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The main subject of discussion was the comprehensive plan for developing transport, energy, telecommunications, social, and other infrastructure for a period up to 2036. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin delivered a report.

During the meeting, several current issues were also addressed. These included the results of the admissions campaign to colleges and universities, the outcomes of competitions to create a comfortable urban environment, as well as the results of work on citizens’ appeals submitted under the Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin programme.

The meeting was also attended by Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, deputy prime ministers Tatyana Golikova, Alexander Novak, Alexei Overchuk, Dmitry Patrushev, Vitaly Savelyev, Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of Staff of the Government Executive Office Dmitry Grigorenko, Deputy Prime Minister – Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, and Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov. Also invited to the meeting were Presidential Aide Alexei Dyumin, Minister of Labour and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov, Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Fayzullin, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, and Head of the Russian Popular Front Executive Committee Mikhail Kuznetsov.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,

I have just had a conversation with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. I took the liberty of congratulating our friend, the Prime Minister of India, on his 75^th birthday on behalf of all of you, and I would like to convey his warmest words and wishes to the entire Russian leadership.

I would like to note that throughout modern history – more precisely, recent history – dating back to Soviet times and continuing into the era of the new Russia, relations between India and Russia have been exceptionally trusting and friendly, and certainly non-partisan in nature. These relations are based on a nationwide consensus in both Russia and India, as we can see.

Moreover, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India pursues a fully independent and sovereign policy and, most importantly, achieves very good economic results. India demonstrates the highest economic growth rates among the world’s major economies.

Congratulating Prime Minister Modi on his anniversary, I wished him and the entire Indian people all the best and further success on our behalf.

Today, we need to discuss a whole range of issues, the main one being infrastructure development. Mr Khusnullin is to deliver a report on this matter. This refers to energy, transport, telecommunications, and social infrastructure.

But first, as usual, a few operational matters. We recently discussed exams taken by school students and the start of admissions to higher education institutions and colleges. Now we can talk about how this campaign proceeded and concluded. I would ask Mr Kravtsov to say a few words about the results of the admissions campaign to colleges. As far as I know, approximately 200,000 more young people were admitted to colleges this year than last year. Is this correct?

Mr Kravtsov, please, the floor is yours.

(Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov reported that 1.1 million new students were admitted to colleges, bringing the total number of college students to 3.9 million. This figure is comparable to that of the 1970s in the RSFSR, when four million students studied in technical schools and other vocational training institutions.

The number of state-funded places has been increased to 850,000, of which 56 percent are in technical specialties. The average academic score of the applicants enrolling in vocational programmes in aircraft engine manufacturing, programming, chemical technology, and computer systems has shown a marked increase. Competition remains particularly high for IT, medical, and arts-based programmes. The most sought-after places are in radio engineering complexes and spacecraft control systems, with 12 applications per place, and in aircraft engines, with nine applications per place. Active efforts are undertaken to train new personnel for the nation’s defence industry.

Veterans of the special military operation and their children are granted priority admission. To date, more than 20,000 individuals have already taken advantage of this provision. Special attention is also being paid to the newly reunited regions: the number of state-funded places in local vocational institutions has been increased by 1,500, and ten educational clusters have been created in priority sectors such as construction, mechanical engineering, agriculture, and teaching.

During this year’s admissions campaign, the vocational education system received 3.5 million applications, an increase of 900,000 from last year.

We see a significant surge of interest in secondary vocational education. The programmes have been tailored to align with labour market forecasts, which almost guarantees employment in the chosen field upon graduation. Industrial companies themselves invest in colleges and vocational schools, with total investments reaching 8.5 billion rubles.

The Minister outlined key objectives for the future: to check against labour market forecasts on an annual basis, develop infrastructure, in particular, by expanding the network of partner employers.

Sergei Kravtsov also noted that the national system of secondary vocational education will mark its 85^th anniversary on October 2. On this occasion, he extended an invitation to the President to meet with top-performing college students as part of the celebrations. Vladimir Putin thanked the Minister for the invitation.)

Vladimir Putin: Mr Falkov, I would like to ask you to say a few words about the results of the university admissions campaign and comment on how the ten percent quota for participants in the special military operation and their children works.

(Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov reported that 619,000 state-funded places were allocated to universities across all levels of education this year. According to preliminary data, 904,000 high school and college graduates have been admitted to universities. There has been notable growth in applications to programmes related to artificial intelligence technology: 14,058 students were admitted to 161 universities this year, which is almost 2.5 times more than last year. Among the programmes with the highest average admission test scores are high-tech plasma and energy systems, navigation and ballistic support for space technology, dentistry, and restoration of architectural heritage. The average score also rose in such majors as waterways, ports and hydraulic structures, aircraft testing, agricultural engineering, and others.

The Minister noted that a separate quota for participants in the special military operation and their families was closely monitored. Of the 53,800 places allocated under this quota, 28,700 were filled this year, which is 12,000 more than for the previous admissions campaign. It is important, the Minister emphasised, that this category of students receive support and attention necessary for their success from the very beginning of their studies.

The task of attracting applicants to fill state-funded places at universities in the reunited territories is also being effectively addressed. At the request of the regions, 27,593 places were allocated, while special admission conditions were established for applicants from border areas of the Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions.

There is positive dynamics in terms of targeted admissions: so far, 44,500 students have been enrolled under agreements with employers.

The Minister also noted that Russian higher education is becoming increasingly attractive to foreign applicants. The quota of the Russian Government to train foreign nationals at public expense – 30,000 places – will be fully filled in, with over 80,000 applications submitted. The goal is to increase the number of international students in Russian universities to 500,000 by 2030.)

Vladimir Putin: Mr Falkov mentioned the growing interest in medical professions. This year, we have increased the state-funded quota for medical colleges and universities by 10,000 places.

Mr Murashko, how has this worked out?

(Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko noted that over five years, admissions to medical specialist programmes have risen by 27 percent. The Ministry’s higher education institutions received 415,000 applications – a 20 percent increase compared to 2024. The rate for each place averaged 15 applications. In total, 50,000 students were admitted to specialist programmes this year. Given the demand from the regions and citizens for specialists doctors (various medical professionals specialising in ENT diseases, gastroenterology, cardiology, and other areas), admissions to residency programmes have been expanded. Over five years, growth in this area reached 43 percent. This year, 54,000 applications were submitted for residency programmes.

In cooperation with the regions, enrolment to secondary specialised medical education programmes has also increased. Over five years, the number of places in medical colleges has grown by 60 percent. Competition for these programmes remains high, with three applications per place. The County Doctor programme is being successfully implemented, under which 74,000 specialists have been attracted. Special social payments have been established for outpatient clinics, particularly in rural healthcare. Regions that provide housing support, rental compensation, or mortgage assistance resolve staffing issues more efficiently.

The Minister added that the next step to strengthen the healthcare system’s workforce is a new draft law aimed at improving education quality and regulating training volumes. Regarding federally funded training, the draft law proposes a full transition to employer-sponsored education and requires the Healthcare Ministry to coordinate the number of residency places for particular specialisations based on actual demand, ensuring maximum efficiency in training.

Mikhail Murashko stated that many countries worldwide have implemented mentorship programmes for young specialists, improving training quality by having them work under experienced professionals. Experts believe that preparing medical staff for specific future workplaces, guaranteeing employment for trainees, mentoring young specialists during their initial patient interactions, and managing specialised training based on real demand will enhance the quality of medical care and ensure sufficient staffing.

The draft law has now been submitted by the Government to the State Duma, which plans to review it this year.)

Vladimir Putin: Mr Falkov, you mentioned that mentorship is practised in other countries as well. So this is not solely our approach?

Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko: It is a proven and effective practice. We piloted it here and achieved successful results.

Frankly, I myself began my career under the guidance of mentors – senior specialists. I remain grateful to them; many are still working, some have retired, but I still keep in touch. These are the people who, in essence, guide us into the profession.

Vladimir Putin: Indeed. But is this also developing in other countries?

Mikhail Murashko: Yes. It is practised both in our near abroad and in many developed nations. It is an excellent practice.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

We have held competitions for creating a comfortable urban environment. This year, 25 billion rubles have been allocated for these programmes.

Mr Fayzullin, how has this work progressed?

(Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Fayzullin reported that in the course of implementing the programme, 77,000 sites have been improved across the country, including 42,000 courtyards and 35,000 public spaces. These improved areas have become part of daily life for nearly 130 million Russians. Each year sees growing public participation in improving their towns and villages.

The Minister emphasised that the programme specifically targets small towns, as Russia is fundamentally a country of small towns. Residents participate in community clean-up days and collaborate with municipal authorities on design projects and space utilisation.

A major element of the federal project is the nationwide competition to select urban improvement projects. Funding for the competition has been increased fivefold to 25 billion rubles and extended to 2030. This year’s competition has nearly doubled in terms of its geographical spread, encompassing all regions from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka. Since its launch, 924 communities have won the competition, with 1,609 projects selected – comprising 679 parks, 301 embankments, 262 squares, and 367 streets and pedestrian zones.

According to the Minister, 934 projects have already been completed. The total improved area under the competition totals 75 million square metres. Each square metre has been carefully planned with its own functionality. Many projects were completed for the 80^th anniversary of the Great Victory. New parks honouring participants in the special military operation and heroes have been created, including a park in Melitopol, Zaporozhye Region; improved public space in Svirsk, Irkutsk Region; and a memorial to fallen special military operation participants in Kyakhta, Republic of Buryatia.

The federal project has reached new heights. The competition promotes development not only in established tourist destinations like Kolomna or Suzdal but has facilitated the revival of small towns such as Sysert in the Sverdlovsk Region and Rybinsk in the Yaroslavl Region.)

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Mr Fayzullin, we certainly should not hamstring people in terms of these programmes – the initiative comes from them, and it is great. However, proper oversight of how these 25 billion rubles are spent must be established. I therefore ask you to monitor this carefully and ensure we achieve maximum results through this collaborative work with regions and citizens.

Thank you.

Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Fayzullin: Yes, Mr President.

Vladimir Putin: Mr Kuznetsov, I am aware that the Russian Popular Front has largely completed its work reviewing citizens’ appeals submitted as part of the Results of the Year programme, commonly referred to as the Direct Line. What can you report regarding the outcomes of this effort?

(Head of the Russian Popular Front Executive Committee Mikhail Kuznetsov reported that, pursuant to the President’s instruction, government bodies and state corporations are monitoring progress on the 2.6 million appeals addressed to the President.

Mikhail Kuznetsov outlined the issues of greatest public concern. These include appeals from wounded participants in the special military operation and their family members, particularly regarding free travel arrangements to visit soldiers undergoing lengthy treatment in hospitals located in other regions; assistance to hospital staff in providing sanitary and hygienic services to patients with the involvement of accredited non-profit organisations and appeals from individuals with disabilities concerning rehabilitation equipment.

These include appeals from patients with complex illnesses, notably cancer patients from remote villages and towns who have to travel to oncology dispensaries in other cities for diagnostic procedures. One possible solution would be for regions to allocate temporary accommodation for out-of-town patients who need to spend several days undergoing examination. Mikhail Kuznetsov noted that such practices existed during the Soviet era.

There are appeals from parents of school students on the absence of paved roads that are required under regulations for school bus routes, with some rural roads scheduled for asphalt surfacing only in future years.

Another challenge involves restricted access to outdoor sports facilities, including those at schools. While many excellent stadiums have been built, Mikhail Kuznetsov noted, some remain locked due to a lack of external entry points. Although this stems from legitimate security considerations, solutions are needed – particularly in areas lacking alternative sports infrastructure.

Another set of appeals pertain to expanding eligibility criteria for the Far Eastern and Arctic mortgage programmes, as banks increasingly impose stricter requirements.

During the Direct Line, citizens also raised concerns about unfinished construction projects, such as a sports and recreation centre in Sharya, Kostroma Region; the Shakhter [Miner] Cultural Centre in Nelidovo, Tver Region; and a regional hospital in the Orel Region.

Mikhail Kuznetsov emphasised that the Popular Front continues to work with the Government of Russia and regional authorities to address these issues.)

Vladimir Putin: It is good that we issue recommendations for the regions, but it looks like they need our help. This issue should be discussed separately with the colleagues.

Overall, I would like to say that this project [Direct Line] has been underway for many years, yet it remains topical and important. It is not just a large-scale sociological poll, even though it is extremely useful as such, of course. But there is more to it. What matters is that we receive live feedback from the people, helping us pinpoint the most pressing problems at the given time and respond to public concerns accordingly. Every possible measure must be taken to cut red tape and maintain live contact with the people, just like the Popular Front has been doing for the past few years, so that we address all of the people’s concerns, no matter how many there are. We have been doing this for months, or for nearly a year. I would like to ask you to carry on in the same manner.

Considering the topical nature of this project, I would also like to ask the [Presidential] Executive Office and our colleagues in the Government of the Russian Federation to prepare for the next Direct Line. I believe we all agree that this work is useful, timely and relevant. I rely on your support and assistance here.

Thank you very much.

Let us get down to the main issue. Mr Khusnullin, please report on infrastructure development.

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin: Mr President, acting in accordance with your Executive Order outlining our national goals and priorities of sustainable economic and social growth, the Government has approved the Spatial Development Strategy to 2030 with a forecast to 2036.

This strategy is aimed at comprehensively involving as much of the national territory as possible in the achievement of our national goals, based on the effective disposal of available budgetary and extra-budgetary resources, their priority use for ensuring spatial development, as well as the effective use of existing infrastructure facilities and the construction of new ones.

The strategy has outlined our priorities, which take into account the regions that have reunited with Russia, and provide for the development of the Far East and the Arctic, including the Northern Sea Route and its maintenance infrastructure, redirecting passenger and cargo transportation towards the East and Asia, and enhancing public mobility, transport connectivity and tourism development. Particular attention is given in the strategy to the development of agglomerations and backbone settlements.

The key tool in implementing this strategy is the Comprehensive Plan for the Development of Transport, Power, Telecommunications, Social and Other Infrastructure for the Period until 2036, which the Government has approved at your instructions. It establishes a balanced system for creating facilities that takes into account the needs of regions and their residents as well as the priorities of socioeconomic development and the key tasks of the Infrastructure for Life national project.

In addition, implementing the plan aligns with the attainment of several national goals. The Plan will serve as one of the main mechanisms for improving the quality of living environment in key populated localities. Its creators used the spatial planning scheme of the Russian Federation in the areas of power generation, transport, pipeline transport, higher education and healthcare, which has been developed using the Unified Digital Basemap.

The comprehensive document includes nearly 300 major, strategically important infrastructure projects envisaged by industry-specific and federal strategies, as well as national projects. The Plan encompasses a broad range of facilities that have a direct bearing on the quality of life for our citizens. Transport facilities include over 4,000 kilometres of railways, 60 airports, 18 seaports, and the construction of over 2,200 kilometres of motor roads. Recently, Mr Mishustin held a strategic session to discuss a plan for the development of high-speed traffic, which is also included in the general plan. This is being addressed by the Ministry of Transport, Russian Railways, and major transport companies.

The document also takes into account the need to build gas pipelines and create power generation infrastructure, including nuclear, condensation, thermal, solar, and wind power plants, as well as ultra-high voltage electric transmission lines. In total, these will yield almost 20,000 MW of new capacities, which is of great importance for future national development, particularly for the Russian Far East. This part of the Plan is being tackled by the Energy Ministry jointly with Rosseti Group, RusHydro, and, of course, Gazprom.

The plan also includes 28 university campuses, 13 of which are already under construction. You are well acquainted with this programme, Mr President: every region continually submits requests, and an increasing number of campuses are being added. These are integrated into the overall education system, and coordination is managed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

High-tech healthcare facilities are being planned for nearly 16,000 beds, alongside about 20,000 kilometres of trunk fibre-optic communication lines. This work is coordinated by the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, together with our major companies.

The financial support for building these infrastructure projects is provided under the approved five-year construction programme and the six-year road development plan. I would like to thank for this. We have a clear understanding of what will be built over the next five to six years, and all these projects are accounted for. They are fully funded, coordinated with the Ministry of Finance, and implemented as a live mechanism, including both projects currently under construction and those scheduled to be built in the next few years.

The document will be regularly updated based on the current needs of the population, the socioeconomic development priorities of the regions, the development programmes for backbone communities, as well as federal and regional infrastructure construction programmes

The next stage of this plan is the approval of comprehensive regional infrastructure development programmes. Instructions have been given to regional leaders to develop and approve these programmes, taking into account the priority development of backbone communities. We are actively working on this together with the Presidential Executive Office. Several regions have already prepared detailed implementation plans covering all backbone communities, incorporating federal, regional and municipal facilities, including urban development projects, as noted by the Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities.

The Ministry of Construction has signed memorandums with all regions to improve living conditions in backbone communities. The corresponding development programmes are nearing completion. By 2030, we aim to increase the quality of life in these communities by 30 percent. This is a complex and challenging task, but we are addressing it seriously.

The facilities that have been included in the comprehensive plan and in the regional projects, which are under development, will be incorporated into the master plans for the development of agglomerations and backbone communities. The relevant documents will be monitored and updated, and the development of facilities will be supervised, from their design to implementation, using the Unified Digital Basemap in the National Spatial Data System.

The use of information systems will help our citizens learn about the efforts taken by the Government and regional authorities to build infrastructure facilities, enhance public mobility and improve the regions’ investment appeal.

The authorities will regularly discuss the implementation of the comprehensive plan and regional plans with the governors and executives in charge at the federal level during the meetings of the Government Commission for Regional Development.

The document has been coordinated with all our colleagues. We are monitoring the process jointly with the deputy prime ministers and all supervisors in their areas of responsibility. The Ministry of Economic Development is in charge of its consolidation.

The implementation of this document will help us streamline all federal and regional programmes and will produce a synergy effect by focusing our efforts on creating a comfortable and safe living environment for our people.

Mr President, thank you very much for your instructions. I hope that all the tasks set for us in the plan will be implemented.

This concludes my report. Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Good, thank you, Mr Khusnullin.

Does anyone have any questions for Mr Khusnullin? Any suggestions or ideas that you have been unable to exchange during the preliminary work on the plan? None?

Very good then. Thank you.

I would like to thank all our colleagues who worked on this document and to express hope that it will be properly implemented. Thank you very much.

I have something to ask of Mr Novak. Mr Novak, we talked with you before this meeting. I have one more small question for you. Are you at your office right now?

Alexander Novak: Yes, Mr President, I am.

Vladimir Putin: In that case, I will call you right after the meeting.

Alexander Novak: Yes.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much to all.

Thank you, and good luck.