Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session of the First Media Forum of Independent Regional and Local Media organised by the Russian Popular Front national public movement.

Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Governor of Leningrad Region Alexander Drozdenko. Mr Drozdenko briefed the President on a project the region is carrying out to get rural residents involved in the local government system and revive the institution of village elders.

The President was accompanied by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Commander of the Western Military District Anatoly Sidorov and Head of General Staff Combat Training Directorate Ivan Buvaltsev.

Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to participants and guests at a charity concert marking the 70^th anniversary of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the Nazi blockade.

Vladimir Putin took part in official celebrations to mark the 70^th anniversary of the lifting of the siege of Leningrad.

Sergei Ivanov took part in the opening ceremony of Vyborg Public Central Library following its restoration.

Vladimir Putin visited Gogland Island in the Gulf of Finland, where he looked over a number of projects the Russian Geographical Society (RGS) is carrying out.

The President will look over the underwater research programme the Russian Geographical Society (RGS) will be carrying out over recent years and meet with participants in the RGS expedition to study the Baltic Fleet frigate Oleg, a sailing ship which sank between the islands of Gogland and Sommers in 1869.

In particular, the President commented on the open letter written by musician Andrei Makarevich on the level of corruption in Russia, and the statement by former Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Yury Baluyevsky on Russia’s involvement in Georgian-South Ossetian conflict.

Vladimir Putin held a meeting on the organisation of recreation holidays for children.

Vladimir Putin congratulated Governor of Leningrad Region Alexander Drozdenko on officially taking office.

The President signed Executive Order On Early Termination of the Mandate of Leningrad Region Governor.

Dmitry Medvedev was presented with the names of candidates for the posts of head of Buryatia, Stavropol and Perm territories, and Leningrad and Yaroslavl regions.

Dmitry Medvedev signed Executive Order On Head of the Interior Ministry's Main Department for St Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.

Dmitry Medvedev signed Executive Order releasing Mikhail Sukhodolsky from his post of head of the Interior Ministry’s Main Department for St Petersburg and Leningrad Region.

Dmitry Medvedev congratulated residents of St Petersburg and Leningrad Region on the 68^th anniversary of the lifting of the Leningrad Blockade. 

Dmitry Medvedev signed executive orders conferring the honorary title of City of Military Glory on Kovrov, Lomonosov, Taganrog, and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.