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Alexei Besprozvannykh, who was appointed Acting Governor of the Kaliningrad Region by Presidential Executive Order of May 15, 2024, reported that he has been actively engaged in getting to know the region and the current situation there, discussing economic challenges and tasks in the economy with the business and social issues with the people. A plan for the region’s further development is under preparation.

Particular attention is being paid to the special military operation, its participants and their family members. According to the Acting Governor, there are quite a few support programmes in place, and funds have been allocated to purchase the necessary equipment and gear. Disbursements have been increased for individuals who sign contracts to serve in the special military operation. A rehabilitation centre is operating in the region, and there are discussions about adding a second building. When working with the families of special military operation participants, the regional government seeks to meet all their needs. Alexei Besprozvannykh also spoke about the assistance to the Kherson Region, where repairs of kindergartens and schools are underway, and mentioned that together with the head of the Kherson Region, they are working on a plan of action until 2030.

Turning to economic matters, Alexei Besprozvannykh said that the Kaliningrad Region has been facing certain challenges in terms of its development over the past two years considering its geography and sanctions, among other factors. However, it has been able to overcome practically all of them with the support it received from the President and the federal government. As of today, it expects its gross regional product to grow by 4.7 percent, with a projected growth of 5.8 percent in 2025–2027.

The industrial output has been recovering, with manufacturing viewed as the main economic development driver for the region. By 2027, the region hopes to be able to reach pre-crisis manufacturing volumes as well as build a modern, high-technology manufacturing sector with a focus on domestic solutions.

The emphasis in agriculture is on self-sufficiency. According to Mr Besprozvannykh, full self-sufficiency has been reached in grains, potatoes, milk, meat, meat products, and chicken eggs. Currently, self-sufficiency in the vegetable group is about 60 percent, and this problem will be addressed with support from the Ministry of Agriculture.

However, the region will face a human resources problem in achieving these plans. Enterprises are already developing a programme to attract personnel from other regions, as well as a programme to automate production. Mr Besprozvannykh believes that the initial results can be expected in eighteen to twenty-four months.

The topic of maritime transport, which is vital for the region’s life and economic development, was also discussed. The federal government has already decided to subsidise reduced rates for the transportation of goods.

Mr Besprozvannykh addressed the President with a request concerning reduced airfares. He said that 1.1 billion rubles have already been allocated for soft-term financing, but it is very important to secure uninterrupted financing. Vladimir Putin confirmed that the government will continue to subsidise airfares, and in terms of maritime transport, which currently serves as the main transport corridor for both delivering and exporting goods, a new ferry is scheduled to be delivered to Kaliningrad by the Zvezda shipyard at the end of 2028, with another one planned for 2029.

The discussion also touched on the social sphere, including new healthcare and education facilities and the construction of cultural facilities, such as the Planet Ocean museum complex, a branch of the Tretyakov Gallery, and a branch of the Bolshoi Theatre.

Mr Besprozvannykh also said that if the region’s residents trust him to head the Kaliningrad Region at the upcoming elections, he will do his best to meet their expectations.

Vladimir Putin noted that he would try to help Mr Besprozvannykh fulfil his plans, as he was the one to appoint him acting governor. However, the President stressed that the final decision rests with the people of the Kaliningrad Region.