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At the beginning of the working meeting, Vladimir Putin noted that all of the Sakhalin Region’s main indicators were positive, and that industrial production and the region’s GDP were growing.

Valery Limarenko began his report with the relocation of people from dilapidated housing. He said that they had built 500,000 square metres of housing where 22,000 people had been relocated. The region plans to complete the second phase of the relocation programme, which will concern 34,000 people, in 2026. Overall, approximately 500,000 square metres of housing is being built in the region every year, or more than one square metre per person.

The Governor also said that the connection of households to gas mainlines had increased from 14 to 60 percent, and that this programme is set to be completed in 2027. In addition, the local authorities are working together with Gazprom to implement social programmes, which include opening an Olympic-class water sports centre.

Valery Limarenko highlighted the healthcare sector. He noted the increasing accessibility and quality of medical services, which have received positive feedback from the public. As many as 33 new healthcare facilities have been built and 21 facilities have been renovated. A new private clinic equipped with world-class medical technologies is being established in partnership with Rosatom. Measures are being taken to combat cancer. In particular, 18 diagnostic centres have opened in the Sakhalin Region, and the rate of diagnosing cancer at early stages reached 59 percent in 2023. The Governor also reported on a volunteer project aimed at helping patients.

Speaking about the development of transport accessibility, Valery Limarenko mentioned the purchase of new domestically made aircraft and airfare subsidies on socially significant routes. New seagoing vessels have been provided for the Vanino-Kholmsk ferry route and the Kuril Islands route, and discussions on building a new bridge are underway.

The Governor reported that the region’s GDP went up by 13 percent in 2023 year on year and reached 1.62 trillion rubles. Investment in equity amounted to 305 billion rubles, and the overall investment attractiveness of the Sakhalin Region is growing. Unemployment is almost zero, and there are 6,000 job vacancies.

The Sakhalin Region Governor also reported that the Sakhalin-1 and Sakhalin-2 offshore projects are operating as planned, despite the sanctions and the withdrawal of Exxon and Shell. The Sakhalin-3 project will soon reach full capacity. Plans are in place to build a liquid fuel plant jointly with Gazprom. New industrial centres are emerging. The region plans to manufacture small vessels for tourism and coastal fishing, process timber and produce building materials. In addition, work is underway to increase LNG and hydrogen production.

Valery Limarenko reported on the progress on the modernisation of the Port of Korsakov, which will become the core of a logistics hub and part of the Northern Sea Route infrastructure. In this regard, the Governor asked the President to revise the financing schedule for the Port of Korsakov upgrade for an earlier time.

In addition, the head of the region spoke about the progress made in building other important facilities: a new air terminal in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk has opened for use, and a runway is nearing completion. Gazprombank is co-financing the Sakhalin State University campus, with new research laboratories opening. Further plans include opening a facility for piloting hydrogen units and a hydrogen production plant. The UAV industry is also growing: a Far Eastern unmanned aviation company will be created.

The region also focuses on improving public spaces, including landscaping, renovating courtyards and building entrances. The air pollution index has gone down. School-based sports facilities are being developed. Valery Limarenko also spoke about a new variety art academy for young talents.

According to the Governor, the Sakhalin Region is providing significant assistance to Shakhtyorsk, a town in the Donetsk Region. Local schools are being repaired, and sports facilities, kindergartens, cultural institutions, residential buildings and utilities infrastructure are being built.

At the end of the meeting, Vladimir Putin and Valery Limarenko discussed funding for the construction of the seaport and a new bridge.