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Alexander Brechalov started his report with the special military operation as a topic that has been relevant and urgent for everyone in Russia. He talked about working with the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, supporting special military operation participants and helping them find jobs, as well as launching a special fast-track course for special military operation participants and their families who want to open their own businesses. The Social Contract federal project includes a special track for this group. They can benefit from free training in 18 sports disciplines, and every city in Udmurtia offers sports facilities where they can practise these sports without charge. Perpetuating the memory of the deceased is another major track for the regional government, from installing memorial plaques in schools where the men who lost their lives were enrolled to holding major military and patriotic events and book publishing.

The Head of the Republic went on to outline his two major priorities: building schools in Izhevsk and improving roads. He drew the President’s attention to the challenges regarding the R-243 federal motorway, formerly known as the M-7 Highway – projects to upgrade some of its sections started back in 2022 and were scheduled to be completed in 2024, but this did not happen.

Alexander Brechalov said that Izhevsk is expected to benefit from a 4.5 billion ruble investment in improving roads, sidewalks and public spaces over the next three years.

Turning to economic matters, Alexander Brechalov said that Udmurtia has been demonstrating robust growth in all sectors with the region’s GRP approaching the 1.5-trillion-ruble figure. Defence manufacturing accounts for a significant share of the GRP and tax revenue, but the republic is also committed to expanding civilian manufacturing and producing more dual use goods. Three enterprises in Udmurtia received the Russian Federation’s Order For Outstanding Labour, namely, the Votkinsky Plant, Kalashnikov Concern, and the Izhevsk Unmanned Systems Group.

The meeting’s agenda also included efforts to double agricultural exports compared to 2023. The Head of the Region said that the republic was about to tap into new markets. For example, it started delivering large volumes of milk powder to Africa. Local businesses have penetrated new markets in Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, and Southeast Asia. When asked whether the federal Government supported these initiatives, Alexander Brechalov told the President that it benefits from the assistance of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s network of trade missions. He also presented an ambitious plan to increase non-commodity, non-oil-and-gas exports by a factor of five by 2030.

Milk output has been increasing in the agricultural sector, and Udmurtia is among the top 5 best performing regions in this regard. The Head of the Republic stressed that making rural areas thrive requires infrastructural upgrades. The programme to promote comprehensive development in rural areas is the most effective federal programme in this regard. Udmurtia raised 7 billion rubles as part of it over the past five years. The programme covers housing construction for people working in rural areas, building utilities, roads, sports and fitness centres, cultural centres, as well as improving public spaces.

Demographics, healthcare and promoting sports, including rebuilding a hockey arena and opening a state-of-the-art wrestling centre, were also on the agenda.

Alexander Brechalov reminded the President that 2025 marks Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s 185^th birthday. The composer comes from Votkinsk, Udmurtia. Major events were held in the republic. It has created a permanent symphonic youth orchestra, and has many plans for celebrating the anniversary, including the traditional festival it holds in Tchaikovsky’s hometown. The Head of the Republic said he was confident that in view of the changing geopolitical environment, this event will attract people who love and appreciate music from across the world.