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Alexander Khinshtein briefed the President on measures to support residents of the border regions and a programme to rebuild damaged infrastructure. The discussion touched upon, in particular, the issues of monetary compensation for property loss and return of land plots.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, Mr Khinshtein.

It is exactly two months today since we met here last time, and I instructed you to organise work in the Kursk Region. The situation there is very difficult. And the most important thing that I asked you to pay attention to was reaching out to people and identifying their concerns and problems. Indeed, there are many problems there. This is the most important thing – to resolve all critical problems that people are facing. Let us start with that. After that – I see from the documents that you have prepared – there are other issues, current and pertaining to more distant future, but nonetheless very important.

Please, go ahead.

Acting Governor of the Kursk Region Alexander Khinshtein: Good afternoon, Mr President.

Indeed, people and their problems are what matters most to us. My colleagues and I are trying to be as open as possible, and to maintain constant dialogue with the people in order to identify the list of problems that cause most concerns. On their initiative, we created a coordinating council, which includes initiative groups from each city and district – nine in all – and we have already put on paper all the issues raised during the meetings (in addition to the coordinating council, I regularly meet with people and call meetings with them quite often or go to their meetings.)

This list is not exhaustive, but, importantly, we consider these issues and look for and develop solutions with the participation of the people.

There are 54 such issues in all. Some of them have been resolved. For example, today the Kursk Regional Duma deputies passed a draft law, a law by now, which provides for the citizens’ right to have their land plots returned to them after they had used the housing certificate. Mr President, the thing is that when a person uses the certificate, the state takes away the lost structure or, rather, what is left of it, for which they get the certificate and compensation, and the land under the structure, because the structure and the plot are one. We are unable to change federal regulations, this procedure, but we can provide this land to an individual again for free use for them to build a house on it for a period of six years. During this period, the person will build a house on that plot, despite the fact that they already used the certificate by that time and now have new housing. As soon as they register this house as property, they get that plot of land free of charge to own it.

This is just one of the issues. There are many more that are being addressed. Mr President, there are issues that we find hard to resolve. Let me share one of the most frequently asked questions.

The issue is about compensation for the loss of property. Thanks to your decisions, sufficient funds have been allocated from the federal budget, and 112,000 people have received a payment of 150,000 rubles. This is not the only support measure being provided. I would like to thank you and our colleagues from the Government for paying great attention to this matter and for the unprecedented measures to help and support the region and, primarily, its residents. But the 150,000 rubles that the people received a few months ago have largely been used up. And they rightfully raise the question that the certificates – in accordance with your instructions, we keep issuing the certificates to all applicants – do not allow them to use the funds to make housing improvements; if we are talking about rural houses, or private houses, these funds cannot be used to restore private farm holdings, since many people have, unfortunately, lost their livestock, poultry, and agricultural equipment, and these people have worked on land for generations. They are rural residents, farmers, people for whom working on land is an integral part of their living.

I think that the suggestions to increase the amount of this payment, 150,000 rubles, are fair enough. These funds can be used to improve new housing or old houses where the people have returned, to restore their private farm holdings by purchasing agricultural equipment, livestock and poultry. It would be quite reasonable and fair to make these funds available to people as they return home or as they use their certificates. Mr President, please look into this issue, because I think it will be a fair thing to do.

Vladimir Putin: Here, you also have documents pertaining to comprehensive restoration of the border areas.

Alexander Khinshtein: Yes, Mr President. As you emphasised during the Direct Line and in other addresses, we will undoubtedly restore infrastructure destroyed by the enemy, and the people are eagerly awaiting this. We acknowledge that, given the current circumstances – ongoing combat operations and the heroic efforts of our warriors to liberate Kursk land – it is not feasible to commence rebuilding of lost infrastructure immediately, nor is it possible to estimate the full scope of expenditures, particularly since we have yet to fully liberate all our territory. However, considering the scale and gravity of this challenge, I believe it would be prudent to explore the adoption of a specific decision on restoring infrastructure in the Kursk border region. This could be implemented in parallel with the measures I have just outlined, which would allow for securing additional funds and allocating them towards housing rehabilitation and the purchase, or to be precise, the revival of private farm households.

Such an integrated approach would ensure coherence. People would not merely return; they would return to towns, villages, and cities undergoing concurrent reconstruction. This would genuinely reinforce their desire to remain on their native soil. Based on my interactions with residents, the overwhelming majority ardently wish to return home – they are patriots of their small motherland. I would therefore kindly ask you to consider adopting a decision to advance the socioeconomic restoration and development of the Kursk border region as a whole. It is evident that this cannot be resolved through the regional budget alone, particularly since all immediate priorities are focused on assisting those in dire circumstances, with the bulk of resources directed to that purpose.

Vladimir Putin: Ok.

Mr Khinshtein, the first issue you raised concerns the return of land plots in cases where individuals have received housing certificates. I am aware that today, the regional legislature is adopting a corresponding decision, pursuant to which…

Alexander Khinshtein: Yes, the deputies recently adopted this decision – unanimously, I should note – and endorsed it. Crucially, in the Kursk Region, there is no division along political party lines; all political forces are fully consolidated. The proposed mechanism, formalised through draft legislation, stipulates that citizens whose land plots – along with any destroyed structures on them – were requisitioned by the state will regain access to these plots. Ownership will not be immediate: they will first enter a period of gratuitous use, during which they must build a house within a six-year period. Upon completion, the plot will be transferred to their ownership free of charge. I can elaborate on the rationale for this approach, which I advocated, and why the deputies unanimously supported it, and why the public itself has consented to it.

Vladimir Putin: The logic is clear to me as well: to make sure these land plots do not remain idle or grass over but are used instead.

Alexander Khinshtein: Absolutely. Moreover, should you endorse the proposed approaches to restoring the border areas and rehabilitating infrastructure destroyed by the enemy, these efforts would form a coherent whole: here, the state rebuilds what was shattered by the adversary – roads, social infrastructure facilities – while nearby, citizens are building their homes.

Vladimir Putin: I agree. The rationale is clear and aligns with the law. Nevertheless, the situation remains unprecedented. I would consider it appropriate to return title to the land to the people. I reiterate: I understand the legislators’ reasoning. To prevent idleness, we could stipulate that the title to the land would be returned against an obligation to use it as intended during a specified period of time.

In reality, this decision by the regional legislature is fully justified. Should you, in consultation with deputies and residents, arrive at an alternative solution – namely, restoring the title to the land immediately – and should this require federal decisions, including regulatory adjustments, we will act accordingly and unquestionably accommodate the people’s needs. That is the first point.

Second, regarding the programme to restore the border areas – I fully concur. The Government will receive clear instructions on this matter. I ask you to collaborate with the colleagues from the Government of the Russian Federation to develop this restoration programme. We will confer with Government members on this shortly, and they will, in turn, formulate proposals.

Finally, the most sensitive issue: additional compensation for the loss of property. You cited the figure of 112,000 individuals who have already received 150,000 rubles each. I share your view that this amount is insufficient. I will instruct the Government to address these matters literally within the coming days, with further decisions to follow.

Alexander Khinshtein: Thank you very much, Mr President.

I am certain this decision is wholly justified. Those who have lost what they spent years building unquestionably merit exceptional consideration and a special approach. My sincere gratitude for this resolution. Undoubtedly, we will collaborate with the Government and our other colleagues to refine these measures, as well as those pertaining to the programme.

Regarding the programme, I think it would be right to start working on its parameters without waiting for our territory to be fully liberated when it would be possible to start working there. This would prevent delays and squandered time. So that once access becomes feasible – contingent on security, which remains paramount – all preparations would be complete. Among the appeals I have submitted is a request to task the Russian Government with drafting this programme, finalising its parameters, and approving key principles already this year.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, this must be done this year for sure. We must start working on this right away. I will definitely instruct the Government to prepare this programme in coordination with you and your team in Kursk.

Alexander Khinshtein: And together with the local residents, of course, because, as you have always emphasised, it is ultimately the people who are the main and the only judges of our work, the very reason we do what we do. That is why all our decisions should be taken together with them, which we are trying to do.

Vladimir Putin: I hope that you will continue working in direct contact with the people.

Alexander Khinshtein: Mr President, that is exactly what I intend to do. Our people should see and understand what the government is doing. More than that, they should be able to take a direct part in the drafting, formulation and implementation of our further decisions.

If I may, I would like to raise several other issues related to the implementation of the decisions that have been adopted. In particular, I have mentioned the continuing issuance of certificates to everyone who wants to receive them and who submits their applications. However, the problem is that the volume of housing under construction in the Kursk Region is far below the needs. We have made the necessary calculations, and we know that those entitled to certificates and those who will receive them simply will not be able to use them in the Kursk Region due to the limited availability of housing.

Mr President, I would like to request your assistance in this connection. We have been working together with DOM.RF and the Ministry of Construction to determine the possibility of implementing a low-rise housing community programme, with clusters of individual houses with some sort of infrastructure, including social facilities. This is especially important because some of our people who are not willing to wait until they can return home and want to use their certificates today are often reluctant to buy housing in the city. Meanwhile, the bulk of housing construction is concentrated in the Kursk agglomeration.

Our approach and our proposals provide for developing other parts of the Kursk Region. That is where subsidised mortgages could be used as a key instrument, for example, like it is being done in the Far East.

Vladimir Putin: It is a good initiative. I support it.

Alexander Khinshtein: Thank you very much, Mr President.

I would like to say that I have only been working in the Kursk Region for two months. But even in this brief period, I have seen and experienced firsthand the resilience and dedication of the people who live there. This land is, without exaggeration, historic, heroic and truly legendary.

The city of Kursk will be 1,000 years old in 2032, just seven years from now. Kursk was originally founded as Russia’s outpost. It emerged as a fortress to protect the country’s borders and has continued to perform this function throughout the centuries. Today, as never before, we recognise the importance of Kursk and the Kursk Region as our country’s outpost, as our soldiers are heroically liberating our land and fighting against neo-Nazis.

Somewhat earlier, Mr President, you signed the Executive Order On celebrating the 1,000^th anniversary of Kursk. In keeping with your Executive Order, the Government has established an organising committee, but this was done before the well-known events. I would like to suggest considering a reformatting of the approaches to celebrating Kursk’s 1,000^th anniversary, specifically focusing on the city’s historical centre, including the former Kursk fortress. This is the heart of Kursk, the site where it originated. Everyone knows the Battle of Kursk, which broke the backbone of Nazism 81 or 82 years ago this year. I have no doubt that it will be overcome again. However, far from everyone is aware that the adversaries failed to capture Kursk on two occasions during the Time of Troubles in the 17^th century. It is this historical fortress overlooking the Tuskar River that has forged our country’s history. It is the heart of the city, but today, regrettably, it is an unseemly sight, being in a state of dilapidation, despite the fact that it houses some absolutely wonderful cultural heritage sites. There are nine monuments, including federal ones, such as the splendid Cathedral of the Sign, which was built to commemorate the heroic defence of Kursk in 1612. Its defenders vowed to build a church in honour of the Holy Sign of the Mother of God, if they succeeded in protecting the land and defending the town, which was located within the fortress at the time, from the enemy that outnumbered them many times over. Eventually, they fulfilled their vow. Later, a monastery emerged on the site. Today, remnants of this monastery can be found there, including Kursk’s oldest building, the tower, and walls dating back to the latter half of the 17^th century. Frankly, it is heartbreaking to look at their current state.

I think that the name ‘Kursk Fortress’ encapsulates the essence of Kursk land and its people, as it is a fortress that has defended this country and stood in the way of its enemies for the past 1,000 years.

I would like to ask for the opportunity to review the instructions to the Government – specifically, to change the approach to the preparations for the city’s millennial anniversary, in particular, by focusing on restoring the historical centre and the fortress, which I believe could be transformed into a cultural and educational cluster. This landmark comprises many important cultural sites, including the museum of regional history and lore, a regional philharmonic, and active churches, such as the magnificent Cathedral of the Sign, one of the most important cathedrals for Orthodox Christians. Notably, it was built 200 years ago to commemorate the war of 1812. Kutuzov praised the role of Kursk and its residents in that war. Mr President, I believe this is especially important, particularly today because the war will end, we will crush the enemy, nobody has any doubt about that. We will rebuild the territories and restore infrastructure. Residents will return. However, the historical memory of the past and the bond between generations are more important than ever. Restoring historical Kursk should serve as a beacon of the region’s restoration.

Vladimir Putin: I agree, let’s do this. Let’s adjust the approach slightly. I will make sure to speak to the Government. I believe Dmitry Chernyshenko heads the responsible committee.

Alexander Khinshtein: Correct, Dmitry Chernyshenko.

Vladimir Putin: I will speak to him and the Prime Minister.

Alexander Khinshtein: Mr President, once again, thank you for the decision you are making. I am certain that residents will greatly appreciate it. And thank you for all the decisions that will have major consequences for the region and beyond, because the entire country is closely watching the developments in Kursk and the Kursk Region. I can see this from the amount of humanitarian aid and attention that Kursk is receiving, as well as from the heroism of our fighters, our defenders from all over the country.

There is something I would like to ask you. It is a request I received from the commanders and the personnel of the 155^th Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet – our Far Eastern troops, who are truly heroic. Knowing that I would be meeting with you, they passed on a request. Please consider granting the 155^th Marine Brigade the honorary title of a Kursk brigade.

Vladimir Putin: Indeed, our Far Eastern marines are incredibly strong, skilled and brave. The marines of the Black Sea Fleet, the 810^th Brigade, the paratroopers, the 106^th Division, the 76^th Division and many other units, are also fighting in the same contact zone. They will all be recognised accordingly.

As for the request from the Far Eastern marines, especially since it comes from them, I will fulfil it, with gratitude for everything they do for the Motherland.

Alexander Khinshtein: Mr President, thank you for the attention and support the Kursk land and its people have been receiving these days. They can feel this care. I have no doubt that the Kursk land and its people will continue to build on the centuries-old glorious traditions of statehood and efforts to defend their homeland and will maintain the spirit of self-sacrifice in the name of their Motherland. By the way, The Tale of Igor’s Campaign, a 12^th century epic poem, mentions the people of the Kursk land. Let me share a quote with you: “And my men of Kursk are experienced fighters, nursed amid trumpets, rocked in helmets, fed at the spear-blades.” This is to say that it goes without saying that the people of the Kursk Region truly appreciate the kind of attention and care they have been getting from across our nation, from all the regions without exception, and your personal care and attention as President, of course. They do understand that we will succeed in our efforts so that the Kursk land once again emerges as a prosperous, strong and powerful region. It has served as Russia’s outpost for a thousand years, and I do not think that it can exist in any other way.

Vladimir Putin: It is obvious that faced with all these challenges and hardships, people have been weathering them with utmost courage, reaffirming everything that was said about them in the past, demonstrating it through their actions and attitude towards what is happening today. We can see this in the way they have been overcoming these challenges.

I do hope that, just as we have agreed, when dealing with all the matters we discussed today and issues that will probably arise down the road, especially those with rebuilding territories along the border and helping people, you will work in close contact with the federal agencies to analyse and pinpoint these matters, while also maintaining direct contact with the people living there.

Overall, the first steps you have made in this direction have been quite satisfactory. I hope that you keep this momentum going.

Alexander Khinshtein: Thank you, Mr President, for your feedback. I will do my best to justify both your trust and the hopes of the people of Kursk.

Vladimir Putin: Good.