussion.







Dmitry Peskov:

Mr President, there is a banner “Russians in Danger.” Please, tell us, which Russians are in danger? The last row. Show it, you raised it before.



Khamzat Batukayev:

I am Khamzat Batukayev, Grozny TV Channel, Chechen Republic.

First, thank you for noticing the back row. The press conference has been going on for over three hours, and only the front rows and middle rows…

I have a personal request. We have guests from Latin America here. During each break they keep yelling “Latin America,” but no one is paying attention. If possible, will you please give them the floor after me; they have come a long way.

And now, properly, Mr President, just a second. I have already forgotten what I was going to say.



Vladimir Putin:

Let’s talk to the people from Latin America then.



Khamzat Batukayev:

This is a serious subject, in fact. I wrote “Russians in Danger” because thousands of our compatriots are still in Syria. They are there for one reason or another, but there are also children who are not there by choice.

Their parents have been sentenced to long prison terms, maybe even life terms. The children are left without parents, without care, and there are many such cases. How can we bring them back? We know your principled position on the issue, so the question is how can we proceed with this?

And, if I may, a second brief question. One of the first requests from the first president of the Chechen Republic, Akhmad-Haji Kadyrov, that was addressed to you regarded the construction of the airport in Grozny, the restoration, to be exact.

It was restored, but ever since it has been suspended in some technical phase, which means it was not completely finished. Currently the republic’s government is holding discussions with various ministries on the second stage and apparently, there are some problems.

How can this be completed? Objectively, Chechnya is still developing, but we host hundreds of thousands of tourists, and the airport capacity is not sufficient.

And the last thing. You know Mr President, we have a main avenue that is named in your honour. You might not be aware that we are currently building the Vladimir Putin Judo Palace.

You always receive one of the highest percentage of votes in the region, I can honestly tell you that Chechens have deep respect for you, this is why I would like to invite you there.

You have also received an invitation from Adygeya or Karachayevo-Circassia, so when you go there, you can also come to the Chechen Republic as a second leg of your trip.



Vladimir Putin:

I cannot go to Chechnya on my way to or from. I must go there directly. And I certainly will. This is the first thing.

Second, regarding the children. I believe this is a priority. We are engaged in this; we have a programme for repatriating these children to their homeland, to Russia, Chechnya, to the Caucasus, wherever. And Ramzan Kadyrov is also involved in this. We are doing this and will continue with it.

As for the airport, when needed, it operates as an international airport. If something more is needed, Mr Kadyrov will come and tell me. I will see what needs to be done; I just do not see what else needs to be done. The airport is functioning, but if we need to do more, we will see. Will that do? And thank you for the invitation.

Friendship of Peoples – over there, a young woman is standing in a kokoshnik. Yes, please, give her the microphone.



Valeria Pavlyuchenko:

Mr President, good afternoon! My name is Valeria Pavlyuchenko; I am a representative of the First Russian ethnic TV channel.

I believe you know about our TV channel, because it was established with the support of the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations. I would like to expand on the topic raised by our colleague from Dagestan, who spoke about ethnic and interethnic journalism.

We are a young team, let us say, a developing channel, and we report about the achievements of the regions, and interethnic stories. We would like to ask for your assistance, we really want to become information partners in the implementation of ethnic policies. Can you help us with this?



Vladimir Putin:

Look, we have the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations. I will definitely ask my colleagues to get in touch with you and find opportunities to work with you on this most important matter for our country.

I wish you all a Happy New Year. Please do not be mad at me, we really have to wrap up now. Thank you very much for your attention, and for your questions. I sincerely wish you all the best.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59455
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Greetings on the 60th anniversary of the Russian nuclear submarine fleet



Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to Russian shipbuilders on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Russian nuclear submarine fleet.



December 17, 2018 - 09:00



The message reads, in part:

“The construction of Russia’s first nuclear-powered submarine K-3 was a scientific and engineering breakthrough that opened a new page in the history of the Russian Navy and shipbuilding. This notable achievement was made possible by the professionalism and selflessness of all the participants in that unique project, including scientists, engineers, workers, designers and military professionals, as well as their responsible attitude towards their jobs.

It is gratifying that the current generation of Russian shipbuilders keep up and build on the traditions of their predecessors. They modernise and revitalise their enterprises, build modern surface and underwater warships, including strategic nuclear-powered vessels that are reliably protecting the country’s maritime boundary, as well as make a major contribution to the maintenance of global parity and attain their goals in a highly efficient manner.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59466






Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council



The President held a meeting with permanent members of the Security Council.



December 17, 2018 - 14:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow







The meeting participants discussed current issues on the domestic socioeconomic agenda. They pointed out the need for a particularly close monitoring of all housing and utilities systems in the regions hit by abnormally low temperatures in recent days.










The participants exchanged detailed views on the situation in the Balkans.










The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov, Secretary of the Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, and Special Presidential Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59424






Defence Ministry Board meeting



Vladimir Putin took part in an expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board.



December 18, 2018 - 14:00 - Moscow






The Supreme Commander-in-Chief assessed progress in force development and activities of the Armed Forces this year, and provided guidelines for the further development of the Russian army and navy. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu also presented a report.

Before the board meeting, the President visited a special themed exhibition on the armaments seized during military operations against terrorists in Syria and other regions of the world.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Comrades,

Strengthening the defence capability, Russia’s security and strong protection against external forces have been and remain our priorities.

I want to stress that their exceptional importance is well understood by both political and government leaders, society and all the citizens of our country.

Today, during the traditional expanded meeting of the board we will discuss how the force development progressed in 2018 and will outline our further priorities.

I would like to thank everybody who participated in the system-wide and consistent work to modernise the army and the navy.

I want to note that all the services and branches of the armed forces developed gradually and according to approved plans and the new State Armament Programme, and were equipped with modern weapons and equipment.

The nuclear triad significantly improved as it plays a key role in maintaining global parity. The share of modern arms in the triad is already 82 percent.

Serious, breakthrough steps have been made in the development of the unique state-of-the-art weapons that I mentioned in my Address to the Federal Assembly on March 1.







I am referring to the launch of serial production of the Avangard missile system, the successful test of the Sarmat missile, combat patrol involving the Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile, and exercises involving the Peresvet combat laser weapon.

These weapons will multiply the potential of our army and navy, thus reliably and absolutely ensuring Russia’s security for decades ahead.

These weapons are consolidating the balance of forces and, thus, international stability. I hope our new systems will provide food for thought to those who are used to militaristic and aggressive rhetoric.

Furthermore, the substantial upgrades in the level of operational and combat training of our troops is important. This potential is undergoing a qualitative change. Six independent inspections this year confirmed this, particularly, the ability to promptly move forces and equipment over large distances of up to 7,000 kilometres, and to quickly reinforce units in major strategic areas wherever necessary.

A positive outcome was demonstrated during the Vostok-2018 large-scale exercises. Importantly, units from China and Mongolia also acted under the general plan, in single formation with our troops.

The Ocean Shield exercises were held in the Mediterranean for the first time in the modern history of Russia. In cooperation with long-range aviation, a large inter-fleet group confidently performed a broad range of tasks and tested the latest tactical methods for ships and aviation.

I would like to make special mention of the fact that the weapons tested in Syria and the experience of the Army service personnel in the struggle against the terrorists were used in the operational and combat training drill.







The situation in Syria is gradually being stabilised after the rout of major groups of militants. However, these criminals are still trying to show their teeth. I would like to emphasise that this uncompromising struggle against the militants will continue. We will give Syrians all the support they need.

At the same time, our Army service personnel befittingly perform their peacemaking and humanitarian tasks. They are helping revive Syria as a single, peaceful and stable state.

Regarding the results of the year, I would like to mention the development of the system of military education. Over 12,000 professionally trained officers were sent to the Army and Navy. The level of screening under contract has been also raised. Of the over 60,000 people engaged for service in the outgoing year two thirds have a higher or secondary professional education.

Comrades,

In the coming period, it is important to consolidate the results to date. Of course, it is necessary to analyse and take into account international military and political developments.

We see that the situation in the Middle East, Afghanistan and the Korean Peninsula remains complicated. NATO continued to build up its military infrastructure near our borders during the year. The conflict in southeastern Ukraine continues unabated.

The US leadership’s statements about withdrawing from the INF Treaty are a source of major concern for us.

Such a step will have the most negative consequences and will noticeably weaken regional and global security. In fact, in the long term, it may result in the degradation and even collapse of the entire architecture of arms control and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.







The United States is using the already familiar and, one might say, trivial pretext for unilaterally withdrawing from the treaty, which is unsubstantiated accusations that Russia is in violation of its obligations under the treaty, which they themselves have already violated, and did so long ago.

You and I are well aware that the deployment of Aegis sea-based systems in Romania, and, in the near future, in Poland, is a direct violation of the INF Treaty, because these units can be used and, as a matter of fact, are being used at sea to launch missiles of this type. Now, in violation of the treaty, they have appeared on land.

Yes, indeed, this treaty comes with certain complexities since other countries with medium- and short-range missiles are not part of it. But why not discuss their accession to this treaty? Or discuss the parameters of a new treaty?

I emphasise, whatever complaints one might have with regard to this treaty, it plays the role of a stabilising factor in current circumstances and helps maintain a certain level of predictability and restraint in the military sphere.

In the event the United States breaks the treaty – I have already mentioned this publicly and I believe it is important to state it once again directly for this audience – we will be forced to take additional measures to strengthen our security.

At the same time, Russia, as before, is open to all proposals and initiatives that help strengthen security for all, including preventing a new arms race. This, I am confident, is in the interests of not only Russia, but the United States and the entire world as well.

At the same time, taking into account the above factors and risks, we must continue pursuing the course towards the development of the Army and Navy, and to maintain the high rates of military development we have achieved in recent years.







What priority issues are to be resolved next year:

The first is to further strengthen the combat potential of the strategic nuclear forces. We discussed this in detail during the recent series of military meetings in November, and before that, in Sochi in May.

We need to quickly transition to modern weapons with enhanced capabilities to overcome advanced missile defence systems. Next in line is the production and supply of the Avangard global range missile systems to the armed forces.

Our second priority is to improve the quality of operational and combat training. Here we must constantly raise the bar, every year, requiring any participant in this process to be able to act with immediacy.

The military and long-range naval exercise programmes should include non-standard situations, the most recent forms and methods of warfare, as well as tests for the use of new types of weapons and equipment.

Third. Today, seconds can literally make a difference for the success of a single battle or a major operation. It is important to “compress” the decision-making time at all levels – from senior officers to junior commanders.

For this, we need to improve the management and communications systems, intelligence, and electronic warfare. We need to complete the transition to new standards in data collection, transmission and processing.

I would stress that digital technologies and artificial intelligence, robotisation, and unmanned systems – all this should be on the qualitative development agenda of our Armed Forces.







Fourth, it is necessary to ensure effective control over the implementation of the State Armament Programme. In recent years, we have developed an almost optimal arrangement for interaction between the Ministry of Defence and the defence industry. We have strengthened discipline in all the key areas.

Now we need to quickly identify the remaining problems in the performance of the state defence order system and promptly eliminate them.

The fifth priority is the development of military cooperation with our allies, primarily within the CSTO. In the course of the Tsentr-2019 exercise, we need to work closely with our partners to thoroughly practice cooperation in resolving common security tasks in Central Asia.

Colleagues,

A traditionally important aspect of building up the military is boosting the armed forces’ morale and soldierly spirit. First of all, this requires a system of social guarantees for service members and their families.

I would like to note that this year, we have met the obligation of providing housing to almost 100,000 service members of the Defence Ministry, 98,700 people, to be precise.

In the past six years, a total of more than half a million, 560,000 service members, were granted housing. We will continue this project in 2019.

In addition, I would like to remind you that in October 2019, the monetary allowance for service members would be adjusted for inflation by 4.3 percent. Military pensions will be increased by 6.3 percent.

The previous board meeting raised the issue of difficulties with employment for service personnel family members as well as lack of available places in kindergartens. Today I would like to hear a report on what has been done since that meeting.







It is important to continue paying constant attention to these matters. Because it is only by listening carefully to the military’s pressing problems and solving them that we can bolster the social status of defenders of the Motherland. This is how we can enhance the prestige of military service in society.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the command and the personnel of the Armed Forces for their conscientious efforts to carry out their objectives.

I wish you all success.






<…>


Vladimir Putin:

I will be very brief.

Let me start with social guarantees, which I believe to be a very important subject. Our overall efforts in this sphere are steadily progressing as planned, but our goal is to meet all the social commitments undertaken by the state toward military personnel and their families, including kindergartens, employment, cash benefits, housing, etc. This is the first point I wanted to make.

Second, I wanted to recognise the Defence Ministry for its efforts to attract young, talented and promising specialists to the Army and the Navy, and for ensuring state security in general. This includes creating scientific companies, and the recent inauguration of a new innovation centre, the Era Technopolis, in Anapa where young talented recruits will be serving. I cannot help but praise you for these efforts. I would like to ask our civilian educational institutions and research centres to contribute to this work.

Finally, let me mention patriotic education for young people. This is very important, and I hope that the Armed Forces and the Defence Ministry will continue making this effort.

What else can I say at this point? As you know, twice a year, in spring and in autumn, we hold meetings to review the performance of the Defence Ministry, the Armed Forces and the defence industry in the preceding six months in terms of fulfilling defence orders.

This format has proved to be very effective, enabling us to carefully analyse our achievements and, most importantly, what has not been achieved, in order to take immediate action to catch up whenever there are delays. There is no doubt that we will continue working in this format.







We are aware of the disparities between the leading military powers in terms of defence spending. The Pentagon has a budget of over 700 billion.

How much did you say?



Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu:

725.



Vladimir Putin:

This is a record high.

Even taking into consideration the modest inflation rate, all this amounts to… This amounts to a militarist budget, to tell you the truth, while Russia’s military spending was 46 billion last year. Moreover, our defence spending is expected to decline in terms of percentage.

This will not be detrimental to our security, since we did most of our armed forces-related spending in previous years.

Nevertheless, the parity is still very large, and we need to preserve the strategic balance. Can we do it or not? If yes, how? To be sure, we know we can.

We have innovative weapons systems unmatched anywhere in the world. No one has hypersonic weapons, but we do. Moreover, this is not just something planned, but rather it is already operational and goes by the name of Kinzhal [Dagger].

This is a matter of principle – to correctly identify spending priorities, not to waste money, but to take correct decisions and direct resources to areas that will give the maximum effect.

So far, we have succeeded in this. I strongly hope that the senior officers of the Defence Ministry and the General Staff will, in conjunction with the industry, deal with these tasks responsibly in the future as well.

Of course, discipline comes next. I am talking about administrative, industrial and financial discipline. Not a single ruble should be spent other than for the intended purposes.

Of course, it is necessary to make full use of the intellectual capabilities of the state in general. I mean education, research, the potential of our defence industry, the existing capacity and advanced designs. All of that, of course, will allow us to ensure Russia’s parity and security for the long term.







Now, a few words about the announced withdrawal of the United States from the INF Treaty, which, of course, is the most important issue that has everyone’s attention both in our country and internationally. I mentioned this in my opening remarks.

As you may recall, it was signed in 1987. I think I have already discussed, maybe even before this audience, the meaning of this treaty. It meant that medium- and short-range missiles, 500 km to 5,000 km, were to be eliminated. Land-based missiles were to be liquidated, since the Soviet Union had no others.

The United States had sea- and air-based missiles, while we did not. Therefore, from the point of view of the Soviet Union, this was unilateral disarmament. God knows why the Soviet leaders decided to go ahead with unilateral disarmament.

However, it was done. Meanwhile, our partners continued to expand sea- and air-based weapons systems.

Sea-based systems included the well-known Tomahawks. True, they are rather outdated. According to our military experts, actually, their use in Iraq and Syria showed that their efficiency is around 30 percent. Of course, they need to be improved. Their air-based component is slightly better, but can also benefit from improvement.

Moreover, these aspirations are hardly peaceful in nature. The buildup of weapons is yet another push towards an arms race. I am not even talking about such systems as the Kinzhal. These weapons are also medium-range, 2,000 kilometres, but they are unique, nobody has them.

Kinzhal with a range of 2,000 kilometres is a hypersonic weapon, in excess of Mach 10. Nobody else has them yet. Yes, we have them now but this is not a violation of the INF Treaty. How could it be? These systems are deployed on MiG-31 aircraft, not on the ground.

They are the ones violating the treaty with the deployment of Aegis systems in Romania. They are also planning to place them in Poland. This is a direct violation. And what about attack drones that have all the features of medium- and shorter-range missiles?







These are being used to the utmost, and nothing happens. In other words, they are directly violating the treaty and we are being presented with some hypothetical, completely unfounded claims. We will wait and see how this goes.

By and large we have everything anyway, but if what they are trying to scare us with happens, we will have to give a fitting reply. As you understand, if we have such air- and sea-based systems, it will not be too difficult to conduct R&D and put them on the ground, if need be.

However, let me repeat once again that to be effective in general, we must be extremely disciplined. We have everything we need for this and we have enough resources that we are directing to national defence and security.

I would like to thank the Defence Ministry and all service members of the Army and the Navy for their work in the outgoing 2018. We have taken a very significant, powerful step in ensuring Russia’s security.

I would like to thank you for your service.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59431






Meeting with command staff of military districts and Northern Fleet



December 18, 2018 - 15:00 - Moscow






Vladimir Putin had a meeting with the command staff of military districts and the Northern Fleet.
















The Supreme Commander-in-Chief also presented state decorations to military units as part of the expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59436






Greetings to Galina Volchek



Vladimir Putin sent birthday greetings to Art Director of the Sovremennik Theatre Galina Volchek.



December 19, 2018 - 09:45



The message reads, in part:

“Everyone knows you as an extremely talented and enthusiastic person, a true maker and creator. Your belief in the high mission of art, responsible attitude to your mission and love for your theatre and audiences have been reflected in your inspired work and your service to Russian culture, the people and the country, which have won you unquestionable prestige and respect. A wonderful present for you was the much anticipated reopening of the initial Sovremennik building on Chistye Prudy. I am convinced that this legendary theatre will remain a symbol of innovation and bold creative endeavour.”

On December 19, Galina Volchek, Art Director of the Sovremennik Theatre and People’s Artist of the Soviet Union, turned 85.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59443






Meeting with Galina Volchek



The President visited Moscow’s Sovremennik Theatre, where he wished artistic director Galina Volchek a happy birthday.



December 19, 2018 - 17:00 - Moscow



















The historical building of the theatre located at Chistye Prudy, Moscow, is now opening to visitors after major renovations that lasted for over two years. Today, the reconstructed stage of the theatre is hosting a celebratory event entitled Homecoming.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59454






Meeting with Regina Parpiyeva



Following his annual news conference, Vladimir Putin gave an interview to visually impaired Regina Parpiyeva, 17, whose dream is to become a journalist.



December 20, 2018 - 16:45 - Moscow






The President answered several questions: how he became President, whether his job is hard, and what wish would he make on the New Year’s Eve.













Russia Today employees assisted Regina with holding the interview.













On December 5, the President visited the International Volunteer Forum and took part in the Dream with Me charity project, during which volunteers make the wishes of seriously ill people come true. Any participant in the forum could pick an envelope containing the innermost desires and implement one of them. Vladimir Putin collected all the remaining envelopes.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59456






Gala evening marking Security Agency Worker’s Day



Vladimir Putin spoke at the gala evening marking Security Agency Worker’s Day in Russia.



December 20, 2018 - 18:20 - Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Comrade officers, veterans,

I warmly congratulate you and your colleagues on Security Agency Worker’s Day.

Today we honour the people who have chosen a very difficult but also very important path for the state and society; those who staunchly defend Russia’s national interests and security, uncover and neutralise internal and external threats, and protect the lives, rights and constitutional freedoms of all Russians.

I am glad to see our respected veterans here, too. For you, a sense of duty and your love for Russia have always been the highest value. Thank you for your long, honest and impeccable service.







You worked hard, fulfilling unique tasks in the most difficult times of trial for the country, such as the Great Patriotic War and the period of global confrontation, as well as the war in Afghanistan and many other troubled areas of the world. You have always set the standards of professionalism, showing courage, resolve, integrity and decency.

I am confident that the traditions established by the veterans will be preserved and carried on with dignity by the current and future generations of the Russian security services, who will accomplish the most difficult missions in the country and beyond in the interests of security, peace and the stable development of our Homeland – a strong, sovereign and prosperous Russia.







Comrades, our security services have always been a crucial pillar of the state.

You are given very many difficult tasks, but the key one is to fight international terrorism. Over the past years, the number of terrorism-related crimes has noticeably decreased in Russia. It is your job to strengthen this trend, to maintain tight control over the situation and to expose and prevent terrorist plans.

Of course, you also need to enhance cooperation with the FSB and other security services, working under the auspices of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee to introduce novel operational methods and technical equipment to combat terrorism, considering its global and cross-border nature.







Combating extremism remains a key task. Our security agencies must continue to promptly respond to any encroachments on the constitutional order, to nationalist provocations and attempts to incite religious strife.

It is vitally important to protect our young people from the influence of criminal extremists. This will be your practical contribution to strengthening the unity and integrity of our multi-ethnic society.

We see that Russia’s security has been put to test in nearly all fields, with the activity of foreign security services growing.







This explains the enhanced requirements to our counterintelligence agencies. We must safely block access to confidential and secret military-political, economic and scientific information and ensure the reliable protection of our latest achievements in defence, in some areas of which we have surged ahead of the other leading economies.

The other clear priorities of the Russian security services include the protection of the state border and strategic facilities, providing security services to senior officials and heads of foreign states, as well as ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of our communication and governance systems.







We must also highlight the fight against corruption, acting as the law instructs us, that is, resolutely and effectively. I am sure that your operational, technical and analytical capabilities will help you accomplish this mission.

Friends,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and all your colleagues for your honest service, dedication and personal courage.







I wish you every success, as well as health and prosperity to you and your families and loved ones – your parents, spouses and children – all those who love you and who care about you. I know how exacting and responsible your job is.

I wish you and your families and loved ones a Happy New Year.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59457






Meeting with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev



Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to discuss the main spheres of the Cabinet’s work for the short term.



December 21, 2018 - 13:20 - The Kremlin, Moscow








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Medvedev, we have been working together for a long time on the main areas of Russia’s development, the economy, and the social sphere. We have worked together on the relevant national projects.

You know that there are questions from the governors, with whom you should be jointly working. We met with Government members and heads of regions not so long ago in Crimea to discuss the matter of controlling this work. These topics were also raised at yesterday’s news conference on the results of the year.

I asked the Government to take a closer look at the proposals from the regions, including on the organisation of this work and the monitoring of the execution of the instructions given. I know that you are ready and would like to talk about this in more detail.







Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev:

Mr President,

Indeed, the Government, in accordance with your instructions, has launched this work in close contact with the regions. At the moment, I would like to report to you that the data sheets of national projects in all fields have been prepared and approved. That is, these are 12 national projects and, accordingly, 12 data sheets.

These data sheets have been agreed upon with the regions and they have been adjusted, also following the instructions you gave in Yalta at a meeting of the State Council Presidium where we discussed national projects in an expanded format.

We have now secured funds for these data sheets and a total of 5.7 trillion rubles has been earmarked in the federal budget for the next three years, which you also talked about during the news conference. This is a lot of money, distributed over the years, and even slightly more than we originally planned.

I hope that such a system will work effectively enough. However, it must be monitored. We presume that such strategic monitoring (besides the Council, which you head) will be carried out by the Government, with the results summed up twice a year.

If we talk about operational monitoring, this will be done online on a daily basis. All the ministers and supervising vice-premiers must have it on their computers, and they should be able follow how each indicator changes. And to intervene if they need to – in this case, we cannot do without hands-on management – and make adjustments.

Public and expert associations should provide assistance in this kind of monitoring, as you also said, as well as the Popular Front, and the United Russia party, which is willing to do it. This way, we will be able to follow what is really happening.

Thus, in general, I am reporting to you that we are ready to roll out this work in full.







Vladimir Putin:

That is good news. I hope the Government will take into account the comments of the regional leaders, so that the number of these indicators, and the quality of the work will be such that it actually can be controlled by them.

But there is another problem that I would like to draw your attention to and I would like to ask you to devote some time to working closely on this. It is all very well to monitor a bunch of indicators on a computer, but it is important to see what happens in real life in the regions, what is behind these indicators.

I very much hope that my colleagues in the Government – ministers and deputy prime ministers – will pay very close attention to this component. I am also asking you personally to join in this work.







Dmitry Medvedev:

Certainly.

When I mentioned computers, I meant that everything must be there in real time and there must be real construction, that is, the user would see that a facility is being built, for example, and that one or another job is being performed.

However, all members of the Government will travel to the regions and inspect how the implementation of national projects progresses. And I will certainly do this too.



Vladimir Putin:

Good.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59463






Greetings on Energy Industry Worker’s Day



Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to current and former workers of Russia’s energy industry on Energy Industry Worker’s Day.



December 22, 2018 - 10:00



The message reads, in part:

“The national energy industry has always had top qualified specialists, real professionals and experts in their trade. Well-aligned and unfailing functioning of all the elements in the electric power network is a key condition for the dynamic development of Russia’s economy, enhancing its industrial potential and improving the social sphere.

It is gratifying that you take a responsible approach to your duties and cope successfully with the challenges set before you, the most important of which are the construction and modernisation of network infrastructure, a large-scale introduction of advanced energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, and making services more accessible. It is certainly important to fully utilise the tremendous experience of the industry’s veteran workers, their knowledge and strong labour traditions.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59467






Greetings on the centenary of the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Music Theatre



Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings on the centenary of the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Music Theatre to the theatre’s team and its loyal admirers.



December 22, 2018 - 11:00



The message reads, in part:

“The history of the country’s leading music theatres is closely connected with the names of outstanding art figures – actors, directors, singers, conductors, teachers and mentors. These talented, committed people set up a high professional benchmark with their dedicated work, and laid the traditions of serving Russian culture that to this day impact the multi-faceted creative work of the company.

It is crucial that while retaining your commitment to the unrivalled heritage of your predecessors, you are open to innovative projects and bold artistic experiments, actively participating in high profile musical, opera and dance festivals, bringing joy to the audience with excellent mastery of the performers and sensational premieres.”

The theatre was founded by Konstantin Stanislavsky and Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko, the main reformers of the 20th century theatre.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59470






The President heard reports from Yevgeny Zinichev and Maxim Reshetnikov on the situation in the Solikamsk mine



Vladimir Putin heard by telephone reports from Perm Territory Governor Maxim Reshetnikov and Emergencies Minister Yevgeny Zinichev on the Solikamsk mine accident.



December 23, 2018 - 12:30



The President gave instructions to take all the necessary measures to help the injured and the victims’ families. The investigative authorities were instructed to look into the causes that had led to casualties.

On December 22, a fire broke out in a mine under construction in Solikamsk claiming nine lives.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59473
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Birthday greetings to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev



Vladimir Putin congratulated President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on his birthday.



December 24, 2018 - 09:00



In his message of congratulations the Russian noted that Ilham Aliyev enjoys well-deserved recognition with his people and abroad as an experienced and provident statesman, as a true leader of his country.

Vladimir Putin expressed appreciation of Ilham Aliyev’s contribution to the strengthening of strategic partnership between Russia and Azerbaijan and expressed hope that their constructive dialogue and close cooperation would continue.

The President of Russia wished the President of Azerbaijan good health, prosperity and every success in his official position.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59476






Telephone conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev



December 24, 2018 - 12:35



During the telephone conversation, Vladimir Putin congratulated President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on his birthday.

The two leaders also discussed several current topics on the bilateral agenda.

Earlier, the President of Russia sent a message of congratulations to the President of Azerbaijan.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59477






Greetings on the opening of World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships



Greetings to the participants, organisers and guests of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2018 in St Petersburg.



December 25, 2018 - 12:00



The message reads, in part:

“These prestigious international competitions have brought together renowned players, winners of national championships and other prestigious competitions in St Petersburg to show their skills in an honest and beautiful fight for the honorary title of a champion.

I am confident that chess fans are waiting for dynamic and exciting games, for bright joyful moments and triumph. And of course, it is important that such high-level tournaments contribute to the popularisation of chess and provide young novice players with an excellent opportunity to gain experience from renowned masters.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59482






Meeting with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko



Vladimir Putin had a meeting with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, who is in Russia on a working visit. The discussion focused on key issues of bilateral cooperation.



December 25, 2018 - 15:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Lukashenko, friends,

We are delighted to welcome you to Moscow ahead of the New Year. As agreed, we are meeting just a few days before 2019.

Overall, I believe that our relations have been developing quite well. Last year, our bilateral trade increased by over 23 percent to exceed $32 billion. This year, it grew by another 12 percent. This means that the yearend figure will be greater than last year.

Belarus has accumulated a substantial amount of Russian direct investment, which has reached some $4 billion. Most importantly, our relations are diversified and are developing in the industry and agriculture, both of which are growing.







Of course, there are some problems, which is natural given the extensive scope of our interaction. Most of them concern energy relations, although we believe that we have accomplished a great deal in this sphere as well, especially within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, but also in bilateral relations.

Today we have an opportunity to talk about all these topics. Our colleagues have held consultations to prepare this meeting. I suggest that we listen to both sides even if we fail to reach any final agreements. But it will be excellent if we reach them.

Anyway, I believe that there are reasons to be satisfied with our bilateral relations and that we must do our best to prevent any future complications. Despite the problems we are facing in these spheres, we have always managed to find acceptable solutions.

We are delighted to see you. Welcome to Moscow.







President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko:

Thank you, Mr Putin.

Indeed, we keep our word. We agreed at our meeting in St Petersburg not to make a mess of our talks, because we had too much on the agenda and there were very many people involved. We agreed to resume our conversation in Moscow.

We are grateful to you for choosing the time for our meeting here to discuss the issues we need to discuss in light of the many problems in our relations, which, to tell the truth, are very advanced and close. No other peoples have closer relations than Belarusians and Russians.

We are moving forward, just as we agreed. It is natural that we encounter certain problems on our way, but they are incomparable to our achievements, which we have enumerated in figures. And you have said just now that we can come to an agreement.

I can tell you more. We can really come to an agreement because the teams we have with us now have held a round of talks and they have studied our problems thoroughly. You and I know every detail of the problems and issues we need to discuss today. Of course, it would be great if we settled them now so as not to drag them over into next year, because it is bad when old problems continue into next year.







I would like to congratulate you on the wonderful conversation you had with Russian citizens. All Belarusians, including myself, listened to that news conference and saw the reaction of Russian society to the problems you outlined. They are important for us as well, because we are deeply involved in global developments.

If we have any problems, I believe – let us be honest – that their causes are not here, and we are not to blame for their development. We are involved in this global process, and so the current problems in global trade, economy and politics, as well as in military matters, concern us as well, one way or another. We do not want to be involved in these problems, but we are and so we have to resolve them.

I would like to have fewer problems for us or our ministers and governments to deal with, but some of these waves reach us as well. And it is our destiny to deal with them. I believe that, being aware of these problems, we will once again find a solution that will be acceptable to both Belarusians and Russians.







Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.

I suggest the following procedure: first we listen to what our colleagues have worked out and then we will give them more time, if necessary. And I would like to separately invite you to a working lunch afterward.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59484






Telephone conversation with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.



December 27, 2018 - 12:20



The heads of state exchanged warm New Year greetings.

They discussed pressing issues of the bilateral agenda, including the implementation of agreements reached as a result of the state visit by the President of the Russian Federation to Uzbekistan in October 2018. They reaffirmed their intention to continue strengthening the strategic partnership and promoting bilateral cooperation in the political, trade and economic, humanitarian and other spheres.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59527






Talks with Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan



Vladimir Putin held talks with Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, who is in Russia on a working visit.



December 27, 2018 - 17:20 - The Kremlin, Moscow







The discussion covered key bilateral issues and prospects for cooperation in Eurasian integration associations.




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Pashinyan, friends,

We are very happy to see you in Moscow. This is your first visit after your convincing victory in the elections, the victory you and your supporters scored. I would like to wish you success and good luck in implementing all of the plans you set forth for yourself and your team for the benefit of Armenia and the Armenian people.







There is no need to describe our relations. These are truly allied relations filled with substantial content. Suffice it to say that we confidently hold the first place in Armenia’s economic cooperation with foreign states – Russia accounts for 25.5 percent. Over 2,000 enterprises are operating – 2,200 to be precise. Trade is growing. Last year it went up by almost 30 percent – 29.7 percent, I believe. In the first ten months of this year it increased by almost another 18 percent – 17.5 percent.

I think this is good dynamics, and we need to maintain it. We are ready to do this on our side. We will do all we can to keep relations at this level, and not only in trade but also in other areas. I am referring to security and our cooperation in the CSTO as well as our versatile cooperation in the Eurasian Economic Union.

To sum up, we have a very full, intensive agenda. We are glad to see you. Welcome.







Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan:

Thank you, Mr Putin. Thank you for the invitation.

I am also very happy to see you, and to see our colleagues. Indeed, I have already lost count of our meetings. But at the airport, the protocol team told me I was one of the most frequently visiting foreign leaders to the Russian Federation, or rather I was in the top three. I am sure this underlines the context of our special strategic relationship. I am sure that the dynamics of our relations will continue. And I hope that it will develop further. We are also looking forward to your official visit to Armenia next year. We will be pleased to see you.

Our political and economic relations are certainly growing. It is gratifying to see the growing interest from Russian tourists in Armenia. There was a publication in the Russian media that Armenia will be the most popular destination for Russian tourists next season, and in comparison with last year, the flow of tourists will grow by 70 percent. This means that people are not only interested, but that Russian tourists are well received, and feel at home in Armenia. This emphasises the depth of our relations: not only political and economic, but also human relations, and cultural ties. I am sure that all these contacts will grow.







Recently, an early parliamentary vote was held in Armenia, and I am pleased that it was a free election and in compliance with the law. I am happy that international observers also noted this, including observers from the Russian Federation – many observers participated in the election.

We intend to develop our relations in all areas. I am confident that the newly elected parliament will also develop bilateral parliamentary relations with Russia. We are also positive about further economic relations.







We are committed to further integration as part of the Eurasian Economic Union, and we take Armenia’s EAEU presidency very seriously. I am confident that as a result of our presidency we will have even more effective integration in the Eurasian Economic Union.

I am sure that we have a rather long agenda for today's discussions, and we are positively minded. I am sure that we will have positive results.







Vladimir Putin:

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59531






Telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel



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



December 28, 2018 - 22:20



The two leaders extensively discussed the Syrian conflict with a focus on the implementation of decisions reached by the four-party summit (Russia – Turkey – Germany – France), which took place on October 27 in Istanbul.

Vladimir Putin stressed that the work organised by the guarantor states of the Astana process to compile a list of members of the Constitutional Committee creates conditions for a long-term and stable settlement in Syria.

Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel also discussed the plans of the United States to withdraw its troops from Syria.

Additionally, they exchanged opinions on developments following the Ukrainian provocation in the Kerch Strait on November 25.

Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel wished each other a happy New Year and agreed to continue their contacts.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59615






Meeting with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko



In accordance with a preliminary agreement, Vladimir Putin met with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in Moscow.



December 29, 2018 - 12:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow






The two heads of state continued their discussion on current issues of bilateral cooperation.




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Lukashenko,

This is the second time we are meeting this week.



President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko:

More and more often. (Laughter.)







Vladimir Putin:

This is good. Thank you for accepting my invitation and for coming here.

As we agreed, we are creating a working group for the further development of our economic relations and other areas and, as you proposed, we will work on our plans for the Union State development.

I propose discussing this topic today – what has been done on our part. You said you would issue relevant instructions to the Government so that our colleagues from the Belarusian side could work on it.

We will compare notes on how the work begins, or rather continues, in the areas in which we agreed to step up work at our last meeting.

And the New Year’s Eve is close: let’s wish each other a very happy New Year.







Alexander Lukashenko:

Thank you, Mr Putin, first of all for your invitation just ahead of the New Year.

I was joking that we are tired of each other. We probably never will be, because there are issues that need to be discussed, this is our work.

Indeed, last time we agreed that we would talk seriously about our further coexistence in this difficult world; we cannot get away from it because many problems must be dealt with for the future. Therefore, I have indeed been working hard on the coordination of the same issues that we need to consider so that they would not stand in the way of our integration – just as I know you have, too.

We have formed a group in a similar way as in Russia, and made similar decisions to you in terms of the membership and leadership of the group. I think that after the holidays, as soon as the time comes, we will be ready to work, as will you here in Russia. Moreover, all the questions are spelled out in the Union Treaty; we have listed them last time. And indeed it is good that we finally came to the solution of these issues.







Vladimir Putin:

Thank you. This may be a start of a good tradition to meet before the New Year.



Alexander Lukashenko:

Maybe. I also want to wish a Happy New Year to you, to the Russian people, our brothers. This is a highly anticipated holiday. I know you love this holiday, as do I. Please pass on my best wishes to your family, friends and all Russians.







Vladimir Putin:

For my part, I wish a Happy New Year to you and all of Belarus and all citizens of Belarus. I wish you happiness and good luck in the New Year.



Alexander Lukashenko:

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59618






Telephone conversation with President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.



December 29, 2018 - 12:50



The two heads of state wished each other a happy New Year.

They also discussed key issues of the bilateral agenda, as well as interaction within the Eurasian integration associations.

Some current international issues were also addressed.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59616






Telephone conversation with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon



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



December 29, 2018 - 13:00



The two heads of state wished each other a very happy New Year.

Current issues of further development of bilateral cooperation were discussed.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59617






New Year greetings to heads of state and government



President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent Christmas and New Year greetings to heads of state and government and heads of international organisations.



December 30, 2018 - 12:00



In his message to President of the Republic of Abkhazia Raul Khadjimba, Vladimir Putin noted that the outgoing year marked the 10th anniversary of Abkhazia’s recognition by the Russian Federation and expressed confidence in the continued expansion of bilateral relations of alliance and strategic partnership for the benefit of the two countries’ fraternal peoples in the interest of strengthening peace and ensuring stability in the Caucasus.

Vladimir Putin also sent greetings to President of the Republic of Armenia Armen Sarkissian and Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.

The Russian President stressed that the two countries’ bilateral relations are based on centuries-old traditions of friendship and cultural and spiritual affinity and expressed confidence in the further strengthening of allied ties, constructive cooperation and partnership between Russia and Armenia as part of Eurasian integration processes, which fully meet the interests of the two states’ fraternal peoples and serve to enhance regional stability and security.

In a message to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the President of Russia noted that 2018 was a highly productive year for Russia-Azerbaijan relations and pointed out advances in mutually beneficial cooperation across various spheres and political dialogue at all levels.

The Russian leader also expressed confidence that the implementation of the bilateral agreements signed during the substantive and constructive talks in Moscow, Sochi and Baku will further enhance the strategic partnership between Russia and Azerbaijan.

In his greetings to President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Russia noted that based on good traditions of friendship and neighbourly relations, Russian-Belarusian cooperation is going from strength to strength in the political, economic, cultural and other spheres, and that efforts are being undertaken to strengthen the Union State and to ensure close coordination of the efforts within the Eurasian Economic Union, the CIS and the CSTO.

Vladimir Putin also expressed confidence that further strengthening of the strategic partnership between Russia and Belarus fully meets the interests of the two brotherly nations.

The President heartily wished Mr Lukashenko good health, prosperity and success, and all Belarusian citizens happiness and prosperity.

Addressing President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, the President of Russia stressed that the Russian-Kazakhstani strategic partnership and alliance are developing dynamically and that the trade, economic, energy, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation is expanding, with interregional cooperation on the rise as well. “Moscow and Astana play an active role in promoting integration processes in the Eurasian space,” the Russian leader noted.

Vladimir Putin also expressed confidence that implementing the ambitious plans seeking to build up the entire range of Russian-Kazakhstani relations would enhance the well-being of the brotherly nations and serve the interests of ensuring regional stability and security.

In a message addressed to President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov, the Russian leader praised the alliance and strategic partnership between Russia and Kyrgyzstan and expressed confidence that the joint work to build up the entire complex of bilateral relations and strengthen constructive cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian integration processes will continue in the interests of the two countries’ peoples and the entire region.

In his greetings to President of the Republic of Moldova Igor Dodon, the President of Russia expressed hope that the traditions of friendship and spiritual affinity that bind the peoples of the two countries will continue to serve as the basis for promoting constructive cooperation between Russia and Moldova and partnership within the CIS space.

Vladimir Putin also sent greetings to President of the Republic of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov, in which he noted that the outgoing year was marked by an important event: the 10th anniversary of Russia’s recognition of South Ossetia’s independence. The President of Russia expressed confidence that further development of Russia-South Ossetia relations in the spirit of alliance and mutually beneficial partnership is in the interests of the fraternal peoples of the two countries and in line with the strengthening of peace and stability in South Caucasus.

In a message to President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Vladimir Putin noted the dynamic development of Russia-Tajikistan relations in the spirit of alliance and strategic partnership and expressed confidence in the success of joint work seeking to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and many other areas, as well as to resolve important issues on the regional agenda for the benefit of the friendly peoples of the two countries in the interests of ensuring security and stability in Central Asia.

Addressing President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the President of Russia emphasised that the recent entry into force of the Treaty on Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan has opened up new opportunities for strengthening mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in political, trade, economic, energy, cultural and many other areas and, undoubtedly, meets the aspirations of the friendly peoples of the two countries.

In his greetings to President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia-Uzbekistan relations of strategic partnership and alliance are thriving. “The talks in Tashkent contributed to expanding bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic, investment and military-technical spheres, as well as agriculture and peaceful use of nuclear energy,” the Russian President noted.

Vladimir Putin also expressed confidence that through joint efforts Russia and Uzbekistan will be able to continue to successfully build up mutually beneficial ties across all areas, which fully meets the interests of the two countries and contributes to consolidating peace, security and stability in the Central Asian region.

In a message of greetings to President of the Argentine Republic Mauricio Macri, the Russian leader stressed that the recent talks in Buenos Aires fully reaffirmed the friendly and constructive nature of Russia-Argentina relations. Vladimir Putin also expressed confidence that the implementation of the agreements reached will contribute to the further expansion of the entire range of bilateral relations in the spirit of a comprehensive strategic partnership and in the interests of strengthening international security and stability.

The President of Russia sent greetings to President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Michel Temer and President-elect of the Federative Republic of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro. In connection with the end of Michel Temer’s tenure as head of state, Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude for constructive cooperation and mutual understanding between the two leaders during the period of joint work, and highly praised his efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Addressing Jair Bolsonaro, the Russian leader noted that relations between Russia and Brazil are productively developing in the spirit of strategic partnership as the countries are cooperating in politics, trade, the economy, energy and culture and are coordinating their efforts in addressing important regional and global matters.

Vladimir Putin also reaffirmed his readiness to work together in order to build up cooperation between Russia and Brazil, both with regard to the bilateral and international agenda, including in BRICS, where Brazil will preside next year.

The Russian President also congratulated Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the occasion of his birthday and wished him Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, wishing him and the people of Canada happiness and prosperity.

Vladimir Putin sent New Year and the upcoming Spring Festival greetings to President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping. “The relations of comprehensive trust-based partnership and strategic interaction between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China have reached an unprecedented level,” the message says.

The President of Russia stressed the existence of an ongoing substantive political dialogue, the dynamic growth of bilateral trade, the successful launch of the reciprocal years of region-to-region cooperation and the good results of coordinating the efforts by Moscow and Beijing in addressing important regional and global issues. The Russian leader also expressed confidence that effective joint work on the bilateral and international agenda will continue in the coming year, which will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Vladimir Putin wished Xi Jinping good health, happiness and every success, and the friendly Chinese people happiness and prosperity.

Vladimir Putin sent Christmas and New Year greetings to President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, in which he noted her personal focus on matters of bilateral cooperation, largely due to which relations between Russia and Croatia are developing in a constructive manner, and expressed his conviction that, by joint efforts, they will be able to further strengthen mutually beneficial Russia-Croatia ties for the benefit of the two countries and all of Europe.

In his messages of greetings to Chairman of the State Council and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba Raul Castro on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Cuban revolution, as well as Christmas and New Year, the President of Russia stressed that Cuba is Russia’s strategic partner and reliable ally. In addition, Vladimir Putin noted with satisfaction that bilateral relations are on the rise, which was reiterated in full by the Cuban Chairman of the State Council’s recent visit to Moscow. The Russian President also said that he hopes to continue joint work on the bilateral and international agenda and wished happiness and prosperity to the leaders and the friendly people of Cuba.

In his greeting message to President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman, the Russian leader praised his efforts to preserve constructive relations between the two countries and expressed confidence that further development of cooperation based on mutual respect and mutual benefit meets the aspirations of the peoples of Russia and the Czech Republic and serves to strengthen stability and security in Europe.

In his message to President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö, Vladimir Putin stressed that the recent meetings between the two leaders in Helsinki and Sochi were indicative of the successful and dynamic development of neighbourly Russian-Finnish relations, and expressed hope for continued joint work to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in politics, trade, economy, culture and other areas.

The President of Russia also sent Christmas and New Year greetings to President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron. “Russian-French relations have great potential, which was confirmed by our recent meetings and talks,” the Russian President said in his message. “I count on our continued joint work to promote mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries in various spheres, as well as to resolve important issues on the regional and global agenda.”

In his message to Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, the President of Russia noted the significant experience of cooperation between the two countries in various spheres and expressed hope for continued joint work on the bilateral and international agendas next year, in particular, the successful implementation of major joint projects in the economy, culture, science and education. Vladimir Putin stressed that Russian-German cooperation is of great importance not only for the peoples of the two countries, but for the rest of Europe as well.

The President of Russia also sent a message of greetings to Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Alexis Tsipras in which he expressed appreciation for a thorough exchange of views on bilateral and international issues that took place during the Greek leader’s recent visit to Moscow. “I am convinced that the interests of the peoples of Russia and Greece, united by centuries-old traditions of cultural and spiritual affinity, will be best served by further strengthening the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in politics, the economy, culture and other spheres,” the message reads.

In his greetings to Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban, the Russian President noted that significant progress has been achieved in Russia-Hungary relations and new frontiers of cooperation have been reached. He also stressed that he counts on continued joint efforts to strengthen bilateral ties in various areas.

In his New Year greeting messages to President of the Republic of India Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi, the President of Russia emphasised that Russia-India relations are developing in a constructive and dynamic manner, and the agreements reached at the October summit in New Delhi contribute to strengthening privileged strategic partnership between our countries.

Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that joint efforts will lead to further growth of mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas and greater coordination of efforts on key issues on the regional and global agenda within the UN, BRICS, the SCO, the G20 and other multilateral bodies.

In his greeting message to Prime Minister of the State of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin noted that the two countries have gained considerable experience in cooperation in various spheres and expressed hope that in the upcoming year Russian-Israeli relations will be developing in a constructive manner as a partnership for the benefit of the peoples of both states and in the interest of strengthening peace, security and stability in the Middle East.

In his greeting messages to President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic Giuseppe Conte, the President of Russia noted that the recent talks in Moscow confirmed the importance of Russian-Italian cooperation in strengthening security and stability in Europe.

The Russian leader stressed that Russia attaches great importance to maintaining constructive partnership relations with Italy and implementing mutually beneficial joint projects in trade, the economy, investment, energy, culture and other areas. Vladimir Putin expressed hope that the multifaceted bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the two nations and in the interests of strengthening security and stability in Europe will expand in 2019.

In his heartfelt New Year greeting to Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, the President of Russia stressed that Russian-Japanese relations have significant potential, which was fully confirmed during recent meetings and talks between the leaders of the two countries. “I am counting on continued constructive dialogue, including on expanding the legal framework for bilateral cooperation and implementing joint economic projects in Russia’s Far East, as well as on international matters, in particular, with due account of Japan’s presidency of the G20,” Vladimir Putin noted in his message.

In his address to President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in, the President of Russia noted that the substantive talks held in Moscow and Singapore gave a significant impetus to constructive bilateral ties in various areas. Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that, building on existing achievements, joint efforts will lead to further strengthening of interaction between Russia and the Republic of Korea and close coordination in addressing important regional and international issues, which undoubtedly meets the interests of the two countries’ peoples and is in line with the efforts to consolidate peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia in general.

In his Christmas and New Year greeting to Prince Albert II of Monaco, the President of Russia expressed hope that Russia-Monaco cooperation will be enriched with new exciting joint initiatives and projects in 2019.

In the New Year greetings to President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, the Russian President noted the dynamic development of bilateral relations in the spirit of strategic partnership and expressed confidence that the upcoming meeting in Belgrade will serve to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Serbia across various spheres.

The Russian leader wished Aleksandar Vucic, his family and friends happiness, good health and success, and the fraternal people of Serbia happiness and prosperity.

In his address to President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor, the President of Russia noted that Russia-Slovenia relations are developing in a constructive manner, in particular, cooperation in trade, the economy and culture is expanding, and the cross seasons of culture were a success. The Russian President also expressed his belief that further strengthening of bilateral ties is in the interests of the two countries’ peoples.

In his message of greetings to President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, the Russian leader stressed that Russia-South Africa relations were developing dynamically in various spheres in 2018, which was fully confirmed by the leaders’ talks in Johannesburg. “Russia and South Africa together make a significant contribution to building a fair, democratic system of international relations,” the message says.

Vladimir Putin also expressed confidence in continued joint work to build up bilateral ties in the spirit of strategic partnership and effective coordination of efforts within the UN, the G20, BRICS and other multilateral organisations, which meets the core interests of the two nations and contributes to consolidating regional and global security.

The President of Russia sent his heartfelt wishes of happiness, prosperity and success to King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, other members of the royal family and all Spanish people, stressing that he hopes the Russian-Spanish friendship and mutual respect will develop constructively in the coming 2019 for the benefit of the peoples of the two states and entire Europe.

Vladimir Putin also sent a message to President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad, in which he stressed that Russia will continue to provide all-round assistance to the government and people of Syria in their fight against terrorism and efforts to protect state sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Russian leader wished the Syrian people the earliest return to peaceful and prosperous life.

The President of Russia sent New Year greetings to President of the Turkish Republic Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in which he noted that he was pleased with the auspicious development of Russia-Turkey relations.

“The construction of the first unit of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant has begun and the offshore section of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline has been built. New, promising areas of bilateral cooperation have been outlined,” the message says. The Russian leader stressed that through their joined efforts, Moscow and Ankara are making a decisive contribution to fighting terrorism in Syria and advancing the process of political settlement in that country.

Vladimir Putin expressed his firm belief that the work on building mutually beneficial ties across all areas for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries in the interest of strengthening peace, security and stability on the Eurasian continent will continue.

The President also sent greetings to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Prime Minister Theresa May, in which he wished them and their family members good health, happiness and every success, and the British people well-being and prosperity.

In a Christmas and New Year greeting message to President of the United States of America Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia-US relations are the most important factor behind ensuring strategic stability and international security, and reaffirmed that Russia is open to dialogue with the United States on the most extensive agenda.

In his Christmas and New Year greetings to His Holiness Pope Francis, Vladimir Putin expressed hope for further strengthening of the relations between Russia and the Vatican in order to protect universal values, to uphold the ideals of justice and peace in the world and to promote dialogue between various religions.

In a message to President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro, the President of Russia noted that recent talks in Moscow confirmed the proximity of the two countries' positions on key issues of the international agenda and made it possible to outline steps to expand mutually beneficial cooperation. The Russian leader expressed confidence that the agreements reached would further strengthen strategic partnership between Russia and Venezuela.

The President also sent New Year greetings to General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong. Vladimir Putin noted in the message that the relations between our countries have reached a high level that was fully confirmed during the Vietnamese leader’s recent visit to Russia.

The President also expressed his belief that successful implementation of major joint projects in various fields, as well as the planned Year of Russia in Vietnam and Year of Vietnam in Russia will further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two states.

The President of the Russian Federation also sent greetings to a number of leaders of international organisations, in particular, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde, Honorary President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, honorary member of the International Olympic Committee Jean-Claude Killy, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation Rene Fasel and President of the International Judo Federation Marius Vizer.

In addition, the Russian leader wished Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, thanking him for his assistance in preparing and hosting the World Cup in Russia – an event that became, according to the message, “a true celebration for millions of football fans around the world.“

Vladimir Putin also sent greetings to a number of former heads of state and government and political figures, in particular, Almazbek Atambayev, Robert Kocharyan, Serzh Sargsyan, Silvio Berlusconi, George W. Bush, Romano Prodi, Nicolas Sarkozy, Francois Fillon, Tarja Halonen, King Juan Carlos I of Spain, and Gerhard Schröder.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59625






In the English version, there are no two telephone conversations held on December 28, 2018:

with President of Finland Sauli Niinisto - http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59535

and with the President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov - http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59536
__________________
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

Last edited by Alex Him; January 28th, 2019 at 05:58 PM.
 
Old January 28th, 2019 #932
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Meeting with Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov to discuss trade, as well as measures to control the quality of goods supplied to the market.



December 24, 2018 - 14:55 - The Kremlin, Moscow








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Manturov, I know that you intended to report on trade, the second aspect in the activities of your Ministry. What should we begin with?



Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov:

If you allow me, we have prepared some presentations for better clarity to accompany this report on this essential sector of the economy which currently accounts for 15 percent of GDP, or almost 10 percent of all budget revenue. As many as 14 million people work in trade.

As of today, trade increased by 2.7 percent, and retail chains accounted for one third of the overall trade.



Vladimir Putin:

Probably even slightly more.



Denis Manturov:

Yes, federal retail chains have been cushioning food price inflation which is attributable to the intense competition and their consumer focus. As of today, food price inflation stands at 1.9 percent.

Some believe that retail chains generate excess profits, but let me give you some average numbers. Profitability is currently moderate, ranging between 4 and 10 percent, and in this presentation we show this trend. The average for the retail segment does not exceed 2.5 percent.



Vladimir Putin:

At the same time, profitability in the agricultural segment is over 17 percent.







Denis Manturov:

Thank goodness, this sector is developing. There is a lot of untapped potential as far as trade is concerned in Russia. In terms of retail space per 1,000 people Russia has about 800 square metres, while a number of European countries have almost double this indicator, which means that this sector has a lot of potential.

In order to tap all the possible reserves the Government has recently submitted to the State Duma a draft law on non-permanent facilities and retail delivery trade. It will allow treating these trade methods not as just non-permanent facilities, but also as mobile points of sale, while they used to be viewed only as retail kiosks. By the way, everything that you can see in this presentation is Russian made.

We see positive prospects for the next three years. Private investment in this sector is expected to be at about 220 billion rubles, and some 250,000 new jobs could be created. Most importantly, this would be an opportunity for agricultural producers to increase deliveries by about 4.5 million tonnes per year.

This would have a multiplier effect, since other sectors of the economy will also benefit from new orders. In particular, we expect about 50,000 vehicles to be ordered in the automobile sector, including both cars and lorries.

Our next step as far as we can see would be to complete the drafting of a law to ease restrictions regarding markets. In fact, over the past decade the number of markets dropped six-fold from 6,500 to 1,000 markets and fairs nationwide. We believe this to be a promising segment for expanding trade, and as I have already pointed out it could benefit agricultural producers.

I cannot fail to mention online trade. This is a rapidly expanding segment. Over the past few years it has been growing at a rate of 10 percent per year, and it already exceeded one trillion rubles last year. Experts believe in its potential and calculate that it could triple over the next four years.

Apart from distribution chains, we have been paying a lot of attention to product quality. Thanks to the State Commission for Countering Illicit Trade in Manufactured Products that you have established, a legal framework was developed to this effect.

I can provide some examples: there was a 10 percent decline in the volume of counterfeited and illicit products in consumer goods manufacturing alone over the past three years, which means that some 375 billion rubles are no longer in the grey zone. Of course, this increases tax revenue.

Efforts to develop Roskachestvo (Russian System of Quality) have also helped reduce the number of poor-quality goods on the market. This independent institution studied 4,000 items over the past three years.

We resolved a number of serious problems. Specifically, we have almost reached a point when the frozen fish segment is almost infringement-free, while in the past it was not uncommon to see Pollock delivered instead of cod. Violations regarding school uniforms have been addressed as well.

More than 240 Russian products were issued a quality stamp, helping their makers increase production by up to 40 percent, statistics show. This tells us that Russians trust this label, so we will continue to move in this direction.

We intend to further promote transparency in retail by improving labelling. Fur products have been subject to mandatory labelling for two years now.

We are currently conducting a pilot project to label medicine, footwear and tobacco. The Government has approved a programme to introduce mandatory labelling for 12 product categories by 2020, and by 2024 we have plans to cover the entire consumer sector.







Vladimir Putin:

What is your main partner in digital trade?



Denis Manturov:

[Regarding digital labelling] – this is the Advanced Technology Development Centre, a company created in cooperation with Rostec.

We have already transferred the duty to label fur products to the centre, and the labelling of medicine will be transferred in the near future, as soon as it becomes mandatory.



Vladimir Putin:

Very well.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59478






Arslan Kaipkulov, a participant of the Dream with Me project, toured the President’s aircraft



December 25, 2018 - 17:30 - Moscow






Arslan Kaipkulov and his mother came to Moscow from Bashkortostan to be taken on a tour of the President’s aircraft. The teenager’s dream was to make a video about this aircraft.










Arslan examined the cockpit, the conference room and the cabin for accompanying passengers. The crew told him about the requirements for the staff of the special Rossiya flight detachment, and some technical characteristics of the presidential plane.










After the tour, Arslan spoke with Vladimir Putin by telephone and shared his impressions.










The President learned about the teenager’s dream while attending International Volunteer Forum. The volunteers told the President about the Dream with Me charity project, which helps to make the dreams of children and seniors diagnosed with life-threatening diseases come true.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59485






Meeting with the leaders of the Federation Council and the State Duma



Vladimir Putin met in the Kremlin with the leaders of the Federation Council, the State Duma and dedicated committees of both chambers. The participants discussed the MPs’ work in 2018, and their priorities in developing and upgrading legislation next year.



December 25, 2018 - 20:20 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, Ms Matviyenko, Mr Volodin, colleagues,

By tradition we meet ahead of the New Year. I am very glad to see all of you. We have an opportunity of summing up the results of your work in the outgoing year. Just recently we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Russian Constitution and both chambers of the Federal Assembly. Indeed, we have traversed a very long road together, and accumulated a great deal of valuable experience during this time. You and your colleagues have shaped and continue developing our legislation and consolidating Russia’s legal system generally.

It is enough to say that over 8,000 laws have been adopted in the past quarter of a century. Understandably, the number of legislative acts is not the main indicator. What is much more important is their quality and systemic character, and concordance with public expectations and vital demands, as well as the fundamental tasks of national development.







The past year has shown that these priorities and understanding of national interests form the foundation of your work and serve as a guide for the efforts – despite the differences in views – of all parliamentary parties and regional lawmakers. This ensures constructive cooperation between all branches of power.







I would like to thank you for your support and meticulous work on the key decisions of this year, including the initiatives set out in the Address to the Federal Assembly and the May Executive Order, the funding for which has already been included into the new federal law on the budget.







Now it is very important to achieve success in implementing every national project, to move swiftly and confidently and to reach all of the set goals so that our people could feel the real positive results, the practical results of our joint work already in the upcoming year.







In this context I would like to ask you to pay special attention to the people on the ground, and to be in constant contact with your voters. In fact, this is exactly what you are doing.







It is necessary to step up open and practical work with public associations, trade unions and the business community. You should initiate an independent civil expertise of all legislative acts and draft laws that are being studied by the Federal Assembly, and keep in close contact with your colleagues in the regions, in particular, by actively using the potentialities of the Council of Legislators.







Today, regional work is extremely important and I have talked about this in public many times, as, I am sure, you know. The huge resources that we channel into the implementation of national projects will be used for the most part at the regional level. Therefore, coordination and joint work must be smooth.







We will be faced with ambitious tasks next year and much will depend on the professional, responsible work of the legislative and representative branches of power. I am hoping for the further continuation of our joint work.

Naturally, I would like to use this opportunity to wish all of you a happy New Year.

Thank you for your attention.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59500






Meeting with State Duma Deputy Speaker Sergei Neverov



Vladimir Putin met with Sergei Neverov, Deputy Speaker of the State Duma and head of the United Russia faction in the lower house of parliament.



December 25, 2018 - 22:20 - The Kremlin, Moscow








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Neverov, I have already discussed the main areas of our work with your colleagues.

At this meeting, I would like to address the United Russia faction at the State Duma and to thank you for the joint efforts in the main areas of our work.







Your faction has assumed a very responsible governmental attitude, working professionally together with prominent experts and the Government, which is very important for ensuring stability in law-making efforts and largely political stability.

Please, convey my gratitude to all members of your faction.



Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Sergei Neverov:

Mr President, thank you for this assessment of our efforts.

Actually, we are now focused on the budget, which must provide financing for the implementation of the national projects.







It is very important that in 2019, when the national programmes’ data sheets are ready, the monitoring of financing is also stipulated, which must be effective; so that the people see not only abstract figures or plans, as you said, but know which section of which road was repaired, where a rural health centre opened, where a cultural centre was built, and where social facilities were established, so that everyone can feel that the quality of their lives is improving.

There are several aspects on which we will put a special emphasis in 2019. I would like to discuss with you several initiatives, which we are preparing now, and to receive your support for this process.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59512






Meeting with Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov



Vladimir Putin met with leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF) faction at the State Duma Gennady Zyuganov.



December 25, 2018 - 22:45 - The Kremlin, Moscow








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Zyuganov, we recently met and agreed to hold a separate meeting, so here we are.

I would also like to thank you for your work, and please convey my best wishes to the members of your faction in the State Duma. I know that very often your position on some issues does not coincide with the Government’s opinion. But at the same time, on key issues, fateful for our country’s life, I know that you take a patriotic stance, for which I am very grateful to you, and I appreciate it very much.

I hope that, despite the differences in tactical approaches, and maybe not only tactical, we will still be able to find common ground to act cooperatively in the interests of the country.







Head of the Communist Party faction in the State Duma Gennady Zyuganov:

Thank you, Mr President.

You know that Russia has always been the most important political party for me. I have supported all strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the country's position, the well-being of the working people and a decent standard of living for every citizen. Moreover, I believe that your Address to the Federal Assembly has set us realistic goals of reaching world development rates (they currently stand at around 3.5 percent) and joining the top five most powerful states.

Our main goal though is eradicating poverty. We have prepared our own programme to deal with it, Ten Steps Towards a Decent Life, with the main emphasis on reaching these rates in 2019 and getting tangible results, as you also said today.

We have reviewed the performance of several regions that our comrades are governing. Sergei Levchenko in Irkutsk has increased the growth rate to 4 percent; he has done a great deal to settle the region’s debt, which has decreased by one-third, and has prepared an action plan for the next five years. The average monthly wage at the employee-owned company in Usolye-Sibirskoye, which was established 40 years ago, has reached 100,000 rubles, and the management has preserved all social benefits.

The growth rate is truly impressive, and I am sure that employee-owned companies will fare even better under these conditions. We have balanced the accounts for all employee-owned companies. You probably remember the Zvenigovsky meat processing plant, for example, which you helped protect from raiders. Today the company has 200,000 pigs and 6,000 cattle. They have built a new dairy plant and won many medals at the IFFA meat industry fair in Frankfurt, which placed it among the top companies not only in Russia but also in Europe. They are now expanding the chain of stores: they have over 600 from Udmurtia to Ulyanovsk. The stores are happy to take Zvenigovsky products, which are moderately priced. I am sure that many companies can do the same in the future.

I invited you to the Lenin Collective Farm, which has recently marked its 100th anniversary and where the average monthly wage is 90,000 rubles. A wonderful children’s centre and a school opened there in time for the celebrations, and you promised to visit them. Many ministers, company leaders and journalists have visited this school. It is a school of the future. We are now completing the construction of a cheese production facility and a shop where products are sold with only a slight mark-up. This is wonderful.

Overall, we are working on several projects that involve new technologies. We prepared such a project with Novosibirsk Mayor Anatoly Loktev, and we are ready to present it in detail. The launch of the second phase of a unique research centre will help create world-class breakthrough technology. If you approve this project, we will implement it within two or three years.

I am especially grateful to you for my native Orel Region. The growth rate there is over 4 percent, and we have launched a programme of training in blue-collar jobs. We unveiled a monument to Turgenev on his 200th birthday anniversary, which was a marvellous event.

We have recently marked the 100th anniversary of the Komsomol. We had 10,000 visitors from around the world. I was hugely impressed. And they supported us on both Crimea and Donbass. By the way, yesterday we sent the 76th convoy with humanitarian aid to Donbass. Besides, this year, we provided rest and recreation to 2,000 Donbass children, who have become our friends and patriots, which is a matter of principle.

Overall, we have a number of proposals. I believe we will move forward if you agree to consider them.







Vladimir Putin:

Let us have a look at them.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59513






Meeting with leader of Liberal Democratic Party Vladimir Zhirinovsky



Vladimir Putin met with head of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia faction in the State Duma Vladimir Zhirinovsky.



December 25, 2018 - 23:15 - The Kremlin, Moscow








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Zhirinovsky, the year is coming to an end. I watched carefully the discussions and debates in the State Duma. I heard some of your speeches. Your speeches always stand out and I can see that both you and your parliamentary party faction have your own position. I know it does not always match the views of the Government but overall, the party holds a constructive position on key issues, for which I want to express my special appreciation. Please pass on my words to other members of the Liberal Democratic Party.



Head of the Liberal Democratic Party faction in the State Duma Vladimir Zhirinovsky:

Thank you.



Vladimir Putin:

I expect to continue our constructive dialogue next year.



Vladimir Zhirinovsky:

Yes, we are ready for this.

We are marking the 25th anniversary now. We were proactive participants in the adoption of the Constitution. Now everybody is content. Twenty-five years but who campaigned for it? The leftists said it was against the people while the right-wing pro-westerners claimed it was authoritarian. But we realised there was no other constitution. And the LDPR supported it with its votes, hence securing its approval.

It was thanks to the new Constitution that the State Duma elections happened. We won immediately because the people voted a party between the right and the left. And for the past 25 years, we have tried to pass laws that bring about only positive change.

This year, we passed a law that cancels roaming charges. The LDPR had been asking for it for ten years but the Government would not agree at the time. Now, finally, the law has been passed and it was our idea.

Now, animals. We constantly raised this issue urging the law to be passed. There must be a regulation because people are dying. Stray animals bite and spread diseases. Now, after eight years of advocating for it, the law has been passed.

Article 282. It does not affect everybody. However, there are people who suffered from it. They reposted something or posted a picture. So what? Now they have to go to prison for two years? This is not right. These laws may not affect the entire population but we fixed them. It was the LDPR that was working on it. We constantly raised those issues. I think it matters.

The budget is the main matter, of course. One can disagree on certain aspects, but Russia has now posted a budget surplus. In the second reading of the budget, we added education and healthcare funding. Therefore, there are some benefits in adopting these laws as well.

Roads have always been our favourite subject. We need a transport-oriented economy. Of course, we would like to exert maximum possible influence, and we need to build more roads.

Regarding housing, I spoke with you two years ago, and you suggested that a bank should have control over the money of the people who had been defrauded in participatory housing construction projects. Overall, this problem has already been resolved to some extent, although many institutions can still issue mortgages ahead of term. This is not very good because people might be defrauded again. Nevertheless, we protect the people, we work and we strive to help, so they know that we care.

We meet with voters. We do not organise street rallies just for the sake of rallying, because we see any street rally as a cause for concern. We can see the situation in France: everything is burning merrily, and looters are running loose. The same can be said of other countries, does not matter which.

As far as Russia is concerned, negative emotions flare up when people take to the streets. Therefore, we should work indoors, so that people can meet and talk in a warm room. They will always voice some critical opinions. This happens all over the world: children reject their parents, and the middle-aged generation rejects the younger generation and the older generation. This is the way it has always been and will be in the future.

If you have the time, the LDPR will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. This is a far cry from the 100th anniversary of the Soviet era, that was all stained in blood. If you have time, but I know that you do not have enough time…







Vladimir Putin:

Nevertheless.



Vladimir Zhirinovsky:

But if you do not have a lot of time, an hour and a half would be enough.



Vladimir Putin:

All right.



Vladimir Zhirinovsky:

Or topical brochures containing some interesting ideas of our analysts about the West and the United States opposing Russia…



Vladimir Putin:

I remember that you already mentioned a noteworthy subject that has something to do with the federal districts.



Vladimir Zhirinovsky:

Yes, we suggested this idea even before the executive order was issued; all this exists.



Vladimir Putin:

Let us discuss your high-priority agenda for 2019.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59514






Meeting with head of A Just Russia political party Sergei Mironov



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with head of A Just Russia political party faction in the State Duma Sergei Mironov.



December 25, 2018 - 23:45 - The Kremlin, Moscow








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Mironov, we recently met to discuss the work at hand. Today I would like to talk about your priorities for the short term, for the spring session and the first half of 2019.



Head of A Just Russia political party faction in the State Duma Sergei Mironov:

Mr President, we have already started this discussion. We have submitted a draft law on nationwide renovation to the State Duma. You know about the success of the renovation projects in Moscow. We have prepared a framework law on renovating other cities across Russia. What will be the main difference of these projects from the Moscow ones? In Moscow, new houses are built in place of the obsolete five-story buildings, whereas our renovation plan for other Russian cities stipulates the demolition or renovation of such buildings, including major repairs. In other words, the local authorities can choose which option is preferable. The main part of this framework law is the largest possible protection of the future participants of these renovation projects based on Moscow’s experience.



Vladimir Putin:

Yes, but you should bear in mind that these projects in Moscow are financed from the city budget.







Sergei Mironov:

Yes, we do, but we also stipulate different kinds of financing, including private investors in the case of certain old houses that are being demolished, land plots right in the city centre. You know that there are many cities in Russia, including beyond the Urals, where condemned houses unfit to live in are located in central districts.

Another law we have drafted is based on your Address to the Federal Assembly, where you set a goal for maintaining the country’s population. We have drafted a law to this effect. We propose 14 criteria for assessing the performance of regional authorities and the federal government. These are well-known criteria. The only thing we did was bring them together in a draft law, which will help us decide which regions are implementing the President’s May Executive Orders and the tasks you set out in your Address to the Federal Assembly, and which are dragging their feet.

The third bill that we have submitted and will be considering in the coming year is the law on social entrepreneurship. There are businesses in Russia that either produce certain goods used for social needs, such as products for people with disabilities, or employ people with disabilities at their facilities. Today, unfortunately, they have no preferences or legal guarantees. We do not think even the concept of social entrepreneurship is reflected in our legislation.

And there is one more issue. In the coming year, we will probably be forced to return to the subject of the Paris Agreement and climate change, as I have already reported to you. I was pleased that you said recently at the Energy Forum that the so-called anthropogenic factor has not yet been scientifically proven. This is really so. But at the same time, what they are trying to do now, because we have already seen that a draft law has been submitted, to put it in simple terms is, we are cutting the bough we are sitting on. We will be forced to reduce gas and oil production. We will actually restrict the industry… I think that the Climate Doctrine of the Russian Federation and our participation in general should be considered from the national security perspective. I have prepared a separate letter to you on this matter. Our scientists from Moscow State University have developed their ideas, including a scientifically based concept on climate change. I will hand it over to you.







Vladimir Putin:

I do not think such threats exist in reality here. But of course, let us see and make sure that they do not arise.



Sergei Mironov:

That is right. Indeed, there are no threats so far. But they can arise.



Vladimir Putin:

As for our further work, I hope that we will constructively work with your faction in 2019. I would like to thank you for your work in the outgoing year.



Sergei Mironov:

Thank you, Mr President. I have already said and will repeat with great pleasure that our faction in the State Duma has had a unique outcome this year: 25 bills were passed into laws, and 18 adopted in the first and second reading.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59515






Visit to National Centre for State Defence Control



On the instructions of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the Defence Ministry carried out a flight test that included a successful launch of an Avangard missile carrying a hypersonic glide vehicle.



December 26, 2018 - 14:15 - Moscow






The launch was performed by an operational unit of the Strategic Missile Forces from Dombarovsky missile deployment area against a hypothetical target at the Kura range, Kamchatka Territory.

Flying at hypersonic speed, the glide vehicle performed vertical and horizontal manoeuvres and hit the hypothetical target on time within the range’s combat field.

The tested glider is designed to evade missile defence radars and firepower, and can effectively overcome all the existing and future missile defence systems.

The qualification flight test programme has been completed in full, which makes it possible to make the Avangard complex available to the Strategic Missile Forces within the established timeframe.

Vladimir Putin thanked the creators of the Avangard complex, participants in the tests and the Defence Ministry for their successful work.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Comrades,

I congratulate everyone, primarily, the general designer, engineers, workers – all those who worked to create this advanced weapon system – on this outstanding event in the life of the Armed Forces and in ensuring the security of the Russian state.

This was a major, long-lasting and complex effort that required groundbreaking solutions in areas that matter. All this was accomplished by our researchers, designers and engineers.







The new Avangard system is impervious to current and future air defence and missile defence systems of a potential enemy. This is a great success and a great victory.







As soon as next year, the Avangard system will be put into service. A regiment will be formed to start combat duty.







We will continue to work according to our plans, on both this system and other advanced weapons systems, to equip the Army and Navy.

This is a great New Year’s present for the country.







Please convey my sincere gratitude to everyone who has been involved in this project. I hope we will continue to keep up the good work.

Congratulations! Thank you so much for your work and service.







With regard to this subject in general, I know how this work is organised. However, I will later talk with the general designer and our other colleagues, and take additional measures to ensure unconditional results on all parallel matters that the General Staff and the Defence Ministry consider promising in terms of providing the Army and the Navy with the latest systems, including hypersonic weapons.

We will talk about this later.

Thank you very much.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59519






Meeting with Government members



Vladimir Putin held a traditional meeting with Government members ahead of the New Year.



December 26, 2018 - 14:30 - Moscow






The participants discussed the overall results of 2018, the country’s socioeconomic development and other current matters.

The report was delivered by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Medvedev, colleagues,

As per tradition, I would like to wish you a Happy New Year and to wish you every success. Naturally, I cannot omit to mention the current political agenda.

The Government was largely renewed following the Presidential election. Many new people who have made a name for themselves in the regions came to the Government.

There is something I would like to point out and thank you for. It is that the new Government members immediately joined in the efforts to attain our main goals for the next five years, that is, the implementation of the national projects.

The Presidential Executive Order issued in May 2018 has been implemented, or, rather, we have started working to translate it into practice.

We have specified the methods and the resources for attaining the goal of a nationwide breakthrough and our movement forward in such key areas as healthcare, education, science and innovative technology.

Of course, we talked about this more than once, yet I believe it would not hurt to say again that we must do our best to reach our goals and fulfil our tasks together with the regional teams.







I would like to thank Mr Medvedev for personally overseeing all these national projects and their implementation plans and for taking part in them, just as we had agreed.

I strongly hope that we will be able to jointly guarantee the high professional standard of this work and that all of us will work as an integral team. We must score essential results for the Russian people, results that they should feel in their lives, rather than in theory, as I have already noted more than once. The people must feel that their lives are changing for the better.

I would like to wish you a Happy New Year and every success.

In conclusion, I would like to congratulate you on another event.

As you know, I mentioned new types of Russian weapons, mostly hypersonic weapons, in my Address to the Federal Assembly.







The Avangard intercontinental hypersonic glide vehicle is one of them.

As per my instructions, a Defence Ministry enterprise prepared and conducted the final test of this system. This test has just proved to be an unqualified success.

All of the system’s specifications and its performance have been confirmed. I repeat, the test was a success. Starting in 2019, the Russian army will receive the new Avangard intercontinental strategic system.

The first Avangard regiment will be deployed as part of the Strategic Missile Forces.

This is a major event in the life of the Armed Forces and probably the entire country. Russia now has a new strategic weapons system.

Mr Medvedev, you have the floor, please.







Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev:

Mr President, colleagues,

Indeed, such meetings ahead of the New Year are a good tradition that we greatly appreciate in the Government. The President always attends them to sum up the results.

Mr President, as you rightly said, we tried to start working right away – I am referring to the implementation of the Presidential Executive Order of May 7. It is very important to make sure that everyone is up to the mark. Naturally, it is also highly important that the President support the undertakings of the Government.

Thank you for your assessments. We understand how complicated this work is. Next year, literally in several days, the active implementation of all national projects will be launched.







Mr President, last week I discussed with you certain clarifications to national projects. The Government held a meeting of the Presidium of the Council for National Projects on Monday. I asked all regional governors to be in contact as you said.

We reviewed regional aspects of implementing national projects because it is obvious: all major national tasks should be resolved on the ground, that is, in the regions and municipalities, but the Government must ensure the coordination and control of the implementation of the ambitious objectives set forth in the Presidential Executive Order.

Naturally, we will continue working in this vein. I told my colleagues in the Government that next year we will be dealing with national projects not only from our offices and conference halls, but we will be also personally taking part in relevant events and checking on how major areas of our national development are being tackled.







This will be guaranteed. I am sure we will resolve the tasks you set and do so as you specified: every year people should feel that changes for the better are being made and that the tasks set forth in the Executive Order are being carried out – and not by 2024 but every year.

Thank you very much again for coming to wish us a happy New Year. The President always has a special, busy schedule. The Government should not relax either, and naturally, everyone should follow the developments in the country during the New Year break.

We would also like to wish you a happy New Year and success in implementing our big national plans that are specified in your decisions. Of course, we would also like to congratulate you on the launch of the Avangard missile because this is indeed vital for our national security. We would like to congratulate you on this as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

Happy New Year!







Vladimir Putin:

In view of this latest achievement in the defence sector, I would like to thank all those who contributed to this outcome in the Government, including the Finance Ministry and the Industry and Trade Ministry. This was a major effort, and of course, I cannot fail to recognise those who were at the origins of this work.

I have no doubt that those who started this work back in 2003 will see or hear this. This was a lengthy period. It is a major development for science, as it is for the defence industry and in terms of enhancing the country’s defence capability.

From a broader perspective, this event is much more than a national achievement. It goes beyond national interests. This is a serious event. We are the first to have a strategic weapon of a new kind, enabling us to provide for the effective defence of our state and people for decades to come.







Nevertheless, at the end of the day the civilian sector is what matters the most for us. Going back to what I said in the beginning, let me once again stress the importance of working together with the regions on the key development initiatives. This is extremely important.

We will never succeed in any other undertakings, including in the defence and security sectors, international affairs and what have you, unless we achieve the goals we have set in the civilian sector.







Achievements do not come out of thin air. All our successes in all areas rest primarily on economic achievements and new technology.

Once again, I wish you successful work in 2019.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59518






Meeting with representatives of the Russian business community



Vladimir Putin held his traditional end-of-year meeting with representatives of the Russian business community. More than 60 business leaders, heads of private and state-owned companies, banks, entrepreneurs’ associations and unions were invited to attend.



December 26, 2018 - 17:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

It has become a tradition for us to meet ahead of the New Year to discuss the development of the real economy, review results and go over what has been achieved and what has not, and why.

It is very important for me, for my colleagues from the Presidential Executive Office and the Government to hear your opinion on what we are doing. That said, the major focus right now, as I said earlier at a meeting with the Government, is to implement the national programmes.







Of course, businesses have a major role to play in this large-scale effort. Without them, economic development is hardly imaginable.

We see in you responsible and proactive partners. Society really expects you to be involved in achieving Russia’s breakthrough needs.







Let me remind you, as I have said on a number of occasions, that these national programmes will be launched as soon as the first quarter of next year, and I hope that meaningful agreements to promote national projects will be reached with you and your colleagues who are not here today, and with the business community in general.







What are the priority areas of cooperation, in my opinion?

Primarily, improving labour productivity. As you may know, our goal is to reach a growth rate of 5 percent on this indicator.







It is crucial to upgrade production facilities by introducing state-of-the-art technology with higher efficiency. Another objective is to train professionals and help them improve their skills on a continuous basis.







We have been discussing this with many of you, in fact almost with everyone here, over the past several years. The state and businesses will have to work together to deliver on these objectives.







The environmental wellbeing of our citizens is another priority.

We have already begun transitioning to the best available technology. This must have a positive effect on the environment, primarily in cities that face the greatest environmental stress.







I would also like to propose that the leading Russian companies become part of the effort to develop a market for using a natural gas vehicle fuel, since it is a more environmentally friendly alternative, especially for Russia’s industrial centres.







This will require a modern infrastructure, a network of filling stations, as well as ensuring the transition of corporate fleets, public transit and public utility transport to liquefied natural gas. Of course, we need detailed plans for all these programmes.







Apart from the environmental impact, we need to look at cost effectiveness, and whether they can achieve economic change. These projects must be profitable and relevant for the market. It goes without saying that they will not be imposed on anyone as a burden. If we are able to achieve positive results, the natural gas vehicle segment will develop on its own, which could also help stabilise prices on the market for petroleum products, and the fuel market in general.







Other priorities within our national programmes include introducing digital technology, developing communications systems and transport infrastructure. The government will fully support these projects. We will fine-tune development institutions and offer tools for attracting private investment in these areas.







Overall, supporting Russian businesses and expanding their opportunities is a major priority that has special relevance today as Russian companies face certain external restrictions. It has to be said that behind the veil of politics, unfair competition practices and attempts to get rid of competitors and divide the market are clearly visible. This is evident in a number of specific cases that are obvious. At times, our partners do nothing to conceal this.







We must respond to these steps by enhancing the competitiveness of the Russian economy on a global scale. We need to substantially accelerate industrial growth, promote research and development, as well as facilitate localisation and help Russian companies tap new markets within the country and beyond its borders.

At the same time, let me emphasise that we do not intend to isolate ourselves, as we have discussed on a number of occasions, or create any barriers to international economic cooperation. We are well aware of the fact that this would undermine national development.







Russia is open to trade, technology and investment ties and cooperation with our partners, especially as part of Eurasian integration. This includes efforts to improve the business climate domestically and to simplify administrative procedures.

Of course, we remain committed to supporting Russian exporters, primarily in non-oil-and-gas sectors, such as high-tech and agriculture. Ministries and government agencies are to focus on this activity. We discuss this with our colleagues in the Government all the time. I hope this will be reflected in the Government’s work, as well as in the work of our trade representatives abroad.

Of course, we will have an opportunity to discuss all this in an informal setting. I wish for you to stay positive and for every success in 2019.

Thank you very much for your attention.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59524






Greetings to current and former Emergencies Ministry workers



Vladimir Putin congratulated current and former workers of the Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Natural Disaster Relief of the Russian Federation on their professional holiday, Rescuers’ Day.



December 27, 2018 - 09:00 - Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Comrades, veterans,

Congratulations on your professional holiday, Rescuer’s Day. Thank you for your efficient and selfless service. Emergencies Ministry divisions are always ready to act in an urgent and resolute manner, in highly risky conditions and in the most complicated and atypical circumstances.

You proved your ability to successfully work as a well-coordinated team many times, both in our country and abroad, during most complicated rescue and humanitarian operations following natural disasters, industrial accidents, fires and other emergencies.

I would like to note the particular importance and significance of further improving prevention programmes. The Emergencies Ministry should be more proactive in preventing emergencies, ensuring the strictest and principled control over fire safety rules, other requirements and safety procedures at complex technical facilities and in public places.







Of course, real life will always throw in unexpected events. And it is you that people in distress rely on because they are certain that help will always come and Emergencies Ministry rescuers will do everything possible and impossible to save the most important thing: human lives.

We will continue to further reinforce the ministry’s unique personnel potential, pay close attention to the quality and diversified training and technical equipment of Russian rescuers, as well as social support to the personnel and their families.

We will certainly also pay the utmost attention to educating the younger generation in the glorious traditions of courage and honour, which is the pride of the Emergencies Ministry and the entire country.

I wish you good health, good luck and success in your demanding and noble service. And of course, I wish you and your families a happy New Year.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59525






Meeting with Kolya Kuznetsov



Vladimir Putin met with 10-year old Kolya Kuznetsov, a participant in the Dream with Me project.



December 27, 2018 - 12:45 - The Kremlin, Moscow






Kolya Kuznetsov arrived in Moscow from Stavropol Territory on his first visit to the Russian capital.










The boy dreamed of shaking hands with the President. Before the meeting, Kolya and his mother were offered a long guided tour of the Kremlin. Later, they will go on an excursion around Moscow and visit Izmailovo Estate and the Museum of Weapons.













On December 5, the President visited the International Volunteer Forum and took part in the Dream with Me charity project where volunteers make dreams come true for people suffering from serious illnesses. Any forum participant can choose an envelope and make one dream come true. Vladimir Putin took all the envelopes remaining on the stand.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59529






State Council meeting



In the Kremlin, the President chaired a meeting of the State Council on the development of the volunteer movement and socially oriented non-profit organisations.



December 27, 2018 - 13:50 - The Kremlin, Moscow






The meeting agenda included a summary of the results of the Year of the Volunteer in Russia, and further plans for the development of the volunteer movement and socially oriented non-profit organisations.




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues, friends.

We are meeting ahead of the New Year in an expanded format, as you can see. In addition to the traditional participation of governors and heads of regions, this State Council meeting is attended by volunteers and representatives of socially oriented non-profit organisations – remarkable people who are passionate about their work.

I want to welcome everybody here and thank you and all like-minded people, and their number is increasing in our country, and thanks to your efforts, among other things, there are now hundreds of thousands and maybe even millions of them – I would like to thank you for your generous participation in people’s destinies.







Why have we gathered here today? I would like to remind you that we declared 2018 the Year of the Volunteer. The reasons for this are clear: we need to raise public awareness of this wonderful movement and this kind of activity. Most importantly, we must focus attention on in-depth changes in society that are not measured by statistics and dry numbers alone.







I would like to note once again that more and more people are striving to emulate those who are involved in our meeting today. More and more people are working in difficult areas where practical assistance is needed, where it is necessary to uphold justice and so on. It goes without saying that support for the volunteer movement does not boil down to formal calendar deadlines. As I have said, this support will certainly continue. Actually, the Government has already drafted the concept for developing the volunteer movement until 2025.







Certainly, together with the volunteers we must formulate detailed plans for such work at the federal level and in the regions, including the introduction of volunteer-support standards that have been drafted by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives. In effect, this is an algorithm of action for regional teams, and I ask my colleagues from the regions and regional leaders to monitor compliance with the document’s practical steps together with volunteers.







We must be more proactive in establishing volunteer centres, so that everyone has the opportunity to join the common cause, to obtain essential knowledge, experience and skills. Volunteers and people in need of assistance will be able to find each other there more easily and quickly. These points of attraction should be established in cities, other communities, at schools, colleges and universities.







Many young people want to take part in the volunteer movement, which we can see, just as the older generation’s readiness to share their experience and knowledge for the benefit of society. We must definitely support the national business of corporate volunteer centres. They are being created, and we must support this initiative.







I have said many times before that our national projects and development programmes can be implemented only through the concerted efforts of the state, businesses and the whole of society, as well as an active contribution from volunteers. Today they are involved in the organisation of major international events; they contribute to environmental programmes by implementing many of their elements, promoting the development of popular sports and helping improve our life. For example, young people from the volunteer movement of medics have helped repair over a thousand rural healthcare centres this year.







I believe we must express our appreciation for the volunteers who are working selflessly at hospitals, hospices and social facilities. In this connection, I ask that the Government and regional authorities remove all the excessive barriers and obstacles that have long outlived their purpose in healthcare and the social sphere. We need clear and understandable rules of interaction based on the current reality. These rules must be drafted as soon as possible. The Emergencies Ministry, our law enforcement agencies and also volunteers are working on such a document. Coordinated efforts and synergy in this sphere are very important, possibly even crucially important.







Colleagues, many community-focused NGOs began as small volunteer projects. I would like to say a few words about this. Financial support is extremely important for them to expand their operations. In 2017, we allowed NGOs to receive budgetary financing for the social services they provide, but only after they receive a special status as social services providers.







Two years have passed, let us look at the results of that decision. As of December 1, the status has been granted to 187 NGOs around the country. This is certainly far from enough. What does this mean? It means that not all obstacles to the development of this work have been removed.







What can I suggest in this connection? The Presidential Grants Fund has already supported almost 7,000 NGO projects. This system is fair, and, more importantly, it is transparent. One can quickly see the legal foundations for awarding each grant and its practical results. I think it would be right for the grant-winning NGOs that have successfully implemented their projects to automatically receive the status of providers of socially useful services without any excessive formalities because they have obviously proved their worth by specific deeds. If they have received the grants, if they have been selected accordingly, then this fact speaks volumes.







I also suggest and would like to ask regional leaders to use the Fund’s experience of holding open and public tenders and competitions, so that as many genuine and honest projects as possible can obtain federal and regional assistance.







Here is another suggestion. We should help public officials train public sector employees on how to cooperate efficiently with NGOs and volunteers. In this connection, I consider it necessary to launch relevant education programmes and to implement them under the Russia – the Land of Opportunities project together with the Association of Volunteer Centres.







I would like to say a few more words before we start our discussion. It goes without saying that our incentives have a high priority status. However, it is also necessary, of course, to set a personal example; I would now like to address our colleagues from the Russian regions. You know this very well: a personal example sets the pace in virtually every area of our joint work. Therefore, I would like to ask you to join the projects implemented by volunteers in your respective regions. Most importantly, this participation should be sincere and efficient, and it should not amount to window-dressing.

Let us start our discussion.


<…>


Vladimir Putin:

Let us sum up some results. It is clear why I considered it important to meet today, in advance of the New Year and in this format. We are completing a year devoted to the volunteer movement and socially-oriented NGOs, and I wanted very much to complete this year here in the centre of Moscow, at the Kremlin, and with both the volunteers themselves and the heads of the regions of Russia.







In this respect, I proceeded from the idea that completing this year formally, we are aiming at continuing our joint work. In this connection, we will discuss what we must do to keep this movement from fading out and, on the contrary, for it to develop and receive increasing support from the state, as well as the federal and regional authorities.







In this context, we have prepared a list of instructions. I would just like to ask the Executive Office and the Government of the Russian Federation to look at these instructions with a view to preventing red tape in the volunteer movement. It must remain an essentially voluntary movement. This is what makes it special.

And, of course, my colleagues from the regions – I must assure you that by virtue of their numerous responsibilities and the salaries some of them receive they are volunteers to a certain extent. It goes without saying that this is not enough. Today’s conversation is straight and live. For all of us, including my colleagues from the regions, it is like a breath of fresh air when we look at what volunteers and representatives of socially oriented NGOs are doing and how they do it.







I would like to thank all of you for this work now that the Year of the Volunteer is coming to a close. I am hoping you will continue this work. On our side, we will provide every support to you in your noble efforts.

All areas are important, both medicine and environmental protection. Of course, the World Cup was one of the year’s highlights. Thousands of people worked to help organise this happy and, as it transpired, meaningful festival. Special thanks to you.

Thank you once again and a happy New Year to all of you. I am grateful to you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59528






Meeting with elected regional governors



Vladimir Putin met with elected governors of the Russian regions – the heads of the Republic of Khakassia, Primorye and Khabarovsk territories, Vladimir Region and the Nenets Autonomous Area. The participants reviewed the election campaign and plans for the further development of the regions.



December 27, 2018 - 15:15 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

To begin with, I would like to congratulate you on your election to high positions in the regions, the residents of which have entrusted you with these positions that are very important for every person because the closer to the people the more responsible and complicated it is. I think some of you already know this while others will learn this soon.

The election campaign follows its own logic. The main goal is to show the voters one’s intentions, to demonstrate to them what you want to achieve. But this approach also dictates tough criticism of the opponents. This is all clear but it is also obvious that after the end of this period it is necessary to show tenability and keep the promises that you made to the people This is the bottom line.










All of you have different life and administrative experience. Some of you, like Oleg Kozhemyako, started careers as a plumber, doctor or lawyer. However, now you must use everything you have, the experience you have accumulated in the years of your work and life, that is the experience of life, production and public activity, and what is very important – to work befittingly for the benefit of people, laying aside other interests and priorities.










I would like to wish you success and the attainment of the goals that you set during the election campaign. I would like to hope that you will not let down the people and that they did not go wrong in choosing you.










The election campaign was complicated and even conflict-prone in the majority of your regions. Well, this is the logic of political struggle. In reality, I am glad that representatives of opposition parties, and this is the case for the majority here, do well at the elections and reach the goals they set for themselves.










Recently I met with the leaders of all the parliamentary parties, the leaders in the Russian Parliament, and we discussed this as well. They, in turn, also promised to give you every support. I hope you get to feel this support from the state, from me and from the members of your own parties.

And I would like to wish you good luck and a happy New Year. Let us discuss what issues and problems we have.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59530






Gala New Year event at the Bolshoi Theatre



Vladimir Putin attended a gala New Year event at the Bolshoi Theatre.



December 27, 2018 - 22:00 - Moscow






Also attending the gala event were Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, his spouse Svetlana Medvedeva, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino and spouse, and Naina Yeltsina.

After the performance, Vladimir Putin met with Bolshoi Theatre soloists who starred in The Nutcracker ballet and the Theatre’s directors. The President wished the company a Happy New Year and further creative success.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues, friends, ladies and gentlemen,







We are holding our traditional, pre-New Year or pre-holiday meeting in an unusual format. Here, within the walls of this theatre, I would like to thank the Bolshoi Theatre for its hospitality and its company for the wonderful gift they have prepared for us.







The magical ballet The Nutcracker, the fairy tale feeling that will reign supreme on stage, has long been one of the brightest symbols of the holiday season beginning in December, and the New Year and Christmas. There is no doubt that the joyful, airy feeling of this event, the wonderful music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and the brilliant performance by the artists, which we will now see on stage, will leave everyone with the most pleasant and warm impressions.







Of course, bidding farewell to another year, the year 2018, we review the results and look to the future, making new plans for the future as usual. The outgoing year was unique and different for every person, but it united our society and our citizens in events that were important for all of Russia. I am referring to the domestic political calendar, major domestic political events and, certainly, the implementation of major, landmark projects such as the Crimean Bridge and the World Cup that we conducted brilliantly. In general, we worked together for the consolidation and prosperity of our homeland.







I would like to express special gratitude to all those who took an active part in the Year of the Volunteer: today we held a conference at the Kremlin with our regional colleagues on this occasion along with representatives of the volunteer movement and socially-oriented non-governmental organisations. And I would like to address special words of gratitude to this particular category of our citizens who are wholeheartedly helping others through charity, and who carry out and support educational and creative projects. Needless to say, we will continue this work even though the Year of the Volunteer is coming to a close.







I would like to express gratitude to our army personnel, soldiers and officers for their valour and courage, and professional actions both in Russia and during various events, exercises and the implementation of combat assignments, including missions abroad. I would like to thank our colleagues in federal, regional and municipal government bodies for their effective work to raise the quality of life and the living standards of our citizens.







Contributions to the development of this large, multi-ethnic country were made by scientists and doctors, teachers and entrepreneurs, representatives of public organisations and artists, all citizens of our Fatherland. The main point is that we are ready to move forward with confidence, to respond to any challenge, to resolve even the most complicated tasks, to make breakthroughs and to achieve success for the benefit of the homeland, for the benefit of Russia and its people. I am sure that we will act in the same vein in the future.







I wish all of you health, love, happiness, peace and prosperity of our great homeland.







Happy holidays to you, and a happy upcoming 2019.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59533






Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council



Vladimir Putin held a meeting with permanent members of the Security Council. The discussion focused on current issues on the domestic agenda and the situation in Syria.



December 28, 2018 - 15:00 - The Kremlin, Moscow







Along with current issues on Russia’s domestic socioeconomic agenda, the meeting participants discussed several international topics, including the situation in Syria.







A positive assessment was given on the continued expansion of the territory under the control of the Syrian armed forces, and its importance for further settlement.







Vladimir Putin wished the permanent members of the Security Council a very happy New Year.










The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, 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, Special Presidential Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59546






Congratulations to Daniil Dubov on winning FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships



Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to Daniil Dubov on winning the 2018 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships held in St. Petersburg.



December 28, 2018 - 18:50







The message reads, in part:

“You played brilliantly at the home championships, composing yourself and setting your mind to achieving your goal. Your convincing victory and your beautiful and technically skilled game came as a wonderful New Year gift to your coaches, your family and loved ones and to all chess lovers in Russia.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59653






Meeting with Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev



The President met with CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev to discuss the fund’s performance in 2018.



December 29, 2018 - 17:00 - The Kremlin, Moscow








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Dmitriev, let's talk about the fund’s performance this year.







CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev:

Thank you, Mr President.

I am very grateful to you for supporting the RDIF. I would like to report on our work in 2018 regarding national projects and interaction with Chinese investors.

For several years now, the RDIF and our partners have accounted for 90 percent of Russia’s direct investment market and about 60 percent of the venture capital market. This year, we have invested 350 billion rubles, of which 30 billion are RDIF-owned funds, and 320 are funds contributed by our partners, which translates into a good 1:10 mobilisation ratio.

This money went to 25 highly promising projects in Russia, including, for example, Rostec City, the largest technology park, which will allow us to implement a project worth $1.3 billion with $300 million invested by us and our partners. Thus, a major technology park will be created in Russia. This includes an investment in Transneft Telecom, where our Russian-Japanese fund will invest in a broadband cable between Japan and Russia; we will use 16,000 kilometres of existing Transneft broadband cable and create a bridge between Japan and Europe through Russia, a digital bridge of sorts.

Just yesterday, our partners and us approved investment in the pharmaceutical cluster being created together with Sistema which is an association of Obolensky and Binnopharm. The holding company will be a top-ten Russian pharmaceutical manufacturer. We believe in import substitution and our ability to support the holding company on Arab markets.

With regard to our portfolio companies’ profit, it grew by 17 percent last year, which is a very good number, with earnings up 12 percent. Other good news is that the Russian and Chinese parts of the first Russian-Chinese bridge have been connected, and we invite you to the opening ceremony for this bridge next year, if you have time for that. The bridge will cut the distance for cargo shipments from Russia to China by 700 kilometres.

The Mother and Child medical group opened seven new clinics. Vladivostok Airport recorded a 45 percent increase in passenger traffic. This is a very important example of Singaporean investment, and during your visit to Singapore they allocated another billion dollars of investment with us following the success of Vladivostok Airport.

As for national projects, we are actively involved. You have described our role as an investment filter on many infrastructure projects. We have analysed over 200 projects and have identified opportunities to reduce budget funding to 30 percent and replace it with private money, investments from our partners. And as I reported to you, we consider it possible to attract 7 trillion from our co-investors and partners per 3 trillion in government funds.

In conclusion, a few words about China. We understand that this is a very important area. In addition to the Russia-China Investment Fund (RCIF), which you supported and which has already made 30 Russian-Chinese investments, we have begun our first Russia-China Venture Fund (RCVF). As you know, according to our deal with Alibaba, it is committed to localized production and software in Russia and will use all data in Russia. We are also carrying out many other technological projects with our Chinese partners.

We have established the Russia-China RMB Fund. Our partners very much value this cooperation between Russia and China. Thus, Saudi Arabia allocated another $500 million for the creation of an additional fund with Russia, China and Saudi Arabia. This is why we are actively working with co-investors from both China and the Middle East.







Vladimir Putin:

I hope that next year you will not reduce your activity and will work with the same results. Indeed, our – your sovereign fund is performing a very important function in attracting investment. On the whole, you are meeting all the objectives that you were given. I would like to thank you for the good job.



Kirill Dmitriev:

Thank you, Mr President.

Our partners (20 major sovereign funds) asked us, if there was an opportunity, to congratulate you on the New Year, wish you all the best in the New Year and thank you for supporting their investments in the outgoing year and in previous years.







Vladimir Putin:

This is also how it will be in the future.



Kirill Dmitriev:

Thank you very much.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59623






Night Hockey League friendly match



Vladimir Putin took part in a Night Hockey League friendly match on a skating rink on Red Square.



December 29, 2018 - 21:00 - Red Square, Moscow




















































Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and hockey veterans Alexei Kasatonov, Pavel Bure and Vyacheslav Fetisov, to name a few, took part in the match alongside the President.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59624






Congratulations to Yekaterina Lagno on winning 2018 World Blitz Chess Championship




The President sent a message of greetings to Yekaterina Lagno, who won the 2018 World Blitz Chess Championship in St. Petersburg.



December 30, 2018 - 19:00







The message reads, in part:

“There were no equals to you at the world championship. You have demonstrated wonderful sports traits: motivation, self-reliance and strong will. You have scored an impressive and unconditional victory over your rivals.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59655
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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.
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Telephone conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron



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



January 2, 2019 - 15:40



Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron spoke in detail about issues related to the Syrian settlement, above all in the context of the agreements to form a Constitutional Committee reached at the meeting of the leaders of Russia, Turkey, Germany and France on October 27, 2018 in Istanbul.

They continued to discuss the intra-Ukrainian crisis, considering Ukraine’s provocation in the Kerch Strait on November 25, 2018.

The two presidents exchanged New Year greetings.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59633






Telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu



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



January 4, 2019 - 15:00



Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences to the leaders and people of the Russian Federation over the tragic events in Magnitogorsk. The conversation focused on the situation in Syria including the announced intention of the US to withdraw its troops from that country. The need to completely defeat terrorism and to promptly advance towards a political settlement in the SAR was emphasised. In this respect, a mutual commitment on enhancing coordination via military and diplomatic channels was reaffirmed.

In addition, some current issues on the bilateral agenda were touched upon. Joint interest was expressed in developing contacts at different levels.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59637
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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.
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Birthday greetings to Rector of Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, People's Artist of Russia Nikolai Tsiskaridze



Vladimir Putin extended birthday greetings to ballet dancer and teacher, Rector of the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet Nikolai Tsiskaridze.



December 31, 2018 - 10:00







The message reads, in part:

“You have always worked hard and enthusiastically and have achieved truly outstanding results in your creative endeavors; you have become famous as the brilliant Bolshoi Theater lead dancer, a respected teacher and mentor – a true devotee who has dedicated his professional career and his entire life to ballet.

And of course, I must note your popular social activity and significant personal contribution to the development of the remarkable traditions of national culture.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59656






Instructions to Emergencies Ministry and Healthcare Ministry following explosion in residential building in Magnitogorsk



December 31, 2018 - 10:50



Vladimir Putin was immediately informed of the tragedy in Magnitogorsk. Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Natural Disaster Relief Yevgeny Zinichev flew to the accident site upon the President’s instructions. The President also instructed Healthcare Minister Veronika Skvortsova to undertake all possible measures to provide aid to the victims and to relatives of the deceased.

Chelyabinsk Region Governor Boris Dubrovsky briefed the President over the telephone on the measures being undertaken.

The explosion took place in an apartment block in Magnitogorsk, following which a section of the building collapsed. According to preliminary data, the tragedy was caused by a gas explosion. Search and rescue work is being carried out on site, with 469 people and 66 vehicles involved.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59626






Vladimir Putin held a briefing at Emergencies Ministry headquarters in Magnitogorsk



The President made a trip to Magnitogorsk where a gas explosion occurred in a block of flats on Monday morning.



December 31, 2018 - 16:40 - Magnitogorsk














The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59628






New Year Address to the Nation



December 31, 2018 - 23:55 - The Kremlin, Moscow







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Citizens of Russia, friends,

A new year, year 2019, is right around the corner. Behind us is the busy month of December, when we rushed to complete all our urgent tasks, finalised our plans for the future, and of course, got ready for New Year celebrations. Filled with excitement and hope, we are now waiting for the New Year to arrive. We see the eyes of our children shining with enthusiasm. We feel the joy of our parents and grandparents, if the entire family is together at this moment. Their hearts are warmed by the tenderness and attention, and they can experience the New Year magic created by the generosity of our spirits. This generosity is essential not only when we celebrate, but also in our daily lives, when we are there to support those who need our help, those who are alone or not well. After all, we must be responsive to the misfortunes of others, and care is always repaid in kindness and gives us the joy of involvement.

Friends,

While our expectations at this very moment may differ, what we all want is for our loved ones to be healthy, our home to be full of harmony, our children to bring us joy, our life to be peaceful, and our dreams, even the most sacred ones, to come true.

Just like in our childhood, on New Year’s Eve we make wishes and expect this night to bring us luck and success. May all this come true. At the same time, we all know for sure that only through our own efforts and by working together can we build a better life for ourselves, our families and our homeland.

We face many pressing tasks in the economy, research, technology, healthcare, education and culture. What matters the most is that we make steady progress in improving the wellbeing and quality of life in Russia, so that all its people, each and every one of us, feel the change for the better as soon as next year.

We will succeed, but only if we are able to work together. We never had any help in these endeavours, and never will. For this reason, we must form a team that is united, strong and acts as a single whole. Let the friendship and good hopes that bring all of us together accompany us moving forward and help us in our work and in achieving our common goals.

Friends,

The New Year is just a few seconds away. Let us wish happiness to those next to us. Let us say the warmest words to all those we treasure, thank our parents, give a tender hug to our children, and open our hearts to each other. After all, when millions of people share these wonderful feelings, the world is filled with love and trust.

From all my heart I wish joy and wellbeing to you, and success and prosperity to our homeland, to our beloved Russia.

Happy New Year 2019!




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59629






Message of greetings to choreographer, People’s Artist of USSR Yury Grigorovich on his birthday



Vladimir Putin congratulated choreographer, People’s Artist of the USSR Yury Grigorovich on his birthday.



January 2, 2019 - 12:00







The message reads, in part:

“You have devoted your life to the art of dance and have won fame as one of the best choreographers of our time, and you have enriched the great traditions of the Russian ballet school through your versatile creativity.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59657






Greetings to sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, President of Russian Academy of Arts and People’s Artist of the USSR



Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to Zurab Tsereteli, President of the Russian Academy of Arts and People’s Artist of the USSR, congratulating him on his 85th birthday.



January 4, 2019 - 11:20







The message reads, in part:

“You are known and appreciated as a talented monument designer and sculptor, and a prominent representative of our national culture. Your creative ideas have been brilliantly embodied in wonderful works that have garnered wide recognition among professionals and art lovers.

It is encouraging that you never stop at what you have achieved but continue working hard and being productive, while also devoting constant attention to educational, mentoring and public activities.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59658






Visit to a children’s hospice in St Petersburg



Vladimir Putin visited the St Petersburg Children’s Hospice public health facility that provides palliative care.



January 6, 2019 - 18:20 - St Petersburg






The President toured the hospice facilities, spoke to employees and patients, congratulated everybody on the New Year and Christmas and presented gifts. The President was accompanied by Archpriest Alexander Tkachenko who initiated the opening of the hospice, Acting Governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov and Healthcare Minister Veronika Skvortsova.



















The hospice provides medical care to St Petersburg children aged between three months and 18 years to relieve pain and other severe symptoms at the stage when other forms of radical treatment are exhausted.






















Relying on their own experience, the hospice staff has developed a number of palliative care study and training materials. Palliative care professionals from other regions visit the hospice regularly to study the comprehensive approach to helping disabled children and further share this experience with other similar medical facilities.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59638
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President of Serbia awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky



Vladimir Putin signed Executive Order On Awarding the Order of Alexander Nevsky to President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic.



January 7, 2019 - 12:50



Aleksandar Vucic was awarded the order for his substantial personal contribution to the development of multilateral cooperation with the Russian Federation.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59642






Telephone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi



Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi.



January 7, 2019 - 13:00



The two leaders wished each other a happy New Year. Narendra Modi also expressed his best wishes to the Russian people on the occasion of Orthodox Christmas.

The discussion focused on key issues on the bilateral agenda. It was noted that the traditional friendship and a particularly privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India continue to develop dynamically.

Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi confirmed their mutual commitment to step up cooperation in the fight against international terrorism and addressing other pressing global problems.

Vladimir Putin wished Narendra Modi success in the upcoming parliamentary election in India.

It was agreed to maintain contact at various levels. The President of Russia invited the Prime Minister of India to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59643






Telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel



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



January 9, 2019 - 21:10



Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel continued their exchange of views on the situation in Syria, including the formation of the Constitutional Committee based on the agreements reached at the four party summit [Russia, Turkey, Germany and France] in Istanbul on October 27, 2018.

The leaders expressed their desire to step up efforts to facilitate the political process in close coordination with the UN with a view to a long-term settlement of the Syrian crisis.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59659
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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.
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Christmas greetings



Vladimir Putin congratulated all Orthodox Christians and all Russians celebrating Christmas.



January 7, 2019 - 09:00 - St Petersburg







The Christmas message reads, in part:

“I cordially wish you all a merry Christmas.

This wonderful holiday brings people joy and hope, unites them with timeless spiritual and moral values, and the traditions of compassion and charity. This holiday is associated with various national and family customs that are being passed on from one generation to another; with sincere faith in positive change and the fulfilment of the most cherished dreams.

I am pleased to note that the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations play a large, positive role in the life of our country, ensure social harmony, strengthen families, and educate the youth. They are doing a lot to solve pressing social issues and ensure harmony in the interethnic and interreligious dialogues. Such fruitful and relevant work deserves deep appreciation and respect.

I wish health, success and prosperity to all Orthodox Christians and all Russians celebrating Christmas.”










* * *


The President attended the Christmas service held at the Transfiguration Cathedral (The Cathedral of the Lord's Transfiguration of all the Guards) in St Petersburg. The Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Northwestern Federal District Alexander Gutsan and Acting Governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov also attended the mass. After the service, the President had a brief conversation with cathedral’s dean Nikolai Bryndin and donated the Christ Pantocrator icon to the cathedral.













* * *


The construction of the Transfiguration Cathedral was ordered by the Empress Elizabeth of Russia to thank the Preobrazhensky Regiment guards for their help in her accession to the throne. During the reign of Emperor Paul I of Russia, the cathedral received the honorary title ”of all the guards”.










Even after the revolution, the cathedral continued to function, remaining active throughout the whole Soviet era. During the siege of Leningrad, its priests opened a bomb shelter in the cathedral’s basement and provided locals with all possible assistance.







Today, the Transfiguration Cathedral is one of the most visited cathedrals in St Petersburg. The list of its sacred objects includes the Icon of Christ of Edessa and the Icon of the Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow. The cathedral is also known for its choir that features soloists of the Glinka State Academic Capella.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59640






Vladimir Putin visited the Peter and Paul Fortress



January 7, 2019 - 12:45 - St Petersburg






During his visit to St Petersburg, the President attended public festivities at the Peter and Paul Fortress and fired the traditional midday shot from a cannon.













Honorary Builder of Russia Vladimir Bendet, who celebrated his 85th birthday that day, fired the cannon together with the President. Vladimir Putin congratulated him on his birthday and presented him with a gift.













The President also briefly spoke with Suvorov Military School students.






Vladimir Putin then visited the ice sculpture festival Around the World at the Peter and Paul Fortress. He looked at the exhibits and was photographed with visitors.













The festival represents all continents with their characteristic architecture, animals and plants, and the underwater world of the oceans. One piece represents the lifted spans of the bascule Palace Bridge, one of the most recognisable sights of St Petersburg, and a ship with scarlet sails almost eight metres tall.













On the same day, the President visited the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the family tomb of the imperial Romanov family, at the Peter and Paul Fortress. After touring the cathedral, Vladimir Putin was photographed with local residents and tourists.
















In the early hours of January 7, the President attended the Christmas service at the Transfiguration Cathedral in St Petersburg.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59641






Meeting with Acting Governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov



After visiting the Peter and Paul Fortress, Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Acting Governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov.



January 7, 2019 - 14:35 - St Petersburg



The discussion focused on the results of the city’s socioeconomic development, the current issues the megalopolis is facing, and development directions for 2019 and in the long term.

Alexander Beglov separately reported to the President on the fulfilment of a number of previously issued presidential instructions.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59644






Launch of LNG regasification terminal



Vladimir Putin visited the Kaliningrad underground gas storage facility and took part in the launch of a gas-receiving terminal and a floating storage regasification platform via videoconference.



January 8, 2019 - 13:50 - Romanovo, Kaliningrad Region






The terminal, built in the Baltic Sea, consists of a pier protected by a breakwater, where a floating storage regasification unit, the Marshal Vasilevsky tanker, is moored.

The vessel converts LNG delivered by sea back to natural gas, which is then distributed to consumers or pumped into the Kaliningrad underground gas storage facility, a sealed natural gas reservoir buried deep in rock salt sediment.

The first such project carried out by Gazprom in Russia, this alternative gas supply option for Kaliningrad Region is to increase the region’s energy security, given its unique location.








Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller:

Mr Putin,

We are in the control room of the Kaliningrad underground gas storage facility.

The floating storage regasification platform is currently moored at the receiving terminal; that platform will convert LNG into gas to pump into the underground facility and to supply to consumers in Kaliningrad Region.

We can now see representatives of the team that will continue to operate this facility, standing on the breakwater at the receiving terminal.

Mr Putin, we have completed the commissioning procedures. The terminal is ready to begin operations and distribute the first gas delivered to Kaliningrad Region by sea for local consumers and for pumping into the UGS facility.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Miller, colleagues – both present here and those now at sea.

I would like to address everyone who worked on this project.

We have met here today, in Kaliningrad Region, for a very important event for Russia’s power industry and, of course, for the energy security of Kaliningrad Region, the entire region. This is the first such project in the Russian energy sector – an LNG regasification terminal.

We are all certainly well aware that delivering a primary energy resource such as natural gas over such a distance by pipeline makes better economic sense and is a cheaper option. But for us, for Kaliningrad Region, the project will most likely be a backup, and will substantially minimise, or more precisely, mitigate all transit risks.

In this regard, I would like to remind you that we agreed with the Government – and the Government has been so instructed – to prepare proposals (I know that they have been generally formulated and I am waiting for a report on this matter) on how to avoid a situation where the price difference between pipeline gas and liquefied gas supplied to Kaliningrad becomes an additional burden on the end users. I repeat, the proposals have been drafted, and I hope to hear a report on this matter shortly.

I would like to thank Gazprom staff – engineers, designers, workers, and builders – everyone who made this project possible. As a reminder, I issued corresponding instructions back in 2013, after which work began, and the project was completed in a relatively short time.

As I have already said, it is hard to overestimate the importance of this terminal for the region’s energy security and consolidation of the local energy base, given the geographical location of Kaliningrad Region first and foremost.

The terminal's capacity, 2.7 billion cubic metres of gas per year, almost fully covers the needs of the region, guarantees a reliable alternative for its gas supply, and reduces dependence on transit gas supplies. Not even reduces, eliminates. Moreover, as I have already said, the new terminal and its infrastructure can completely cover the region’s gas needs if necessary, without the use of gas pipelines running across neighbouring countries.

I will add that the new terminal was built using the most advanced technologies and complies with all environmental safety requirements.

Of particular note is the construction of the Kaliningrad underground gas storage facility. This unique UGS facility will ensure reliable and stable gas supply to local consumers, especially in autumn and winter.

By the way, in recent years, we have paid a lot of attention to the energy supply and energy security of this region, also in connection with EU plans to withdraw the Baltic states from the Russian energy ring. Strictly speaking, that is their business; additional taxpayer money will be invested in this.

But today, Kaliningrad Region is already completely autonomous and can resolve all its energy supply and consumption problems, not only of the primary resource, but also electricity. The system is ready, as its successful operation this autumn and winter made this very clear.

We have devoted considerable attention to the development of power grids; two power plants have already come online, the third one is ready to launch in the first quarter, and the fourth will be introduced in 2020. Overall, Kaliningrad will have 970 MW of additional capacity. This fully meets the region’s growing needs.

I would like once again to express my gratitude to all the energy workers, Gazprom employees in this case, and to wish all of us continued success. Thank you for your work.

Start when ready.







Alexei Miller:

Mr President, we have the Director General and employees of Gazprom UGS standing by.

I ask them to report on the project’s main specifications. Proceed, please.



Director General of Gazprom UGS Igor Safonov:

Mr President, this is Director General of Gazprom UGS Igor Safonov reporting.

Over 2,000 workers from Gazprom and contractor organisations were involved in the construction of the breakwater and the regasification terminal where we have gathered.

The breakwater and the terminal are located 5 kilometres from the shore, where the sea depth is 19 metres, so that the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) the Marshal Vasilevsky can anchor here. The breakwater is a unique structure designed to protect the FSRU from heavy storms, which happen here quite often. Then terminal has been built of high-strength concrete on 177 40-metre long piles and has the equipment for receiving gas from the FSRU.

You can see that two loading arms are connected to the Marshal Vasilevsky. From the terminal, gas is pumped through a 13-km pipeline to Kaliningrad Region’s gas transportation system and on to the end users and the underground gas storage facility.

Mr President, this concludes my report.



Alexei Miller:

Mr President, we have captain of the Marshal Vasilevsky FSRU on the line. He will tell us about the main specifications of the unit.



Captain of the Marshal Vasilevsky FSRU Dmitry Yarymbash:

Mr President, this is Captain of the Marshal Vasilevsky FSRU Dmitry Yarymbash reporting.

The Marshal Vasilevsky is Russia’s first floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) that both transports liquefied natural gas and converts LNG back to natural gas right on board the vessel.

The vessel is 300 metres long and 46.5 metres wide. It can move at a speed of 19.5 knots. The temperature in its reservoirs, which can carry 174,000 cubic metres of LNG, is maintained at minus 163 Celsius.

The Marshal Vasilevsky FSRU is the first vessel of the Arc4 ice class. It has been registered with the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping and is flying the Russian flag.

The FSRU has anchored at the terminal in Kaliningrad and is ready to start regasifying the LNG and to supply the converted gas to the shore.

This concludes my report.



Alexei Miller:

Mr President, the captain stands ready for your command to start supplying gas to the consumers and to the Kaliningrad storage facility.



Vladimir Putin:

Commence.







Dmitry Yarymbash:

Mr President, I am giving the order from the regasification and loading centre to start the delivery of gas to the terminal.

All systems are operating in normal mode. Gas is being delivered to the shore.



Alexei Miller:

Mr President, the terminal has begun operating. We are pumping the first batch of LNG that has been delivered to Kaliningrad Region by sea to the region’s consumers and the Kaliningrad storage facility.

Mr President, you can see on the map that the Minsk-Vilnius-Kaunas-Kaliningrad trunk pipeline has been turned off and that gas is being delivered to Kaliningrad Region via the marine terminal. Its daily capacity is 13.2 million cubic metres, which means that its annual capacity is sufficient to fully meet the region’s current and future gas requirements.

Gazprom is implementing a comprehensive gas supply programme in Kaliningrad Region. We are expanding the Kaliningrad underground gas storage facility and building a gas liquefaction plant near the Portovaya compressor station in Leningrad Region, where the Nord Stream 1 pipeline begins, specifically for Kaliningrad Region.

Mr President, we have fulfilled the task you set us – to create a reliable sea-based gas supply system for Kaliningrad Region.



Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues,

I would like to thank you once again for what you have achieved, for this excellent result, and to wish you every success in the future.

I with you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59646






Meeting on establishing cultural and educational centres in Russian regions



Vladimir Putin held a meeting on the creation of cultural, educational and museum centres in Vladivostok, Kaliningrad, Kemerovo and Sevastopol.



January 8, 2019 - 16:30 - Kaliningrad






The President set the goal to create theatre, concert, museum and educational centres in the Russian regions in his Address to the Federal Assembly in 2018, with details codified in the Presidential Executive Order On National Goals and Strategic Objectives of the Russian Federation Until 2024.The meeting was attended by members of the Government, regional leaders, and cultural and art workers.

Before the meeting, Vladimir Putin studied models of the cultural and educational centres under construction. In particular, the President examined the projects of the Kaliningrad Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Higher School of Music and Theatre Arts, museum and theater education centres, a cultural centre in Vladivostok, an educational centre on Russky Island and a dance academy in Sevastopol.

The President was also shown a computer simulation of the future development of the arts quarter in Kemerovo. Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets, Governor of Kaliningrad Region Anton Alikhanov, Governor of Primorye Territory Oleg Kozhemyako, Governor of Sevastopol Dmitry Ovsyannikov, Governor of Kemerovo Region Sergei Tsivilov provided details and updates on the projects.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues, good afternoon.

As you know, a very important goal to create theatre, concert, museum and educational centres in the Russian regions was set in last year’s Address to the Federal Assembly.

Valery Gergiev is “to blame” for this because he actually got quite involved in the Far East and Vladivostok, at my request. And Mikhail Piotrovsky also spoke repeatedly about trying to do exhibitions in different regions, including exhibits in the vaults. But, unfortunately, the regions generally lack appropriate facilities for working at the proper level. This is where the idea came from – the idea of creating cultural and educational centres in the regions.

These large centres of public life and education should be accessible to people of all ages, both older and younger generations, according to their interests and needs. It is especially important, of course, to keep in mind young people. Cultural centres should include concert facilities, museum and exhibition areas, and provide premises for branches of our leading theatres, museums, and art schools.







The development of such centres has been designated as one of the priorities of the Culture national project. We thoroughly discussed the general guidelines for the forthcoming work in December at the Council for Culture and Art. All the substantive proposals made at that meeting will definitely be taken into account, especially since their authors will become direct participants, partners of the programme for establishing such centres.

Once again, I would like to emphasise their enormous significance: to uncover the cultural and educational potential of our regions, to form a modern cultural space across the Russian Federation, that is, to ensure the harmonious development of society and the self-realisation of its members.







This self-realisation phrase is certainly a cliché. But what is it really about? It is about the lives of our people, of Russian families living in various regions. What does it mean? An opportunity to see the world’s masterpieces kept in our leading museums, a lot of them in the storerooms, to see performances with leading actors, because they will have the opportunity to stage productions and participate in them.

It also means education, teaching children – something entirely mundane at first glance. It is one thing when a family has such an opportunity, potentially, or at least an understanding that this is possible; it is quite a different situation when this is missing. The project changes life in the region in a fundamental way.







The demand for real high culture is certainly growing every year, and this trend, of course, needs to be supported. A rich cultural life, bright creative events, and opportunities to reveal their talents should be available to everyone in any region of our country.

We have already decided on the cities where the first cultural and educational centres will be built. These are Kaliningrad, Kemerovo, Vladivostok and Sevastopol.







Today I propose discussing some practical issues of the project’s implementation. It is important that from the very beginning, from the first steps we take into account all aspects: technological, organisational, financial, architectural, construction and, of course, staffing. First of all, I would like to hear about the progress on each of these projects. The governors have just told me about it in general terms. Now I think we have an opportunity to discuss this in greater detail. I would like to hear what has been done, whether there are unresolved issues and problems, if there is anything that hinders overall progress and even accelerating work, whether additional support is needed from federal agencies and, finally, when the opening of these centres is planned. I am interested in the timeframes and deadlines.

I believe it is important, when creating cultural centres, to think outside the box. Uniformity certainly has a place, but there needs to be some golden mean without getting overly involved, because each region has its own needs in terms of the size and type of exhibition and theatre facilities, and its own demand for the development of art schools. It is absolutely necessary to take into account the opinion of the people living in each specific region.







All the details need to be taken into account at the design stage, prior to the start of construction, so that later on, you will not have to convert and rezone the finished facilities. Unfortunately, this happens, I have repeatedly encountered this, though not in the sphere of culture, although even here, this problem arose during the renovation of the Bolshoi Theatre, during the construction of its new stage. Therefore, we need to know now how each cultural centre will be used, and to think through their future maintenance, and sources of funding. I would like to hear specific proposals here today.

Staffing these facilities is, of course, of fundamental importance – I have already spoken about this, building strong teams to work at the new cultural centres. We will need whole teams of talented administrators, qualified specialists and, importantly, like-minded people. I am sure this is possible. I hear and know that there are various doubts on the matter. I heard similar doubts expressed when we decided to create a network of high-tech medical centres in the regions. They said the same thing to me: this will not work, there are no people, and no one will go there. But they did. From St Petersburg, from Moscow, from Novosibirsk, and some even returned from abroad.







When opportunities are created, I mean in terms of salaries, equipment, the right cohort, and support provided – everyone works and works very well. Moreover, healthcare immediately reaches a new level in the regions where the new centres open, because other medical institutions start pulling up to this level. This is extremely important. I am sure that we will succeed in this area as well. We just talked about what the Mariinsky Theatre does in Vladivostok. A wonderful production was put on by a young company, with Valery Gergiev’s help. This will happen everywhere, I do not doubt that for a second.

With that in mind, here is what I wanted to say about the regional cultural centres: this project should not come at the expense of financial or human resources of local cultural institutions. It is unacceptable to push them to the margins. The new cultural centres are designed to enrich and complement the cultural life of the regions, to work in close partnership with regional and local museums, theatres, and art schools. They have great potential, and they should have every opportunity to grow themselves.

Let us get to work.







<…>


Vladimir Putin:

The questions that have been raised here are not idle. This applies to follow-up as well, because issuing money upon receiving a corresponding request is indeed part of the Finance Ministry’s job. The issue was about the fact that there was additional oversight of the spending of these funds in accordance with the estimates. This must be done by all means.

Even though the regions are ready to assume some of these responsibilities, it is important that the head institutions have timely access to additional funds for maintaining these branches in a timely manner. This is important.







Finally, it is critical for the head institutions to treat these branches as part of their own body, as it were, and take an active part in creating and accepting them. This needs to be taken seriously.

This is, in fact, a work-related meeting, but it is held during the holiday season which is still on in Russia. We are discussing ways to promote culture in the regions, and I think we are acting in line with the Christmas holiday spirit.







I want to thank you all for what you have already accomplished, and I want to note that the goal of our meeting today is to not only give additional impetus to this work, but to make it systematic and to monitor what is done. I hope this will be done on time and at the highest level of quality.

Thank you very much.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59647






Meeting with President of Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Sergeyev



Vladimir Putin met with President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Sergeyev to discuss the development of science and the academic community, as well as promising areas of the Academy’s activities.



January 9, 2019 - 14:15 - The Kremlin, Moscow








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Sergeyev, the law on additional powers for the Academy, which I submitted and coordinated with you, was adopted in June. What can you say about its implementation?



President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Sergeyev:

I would like to tell you how we started using these new powers, the areas where we have succeeded and the problems we have encountered.

I believe it was a wise decision to start implementing this law immediately, because the Academy needs these new powers to work energetically towards the implementation of the national projects in the next six years and thereby to strengthen its role in our society.



Vladimir Putin:

Which powers are especially important now, and which of them have brought the first results?







Alexander Sergeyev:

There are four groups of such powers.

The first group has to do with pinpointing the basic areas of research, technological and socioeconomic development in the country. We have entered a period of stable development and growth with relatively modest resources.

This means that we must make very careful and efficient plans, which is a serious academic task that calls for rallying the efforts of various groups of researchers.

We need mathematicians, who will develop models, plus economists, sociologists and political analysts. We believe that the Academy must become the scientific venue for such strategic planning.

We intend to create a strategic planning centre at the Academy, and we would like to ask for your support in this matter.

The second question has to do with the powers we got for the scientific and methodological management not only of the Academy’s institutions, but, generally speaking, of all research institutions in Russia as well as universities where research is conducted.

Therefore, we now have the authority to oversee national science on behalf of the government. This is very important now, because funds that go into scientific research are not spent very efficiently. We have discussed this at the latest meeting of the Presidential Council.



Vladimir Putin:

You are becoming an umbrella organisation.



Alexander Sergeyev:

Yes, we are becoming an umbrella organisation, which indeed will determine the guidelines for development.

It is very important that we will discuss a new programme of basic research for the long term, for 2021–2030, at our next academic meeting in April. We will consider what has been done on the previous programme, which is now being implemented, and outline our plans for the future.

It is very important for us that such powers for the scientific and methodological management of all scientific research activities are now given to us. This is my second point.

The third. Mr President, it is very important that we are tasked with increasing the number of researchers in Russia. We are primarily talking about young people, of course.

To attain this goal, we need to look very carefully at a researcher’s career path in general, starting from high school, and on to university and postgraduate studies: where that path forks, where we lose strong people who seem to take it initially and then drift to other fields.







Vladimir Putin:

The percentage of young researchers has actually grown.



Alexander Sergeyev:

It has grown, but this is not enough, because if we consider the number of researchers per 10,000 people, as is the usual way to evaluate it, Russia is now lagging behind stronger science-oriented countries. In addition, we have a two-humped curve in the distribution of researchers by age groups.

We see a peak at 30–40 years, then a big hollow at 40–50 years, a huge gap, and then another “hump” with 60-year-olds. It is clear that in another decade, the people responsible for this second “hump” will quit active work in science for obvious age reasons, and therefore, we need to significantly increase the inflow of young personnel.

In addition, it is very important that we all together (I will also ask for your help here) work on raising the prestige of science in the country.

The third group of powers concerns education. The academy is making huge investments into secondary education and has increased attention to the training of self-driven young people at universities.

There is a big problem with post-graduate studies. We have been discussing it at length but have not found a solution to it as yet. As you know, we have very few post-graduate students.



Vladimir Putin:

It is a separate subject, which we discussed before. Post-graduate studies must not be seen merely as a continuation of higher education. It is more than just another stage of higher education, for it concerns the training of young researchers.



Alexander Sergeyev:

We must create conditions for the first stage of research. This is very important.

And lastly, the fourth group of powers has to do with academic diplomacy. We are working in this area very actively now. We are opening offices of the Russian Academy of Sciences in other countries. I would like to ask your advice on building relations with different countries.

We have major plans to create inter-academic research exchange centres. Our academic exchanges were actually suspended in 2013, along with the important programmes we were implementing with many countries.

Bearing this new power in mind, we have requested funding for international academic exchanges, and we hope that these funds will be allocated to the academy.

As part of these exchanges, we would like to create several centres that would receive working groups for brainstorming projects. It is a relatively new form of academic interaction, when the best minds from many countries come together for a week or two to address a problem.

It is not a conference but a working meeting of some 20 or 30 top professionals who get together to analyse trends and results and map out solutions.

The countries that are actively involved in organising such meetings and hosting such brainstorming activities automatically move into the focus of academic attention.







Vladimir Putin:

There are no restrictions in this sphere. We should cooperate with anyone who wants to work with us.

The only thing I would like to point out is that we do not lose but only benefit from this work, which must be based on equal contribution and equal exchanges.

This is what we must strive for. We must not be used only as a source of skills and knowledge. When we share something with our partners, we must be able to receive equally important information from them.



Alexander Sergeyev:

At least equally important information.

Overall, we would like the vector of interest to point towards us rather than in the opposite direction.



Vladimir Putin:

I fully agree with you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59648






Meeting with Energy Minister Alexander Novak



The President and the Energy Minister discussed the performance of Russia’s fuel and energy complex in 2018.



January 10, 2019 - 14:40 - The Kremlin, Moscow








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Shall we talk about the performance of the fuel and energy sector?



Energy Minister Alexander Novak:

Yes.



Vladimir Putin:

Go ahead, please.



Alexander Novak:

Thank you very much.

Mr President, I would like to begin by thanking you for your constant support and attention to this sector. In fact, this is a key sector that accounts for 25 percent of the gross domestic product and almost 45 percent of federal revenues.

In 2018, sectors within the fuel and energy complex performed steadily, ensuring national and regional energy security, as well as reliable supply to consumers of all the services and products of the fuel and energy complex.



Vladimir Putin:

I would like to ask you to report, maybe later in your presentation, on how your sector is going through the autumn-winter season. What can you say on this topic? What are the latest developments? Do you see any issues that require special attention from the Government ministers?



[IMG]static.kremlin.ru/media/events/photos/big2x/ylfAUBPtNuAnXsjPIQLBfp4O4VRccU1O.jpg[/IMG]



Alexander Novak:

Yes, of course. This is a matter of great importance for us. I would go as far as to say that ensuring that we safely make it through the autumn-winter period is a key priority for us right now.

We keep ourselves abreast of all the developments in this respect. Together with regional task forces, the Emergencies Ministry and the Housing and Utilities Ministry, we closely monitor how the winter season unfolds. So far, everything has been stable. All the required work to prepare for the winter season was performed, including maintenance and repairs, as well as fuel supplies.

We pay special attention to regions like Crimea, Kaliningrad, as well as the Yakutsk power grid, Russia’s Far East and Siberia, where temperatures can get very low. Make no mistake; this is a very important topic for us. Currently everything is operating normally.

Of course, outages do happen; there is no getting away from this. However, every time all systems are quickly put back into operation. We have formed the required number of response teams with a total of almost 120,000 people. The special equipment that we need is also working round the clock. There is an emergency response management task force and a situation room. What I can say is that as of today the accident rate declined by 5 percent for power grids and is down by about 15 percent for the power generating complex.

Speaking about our performance this year, I would like to provide several figures. I have also brought a presentation, which we can watch if this is possible.

Next, the oil industry. Overall, I would like to say that all our energy sectors reported record-high results and increased their export potential. In 2018, we produced 556 million tonnes of oil, which is 10 million tonnes or 1.6 percent more than in 2017. We launched the development of 54 oilfields, including several large ones such as Russkoye, Tagulskoye and Kuyumbinskoye in Krasnoyarsk Territory and the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area.

The gas sector broke an 18-year-old record, producing 725 billion cubic metres of natural gas. This is five percent more than in 2017.



Vladimir Putin:

This is a lot.



Alexander Novak:

Yes, it is. As for gas export, we increased it by 20 billion cubic metres to nearly 225 billion.

I would like to point out that pipeline gas deliveries went up by 4.1 percent. The opening of new facilities – two trains with an annual capacity of 5.5 million tonnes at the Yamal LNG project – the overall export of liquefied natural gas increased by 70 percent to nearly 26 billion cubic metres of gas. In other words, we are actively developing this sector.

We have launched the third phase of the Bovanenkovo oil and gas condensate field, which has brought its capacity to 115 billion cubic metres of gas. It is a huge source for expanding the gas supply system and increasing our export potential. We are actively building the gas infrastructure such as the Power of Siberia and TurkStream.







Vladimir Putin:

We must not forget about connecting new domestic users to the gas supply system, which we discussed many times with Gazprom. We must promote these programmes together with the regions, to ensure that gas is supplied to all the end users, namely households and families.



Alexander Novak:

One more major task apart from the construction of pipeline infrastructure is the connection of new users to the gas supply system, as you have said. Last year, the number of users connected to this system increased to 68.5 percent, or by approximately 0.5 percent. Nearly 500 boiler stations and whole towns and neighbourhoods have been connected to the gas supply network. Of course, we must accelerate the implementation of this project with due regard for the development of the pipeline system. As per your instructions, we are preparing a programme for discussion at the Presidential Commission for Strategic Development of the Fuel and Energy Sector.



Vladimir Putin:

What about the power grid infrastructure?



Alexander Novak:

Speaking of the power grid infrastructure and the entire power industry, I can report that we generated 1.6 percent more electricity throughout 2018. Consumption rates have topped one percent for the first time in the past few years. This means that new clients and new production facilities continue to emerge.

We commissioned 4,500 megawatt worth of power generating facilities, including 2.2 gigawatt worth of nuclear reactors and nuclear power plants. Thus, the Leningrad nuclear power plant started operating a 1,200 megawatt reactor, with a 1,000 megawatt reactor going on stream at the Rostov nuclear power plant. And we continue to launch additional renewable energy sources, including 370 megawatt worth of solar and wind power plants last year. This is already a good indicator, and the programme is attaining peak levels.

Mr President, the coal industry is also posting a good performance: in 2018, we produced 433 million tonnes of coal, exceeding 2020 targets, which stood at 430 million tonnes.

I would like to mention the following key event: in 2018, you chaired a meeting of the presidential commission in Kemerovo, with the participants charting new tasks to expand the coal industry, mainline infrastructure, as well as the railway infrastructure. We will post entirely different development rates. Some 1.5 trillion rubles will shortly be invested in the development of the coal industry and the port infrastructure.







Vladimir Putin:

We need to finalise our Kemerovo agreements, to formulate them as instructions and to start implementing them together with the Presidential Executive Office. I recall various concerns linked with the industry’s possible overhaul and grid modernisation and alterations in this connection. We should, nevertheless, understand where we are headed, evaluate the pace of our development and possible investment volumes, including those in the development of railway transport for delivering coal to consumers.



Alexander Novak:

Today, we are conducting this work together with the Transport Ministry and Russian Railways, with due consideration for the mid-term global market situation. The relevant statistics will be finalised, and the programme will be synchronised with due regard for the development of the coal industry and that of the railway infrastructure.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59660






Meeting with Head of RusHydro Nikolai Shulginov



Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Chairman of the Management Board and General Director of RusHydro Nikolai Shulginov to discuss the company’s performance results and plans for the near future.



January 11, 2019 - 13:40 - The Kremlin, Moscow







Public Joint-Stock Company Federal Hydro-Generating Company RusHydro is a Russian energy company that owns most of the hydroelectric power plants in Russia. It is one of the largest generating companies in the country.




President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

What can you say about last year, Mr Shulginov?



Head of RusHydro Nikolai Shulginov:

The RusHydro group of companies has shown steady growth in operating performance. The output of the group as a whole, and of each of the hydropower plants, was higher than in 2017, although that year was also a record one.

The capacity of the group’s power plants increased by 335 MW after the opening of a new power plant in Vladivostok – the 140 MW Vostochnaya CHPP. Also, a few days ago, we completed the launch of the third hydraulic unit at the Ust-Srednekanskaya HPP in Magadan, on the Kolyma River. The overall capacity increased by another 50 MW as a result of the modernisation of our hydroplants.

We expect to report good financial results: a revenue of 407 billion rubles, EBITDA at some 102 billion and a net profit of around 30 billion rubles.

We would have reported better results if not for the so-called devaluation, that is, stranded projects in the Far East. However, our profits will be higher than in 2017.

We also expect our dividends to increase by some 35 percent on the previous year. This is what we plan to report to the Government. It amounts to 50 percent revenue under IFRS.







We will pay higher taxes on all budgets, or some 78 billion rubles. I believe we will be able to complete the construction of the Sakhalin GRES-2 and the Nizhne-Bureiskaya HPP. We will also complete the CHPP in Sovetskaya Gavan and the Zaramagskaya HPP-1 in North Ossetia-Alania.

We have held a Board of Directors meeting and adopted a business plan for 2019. Regrettably, our expenses will be higher because the cost of the fuel basket as a whole will increase in 2019 by 10.5 billion rubles, or 17 percent, with coal accounting for 9.5 percent of the rise.

This year we will continue to replace obsolete power stations to modernise the thermal power sector in the Far East. You have approved our projects in the Far East, arising from the poor technical state of the existing facilities.

No decision regarding this has been officially adopted yet, but there are preparations for a Government resolution on the modernisation programme and amendments to the law. We would like to secure your support for some aspects of this programme.

I believe this should be considered a priority, although we are still at the preparatory stage with these projects, which will be launched later.

Second, we would like the implementation of these programmes to be entrusted to RusHydro’s operating companies, namely the Far-Eastern Generating Company, the Far Eastern Distribution Grid Company and RAO Energy Systems of the East.







For one thing, we were instructed earlier to increase our share in all Far Eastern companies to 100 percent. Therefore, we should be responsible for the implementation of these programmes. We must do this.

We would like your support so that our profitability is the same as stipulated in the modernisation programme for the European part of the country, Siberia and the Urals, that is, 14 percent.

Also, these modernisation projects should be financed by wholesale consumers. This model has been successfully applied in Kaliningrad.

We would like to secure such support. There are also other issues I would like to report on in more detail.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59663






Congratulations on Prosecutor’s Office Workers Day



Vladimir Putin congratulated current and former staff of Russia’s prosecution authorities on their professional holiday.



January 11, 2019 - 15:00



The message reads, in part:

“Established in 1722, the prosecution service has a high mission of embodying the government’s justice and fairness, firmly ensuring the rule of law and the unity of the national legal space.

You have every right to be proud of the many generations preceding you who had a deep understanding of their duty and displayed civil courage, competence, probity and integrity in their challenging undertakings.

Today, just as at any other point in its history, the prosecution service is an essential and key link in the national law enforcement architecture. It is for this reason that, building on your professionalism, determination and devotion to your duty, you are the ones who are largely tasked with safeguarding the rights and interests of the Russian citizens, effectively fighting organised crime, corruption and other challenges.

I strongly believe that you will continue to work in good faith, respect the glorious traditions set by veterans, and serve your Motherland and its people faithfully and loyally.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59665
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Greetings to Nikol Pashinyan on his appointment as Prime Minister of Armenia



Vladimir Putin sent a message to Nikol Pashinyan, congratulating him on his appointment as Prime Minister of Armenia.



January 14, 2019 - 14:30



Vladimir Putin noted, in part, that relations between Russia and Armenia rested on the good traditions of friendship and mutual respect, and that both countries had accumulated substantial experience of fruitful cooperation in various areas.

“I hope that our dialogue and constructive joint work will further strengthen Russian-Armenian allied cooperation, and that this will also help promote integration processes in the Eurasian region. This, undoubtedly, meets the interests of our fraternal peoples,” the head of the Russian state noted.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59668






Russia-Zimbabwe talks



Vladimir Putin met at the Kremlin with President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is in Moscow on an official visit.



January 15, 2019 - 17:50 - The Kremlin, Moscow







During the talks, the participants discussed matters pertaining to promoting bilateral relations and current international and regional issues.

Following the consultations, an exchange of documents signed during the official visit of the President of Zimbabwe to Russia took place in the presence of the leaders of the two countries.

The signed documents included an agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Zimbabwe on extradition and an intergovernmental agreement on mutual protection of intellectual activity results and intellectual property protection in the course of bilateral military-technical cooperation.

The signed documents also concern cooperation in the sphere of countering the legalisation (money laundering) of criminally obtained proceeds and the financing of terrorism, the project for developing the Darwendale platinum group metal deposit and the supply of fertilisers to African markets.








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr President, colleagues,

I am pleased to see you here in Moscow.

This is your first visit to our country. Zimbabwe is an important partner to Russia in Africa. We are very pleased to see you.







Most recently, you won a landslide election victory. The people of your country are expecting effective performance, that goes without saying. For our part, we are ready to do our best to make sure that cooperation between our countries is beneficial for our nations and that it makes a significant and weighty contribution to implementing the plans and programmes that you have formulated for yourself and to achieving the goals that you have set for your country.

Welcome, Mr President.







President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa:

Thank you, Your Excellency, Mr President.

On my own behalf and on behalf of my delegation, we are extremely happy to be invited to visit the Russian Federation. And it is my first occasion to be here, and I feel greatly honoured by Your Excellency to allow me to visit you in this time of development and the challenges facing my country that I wish to discuss with Your Excellency.







There are two areas of significant importance for me to address, the historical and the political signs that there is a very long history of cooperation between Zimbabwe and your great country, from the time of armed struggle, when most of my officers and military trained here in the past, and you supported us materially in our liberation struggle. That political history transcended until we got our independence and has continued, but today, Your Excellency, I would wish that we now attend to deepening economic cooperation between our countries, and our country is developing – it is a third-world country – so that you, as a senior brother, can hold my hand as I try to develop Zimbabwe.







Your Excellency, when we last met in Johannesburg at the BRICS summit, we did not have much opportunity to exchange views on our respective relations, but I believe this is an opportunity that is given to me to articulate the challenges that my country is facing. Zimbabwe has been suffering from sanctions imposed by the West for nearly two decades, and we are now doing our best to reengage after the new disposition has come into effect; and during our days of isolation, you stood by us.







Your Excellency, I have come with many issues I would want to discuss with Your Excellency, in particular, in the area of economic cooperation, because the area of political relations is solid and is very historical.







And I have a team of my officers here that I believe will be able to articulate the issues that I have brought for us to share.







Thank you, Your Excellency.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59679






Interviews to Serbian periodicals Politika and Večernje novosti



Ahead of his visit to Serbia, Vladimir Putin answered questions from Serbian media – the newspapers Politika and Večernje novosti.



January 16, 2019 - 00:00




Politika Newspaper

Question:

Serbia and Russia have enjoyed centuries of historical, cultural and religious ties; as brothers in arms they have gone through two world wars. Today, we are facing new challenges. What is your assessment of the present state of our relations, and what is your vision of their future development? The new TurkStream gas pipeline is widely discussed. Is there any chance for our country in that regard?



President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

First, let me extend my warm greetings to all the readers of the Politika daily, which is one of the oldest periodicals not only in Serbia, but also in the Balkans as a whole. I would also like to seize this opportunity to convey my best New Year and Christmas greetings to Serbia’s citizens.

As you have rightly put it, good relations between Russia and Serbia are based on a true friendship between our peoples, which dates back many centuries, as well as on their spiritual and cultural kinship, shared history, including their heroic struggle against Nazism during World War II. We have carefully preserved and are seeking to develop the precious traditions of trust and cooperation in the new, 21st century. This commitment to close cooperation in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres was reflected in the bilateral Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in May 2013.

Today, bilateral relations in all spheres are on the rise. Mutual trade is growing: in 2017, the turnover reached $2 billion, having also retained the upward trend last year. Russian investments in Serbia's economy have exceeded $4 billion. Cooperation with the Gazprom Neft conglomerate made it possible for the Naftna Industrija Srbije company to become a leader on the Balkan regional energy market. The reconstruction and modernization of Serbia's railway infrastructure is proceeding at a good pace with the participation of RZD.

The legal framework for cooperation has been consistently improved. Contacts between parliaments and political parties and public stakeholders, as well as contacts in science, education and culture are expanding. Russian experts are involved in a project to build the Temple of Saint Sava in Belgrade. Thanks to the sponsorship of our businessmen, the central dome of this majestic building has been decorated with mosaics. To sum it up, I strongly believe that such fruitful, diversified cooperation fully meets the core interests of the peoples of Russia and Serbia.

As for the TurkStream project, it follows its implementation schedule. In November 2018, the pipe-laying stage was completed on the sea leg of the pipeline; works are underway to connect it to the terminal being constructed on the Turkish Black Sea coast. The plan is to put the gas pipeline into full operation by the end of 2019.

Besides, Gazprom is currently exploring various options to extend the land-based part of the transit leg towards Europe. One of the options is to transport fuel via Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary to the gas hub in Baumgarten, Austria. In this case, Serbia will not only use Russian gas but also facilitate its transit. This will greatly benefit the Serbian economy, help create new jobs and strengthen energy security in your country and, more broadly, in central and southeastern Europe. The roadmap signed between Serbia and Gazprom in 2017 for modernizing and expanding the national gas transporting network will facilitate Serbia's participation in the project.

Of course, we will take into account the European Commission's position when deciding on the route for Russian gas supplies. We assume that EU member states interested in Russian gas should seek guarantees from the European Union that the plans to extend the TurkStream will not be thwarted by an arbitrary political decision on the part of Brussels.



Question:

At a time when certain states in the region are building up armaments and a so-called Kosovo army is being formed, can Serbia count on Russia's support to further strengthen its defense capacity, taking into account our neutrality and the fact that we are surrounded by NATO countries?



Vladimir Putin:

We highly appreciate that the Serbian leadership remains firmly committed to maintaining neutrality. At the same time, over the years we have helped Serbia to enhance its defense capability by supplying arms and military equipment and providing maintenance and modernization support. We will continue to develop military and technical cooperation.

To be honest, we were surprised by a rather passive response from the European Union to the decision by Kosovo's ”parliament“ to transform the Kosovo Security Forces into a full-fledged army. It is clear that the Serbians living in the province perceive this step as a direct threat to their security. More broadly, it involves serious risks of escalating the situation in the region. It is hardly in the EU's interest to turn a blind eye to such unilateral actions, which blatantly violate international law, especially if Brussels wants to continue acting as a mediator in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

As we have stated on numerous occasions, the NATO expansion policy, in our view, is a vestige of the Cold War, a misguided, destructive military and political strategy. Today, the Alliance is trying to strengthen its presence in the Balkans. However, by doing so, it only draws new dividing lines on the European continent and blatantly violates the principle of indivisibility of security. At the end of the day, rather than contributing to stability, all of this undermines trust and increases tensions in Europe.



Question:

Moscow has long been advocating the creation of a new security architecture, yet lately we have been witnessing some dangerous trends developing in the world, including the recent statements by Washington on its withdrawal from the INF Treaty. In your opinion, what could be done to preserve peace amid exacerbating local and global tensions?



Vladimir Putin:

Indeed, the United States is basically pursuing a course towards dismantling the system of international agreements on arms control that prevent it from bolstering its military capabilities, or trying to adhere to the agreements selectively, i.e. only insofar as they serve its interests. The declaration of the intention to withdraw from the INF Treaty has become just another step in a sequence of similar actions. It is obvious that such a course will have the gravest consequences.

Naturally, we are not going to turn a blind eye to the deployment of American missiles, which present a direct threat to our security. We will have to take effective countermeasures. However, Russia, as a responsible and sensible country, has no interest in a new arms race. Despite the United States' declared intention to withdraw from the INF Treaty, we are open to further dialogue on ways of preserving the Treaty. In December, we submitted to the American side a number of concrete proposals concerning the issue. We are also ready to hold a serious discussion on the entire ”strategic“ agenda between our countries.

Russia has firmly and consistently championed the improvement of the overall international situation, which, as you have fairly pointed out, remains tense, and, I would also add, unpredictable. In fact, it was to a large extent the continued unilateral actions, including military ones, undertaken by the United States and a number of other Western States that have led to the current situation. The result is that the overall atmosphere of confrontation and mistrust is becoming even worse.

We call on our Western colleagues to refrain from the practice of blackmail, threats and provocations, to respect international law, and to build interstate dialogue based on the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. That is the key to preserving peace and strengthening global and regional security and stability.

In conclusion, I would like to wish the readers of Politika and the people of Serbia prosperity and success.


* * *


The Večernje novosti Newspaper

Question:

The intensive cooperation of Russia with Serbia and the Republika Srpska causes irritation in the West and particularly in Washington. How will you comment on statements by Western politicians that Russia is a destabilizing factor in the Balkans, and how do you see relations between Russia and other former Yugoslav republics?



Vladimir Putin:

I am happy to have the opportunity to address the readers of Večernje novosti – one of the most popular and influential Serbian newspapers – to answer your questions and share my views.

As for the situation in the Balkans, a serious destabilizing factor there is the policy of the US and some other Western countries aimed at securing their dominance in the region. As early as in 1999 NATO forces – without any UN authorisation –bombed Yugoslavia for two and a half months and forcedly detached the Autonomous Province of Kosovo. And in 2008, Washington and its allies supported the illegitimate declaration of Kosovo's independence.

In 2017, despite the stance of half of its population, Montenegro was absorbed into NATO. The authorities did not risk holding any relevant referendum – as a result, the country is suffering political instability. To ensure an accelerated accession of the Republic of Macedonia to NATO even the process of constitutional amendment and State renaming was launched last year along with the revision of the foundations of Macedonian national identity. However, the will of the Macedonian voters was ignored – the referendum on changing the State's name failed but the pressure from outside persists.

Our country, knowing and understanding all the complexity of the Balkans and the region's history, has always regarded it as space for constructive cooperation. Today, Russia has many friends here, among whom our strategic partner Serbia occupies a special place. Thus, our unconditional priority is to contribute to enhancing regional security and stability. We support respect for the rights and interests of the Balkan countries and peoples as well as for international law.

Cooperation with the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina is mutually beneficial in strict compliance with the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement. We intend to further implement our projects in both the Republika Srpska and the entire territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina in such areas as energy, oil refining, trade in fuel, banking, pharmaceuticals, etc. We deem promotion of joint humanitarian initiatives equally important, taking into account the growing interest of Bosnians in the Russian language and culture and in receiving education in Russia.

Our relations with Slovenia and Croatia are developing steadily despite the fact that our dialogue with the European Union whose members they are is facing challenges. There were a number of meetings with the Croatian leadership in the previous year. Trade is growing: over the first three quarters of 2018, it increased almost by 10 percent with Slovenia and by 27 percent with Croatia. Last year, Russia and Slovenia had cross Seasons of Culture and the State Hermitage Museum organized a major exhibition in Zagreb dedicated to the 50th anniversary of twin-city ties between the Croatian capital and Saint Petersburg. We will further develop our relations of friendship and trust, which, I am confident, fully meet the interests of our peoples.



Question:

The Serbian Orthodox Church has taken the side of the Russian Orthodox Church in the context of the ecclesiastical crisis in Ukraine. At the same time, a number of countries are exerting pressure on Patriarch Bartholomew and seek to ensure recognition of Ukrainian ”schismatics“ by Local Orthodox Churches. How do you think the situation will evolve?



Vladimir Putin:

I would like to remind your readers, who are greatly concerned about the information regarding the split in the Orthodox community but are probably not fully aware of the situation in Ukraine, what it is all about.

On December 15, 2018, the Ukrainian leaders, actively supported by the USA and the Constantinople Patriarchate, held a so-called ”unifying synod“. This synod declared the creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, with Patriarch Bartholomew signing the tomos (decree) granting it autocephaly on January 6, 2019. Thus, it was attempted to legalize the schismatic communities that exist in Ukraine under the jurisdiction of Istanbul, which is a major violation of Orthodox canons.

Yet, hardly anyone in the US or in the Ukrainian leadership worries about this, as the new church entity is an entirely political, secular project. Its main aim is to divide the peoples of Russia and Ukraine, sowing seeds of ethnic as well as religious discord. No wonder Kiev has already declared ”obtaining complete independence from Moscow“.

Once again, this has nothing to do with spiritual life; we are dealing here with dangerous and irresponsible politicking. Likewise, we do not speak about the independence of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. It is de-facto fully controlled by Istanbul. Whereas Ukraine's largest canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has never requested autocephaly from Patriarch Bartholomew, is absolutely independent in its actions. Its connection with the Russian Orthodox Church is purely canonical – but even this causes undisguised irritation of the current Kiev regime.

Because of this, clergymen and laymen of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church are being persecuted and deprived of churches and monasteries, and attempts are made to deny the Church its legitimate name, which raises tensions and only leads to further discord in Ukrainian society.

Evidently, Ukraine's leaders have to understand that any attempts to force the faithful into a different church are fraught with grave consequences. Yet, they are eager to put interconfessional concord in the country at stake in order to conduct the election campaign of the current Ukrainian President based on a search for enemies, and to retain power by all means.

All of this does not go unnoticed by Orthodox Christians.

Naturally, Russia does not intend to interfere in ecclesiastical processes, especially those happening on the territory of a neighboring sovereign state. However, we are aware of the danger posed by such experiments and blatant interference of the state in religious affairs.



Question:

What are the prospects of economic cooperation between Moscow and Belgrade in case Serbia joins the European Union? How can this affect Russian investments in Serbian economy?



Vladimir Putin:

We respect the Serbian leadership's decision to join the EU. Unlike our Western partners, we do not try to pose an artificial dilemma for Belgrade and make Serbia choose whether to be with Russia or with the European Union. In today's global world, integration processes are developing dynamically, involving new countries and alliances and shaping new promising structures. We are convinced, therefore, that neither Serbia's striving for integration into Europe, nor Russia's participation in the Eurasian Economic Union prevents our two countries from strengthening their multi-faceted cooperation.

What is important is that Russia and Serbia remain committed to further increasing their economic and investment collaboration. The free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Serbia that is being prepared is also designed to promote such cooperation. Another round of relevant negotiations took place in Belgrade recently, on January 10–11. We expect that this instrument will be signed before the year ends and will open up qualitatively new opportunities for improving the efficiency of our joint efforts in the economic area and their practical effect.

I would like to conclude by wishing all the readers of Večernje novosti and all the citizens of friendly Serbia peace and prosperity.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59680






Vladimir Putin arrived in Serbia



January 17, 2019 - 15:20 - Belgrade







The programme of the official visit includes talks between the President of Russia and President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, during which the two leaders will discuss the current state and prospects for further development of Russia-Serbia relations and exchange views on current regional matters.










A number of bilateral documents will be signed following the meeting.













Vladimir Putin and Aleksandar Vucic will also lay wreaths at the Monument to the Liberators of Belgrade and the Monument to Soviet Soldier, and visit the Cathedral of Saint Sava.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59687






Laying wreaths at the Monument to the Liberators of Belgrade and the Monument to Soviet Soldiers



Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic visited the Liberators of Belgrade Memorial. The two presidents laid wreaths to the Monument to the Liberators of Belgrade and the Monument to Soviet Soldiers to commemorate those who lost their lives in World War II.



January 17, 2019 - 15:50 - Belgrade
















The Memorial opened on October 20, 1954, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the liberation of the Yugoslav capital from Nazi occupants. The remains of Soviet and Yugoslav soldiers who perished in battles for the liberation of Belgrade and were buried in city parks, on squares and boulevards were moved to the cemetery.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59688






Beginning of talks with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic



January 17, 2019 - 16:30 - Belgrade








President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic (retranslated):

Welcome, Mr President!

Welcome to Serbia, welcome to Belgrade! I hope that you will feel nice and comfortable here.

Serbia and Russia are genuine friends, and I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mr President, for investing your energy, effort, work, love and respect in making the relations between our countries even better, even stronger.

Trade between our countries is growing all the time. Imports from Russia grew by 30 percent, exports from Serbia – by 4.1 percent.

All the areas we work together in are developing, everything is moving forward. We signed several agreements today. There are major new areas for cooperation such as innovative technology and digital technology.

We receive your proposals with great interest and very much hope that this Boiling Point [collaborative centre of Russia’s Agency for Strategic Initiatives to Promote New Projects] under your patronage will be extended to Serbia, and we will have this kind of hub here.







I would also like to say that all our agreements and contracts in the field of infrastructure and energy are not only developing, but are moving forward at the highest level, in leaps and bounds.

Regarding military-technical cooperation, we in Serbia are very pleased with this area. Thank you for your willingness and desire to help us in this matter.

If you remember, Mr President – I am very proud of what I am about to say – six years ago, when we met in Sochi, we were talking (Mr Lavrov was also there), discussing how Serbia could repay its huge accumulated debt. Well, now Serbia has no debt, and what’s more, it pays for everything on time, it makes advance payments and is a truly reliable partner in this sense.

In closing, I would like to thank you very much for all your effort and your support for Serbia’s independence, for the preservation of its territorial integrity, and other matters. And you can always count on us. Although Serbia might not be a large country geographically, you can still count on us.

Thank you and welcome.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Thank you for the kind words and the invitation.

You and I are in constant contact: recently we met in Russia and I remember my visit to Serbia.

I would like to thank the residents of Belgrade and the entire fraternal Serbian nation for giving me such a warm reception. It is visible on the faces of people in the streets of the city.

The roots of our relations are deep and long-standing, and the spiritual affinity of our people is obvious. All this is helping us build on our relations today.

Indeed, trade is on the upswing and has already reached $2 billion. I am particularly pleased to note that our relations are becoming more and more diversified, from engineering to energy and infrastructure. We also have new advanced areas that, I know, were discussed on the eve of my visit and we will also talk about them today.

I am very happy to visit the friendly and fraternal nation of Serbia, discuss what we have done recently and map out prospects for our cooperation in the near future.

Mr President, you have done much recently, in the past few years, to advance Serbia-Russia relations. And today I have the welcome task and great pleasure of presenting you with a Russian Federation state decoration for everything you have done on this highly righteous and noble front.

Thank you.







Alexandar Vucic:

(Speaking Russian.) Thank you very much. This is a great honour for me and Serbia.

Thank you once again.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/59690






Beginning of Russian-Serbian talks in expanded format



January 17, 2019 - 18:20 - Belgrade








President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic (retranslated):

Mr President,

It is a great pleasure to have you here in Serbia.

I want to state that during our one-on-one conversation in the Russian-Serbian format we covered almost all the subjects. But it is important for me to emphasise once again our gratitude to you, Mr President, for the support that you provide to Serbia, the Serbian people, the support that you provide to ensure preservation of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia, because you have been helping us on this matter all along in all forms through various organisations and institutions.

Our friendship shows concrete examples of economic growth which can be seen in the yearly expansion of trade. Our cooperation today is different, more comprehensive and more extensive than in previous years.

This cooperation is marked by good mutual understanding in all key areas. It seems to me that what was previously only in words is now in deeds, especially in the sphere of energy, military cooperation, infrastructure and transport, as well as education, culture, sports, tourism and all other areas of public life.

We are convinced, Mr President, that we can further develop our trade, and there are still many areas in which we can do so. So, I am grateful to the Russian representatives for opening to us new avenues and chapters, namely, digitisation, innovative technology and the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

I am especially grateful to your numerous representatives, including Mr Borisov, of course, if we talk about energy, and Mr Miller and Mr Ushakov, who are here with us.

I would also like to thank the ministers of the Government of Serbia, beginning with Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, – Nenad Popovic, (Aleksandar) Antic, Zorana Mihajlovic and many others, Mr (Nebojša) Stefanovic and (Ivica) Dacic. You have already heard how satisfied they are with cooperation in the areas of which they are in charge.

I also want to say to the Russian people that here, in Serbia, Russia will always find true and loyal friends.

I would like to use this opportunity to invite as many Russians as possible to visit Serbia. I think the number of tourists can be even bigger. I believe we can take part together in organising efforts in different fields of public life – this is also one of the areas that we can discuss in the future.

Mr President, thank you for your visit once again. Today’s circumstances are exceptional: I am being told that over 30,000 people in the central streets of Belgrade are awaiting your arrival in two hours. This shows how our citizens, our people feel about you.

Thank you very much again. Welcome to Serbia.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Thank you very much, Mr President.

First of all, I am grateful for the invitation.

And, of course, I would also like to start with our trade and economic ties.

We had a very detailed discussion of the development of our relations at a restricted-format meeting, one on one. In the year before last, our trade increased by 23 percent and continued growing last year, too. Trade has already reached $2 billion. Russia is probably one of the biggest, if not the biggest investor in the Serbian economy.

Indeed, our relations are progressing in a host of areas. You just mentioned practically all of them. These include trade in the direct sense of the word, energy, high technology, which is particularly gratifying, as well as transport and transport infrastructure. You have essentially covered everything.

Humanitarian, cultural and educational ties also play a major role in our relations.

We continue cooperating in defence and security. Our law enforcement bodies and prosecutor-general’s offices are working together, which is also very important. We continue training Serbian personnel.

Speaking about defence cooperation, I must say we not only supply military equipment but also buy munitions, including military equipment from Serbia.

In other words, the efforts are completely mutual, it is a two-way street. And I would like to thank you and all of your colleagues for taking this attitude to the development of Russia-Serbia relations and express the hope that during today’s joint work we will create conditions for further steps on developing our bilateral cooperation.

Thank you for your attention.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/59691






Ceremony for presenting the Order of Alexander Nevsky to President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic



Following talks, Vladimir Putin presented Alexandar Vucic with a Russian Federation state decoration – the Order of Alexander Nevsky.



January 17, 2019 - 18:50 - Belgrade







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr President, friends,

I am truly glad to present the President of Serbia with a high Russian state decoration – the Order of Alexander Nevsky.

The name of Alexander Nevsky – a great saint and a protector of warriors and diplomats, who brought glory to Russia and himself with his military victories and defended the independence of the motherland in the struggle against foreign invaders – enjoys special respect in our country.

The glorious names of outstanding Serbian leaders are part of the almost 300-year old history of this order. They include Prince Milos Obrenovic who led the struggle for Serbian independence in the 19th century and Prime Minister Nikola Pasic who headed the Serbian Government during World War I.

Now your name, Mr President, has been justly put on the honour list of the recipients of this order.

We know you as a supporter of the closest and warmest possible relations between Russia and Serbia. It is largely owing to your personal contribution that Russia-Serbia cooperation is making successful headway in all areas and is not subject to the international or political environment. We highly value your position of principle, Mr President.

Mr President, I wholeheartedly wish you good health, prosperity and new successes in your country’s highest office.

Thank you for your attention.



Vladimir Putin presents Alexandar Vucic with the Order of Alexander Nevsky.







President of the Republic of Serbia Alexandar Vucic (Speaking Russian.):

Mr President, my dear friend,

Allow me to say just a few words in Russian.

Receiving the Order of Alexander Nevsky is a great honour for me and for Serbia, but also great responsibility for my future work to expand cooperation between Russia and Serbia.

My gratitude – it has to be said – is not just protocol: it is profound and sincere. This recognition, this decoration is very important for me.

Why do I say this? Because I am receiving this decoration from President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. And why do I stress this fact? Because President Vladimir Putin is a very important leader for Russia, he has elevated Russia, guarded its dignity, and also guarded the vital interests of the Serbian people.







Our people, the Serbian people, will never forget what Vladimir Putin did in 2015 when on the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have declared the Serbs a genocidal people. On that occasion President Putin upheld truth and justice, and so we come to everything we will be working on in the future with a great sense of responsibility.

Secondly, our two countries have very good political relations. Of course, we have plenty of opportunities to increase and expand our cooperation on economic matters.

I will never speak like the many other politicians who speak only of their love for Pushkin, Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky.

This decoration, the recognition I received today is a great obligation for me to work for the future relations of Serbia and Russia.







Finally, I am proud of my native Serbia, I am proud of my country which deserves this decoration. In recent years Serbia has successfully preserved its independence, territorial integrity and military neutrality. This recognition means to us that we too have preserved Serbia as a free state.

Once again, thank you, Mr President, for appreciating the complex situation of our country, our Serbia.

And finally I would like to thank my family, because everything I said – it is, as I have said, a great honour for me and my family. I would like to dedicate this decoration to my father and the Vucic family from a small village of Cipulic where the Serbs have always loved Russia as they love Serbia.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59692






Joint news conference with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic



Following Russian-Serbian talks, Vladimir Putin and Aleksandar Vucic gave a joint news conference.



January 17, 2019 - 19:30 - Belgrade







President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic:

<…> We have also signed many agreements in different areas of public life.

Our trade is increasing every year and our economic relations are improving.

Today, we talked a lot about our tasks for the future in our one-on-one discussion, at the restricted and expanded meetings.

In energy, that is gas supplies, Serbia practically fully depends on the Russian Federation. We have reached agreements on building a gas pipeline in the future, expanding our gas storage that will hold 750 million cubic metres of gas in Banatski Dvor, building a power station and providing gas for the whole of Serbia.

I would like to explain to our ordinary citizens what this means. It means that we will never hear the question that was asked in Vladicin Han: why do companies opening a plant not have gas. We will do everything, and it will mean greater industrialisation and economic development for this country.







We also spoke today about infrastructure cooperation, especially on railways. I think rail will become a key mode of transport in the future. We have big plans ahead. We have signed large agreements and memorandums on the current maintenance of railways.

If we accomplish all this, I am sure that rail will become one of the most profitable modes of transport. Our citizens will appreciate it and be proud of it.

These contracts are already worth $230 million and if we organise everything as we started, they will be worth 660 million euros.

What is important for us is that our defence cooperation with Russia has been not just adequate, we are very grateful for all the support and assistance, and for the favourable preferential prices of military equipment. I am sure that Mr Putin has always taken into account the interests of the Serbian people and always met us halfway.

What I am particularly proud of – it is true, and Mr President mentioned this today in his remarks – is that Serbia is a disciplined country, and its Government is the same, a reliable Government, and we fulfil our obligations and pay everything on time. We have no delays, no debts, no arrears, no such problems. Serbia is a reliable partner of Russia.

When we first met, I was only thinking about how to meet our obligations in the next two or three years, to repay all our debts. I think I became a real nightmare for Mr Miller [Gazprom CEO]: every time he saw me, I asked him to give us an extension on our payments. This is no longer the case; Serbia has repaid everything, met all its obligations, and the Serbian economy is growing.

It is also important to say that we have discussed almost all spheres of public life; we spoke about everything today.

Many thanks to Russia – for all the funds provided for the decoration and construction of the Church of Saint Sava. Russia is to allocate another five million euros for our holy site. Russia will return to us the 166th page of the Miroslav Gospel. I just want to demonstrate how well we prepared for these meetings, how fruitfully we worked in all areas and how much we have achieved.







I would like to say with satisfaction that we have reached a high degree of agreement on all issues, and I told Mr Putin about my gratitude for supporting Serbia. I told both Mr Putin and Mr Lavrov that we appreciate their support for Serbia at all international forums, as well as their support for the territorial integrity and independence of Serbia.

I updated the President on the developments in Kosovo and Metohija. I told him about the illegal duties that the Albanian authorities have introduced contrary to the will of Republika Srpska, as well as about the creation of the so-called Kosovo Army contrary to UN Resolution 1244. Mr Putin expressed support for our position on this matter.

I told President Putin that Serbia is always willing to hold talks and make compromises, but it will never accept humiliation. I believe that some people are not ready for compromise, but we will continue to act in this spirit. As I pointed out to President Putin, we will look for compromises, but we will not tolerate humiliation.

Mr President, once again, I would like to say, make yourself comfortable in Serbia.

I have been told that a vast number of people are waiting for you in Belgrade’s central streets and at the Church of Saint Sava. This is evidence of what you have done for us. These people can see me every day, yet they have not come for me. They have come for you, which is evidence of the great respect everyone in Serbia has for you.

Once again, thank you for the fruitful talks we have had and for signing agreements. It makes me especially proud that Ana [Brnabic] and Nenad [Popovic] have done a great deal for the development of digital technology and our cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. Russia has been investing a great deal in these fields, and together we can attain great results.

Thank you. I am confident that cooperation between Russia and Serbia will continue to improve, including at the top level.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to thank President Vucic for inviting me on an official visit to Serbia.

President Vucic and I maintain regular working contacts. Only recently, in October of last year, we held useful and constructive talks in Moscow. Before that in May, Mr Vucic came to Moscow for the celebrations of the 73rd anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. He also joined the Immortal Regiment march in Red Square, holding up a photograph of his grandfather.

I remember our visit to Belgrade in 2014 for the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the city’s liberation from the Nazis. I remember the warmth and hospitality of our Serbian friends.

Today we discussed in detail the entire range of bilateral relations and exchanged opinions on current international and regional affairs in the same partnership-based and constructive way. Both sides confirmed their intention to continue the development of multifaceted Russian-Serbian strategic partnership in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation, which is traditional for our countries and peoples.

Of course, special attention was paid to trade and investment cooperation and interaction.

Mutual trade continues to increase: it grew by 2 percent in the 11 months of 2018 (it was 23 percent in 2017 and now it gained two more percent) and reached almost $2 billion.

The Russia-Serbia Intergovernmental Committee for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation is conducting a large-scale job to improve our bilateral economic partnership. The committee’s co-chairs delivered reports today at the expanded meeting.

Contacts between the countries’ industrial and agricultural enterprises, as well as business circles and scientific communities are being maintained.

We also agreed that at its next meeting in the first quarter of this year the Committee will discuss matters concerning the practical implementation of the agreements reached today.

In our common opinion, additional opportunities for the expansion and diversification of commodity flows will become available after the conclusion of an agreement on a free trade zone between Serbia and the Eurasian Economic Union. Belgrade has recently hosted another series of consultations. We expect the document to be signed before the end of the year.

Energy is a key area of Russian-Serbian cooperation. Russian natural gas exports to Serbia grew by 20 percent and reached 2.3 billion cubic metres in 2018. By 2022, Gazprom plans to increase deliveries to 3.5 billion cubic metres. To that end, in 2019 a project will be launched to increase the capacity of the Banatski Dvor underground gas storage facility in Serbia from 450 million cubic metres to 750 million. Work will also continue to expand the Serbian gas transportation network. These measures will significantly improve the energy security of Serbia and the entire Balkan region.

As the leading Russian investor in the Serbian energy sector, who invested about $3 billion in its subsidiary NIS Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), Gazprom Neft is planning to invest another $1.4 billion by 2025. NIS is currently Serbia’s largest taxpayer and one of the leading oil and gas corporations in Eastern Europe.

Another Russian company, Power Machines, helped Serbia modernise the Iron Gate I hydroelectric power station, and continues to partake in the reconstruction of other power stations in Serbia.







The realisation of joint plans in the sphere of peaceful use of nuclear energy reflected in the signed intergovernmental agreement would, without a doubt, give an additional impetus to the growth of Serbia’s economy. This agreement focuses on Serbia’s use of advanced Russian radiation technology in healthcare, industry, and agriculture.

The company Russian Railways is making a significant contribution to the modernisation of Serbia’s railways. With the help of this Russian company, Serbia is now creating an up-to-date single dispatch centre, which will significantly increase the crossing capacity of the country's transportation network.

We also discussed the issues of defence and military technology cooperation with our Serbian partners. We will continue meeting the Serbian leadership halfway, contributing to improving Serbia’s defence capacity, further developing scientific and production cooperation with the country’s defence enterprises, and carrying on the practice of holding joint military exercises.

We also paid attention to our dynamic cultural and humanitarian links. Serbia regularly hosts tours by Russian performers as well as cultural festivals. In February, this country will host large-scale events within the framework of Days of Russian Spiritual Culture.

The project to decorate the interior of the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade is currently being successfully implemented, as Mr President mentioned earlier. I am glad to have had the opportunity today to visit this church, which has special importance for Serbia, and meet with high representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

The understanding we have reached for Russia to return Page 166 of the Miroslav Gospel (an ancient Serbian Cyrillic manuscript), which is currently being held in the National Library of Russia, to Serbia and for Serbia to return Nicholas Roerich’s paintings to Russia is a landmark event for the Russian-Serbian friendship. Mr President and I agreed for our culture ministers to work on the implementation of this exchange.

And, of course, Russia cooperates and will continue to cooperate with Serbia in personnel training. This year 120 scholarships were allocated for Serbian students.

The agenda of our talks also included topical international and regional issues.

Russia, like Serbia, is interested in a stable and secure situation in the Balkans. In particular, Russia’s position on Kosovo is well known. We are in favour of reaching a viable and mutually acceptable agreement between Belgrade and Pristina on a Kosovo settlement based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

Unfortunately, recently the Kosovo authorities have taken several prevocational steps, which have raised tensions significantly. I mean above all the announcement made by Kosovo on December 14 on the establishment of the Kosovo army. Of course, this is a direct violation of the resolution I mentioned, which does not allow for creating any military units except for the international UN forces.

Russia completely shares the concerns of the Serbian leadership and people and understands that such irresponsible actions by the Kosovo authorities can result in destabilisation in the Balkans.

In conclusion, I would like to say that our meeting was a success. I would like to once again express my gratitude to Mr President and all our Serbian colleagues for substantive and fruitful talks and thank all the people of Belgrade for welcoming the Russian delegation so warmly.

I am sure that the agreements we reached today will further strengthen Russian-Serbian friendship.

Thank you for your attention.







Question:

I have a question for both leaders.

Did you discuss the possibility of extending TurkStream to Europe via Serbia? If you did, when can we expect to receive the necessary permits? What can prevent the implementation of this project in light of the ongoing EU pressure on Serbia, sanctions and also problems created for Russia’s Nord Stream project?

I also have a question about Kosovo, if I may. Did you discuss in any form the possibility of Russian mediation for normalising relations between Belgrade and Pristina? Thank you.



Aleksandar Vucic:

Regarding the first question, Serbia has great expectations of the TurkStream pipeline, and we have done everything we could by this time, which is a great deal. We have signed documents and completed many procedures.

I do not know about any pressure on other countries where the pipeline will be built, but Russia has not had any problems with Serbia. We respond in kind, and we are resistant to pressure.

Our enterprises need gas. Until now, we received it via Ukraine and Moldova, but now we want to receive it via TurkStream and Bulgaria, which is why we are building the gas pipeline you have mentioned. It is of vital importance for Serbia.

I know that the Germans have done everything in their power for Nord Stream, and that the 500 km underwater part is finished. Like all other nations, we have a right to receive gas.

I heard very many deliberations yesterday about the sources of gas from across the world, but I have never seen any gas other than Russian. They mentioned liquefied gas, which costs twice as much. Why should we pay double? We cannot and will not do this. We are economically better off now, and we keep our public funds in check. But we want the best gas and the best price, and that is Russian gas.

As for your second question, we did discuss Kosovo and the dues introduced there, as well as holding talks with EU mediation. But the problem is, as we see it, that the Albanians do not want a compromise. Maybe they will want it one day? We would like to see this happen.

Speaking about Russia, no decision can be taken without Russia and its weight at the UN Security Council. And I will certainly discuss any decisions with President Putin.

You know, we keep talking about decisions. Everyone loves to talk about decisions and to receive good news. I am a realist. I cannot be an all-out optimist speaking about a decision now, because I do not see any. I hope for a decision on this matter, but I am not sure it will be made soon.



Vladimir Putin:

With regard to the subject of energy, we are ready to implement projects to extend the TurkStream to European countries, to European consumers. Many are interested in this. We only need to arrange everything appropriately. We are ready and we have enough resources, as you know, more than enough. There are no problems at all. We are working with Serbia on this. This also applies to the development of infrastructure, including for transit across Serbia. We are ready to invest the necessary funds; they are estimated at $1.4 billion.

We are preparing for this work, even actually starting it. But in the end everything will depend on other countries, including the EU countries, and how far they are willing to go to protect their sovereign national interests in the dialogue with European agencies.

We once tried – we planned and launched work on the South Stream project. As you know, that project was discontinued through no fault of ours. Now Bulgaria, for example, is interested in extending TurkStream across Bulgaria and further on to Serbia, Hungary and so on. We are ready for this, and are even doing preparatory work, I repeat; we are ready to invest in it. Therefore, little depends on us here.

We will do this; next week I will meet with visiting President Erdogan, and I know his position. Turkey is also positive about it, and is working towards this, eager to build relations with its partners in Europe and intends to do so. Therefore, we will start working and see what happens.

As for whether our other large energy infrastructure project, Nord Stream 2, will get in the way of this project, I can assure you – absolutely not.

Next week, the leadership of Gazprom will be in Brussels to discuss a number of cooperation matters, including, by the way, transit through Ukraine, taking into account the growing volume of supplies of our natural gas to Europe. Last year it hit a record high – over 200 billion cubic metres – and continues to grow. We will load not only Nord Stream legs, not only the TurkStream pipeline, but with this volume of supplies to European consumers, the possibility of continuing transit through Ukraine also remains.

Regarding the mediation in the Kosovo peace process, Russia has always been actively involved in resolving these crises. As for direct mediation, we know, and Mr President also said that the EU was an intermediary in resolving a number of issues, but, unfortunately, few agreements are actually being fulfilled.

For example, Serbian municipalities should have been created in Kosovo – they were not. Resolution 1244, which has already been mentioned, provides for the presence of Serbian police and even border guards in Kosovo. Where are they? They are not there.

Therefore, it is necessary, it seems to me, to show more respect for international law, and only in this case can we achieve any fair solutions.



Question (retranslated):

A question for President Vucic.

What comments would you make concerning the unusually great interest of the British and other media to Mr Putin’s visit? Do you expect that after this visit, the country will be put under pressure in order to spoil our relations with Russia?

You already mentioned this, but do you think that Serbia can expect international support from Russia in the Kosovo issue?

(Speaks Russian) And a question for the President of Russia.

Mr President, I am sure you know that Serbia considers Russia one of its key and most important partners in the world, especially in solving such important international problems as Kosovo. You know, almost 80,000 people have gathered now near the Cathedral of Saint Sava, which you will visit soon. And as President Vucic said, they are waiting for you; they want to see you, greet you and hope to hear words of friendship and support, especially relating to Kosovo. What will you say to them?



Vladimir Putin:

You know, there are no rallies planned for my visit, but I am very pleased to hear your words, however unexpected they might be. Therefore, I doubt I can say something there, especially without an interpreter. But here I can say that we greatly appreciate such examples of friendship, and value them very highly.

As for our relations, I only can add that the relations between Russia and Serbia did not appear yesterday; they have deep and strong roots and date back centuries. The Russian and Serbian peoples have always been spiritually connected. I would like to mention a Serbian saying, which goes like this: “If we are together, we will win.” This is what I would like to say to those people on the square, and to everyone who wanted to hear Russia’s opinion.

You just heard our opinion of what is going on in the region, including Kosovo. We consider the violation of the common rules of international law, in particular, Resolution No 1244, unfair and very dangerous. Of course, we will work together with all our partners to ensure that international law is observed and that decisions are just.

We are monitoring the situation in the region. Sometimes it seems that the decisions made earlier were only made to disengage the Serbian people. And these decisions will unlikely be viable if they are not just, this is what I would like to emphasise.

Together – the Serbian party, Serbian leadership and President Vucic contribute to this a lot – we will have to convince all of our partners, if we want to reach stability in the regions, to be able to find compromises, and when they are found, we must stick to them.



Aleksandar Vucic:

As for your question, I asked the Protocol department to address questions only to President Putin, because we are already late with our programme, and people want to hear President Putin; they are here because of him.

I have no problem with who will be speaking and what they will be saying. I am proud of everything that is happening and I want to tell other countries in our region and everywhere else: Serbia is proud that it is an independent and free state, not only regarding its territorial integrity and military neutrality, but also in our decisions; Serbia makes decisions based on its citizens’ will, not some other governments’ will.

We respect Great Britain, it is a great nation. However, neither the British nor any other nation will decide for us what political course we will follow. It is for the Serbian people to decide.

Speaking about newspapers around the globe, here or elsewhere – do not be angry, Mr President, – I will say that it does not matter to me. Serbia will continue with its policy; it will not change. It will be difficult for anyone else to influence it.

Of course, at some time any individual can hope to win the election and take Serbia’s policy in another direction. While I remain the President of Serbia, Serbia will continue to implement its policy, and Serbia will continue to be an independent and free state that takes into consideration the interests of the people living here.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59693






Official reception on behalf of President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic



President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic hosted an official reception in Belgrade in honour of President of Russia Vladimir Putin.



January 17, 2019 - 20:30 - Belgrade







Chairman of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Milorad Dodik and Serbian Patriarch Irinej also attended the reception.




President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic (retranslated):

President Putin, Chairman Dodik, Prime Minister Brnabic, President of the National Assembly Gojkovic, esteemed guests, Your Holiness,

I am honoured to welcome all of you in Serbia, and I would like to express my delight at the visit of President Putin.

Mr President, my toast will be very short. Thank you for everything you have done for Serbia.

I said before that we would never forget what you did for Serbia in 2015. I believe you can feel the love and respect of the Serbian people today, and you will have more proof of this in the evening. The police have told me that 125,000 people have gathered in Belgrade’s central streets, which has never happened over the past 30 years. This is the result of your dedicated work and the respect you have shown for our small country, Serbia.

Our gratitude, friendship and the sincere fraternal feelings we have for the Russian people will last forever. Our friendship has taken a public expression today thanks to you, Mr President.

There is a huge difference between you and those who were before you. This is why we feel even more grateful to Russia and why we respect Russia and the Russian people even more than in the past years.

Mr President, I wish all the best to you and your people. I wish health, every success and happiness to you. I would like to say that Serbia will forever remain a free and independent country and a friend of Russia.

Here is to health!







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr President, friends, ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you once again for this warm welcome and for the invitation to visit your country.

I have said this at the news conference, but I would like to say again that Serbia and Russia are connected by centuries-long friendship and close spiritual ties.

Serbia has always demonstrated, both in good times and in hard times, its strong will and independence, and it has always treasured its sovereignty. Today we have every opportunity not only to overcome our difficulties and trials, but also to do so with dignity, to attain the results we strive for and to gain the upper hand.

Mr President, you have recently shown strong will not only in foreign affairs but also in your domestic policy and in economic matters. I believe that Serbia had a surplus budget for a second year running. It is a very good indicator of your success.

I hope that Russian-Serbian cooperation will not only contribute to our relations but also to the development of our states.

I would like to wish every success to you and to all your colleagues and prosperity to the Serbian people. I raise this toast to your health and the health of everyone here, as well as to the strengthening of Russian-Serbian friendship.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59696






Meeting with Chairman of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Milorad Dodik



Vladimir Putin met in Belgrade with Chairman of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Milorad Dodik.



January 17, 2019 - 21:00 - Belgrade








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

I am delighted to meet with you again and to have this opportunity to congratulate you on your election as Chairman of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency.

Our relations are developing very well. I am familiar with the projects we are implementing in various fields. I hope we will have an opportunity to discuss some of them, even if in brief.

I am glad to meet with you again.







Chairman of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Milorad Dodik (retranslated):

I am also pleased to meet with you again and to be able to welcome you.

Thank you for your congratulations. We have scored a very good election result.

We are still in the process of shaping Bosnia’s government agencies. Of course, there are quite a few problems. As it always happens in Bosnia, conditions have been put forth. Bosniaks say they will agree to anything if we adopt a policy of joining NATO, but we, the Serbian part, do not accept this. In other words, it will take us time to make use of our election results.







The establishment of all bodies of power has been completed in Republika Srpska, and they are operating normally. But the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole remains at the level of a technical mandate. Some people there are not satisfied with their results, which is why the process is taking time.







I would like to express our satisfaction with the progress of the projects we previously discussed and coordinated. We hope that we will remain involved in the TurkStream project, just as we were involved in South Stream. We have the necessary documents, all the engineering documents, for this.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59694






Meeting with Emir Kusturica



Vladimir Putin had a meeting in Belgrade with Serbian film director, actor and musician Emir Kusturica.



January 17, 2019 - 21:20 - Belgrade










Vladimir Putin and Emir Kusturica had a short conversation at the Palace of Serbia government complex, where prior to that the President of Russia held talks with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic and met with Chairman of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Milorad Dodik.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59695






Visit to Church of Saint Sava



Concluding his official visit to Serbia, Vladimir Putin visited the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade.



January 17, 2019 - 21:30 - Belgrade






Vladimir Putin and President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic viewed the church interior, where the main altar is consecrated in honour of the revered local saint, Saint Sava, the First Archbishop of Serbia. The two leaders were accompanied by Serbian Patriarch Irinej and Bishop of Remesiana, Archimandrite Stefan, Principal of the Saint Sava Church.



















People's Artist of Russia Nikolai Mukhin, who leads a group of Russian artists, reported to the presidents on the progress in decorating the dome and the altar with mosaics.
















Vladimir Putin, Aleksandar Vucic, and Serbian Patriarch Irinej inserted the missing fragments into the mosaic Holy Saviour’s Image, symbolically completing the mural.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59697
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Instructions following gas explosion in Rostov Region residential building



January 14, 2019 - 10:40



Vasily Golubev, the Governor of Rostov Region reported by phone to Vladimir Putin on the situation concerning the site and the measures that are being taken to relieve the aftermath. The President instructed the Governor to provide all-round assistance to the victims of the gas explosion.

Vladimir Putin also instructed Investigative Committee Head Alexander Bastrykin to thoroughly investigate why the explosion took place.

On Monday morning, a gas explosion occurred on the ninth floor of a block of flats in the town on Shakhty.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59667






Working meeting with Head of Udmurtia Alexander Brechalov



Alexander Brechalov informed the President about the region’s socioeconomic development.



January 14, 2019 - 15:40 - Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region







The discussion focused in particular on the events programme for military engineer Mikhail Kalashnikov’s 100th birth anniversary. The programme will include a large touring exhibition that will visit more than a half of the Russian regions and several foreign countries. Among other events are an armourers’ forum and the opening of a technopark named after Mikhail Kalashnikov.

Alexander Brechalov reported to the President about the results of the previous year, including the region’s reduced government debt, measures to efficiently spend budget funds and steps to centralise procurement that allowed the region to save significantly.







The discussion also touched upon road maintenance and reconstruction as well as the involvement of the public in the monitoring of the work. Also brought up were an increasing amount of collected tax and non-tax payments, optimisation of municipal and state unitary enterprises, and utilising idle and inefficiently used property.







The condition of the social infrastructure is one of the republic’s serious problems. Alexander Brechalov said that in 2018 the local government conducted a complete inventory auditing of the kindergartens, schools, hospitals and outpatient clinics in the republic – a total of 580 facilities. The audit identified further spheres of improvement – particularly, areas that require attracting investors.







As concerns healthcare, the Head of Udmurtia reported that mobile medical diagnostics units had been purchased for health check-ups in small residential areas with a population under 250 people. The primary areas of focus are the prevention of cardiovascular and oncological illnesses. A cancer prevention campaign was held in four districts of the republic. The measures resulted in a 20-percent increase in early cancer diagnostics. 2019 was declared the Year of Health in Udmurtia.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59671






Greetings to participants of 10th Gaidar Forum



Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants, organisers and guests of the 10th Gaidar Forum, taking place in Moscow on January 15–17.



January 15, 2019 - 09:00



The message reads, in part:

“All these years, the Gaidar Forum has been one of the most influential discussion platforms, focusing on key modern socioeconomic issues and offering promising solutions to them. It invariably attracts the attention of famous Russian and foreign scientists, politicians, entrepreneurs and journalists, and formulates a detailed and topical agenda.

“I consider the theme of the current forum, Russia and the World: National Development Goals and Global Trends, to be extremely important and much-needed. I am confident that the ideas and recommendations of the meeting’s participants will help effectively address the strategic long-term tasks facing Russia, and enhance its role in integration processes and in international economic, technological and investment cooperation.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59677






Tour of ASI projects exhibition



January 15, 2019 - 15:10 - Moscow






Before the meeting of the Supervisory Board of the autonomous non-profit organisation Agency for Strategic Initiatives to Promote New Projects (ASI), Vladimir Putin learned about ASI “boiling points”– special places set up in 19 cities of the country to host project sessions, lectures, workshops, business games and other events related to the agency’s activities.










ASI coworking centres are designed for experience sharing and project cooperation by entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, teachers, under- and postgraduate students, as well as representatives of the authorities, professional communities and public organisations.










The head of state was told about the selection of “boiling points” and initiatives carried out in Moscow, Vladivostok, Irkutsk and Ivanovo. The President also learned about the programmes University-2035, Databased Management, and 100 City Leaders as well as social and volunteer projects, including those related to ecotourism.













The President also examined the stand of the ASI Leaders Club and samples of high-tech products of Russian companies included in the ASI New Business programme.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59678






Agency for Strategic Initiatives Supervisory Board meeting



A meeting of the Supervisory Board of the autonomous non-profit Agency for Strategic Initiatives to Promote New Projects took place under the chairmanship of Vladimir Putin.



January 15, 2019 - 15:40 - Moscow






The agenda includes results of the ASI’s work in 2018 as well as new projects that the organisation intends to carry out in 2019–2021. These include support for the urban communities and their leaders that suggest solutions for topical problems of urban development, creation of a digital platform for dealing with entrepreneurs and systemic measures on developing technological business in the country.

Before the meeting, the President toured an exhibition of projects by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) and learned more about the collaborative work centres – ASI “boiling points.”








President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

Today, here at the Supervisory Board meeting, we will discuss the Agency’s strategy for the future. But first of all, I would like to say – I have already said this and would like to repeat it again: not only am I not ashamed of this project, but when I learn about the results of the work, what is being done and what is planned for the future (we will discuss this separately), I feel happy and want to wish you success in the future. It evokes the pleasant feeling of pride in you.

First I would like to say a few words about the ASI activities for over seven years.

There are obvious and visible results. This is the improvement of the legal foundation and conditions for business – this is what I would start with.







Second is the support for over 350 specific projects that involve jobs, advanced products and technology. We learned about some of them today.

And finally these are voluntary, educational and social initiatives that are also very interesting, promising and very useful.

Obviously, the Agency has elaborated a unique mechanism for resolving problems and, most importantly, has united around it a whole community of people ready to generate and promote positive changes. These are entrepreneurs, innovators, volunteers, representatives of non-profit organisations and scientists. I was pleased to look at some of the projects that are literally brought about by science, fundamental science, which happens very rarely and is therefore a source of special pleasure. The infrastructure is being created for their interaction, which is very important and this is also one of the projects that we saw today. The Leaders Club is actively working.

The so-called “boiling points” are already open in 19 cities. This is where the best ideas are concentrated, talented and energetic people are united, and civic and business projects aimed at the country’s development as a whole are being planned and launched.







It is also important to note that cooperation with the Government and regional administrations has been developed. This makes it possible to support and promote key initiatives more effectively and faster.

And, of course, I would like to make special mention of the professionalism of the Agency’s personnel. You are united by a common desire to achieve practical results for the benefit of our people, our citizens and the country as a whole. Thank you very much for this.

Friends,

I am discussing the advantages and overall potential in such great detail because even more difficult tasks lie ahead. I would very much like to see your work fit into the national development strategy and what we call our national projects; to be honest, this has been true for the previous seven years, but is now becoming particularly important. This should fit in naturally and help accomplish tasks that have been set in these strategic long-term areas.







In this connection, the Agency’s strategy should be closely linked with our plans within the framework of national projects. Their success will directly depend on the active involvement of real leaders of change. Therefore, the Agency should, naturally, continue to work for these people and with such people who strive to implement these large-scale and ambitious plans.

We need to create additional opportunities, so that these people will be able to carry out their concepts and plans. I repeat, and I want to return to this subject: I had the pleasure of personally speaking with some of them today.

In this connection, I would like to note the first area of our work. We need to continue implementing the National Business Initiative, to compile investment climate rankings for the Russian Federation’s regions and to create a permanent mechanism for improving the nationwide business environment.







You and I understand that a good idea is one thing, and if it catches on somewhere. But it is another thing to implement it all over the country. However, we would obtain the desired full effect only if we manage to accomplish this.

This also means that the state and authorities at all levels should be able to quickly respond to the requests and problems of entrepreneurs; this should be done virtually online. Modern digital technologies make it possible to effectively do this already today.

Second. By launching the WorldSkills movement and setting up a network of Quantorium technology parks in Russia, you have provided a strong stimulus for changes in supplementary and vocational education – an extremely important area of our activities.







I believe it is necessary as part of the National Technological Initiative to start a mechanism enabling the widest possible dissemination of knowledge and competences that would be in demand not only today but in the future, ten or maybe at least twenty years ahead.

By the way, one of the projects that we saw, that I have just mentioned, is designed precisely for such work.

This is critical for the development of the digital economy, for a breakthrough in science and technology as well as the further lifting of barriers for researchers and developers of cutting-edge technologies. And of course it is very important to create conditions for those who are working on startups.







Third. The Agency for Strategic Initiatives has set a volunteering standard that is included in the UN report as one of the best practices. You also participated in drafting the law on volunteer activities and supported significant projects in the social field.

Actually, we took many major decisions together at a meeting with volunteers and non-profit organisations in Petrozavodsk in summer 2017.

It is essential to continue this work, to form an efficient legal framework for palliative care and the organisation of long-term care for severely ill patients, for the elderly, to expand possibilities for the activity of NGOs in preschool and supplementary education and children’s recreation.

Fourth. Assistance should be rendered to the business people who take on the responsibility of providing public services and utilities, preserving historical heritage, arranging public spaces, leisure, sports and tourism. That is, those who are ready to help solve the most important national issues and create comfortable and up-to-date environments in cities and towns. As you know, this is also a most important area of our activity in the short term as part of the national initiatives.







To underscore, in all the areas that we mentioned today the best practices and approaches need to be summed up and actively shared. We do have them, what we only need is to circulate them persistently and put them into practice. To this end, we need to influence what is happening in the regions in a constructive and substantial way, as before. For this, of course, I would repeat, we need interaction with the administrative teams in Russian regions. Our shared success will greatly depend on your coordinated work.

Let us discuss all these issues.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59675






Meeting with Government members



The President held this year’s first meeting with Government members at the Kremlin.



January 16, 2019 - 16:10 - The Kremlin, Moscow



The agenda included priority goals in the socioeconomic sphere and measures to achieve them.







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

Let's talk about the goals in the sphere of socioeconomic development in 2019 and measures we need to take in order to achieve them.

As is customary, we will go over several current matters. I asked Mr Zinichev to begin with the recent tragic events in Magnitogorsk and Shakhty.

Let's begin with Shakhty. Update us on what happened there, what are the consequences and what needs to be done to eliminate them. Please go ahead.



Minister for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Yevgeny Zinichev:

On January 14, at 6:18 am, an explosion occurred on the ninth floor of a two-entrance brick building, which has 72 flats. The floors collapsed from the ninth to the eighth floor above entrance two. A total of 18 flats were damaged, of which eight have severe damage.

Seven people were rescued; two of them were removed from the rubble, including one child. Currently, their lives and health are not threatened. More than 200 people were evacuated; five bodies were recovered. The rescue works were completed on January 16. Twelve families are temporarily accommodated at the local hotel Gornyak; 1 million rubles have already been paid in compensation to the victims.



Vladimir Putin:

Is there anything else that needs to be done to help these people?



Yevgeny Zinichev:

Not at this point.



Vladimir Putin:

Is everything working?



Yevgeny Zinichev:

Everything is working; people have been accommodated.



Vladimir Putin:

Good.

The death of every person is a great misfortune and a big tragedy, but in Magnitogorsk the toll is even higher, it is 39 dead, six of them children; this is a real disaster. What is happening there at the moment?



Yevgeny Zinichev:

You mean compensations?



Vladimir Putin:

Both the compensations and relief efforts.



Yevgeny Zinichev:

The explosion destroyed part of the building, damaging 52 flats that were home to 131 people. Twenty-five flats were completely destroyed killing 39 of the 45 people that lived in them.

The rescuers had to work under difficult weather conditions and high risk of collapse, but 18 people were rescued; six people, including two children, were removed from the rubble of destroyed flats. The rescuers sorted through the debris and searched for survivors around the clock working in shifts with special equipment. In the emergency zone, a group of 900 people and 200 units of equipment were concentrated. On January 3, the search and debris work were terminated. Eight families, 15 people, including two children, were temporarily accommodated on the campus of Magnitogorsk State University and the Silver City Hotel.

At present, a government commission continues to provide comprehensive targeted assistance. The Chelyabinsk Region has received 65 million rubles from the Government’s Reserve Fund, of which 46 million rubles have already been paid as compensations, including 28 million rubles to the family members of the 28 people killed in the blast (1 million rubles per each person killed in equal shares to each family member). For the remaining 11 victims, these payments will be made after establishing the whereabouts of relatives and determining the degree of relationship. Payments to the six injured will be made after the completion of the forensic medical examination.

The Reserve Fund also allocated up to 147 million rubles to the Chelyabinsk Region to provide the victims with residential premises; more than 133 million were transferred to the Chelyabinsk regional budget, while 14 million (for the eight flats where the owners have not been identified) remain suspended for now.



Vladimir Putin:

Good.



Yevgeny Zinichev:

Compensation payments to injured citizens and their family members for a total amount of 93 million rubles are to be paid from the Reserve Fund of the Government of the Chelyabinsk Region.







Vladimir Putin:

Mr Dubrovsky, go ahead, please.



Governor of the Chelyabinsk Region Boris Dubrovsky:

Mr President, colleagues,

First, I would like to express gratitude to you personally, Mr President, and all of our colleagues for your care and support, which we felt literally from the first moments of the tragedy.

Mr Zinichev has already said a lot, and I think I will not repeat these things. The priority task now is to provide flats to the families who lost them. We have declared the eighth section of the house as dangerous along with the seventh section, which means 104 flats. Funds were allocated for these 104 flats in the amount of 147 million rubles.

We have set the rules for getting these funds to the people. They are the following: we will offer an individual the right to select a flat – either a newly-built one or secondary housing, and we will pay the seller the amount of 31,725 rubles per square metre of the housing lost. We think this offers the greatest latitude for people to choose housing, and actually all the decisions are made fairly promptly. One flat has already been bought today; one was bought yesterday; two more have been picked up today. So far people prefer secondary housing. Many decide to buy a larger flat and pay the remaining sum for extra space. So the process has begun.

As for the site itself, currently the seventh and the eighth sections are being dismantled. People from the adjacent sections – numbers five, six, nine and ten – have been evacuated in accordance with the recommendations in the technical statement we have been given. Residents in the other sections continue living there; inspection evaluations confirmed that it is safe to live there.

We expect the demolition of the two sections to go on throughout January and February with a complete follow-up evaluation of the remaining ten sections. The results of the evaluation will lay the groundwork for making a decision on using this building as housing.



Vladimir Putin:

Mr Dubrovsky, you know that the city residents sent me a request asking to resettle the entire block of flats. Even though the engineering evaluation shows that it is fit for habitation, this was a big tragedy with 39 deaths, and I understand the people who live there. It is clear that it will cost some money, I think over a billion – according to preliminary estimates, 1.3 billion. We have to meet the people’s wish and resettle the entire block of flats, provide housing for everyone. We will do this using three sources – I will ask you to support this; I will also request funds from the federal budget, and we will also speak with the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works. I know that they are always responsive to such matters. Do it in the shortest possible time. And please submit your suggestions as to what can be done at this site – either new development, or a park, or something else. You know better as do the residents of the city, this district, and the city’s mayor. Please consult with the people and submit you proposals. The building must be resettled.



Boris Dubrovsky:

The order is clear, we will follow up on it.







Vladimir Putin:

All right, agreed.

And of course, everything regarding Shakhty should be carried through; make sure that the people get all the money they are eligible for, and support them. I also spoke to Governor [of the Rostov Region Vasily] Golubev. He keeps this under his control and is regularly on the site. But I ask the Government to also keep track and render assistance if needed.

You know colleagues, I visited a hospice in St Petersburg recently and at the end of last year we had a State Council meeting on palliative care. Today an instruction will be issued to the heads of the regions for them to properly organise this work. I ask the Government to support it insofar as it concerns the Government.

Ms Golikova, I know that the draft law will be discussed today. Please, tell us about it.



Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova:

Mr President, Mr Prime Minister,

Today, the State Duma unanimously approved, in the first reading, the draft law submitted by the Government of the Russian Federation on legislative amendments to the principles of public health regarding the creation of a new system for rendering palliative care to the population. The discussion was not an easy one since it concerns a large number of our citizens, in fact, all of us. Everyone faces this problem in one way or another. So let me explain the proposed options for solving the problems not just within the draft law but also in the subsequent activities of both the Government and the regions.

I would like to stress that today palliative care is not limited to hospices and nursing. It is primarily the medical component of easing a patient’s condition, pain relief, and improving the patient’s quality of life as much as possible. I should mention that it all started in 2012 when we adopted a new law on the principles of public health. But according to the current law this refers to only specialised medical help related to the operation of hospices, palliative care units for cancer patients, and arranging nursing care.

Unfortunately, the specialised nature of this help restricts its application. According to 2018 data, only 181,000 out of half a million of our citizens received such help due to the fact that homecare services are so far underdeveloped in the Russian Federation. And actually, the amendments proposed within the draft law and subsequent bylaws are targeting exactly that.

(Ms Golikova went on to talk about the measures the new law stipulates. These include introducing premedical and medical palliative care and a comprehensive approach to organising palliative care, with consideration for recommendations from the World Health Organisation. According to Tatyana Golikova, as soon as the draft law is approved, the Government will develop corresponding amendments to the state programme for healthcare development concerning the interaction of medical and social organisations, public associations and non-commercial organisations, and will develop measures to increase access to pain relief).

Another thing I would like to note is a set of measures the law stipulates. Until legislative changes are made, in 2019, for the first time under the programme for state guarantees for free medical care, and in accordance with the resolutions signed by Mr Medvedev, the Government is tasking the regions with specifying the scope of palliative care under their regional programmes and normative standards for providing such care. This is being done for the first time. The resolutions also imply the possibility of organising home nursing. Today – as I said at the beginning – a rather heated discussion took place in the State Duma, with a number of deputies proposing possible amendments to a second reading and possible amendments to the other laws unrelated to healthcare. Everyone agreed that this work would be conducted and these proposals would be formulated for the second reading.



Vladimir Putin:

Ok, good.

Before we proceed to the main issue and give the floor to Mr Siluanov, I would like to draw the attention of both Mr Siluanov and the Central Bank Chairperson to the problem of inflation. As I understand, nothing unexpected is taking place. Yet, there are issues that require your extra attention, I am speaking of the plan indicators. We have to monitor them.

Russian Seasons in Germany is another topic. How was everything? Please tell.







Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets:

Mr President, Mr Prime Minister,

On January 7, 2019, Russian Seasons successfully got underway in the Berliner Philharmonie, Germany. Russia presented one of the most famous masterpieces of classical music: the opera Iolanta by Pyotr Tchaikovsky that got a warm reception from the German public, whose members in the audience said it was surprising that the Philharmonie gave a standing ovation.

The reviews of the event were very good, with special praise reserved for the musicians, above all Maestro Gergiev and the orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre. Our famous performers – bass Stanislav Trofimov, tenor Najmiddin Mavlyanov and Irina Churilova who played Iolanta – were highly acclaimed.

As of today, representatives of the German elite and public (over 400 invitees among 2,200 people present in the Philharmonie) expressed their eager anticipation of the Russian Seasons festival in Germany. There will be over 450 events held in 77 German cities.

This is the third year the Russian Seasons festival is being held on your instructions, Mr President. Let me repeat that we revived this project two years ago in Japan. There also were more than 200 events. It is surprising that these events have become the foundation of serious long-term cooperation; for example, thanks to the Russian Seasons our Trans-Siberian Festival, which had been held only in Siberian cities, came to Japan, and now Japanese companies support this festival in Japan. Now it is also held each year.

The violin festival headed by Vadim Repin was successfully held in Italy. It took place almost everywhere in Italy: over 300 events in over 70 cities. Following this festival, we signed many contracts and established many cultural ties.

We will carry on and hold the Russian Seasons festival in Germany at the highest level possible.



Vladimir Putin:

Good. I wish you success.

Speaking about the previous question – prices – of course, the Federal Antimonopoly Service must play its role and perform its functions effectively.

Please, Mr Siluanov, I give you the floor.







First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov:

Thank you, Mr President.

In pursuance of the May Executive Order, the Government drafted a plan to achieve national development goals, and national projects were adopted as well. Now agreements are being concluded with the regions to make the benchmarks outlined in the executive order known in each region. The goals and objectives of the executive order are grouped by phases, deadlines and the people in charge. A system for their implementation has been developed as part of the project approach, and specific mechanisms, amounts and sources of funding have been identified as well.

I will spend a moment to discuss the things the Government needs to do in order to achieve national economic goals. The issue is about Russia joining the top five global economies, ensuring economic growth rates higher than the world average and creating a highly productive, export-oriented sector of the economy. These are the key tasks, the implementation of which will determine the results in other spheres, including improvements in well-being, quality of life and poverty reduction.

This year is critical from the point of view of developing and launching mechanisms for achieving national goals in the years to come. Speeding up economic growth is key to ensuring that the national goals are achieved.

Now, the paths we propose to take in order to get there. First, we need to boost investment. The objective is to increase the share of investment in GDP to 25 percent. What is being done in this area? We are starting to build infrastructure that will allow us to overcome this challenge, because in recent years we struggled with economic growth due to underfunding of infrastructure construction projects. Transport, digital, energy and environmental infrastructure projects will go live. Over 440 billion rubles will be allocated to this end this year through what the Development Fund accumulates.

With regard to new transport infrastructure projects that will be launched this year, these are new terminals and runways at the airports of Novosibirsk, Perm, Chelyabinsk, Khabarovsk, Blagoveshchensk and other regions, 27 in all, at which the construction of new terminals will begin.

Creating new port infrastructure to increase agricultural exports in the Sea of Azov, the Black Sea, the Baltic and Far Eastern sea basins.

Construction of the Northern Latitudinal Railway as part of the efforts to develop the northern territories.

Construction of the Bagayevsky and Nizhny Novgorod hydroelectric power facilities to increase passenger and cargo traffic along the Volga and Don rivers.

The digital economy is also posing important tasks for us this year. Work will begin to create new infrastructure to connect over 40,000 schools. This goal is set for the period until 2024. This year, we will connect 10,000 schools.

There is also an objective to create 36,000 paramedic centres by 2024; 9,000 of them will receive broadband internet access as early as this year.

And, of course, a greater number of our citizens will have the opportunity to use broadband internet connections. So far, a quarter of our people do not have this access. The goal is to provide almost everyone – 97–98% – with a broadband connection by 2024. This year, we will make the initial step to resolve this.

Under your instructions, work will begin on new waste incineration plants with Russian-made equipment in the Moscow Region and the Republic of Tatarstan.

I should also mention the goals to complete this year major construction projects started previously. I am speaking of finalising the construction of the Moscow–Saint Petersburg highway, which will provide a quality vehicle route connecting the country's two largest cities. Work will also be completed on the railway section of the Crimean Bridge, which will be a landmark event.

As regards airport infrastructure, we will finish construction of the airport in Saratov started last year.

Many of our citizens will see the results of additional resources put into the programme for safe and quality motor roads. The project will receive over 110 billion rubles this year, with efforts to develop regional motorway networks both in metropolitan and rural areas.

We maintain dialogue with major businesses in order to step up investment activity. We have plans to address specific problems facing our businessmen, and to reinforce legal protection of investments.

Major projects to be started by businesses this year include the construction of pulp-and-paper mills in the Irkutsk Region and the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the construction of petrochemical plants in the Irkutsk and Amur regions and Tatarstan. The list of projects is constantly being updated, and we maintain a dialogue with the businesses at all times.

The next, no less important, task to be dealt with this year, is our general efforts to improve the business climate. The goal is to create a modern system of control and supervisory requirements during this year, and to cancel outdated and redundant supervisory acts that are in the way of businesses. Such instructions were issued by Mr Medvedev, and we are about to begin this work.

Improving the business environment in Russia is our ongoing goal as well. We want to see Russia in the top 20 of the Doing Business rankings. We will work to improve the overall business environment as well.

The next block includes promoting investment and expanding sources and mechanisms for financing it. In terms of encouraging long-term savings this year, we plan to create a regulatory framework for a voluntary pension savings system. This is a reliable private savings mechanism, I stress, a reliable mechanism, on the one hand and, on the other hand, it is also a long-term sustainable source of investment.

In addition, the project financing factory will become operational. Last year, only two projects were funded by this institution. Now that Vnesheconombank has been properly capitalised, and we have created the basis for a larger-scale deployment of this institution, seven major projects in petrochemistry, railway infrastructure and metallurgy worth about 1 trillion rubles will be launched this year.

As a follow-up to the measures undertaken by the Government, the Bank of Russia will continue to fine tune its banking regulations in order to stimulate project financing and to increase bank lending to small and medium-sized businesses.

Another important measure the Government can take to accelerate economic growth is to improve labour productivity.

How can we achieve this goal? We can introduce modern management technologies. While working within the framework of this project last year, we joined forces with companies to introduce such technologies. What was the result of this? Sixty percent of 200 companies have increased their labour productivity by 10 or more percent. In keeping with the national project, we are to improve labour productivity by 5 percent every year up until 2024. In 2019, as many as 1,000 companies will adopt new management technologies, and the number of such companies will continue to grow each year.

Another effective way to enhance labour productivity is through digital transformation. This year we will create the basis for a regulatory environment, a legal framework for e-document management and data storage and processing, as well as special legal regimes for the introduction of modern technology.

One more sphere of economic development has to do with small and medium-sized businesses and the enhancement of entrepreneurship. We have adopted a national project and we plan to increase the number of personnel at small and medium-sized companies to 19.6 million people. The share of small and medium-sized businesses in the national economy will increase to 23 percent this year.

Under the national project by 2024, we are to increase this share to 32 percent. What are we doing towards this? We are reducing the administrative burden, and we have launched a pilot project in four Russian regions to introduce a new registration and employment system for the self-employed. Some 10,000 people have registered as self-employed since the start of the year. The figure was only 2,000 in the previous two years, when we offered self-employed people the opportunity to register and we waived their taxes. But this year 10,000 people have already used the online system to register their businesses and they can now take out loans and carry out proper accounting, which is very important as well.

This year we will greatly expand access to loans for small and medium-sized businesses. They will be able to take out loans with an interest rate of 8.5 percent. Everything above this figure will be subsidised from the federal budget. While last year, such companies received interest rate subsidies on loans worth a total of 80 billion rubles, this year we expect to subsidize the interest on a total of 1 trillion rubles in loans. In other words, very many small companies will appreciate the positive changes in this sphere. We will also expand small and medium-sized businesses’ access to the procurement system.

Fourth is the stimulation of non-commodity exports. Under the relevant national project, we are to increase the volume of non-energy exports to $160 billion this year or by 20 percent from 2017. We are to increase the volume of services exports by 21 percent, which is important as well, because the export of our products and services means that their quality and competitiveness have been appreciated internationally.

We will break down the job of enhancing our export potential so as to be able to take into account the potential of the companies involved. This year we plan to sign 250 agreements on supporting corporate competitiveness enhancement programmes, so that these companies will be able to receive federal support if they assume the commitment to increase their exports. It is a new instrument. We believe it can help accelerate economic growth.

Mr President, the Government will implement all these measures this year. Our plans can be adjusted, as we agreed, based on the analysis of the national projects’ implementation. If necessary, we will give them additional attention and resources. We can do that.

We maintain regular dialogue with businesses so as to be able to get feedback from them. We have close ties with the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs together with other business communities. We are in constant contact with regional authorities. We regularly hold conferences with them on the attainment of the goals set before them, including in the economy. We are also monitoring the federal agencies’ efforts to attain the goal of increasing investment and hence accelerating economic growth.

Using the project-based approach and methods plus involving local governments and business in these efforts, we can ensure positive changes in the key development fields as set out in the Executive Order.







Vladimir Putin:

Ok.

Ms Golikova, you have the floor.



Tatyana Golikova:

Speaking of social aspects and the Government’s guidelines, we intend to focus our efforts on the most sensitive aspects linked with population growth, increased life expectancy, providing better and more accessible social-sector services, maintaining and retaining high employment levels that were achieved in 2018 and, of course, efforts to reduce poverty.

I would like to dwell upon some of the most important matters that will pre-determine our actions in 2019. It goes without saying that we will continue to focus on the system of citizens’ social security and incomes. In this connection, I would like to say once again that, from January 1, 2019, we have indexed pensions by 7.5 percent in excess of inflation levels, as promised. Pensions were raised by an average of 1,000 rubles, depending on each person’s work record and wages. Some of them received over 1,000 rubles, and some got less than this. But we have virtually finished paying extra pensions since January 1.

All monthly federal money payments will be indexed by actual 2018 inflation levels (4.3 percent) starting from February 1. Rosstat has already published the relevant data. An additional 25 billion rubles will be spent for this purpose. Over 15 million Russian citizens will receive extra financial support. Yesterday, the relevant draft resolution was submitted to the Government of the Russian Federation, and it will soon be submitted to Mr Medvedev for signing.

(The Deputy Prime Minister then touched upon other solutions regarding individual incomes, discussed efforts to draft a new social security system for low-income families and the introduction of so-called social contracts.

Ms Golikova also dwelled upon the topic of demographics, including birth incentives and the implementation of a package of measures to reduce the mortality rate, make medical care more affordable, expand preventive treatment and promote healthy lifestyles.)


Speaking of primary healthcare, over a period of this year there are plans to build 350 paramedic centres and to purchase over 500 mobile medical units for treating patients in their immediate neighbourhoods.

I should also note that on December 27 you signed a federal law on the widespread introduction into the healthcare system of so-called clinical guidelines, which will be the main documents regulating a doctor’s work.

Furthermore, the status of the standards of medical care has changed. Now they are the main medical and economic instrument to determine the cost of providing various medical services.

The updated standards and new clinical guidelines will be introduced into practical life within a period of three years. But in 2019, first of all, clinical guidelines and standards relating to cancer will be introduced, because an additional 70 billion rubles has already been channelled into the compulsory medical insurance system to cover the cost of chemotherapy.

In addition to this, as of January 1, monitoring was organised at the level of the federal and regional compulsory medical insurance funds of the implementation of the clinical guidelines I have just mentioned; a single registry of patients who have received chemotherapy will also be created.

We would also like to look differently on the role and place of health insurance companies regarding the protection of patients’ rights. It seems that the laws on this matter have been adopted, but this work has not been properly established and fine-tuned, so during the first quarter of 2019, we plan to make changes to the compulsory medical insurance regulations in the fields I have already mentioned.

What is this all about? At present, medical insurance companies mainly work specifically on complaints. But we would like them to work proactively, and to ensure that every citizen is provided with specialised medical care at a specific institution in full compliance with the established procedures for providing medical care. This is a difficult job, but we have to begin to address it as it has to be done.

Apart from this, in 2019 we are planning to approve a batch of legislative amendments that will improve the quality of services rendered to people with disabilities. On December 5, the Government submitted to the State Duma a draft law providing for e-document exchanges between medical and social services. These measures have financial support and are explained in the Healthcare national project. This is being done to relieve a person with disabilities of the need to apply for each certificate or assessment report in person, including with the purpose of confirming their disability.

Besides, in 2019 we will continue the job of reducing the prices of pharmaceuticals entered on the list of vital and necessary medicine. Pursuant to your instruction, the Government has submitted to the State Duma a relevant draft law, which was unanimously approved in the first reading earlier today. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that for the first time since it was decided to register the prices of medicine on the list of vital and necessary medication we replace the right of the producer to reduce prices for medicine by their obligation to do so. Accordingly, the Government is authorised to accept a relevant methodology laying out the rules for such reductions.

What exactly is it that we are talking about here? The price will be reduced if there is a price reduction in the producing country – the case in point is primarily imported medicine – if the price of an original medicine is lowered, so will be the price of the medicine reproduced in the Russian Federation, or the so-called generics, and finally if the price of a substance used to produce a relevant medicine is reduced.

Where general education is concerned, we will persist with our efforts to build new schools and modernise the existing ones. In 2019, we plan to create about 25,000 additional student vacancies. As a rule, these will be created in rural areas and small towns. Hopefully, these healthcare and social services measures will make it possible to reduce the outflow of people from rural areas and small towns.

As you may remember, we launched the so-called “nursery programme” in 2008 to provide children under three years of age with places in nurseries. We intend to create 255,000 nursery places under the national project. Apart from this, we are planning to create 1,900 nursery groups in the non-public sector within the next three years, something that will enable mothers to go to work.

Next, I would like to mention the law you signed on December 25, amending the law on education, namely requiring compulsory recording of the results of an independent assessment of the quality of student preparation for state accreditation of educational institutions. This kind of independent assessment has never been used in accreditation before, and will increase its objectivity and reliability. To do this, we plan to make changes to the accreditation regulations. The procedure for improving federal state educational standards is also closely related to this. Mr Medvedev has given the appropriate instructions to finalise the standards. You also recently gave us instructions to organise broad public consultations on federal state educational standards for general education, and we are going to hold such public consultations in the first quarter of 2019.

Over the past 10–12 years, we have consistently been working on giving the system of secondary vocational education the importance and relevance with the real sector of the economy it used to have. I must say that unprecedented changes have been planned in the material and technical supply of secondary specialised educational institutions as part of the Education national project. In 2019 alone, 700 workshops will be re-equipped. As of September 1, 2018, all the colleges and technical schools in Russia began training students following updated standards, including those with WorldSkills experience.

I have to say that all the changes that will occur in 2019 are integrated into the national projects and into the Guidelines for the Government. We very much hope that Russians will feel the changes in the country’s economic and social life already this year.

Yesterday at the Gaidar Forum, we discussed the national projects in detail with the regional governors. Most of the governors were unanimous that the 2018 budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation were generally adequate, which means the measures implemented by the Government in 2017, including restructuring, gave their results. Today we can say that as of this moment we have reached the level of federal financial support for the regions as it was in 2008 before the crisis, that is, about 25 percent. This is very important, because this kind of stability makes it possible to expect the tasks set to be implemented not only at the level of the Federal Government, but also in the regions.






Vladimir Putin:

Colleagues, we have met for the first time this year, and we are discussing a very important subject: our socioeconomic development goals for 2019 and measures for their implementation. I would like to remind you that it all boils down to the following: our main goals are to improve the quality of life of our people, Russian citizens, and to ensure a sustainable and rapid economic growth simultaneously with changing the structure of our economy.

We have been working on these priorities for a long time, starting back in 2016. We did this before as well, but we objectivised our goals in 2016, and we kept working on them in 2017 and throughout 2018. As a result, we have formulated the priorities of attaining these goals, which ultimately took the form of national projects.

The Government has adopted relevant decisions on the implementation of these projects. A great deal has been said about this today. These include enhancing labour productivity, attracting investment, primarily private funds, ensuring the growth of non-commodity exports, and the like.

There is much to do in the social sphere. However, I would like to point out that it is for a reason that I mentioned our inflation expectations for the beginning of the year. In a way, it is an objective process, yet we must monitor it and react to them promptly and competently. This is the first thing I wanted to say.







Second, I have already spoken about 2016, 2017 and 2018. The year 2019 will be one of key stages in the implementation of this programme. Therefore, we must agree to work together to closely monitor everything that takes place in these vital spheres. We will do so systematically, reviewing our performance every three and six months and, naturally, in the year as a whole. As I have pointed out more than once, these results must be represented not in figures or reports; they must translate into practical deeds and the people’s assessment of our achievements. I urge you to get down to business in 2019, to start working towards the concrete results which we believe are of crucial importance for the country.

I would like to wish all of you every success, but I expect you to work hard and effectively.

Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59683






Condolences on the passing of Boris Sokolov



Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to the Union of Cinematographers of the Russian Federation and the Guild of Cameramen on the passing of Boris Sokolov, the last surviving Soviet frontline cameraman of the Great Patriotic War.



January 17, 2019 - 17:00







The message reads, in part:

“A legend of Russian cinema and documentary filmmaking, Boris Sokolov was part of the heroic generation of World War II veterans. His work represents a unique legacy and a true historical chronicle, which includes footage of the Great Patriotic War and the 1945 Victory Parade and preserves great moments of our country’s life in the 20th century, as well as the spirit and atmosphere of that entire era.”

Boris Sokolov died in Moscow at the age of 98.

The footage of frontline newsreels captured by Captain Sokolov was featured in numerous documentaries dating back to the Great Patriotic War, in particular, “The Banner of Victory is Hoisted over Berlin,” “Berlin,” “The Defeat of Japan” and other. Sokolov was part of the crew that filmed the signing of the act of unconditional surrender by Germany.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59704






Greetings to Russia’s KamAZ-Master crew, winner in Dakar 2019 rally truck category



Vladimir Putin congratulated Eduard Nikolayev, Yevgeny Yakovlev and Vladimir Rybakov, members of the KamAZ-Master crew, on their victory in the Dakar 2019 rally’s truck category.



January 17, 2019 - 20:00



The message reads, in part:

“Our lorry crews have traditionally been acknowledged leaders of this reputable and prestigious rally. Strong rivals do not rest, but nevertheless you are keeping the bar high and every year prove that you are superior in both driving and the strength of will and character.

The well-deserved champion title is the result of tireless and combined efforts of the entire KamAZ-Master crew, including navigators, drivers and mechanics, as well as the support of numerous fans. And of course, this success is an important and symbolic gift, as the KamAZ plant is marking its 50th anniversary this year.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59703






Meeting with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev



The discussion dealt with the Government’s proposal to give the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East the power to implement state policy in the Arctic.



January 18, 2019 - 11:00 - The Kremlin, Moscow








Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev:

Mr President,

As per your decisions on Arctic development, including the State Policy and the Development Strategy for the Arctic, the Government has been working on implementing the state policy in the Arctic zone.

It is a very important sphere of our work because the Arctic has a vital resource potential for the country. New ports and new energy facilities are being built there. Of course, we are also creating a comfortable space for living, because very many people are working in the Arctic. We are also dealing with a great deal of other issues.

It so happened that there is no designated Government body for coordinating these activities. Of course, we have a government commission, which was set up in accordance with my decision, but it does not meet on a regular basis.

To make this work in the Government systematic, I suggest that we expand the powers of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East to include Arctic issues. If we do this, we will not need to create a new management body, while the ministry will be charged with supervising our efforts in the Arctic zone of the Far East. In fact, these are interrelated issues, because the development of Yakutia or Chukotka is connected with Arctic development.

Therefore, if you approve our proposal, I would suggest that the expansion of the Ministry’s powers should be complemented with changing its name to Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Arctic Zone (or the Arctic).







President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

In other words, you do not think it would be expedient to create a separate federal body, although such proposals have also been made?



Dmitry Medvedev:

Mr President, I would say that we need to use our managerial and, of course, economic resources prudently. But the main thing is that the Ministry for the Development of the Far East is concerned with related issues because the Far East includes a considerable part of the Arctic. If we expand its powers, we will be able to deal with these issues directly at the Government.







Vladimir Putin:

We need to focus our attention on these issues in light of this region’s importance.



Dmitry Medvedev:

Exactly. I would also suggest that we create the post of First Deputy Minister who will be directly responsible for the Arctic.







Vladimir Putin:

I agree. Thank you.




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59699






Meeting with permanent members of Security Council



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



January 18, 2019 - 14:45 - The Kremlin, Moscow







The discussion focused on the outcome of the talks the President held in Serbia, in particular, on Kosovo.

The participants also talked about the President’s upcoming visits, as well as current socioeconomic issues.

The meeting was attended by Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Secretary of the Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, 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/59700






Greetings to participants, organisers and guests of the 25th Russian National Theatre Festival The Golden Mask



Vladimir Putin greets participants, organisers and guests of the 25th Russian National Theatre Festival The Golden Mask that has opened in Moscow.



January 19, 2019 - 18:00



The message reads in part:

“It may be symbolic, but the Russian National Theatre Award and Festival The Golden Mask are marking their 25th anniversary in 2019. I wholeheartedly congratulate recipients, participants, organisers, spectators and everyone involved in implementing this unique and inspiring project on the occasion of this anniversary.

It will not be an exaggeration to say that the Golden Mask competition-festival is one of the main events of the theatrical season. It has been acquainting audiences with wonderful productions, the works of talented directors, script writers and performers and their interesting and unconventional creative solutions for the past 25 years. It provides substantial support to small teams and regional theatres that bring into being bold and ambitious concepts and make an active contribution to developing and popularising theatrical art in a highly professional manner.

And, of course, it is very important that Moscow residents and tourists, as well as residents from other Russian and foreign cities, will be able to watch the festival’s best plays that have been selected by members of an influential jury. I am confident that they will make a profound impression on all of them, and that these people will perceive the entire powerful potential of modern Russian theatre.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59710






Congratulations to Novgorod Region residents



Vladimir Putin congratulated residents of the Novgorod Region on the 75th anniversary of liberating Veliky Novgorod from Nazi invaders.



January 20, 2019 - 11:00



The message reads in part:

“Veliky Novgorod, the cradle of ancient Russian statehood, has always played a special role in the history of Russia and in forming the traditions of civic awareness and patriotism. It has served as a reliable outpost on Russia’s northwestern borders, staunchly withstanding the onslaught of enemy hordes over the centuries.

A ruthless enemy besieged its ancient walls once again in the summer of 1941. The lengthy occupation lasted for 883 days, inflicting tremendous losses on the city. The people will always remember the heroic feat of Red Army officers and soldiers who expelled the invaders from Veliky Novgorod in January 1944. And, of course, the selfless work of those who rebuilt the city and preserved our spiritual relics and priceless historical and cultural landmarks for posterity also deserves the most profound gratitude.

Today, Veliky Novgorod bears the honorary title of the City of Military Glory with dignity. It is important that you sincerely love your region, are proud of heroic episodes of its military history and treat Great Patriotic War veterans who brought us peace and the joy of living in a free country with the utmost respect.”




The source of information - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59709
__________________
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
 
Old February 7th, 2019 #939
Alex Him
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I opened the following topic about speeches and events of Vladimir Putin - https://vnnforum.com/showthread.php?t=553224
__________________
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
 
Old February 23rd, 2019 #940
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Since this topic is completed, I think it is very appropriate to make for it some table of contents






Speech at the 58th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (#873)

Speech at the 70th session of the UN General Assembly (#1)





Annual Addresses to the Federal Assembly

2000 (#2)

2001 (#3)

2002 (#4)

2003 (#5)

2004 (#6)

2005 (#7)

2006 (#8)

2007 (#9)

2012 (#10)

2013 (#11)

2014 (#12)

2015 (#13)

2016 (#257)

2018 (#771)





Annual news conferences

2001 (#202)

2002 (#603)

2003 pI (#830)
2003 pII (#831)

2015 pI (#14)
2015 pII (#15)

2016 pI (#284)
2016 pII (#285)

2017 pI (#717)
2017 pII (#718)

2018 pI (#928)
2018 pII (#929)





St Petersburg International Economic Forum

2016 (#18)

2017 (#461)

2018 (#840)





Eastern Economic Forum

2016 (#29)

2017 (#593)

2018 (#896)





Valdai International Discussion Club

2016 pI (#190)
2016 pII (#191)

2017 pI (#651)
2017 pII (#652)

2018 pI (#907)
2018 pII (#908)





Russia Calling! Investment Forum

2016 (#134)

2017 (#655)

2018 (#921)






Old Times


2000

February 9 -
Open Letter to Voters (#59)
Interview to “BBC Breakfast with Frost” (#60)
Interview with Mayak radio station (#61)
News Conference Following Security Council Session (#63)
Televised Address to the People of Russia (#65)
Interview with the American NBC News Channel (#68)
- June 4 - #57-69

June 9 -
Interview with German TV Channels ARD and ZDF and with the Newspaper Welt am Sonntag (#73)
Interview with Japan’s Fuji Terebi Television Network (#74)
Interview with the French weekly Paris-Match (#75)
Interview to Public Russian Television, Reuters International News Agency and Japanese NHK Television Company (#76)
Interview with the Izvestia Newspaper (#77)
Interview with the Chinese Newspaper Renmin Ribao, the Chinese News Agency Xinhua and the RTR TV Company (#78)
Interview to the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri and the Japanese news agency Kyodo Tsushin (#79)
News Conference Following a Meeting of Heads of State During the G8 Summit (#80)
Interview with the RTR television channel (#81)
- August 23 - #73-81

September 1 -
Interview with the Japanese newspapers Asahi and Nikon Keizai (#87)
Statement commenting on the Decision by US President Bill Clinton not to Assume Any Obligations to deploy a National ABM System (#88)
Address to the Millenium Summit (#89)
Address to the United Nations Security Council (#90)
Press Conference on the Results of the Millennium Summit (#91)
Interview with CNN’s Larry King Live (#92)
Interview with the Indian Magazine India Today and the Weekly Russia Journal (#95)
A Conversation with Journalists (#96)
Interview with the French Newspaper Le Figaro (#99)
Statement on the preservation of the ABM Treaty (#101)
Interview with Cuban television Cubavision, the Prensa Latina News Agency and the ORT Television (#108)
Interview with the Canadian CBC and CTV Channels, the Globe and Mail Newspaper and the Russian RTR Television (#110)
Interview with ORT and RTR TV Channels and the Nezavisimaya Gazeta Newspaper (#112)
- December 25 - #87-112


2001

January 7 -
Interview with Ukrainian Media (#124)
Written Interview to the Austrian Newspaper Neue Kronen Zeitung (#125)
- February 13 - #113-128

February 16 -
Written Interview to the Vietnamese Newspaper Nhan Dan (#140)
President Putin’s Internet Conference (#145)
Interview with the Chief Editors of the Newspapers Komsomolskaya Pravda, Izvestia, Moskovsky Komsomolets and Trud (#151)
Interview with the Newspaper Svenska Dagbladet (#152)
Interview with the Japanese NHK television (#153)
March 30 - #137-154

April 9 -
Answers to Questions during a Joint Interview with German Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to Russian and German TV channels (#163)
Statement for the Press and Answers to Questions at a Press Conference after the Russia-European Union Summit (#174)
Statement to the Press and Answers to Questions Following a Meeting of the Council of CIS Heads of State (#181)
Interview for Central Chinese Television, Xinhua News Agency and the Newspaper Renmin Ribao (#185)
Joint News Conference with President George Bush of the United States of America (#186)
Speech to the Russian Military Contingent of the International Peace-Keeping Force in Kosovo (#187)
June 17 - #163-187

June 18 -
Conversation with Heads of Local Bureaus of Leading US Media Outlets (#194)
Interview with the Italian TV Channel RAI-1 and the Newspaper “Corriere della Sera” (#199)
July 18 - #194-202

July 21 -
Joint Press Conference with US President George W. Bush (#227)
Interview with the Finnish TV Channel Uleisradio and the Newspaper Helsingin Sanomat(#235)
Statement on Terrorist Attacks in the USA (#240)
September 19 - #227-240

September 12 -
Interview with the German Newspaper Bild (#351)
Interview with the German Magazine Focus (#352)
Interview to German ARD Television Company (#353)
Russian President’s Statement (#354)
Speech in the Bundestag of the Federal Republic of Germany (#355)
Statement and Answers to Questions Following the Russia-EU Summit (#359)
Opening Remarks and Answers to Questions at a Joint Press Conference with US President George W. Bush (#364)
October 26 - #350-366

October 30 -
Interview with the American Broadcasting Company ABC (#432)
The Meeting with Moscow Bureau Chiefs of Leading US Media (#433)
Joint Statement on New U.S.-Russian Relationship (#434)
Joint Press Conference with US President George W. Bush (#435)
Speech to Representatives of the US Public and Political Leaders (#436)
Speech and Answers to Questions at Rice University (#437)
Interview for the National Public Radio (#438)
A Statement Regarding the Decision of the Administration of the United States to Withdraw from the Antiballistic Missile Treaty of 1972 (#441)
Interview with the Financial Times (#443)
Live with President Vladimir Putin — Hot Line (#445)
December 24 - #431-445


2002

January 15 -
Interview with the Polish Newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza and the TVP Channel (#476)
Interview with the Wall Street Journal (#482)
Interview between President Vladimir Putin and the Newspaper Izvestia (#487)
A Talk with German and Russian Media (#493)
April 25 - #476-496

May 13 -
Joint Declaration of the Presidents of Russia and the USA (#549)
Joint Press Conference with US President George W. Bush (#551)
Meeting with Students of Saint Petersburg State University (#553)
Speech at a Meeting of the NATO-Russia Council (#555)
Statement for the Press and Answers to Questions at a Press Conference after the Russia-European Union Summit (#557)
Interview with the Chinese Newspaper Renmin Ribao (#560)
June 18 - #545-564

June 24 -
News Conference after the G8 Summit (#604)
Interview Granted to the Mass Media in the Krasnodar Region (#613)
Address by the Russian President (#617)
A News Conference following Russia-European Union Summit (#619)
November 11 - #603-619

November 12 -
Interview with the Chinese News Agency Xinhua and Chinese Central Television (#662)
Hotline with the President of Russia (#666)
December 19 - #659-666

December 27 - December 30 - #694


2003

January 4 -
Interview Granted to France-3 Television (#700)
Interview with French Television Channel TF-1 (#702)
A Meeting with the French Regional Press and TV Channels (#703)
Interview Granted to Bulgarian National Television and the Newspaper Trud (#705)
March 3 - #694-706

March 4 -
Address to the Residents of the Chechen Republic (#737)
Statement on Iraq at a Kremlin Meeting (#738)
Interview with the Media in the Central Black Soil Region (#740)
April 24 - #737-742

April 26 -
Interview to St Petersburg Journalists (#786)
Budgetary Address to the Federal Assembly “On Budgetary Policy in 2004” (#787)
Press Statement and Answers to Questions at the End of the Russia – EU Summit (#789)
Joint Press Conference with President of the United States George W. Bush (#791)
June 1 - #780-791

June 1 -
News Conference Following the G8 Summit and Interview with the Euronews Channel(#828)
The Meeting with the Finalists of the Student Essay Competition “My Home, My City, My Country” (#829)
Interview with BBC (#832)
Speech at a Reception at Buckingham Palace (#833)
Interview with the Malaysian New Straits Times (#834)
July 7 - #828-834

July 8 -
Press Statement and Answers to Journalists’ Questions during the Visit to the Republic of Italy (#868)
Speech at a Meeting on Issues of the Russian Military-Diplomatic Presence in the Black Sea-Azov Region (#871)
Interview with American Television Channels (#872)
Speech and Answers to Questions at Columbia University (#874)
September 28 - #863-874






Modern Times


2016

March 14 -
Meeting with heads of international news agencies (#19)
Interview to Azerbaijan State News Agency AZERTAC (#21)
Interview to Bloomberg (#28)
Answers to journalists’ questions after the G20 Summit (#31)
Answers to media questions after meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State (#39)
-September 26 - #16-52

September 27 - September 30 - #70-72

October 3 -
Vladimir Putin addressed State Duma (#85)
- October 6 #82-86

October 9 -
Answers to questions from French journalists from TF1 TV channel (#132)
Interview to Rossiya Segodnya International News Agency and IANS News Agency (#133)
October 14 - #129-136

October 16 -
Vladimir Putin answered questions from Russian journalists after BRICS Summit (#156)
October 20 - #155-162

October 24 -
Russian Popular Front’s interregional forum (#189)
October 28 - #188-193

October 31 - November 18 - #203-226

November 21 -
Replies to media questions following APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (#241)
Answers to journalists’ questions (#250)
Interview by Vladimir Putin to Nippon TV and Yomiuri newspaper (#274)
Statement by the President of Russia (#296)
December 31 - #241-300


2017

January 9 - March 16 - #301-349

March 18 -
The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue international forum (#379)
Interview to Mir broadcasting company (#390)
Replies to journalists’ questions following a working visit to the People’s Republic of China (#425)
May 19 - #367-428

May 22 -
Vladimir Putin’s interview with Le Figaro (#454)
Vladimir Putin’s article, Russia and India: 70 years together (#457)
Meeting with heads of international news agencies (#458)
Interview to NBC News (#465)
Direct Line with Vladimir Putin - pI (#471)
Direct Line with Vladimir Putin - pII (#473)
Answers to journalists’ questions following Direct Line (#475)
June 15 - #446-475

June 17 -
Article by Vladimir Putin published in the German business newspaper Handelsblatt (#514)
News conference following the G20 Summit (#519)
Meeting with students from Sirius Educational Centre - pI (#528)
Meeting with students from Sirius Educational Centre - pII (#529)
August 5 - #497-544

August 7 -
Tavrida National Youth Educational Forum (#575)
Vladimir Putin’s article BRICS: Towards New Horizons of Strategic Partnership (#583)
Vladimir Putin’s news conference following BRICS Summit (#589)
September 15 - #565-602

September 17 -
Chemical disarmament completed in Russia (#630)
Russian Energy Week Forum plenary session (#637)
Meeting with participants of 19th World Festival of Youth and Students (#649)
October 28 - #620-658

October 30 -
Statement by the Presidents of the Russian Federation and the United States of America (#672)
APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting wrapped up in Vietnam (#675)
December 1 - #667-693

December 4 -
United Russia Party congress (#722)
December 31 - #709-732


2018

January 1 -
Meeting with heads of Russian print media and news agencies (#736)
January 11 - #733-736

January 13 -
Truth and Justice forum of regional and local media (#774)
Interview to American TV channel NBC (#779)
March 10 - #743-779

March 10 -
Presidential Address to the Nation (#793)
Answers to media questions (#794)
Russia – Land of Opportunity forum (#798)
Address to Russia citizens (#799)
Statement by President of Russia Vladimir Putin (#813)
The President signed Executive Order On National Goals and Strategic Objectives of the Russian Federation through to 2024 (#822)
May 11 - #792-827

May 14 -
Meeting with heads of international news agencies (#840)
Interview with Austrian ORF television channel (#845)
Interview with China Media Group (#847)
Direct Line with Vladimir Putin - pI (#848)
Direct Line with Vladimir Putin - pII (#849)
Direct Line with Vladimir Putin - pIII (#850)
Vladimir Putin answered questions from journalists after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit (#851)
Plenary session of the International Cybersecurity Congress (#860)
July 13 - #835-862

July 14 -
News conference following talks between the presidents of Russia and the United States (#875)
Answers to journalists’ questions after the 2018 World Cup final match (#876)
Interview to Fox News Channel (#877)
News conference following BRICS summit (#878)
Statement by Vladimir Putin following the Fifth Caspian Summit (#883)
The President’s address to Russian citizens (#889)
Russian Energy Week International Forum (#902)
News conference following the meeting of the leaders of Russia, Turkey, Germany and France (#910)
Interview to Russia Today TV Channel (#914)
Answers to Russian journalists’ questions after his state visit to Singapore(#917)
Answers to media questions after the G20 Summit (#922)
Answers to media questions after the Volunteer of Russia 2018 award ceremony (#924)
December 30 - #875-932


2019

January 2 -
Interviews to Serbian periodicals Politika and Večernje novosti (#937)
January 20 - #933-938
__________________
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

Last edited by Alex Him; March 1st, 2019 at 04:03 AM.
 
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