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Excerpts from transcript of meeting with heads of municipalities

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon.

First of all, let me once again congratulate you and everyone working in local government authorities on Local Self-Government Day.

Like last year, our meeting is taking place as part of the All-Russian Municipal Forum, Small Homeland – the Strength of Russia. It is also a significant business event, where the municipal community can select specific solutions, cherry-pick them. You have a chance to share best practices and insights with each another so as to more effectively resolve the issues of improving the quality of life.

The vast majority of your colleagues are dedicated and enthusiastic individuals who tirelessly invest all their knowledge, efforts and experience to advance both small rural communities and large urban centres, moving toward new achievements.

As you saw, today we held the award ceremony for the winners and laureates of the all-Russian municipal award Service in a very warm and joyful atmosphere. You also attended it. Both this ceremony and the award obviously help improve the prestige of local government.

We have many topics to discuss. I am sure you do have some questions. However, it is not so much about the questions – I hope to hear your proposals and your ideas that could be implemented quickly and efficiently, with as few delays as possible. And I will do my best to help you.

Of course, these are questions about personnel, financial support, and the balance between the requirements that are imposed by law and the mandate and financial capabilities for their implementation. All this is clear to me. While we discuss this with you almost every year, you have to live and work with it every day.

In fact, I would like to stop my monologue right here, because a discussion of the proposals that you have would be far more valuable and productive.

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Vladimir Putin (commenting on the remarks by Co-Chair of the Russian National Association for the Development of Local Self-Government Irina Guseva): Ms Guseva spoke about colleagues who have arrived, as she put it, directly from the frontline. It is highly commendable that they are present here. I believe they have immediately realised that they transitioned from one frontline to another, as the local level of authority constitutes the true frontline within the overall governance system. There is no one behind you. Thus, you are at the forefront. This is, as I have previously stated and as we all understand, the most challenging segment within the overall governance system.

Now, several comments on the points raised. Concerning, for instance, digital platforms. These are an exceptionally important tool for enhancing the quality and efficiency of operations. My sole request is that no digital barrier or digital fence emerges between the people and local government bodies, ensuring that feedback is always maintained and that direct, personal interaction with citizens is preserved. Digital platforms, with their truly unique capabilities, enhance managerial efficiency across all levels and spheres of our activities, yet they must not replace live, direct communication with the people. This is of utmost importance. The internet cannot substitute for direct, personal interaction in this sphere.

Personnel – a topic we will likely revisit – constitute an exceptionally vital matter. The presence of individuals who have endured the crucible of trials, including combat operations, is profoundly significant. We will undoubtedly return to this topic, too.

Undoubtedly, the pivotal issue lies in uniting all levels of authority around common objectives. If you feel that this cohesion now proves beneficial following the adoption of pertinent decisions – including at the constitutional level, the level of our nation’s fundamental law – this is of great importance. Should you find it necessary to amend any laws or regulations, please advise accordingly, and we will jointly refine these matters.

As regards both international contacts and business. I have just concluded discussions with the President of South Africa. We maintain exceptionally close ties, and our friends and partners consistently advocate for expanding these contacts horizontally.

Concerning business, it is crucial that enterprises are not only able to demonstrate their patriotism but also that operating at the municipal level proves economically advantageous. What does this signify? It signifies that conditions must be created to facilitate such endeavours.

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Vladimir Putin (replying to remarks by Alexander Shcholokov, Mayor of Arzamas in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, who raised the issue of small towns’ development): Russia has 16 mega-cities with a population of over one million, and they now account for 25 percent of the country’s population.

Quite recently, five years ago, mega-cities with a population of over one million accounted for 20 percent of Russia’s population; and now 25 percent of the country’s population live there.

This is an absolutely global trend. Moreover, there are different viewpoints on this issue, but the main viewpoint (that overshadows all others) notes that any country can develop effectively only by developing major communities that provide ample opportunities for development and facilitate GDP growth, as well as that of science, human resources and everything else that spurs development in modern conditions.

In such a country as Russia that has a tremendous territory, we should act more flexibly and more subtly. In no way, should we allow its territory to become depopulated. We are facing a difficult task, and we therefore prioritise small towns, too.

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Vladimir Putin (commenting on the remarks by Vladimir Chernev, Head of the Starobelsky Municipal District in the Lugansk People’s Republic, who said that he had participated in the special military operation since 2022, and that he was subsequently instructed to reinstate peaceful life together with a team of veterans, his comrades-in-arms): You know, I would like to say that I am very happy that battle-hardened people are making it into the corridors of power at all levels. This is particularly important for the so-called new, historical Russian territories because, as you know, the situation there is complicated. This is a combat situation, and we need precisely such people as you and those who have arrived with you. These people fear nothing, and they have openly confronted the enemy on the battlefield, when bullets are whistling, and when drones and cluster munitions are flying. This changes people’s attitude towards life and their character. You know this better than anyone of us.

These territories need people like you who fear nothing, who know what they should strive for and what responsibility before people is all about. Such responsibility arises, if you have started doing this work, and when you are ready to fulfil your duty before the people.

You have said that nothing happened there since the 1960s, and that nothing had been invested in development. We already realise this. They used to do one thing there; they deprived these territories and their people of resources and money, they stole money, and they still keep it on foreign bank accounts. This explains their desire to cooperate and to allow their sponsors to control everything. Instead of fighting for the nation’s interests, they are fighting for their capitals, stolen from the Ukrainian nation and transferred abroad; and this is all.

They are now hooked onto this money. Even if they wanted to say anything, they will never do this because we are talking about multi-billion accounts, but they continue to embezzle money. Speaking of weapons, delivered to Ukraine from Western countries, these weapons surface on international “black” markets, including Africa and somewhere in the Middle East. And they continue to steal. Everyone knows the level of corruption in Ukraine.

However, right now we have to think about fulfilling our duty to the people, especially to those who supported everything related to returning to their historical homeland of Russia. Of course, we must respond to them in kind – support them, solve the problems that the territories face and that have been accumulating for decades. This is a complex process, but, as you noted, it is still underway. We have a huge programme of 300 different measures planned for these territories. We probably do not have a larger regional programme in Russia today.

It is essential to ensure that all allocated resources are utilised effectively, with proper quality and within the designated timeframe. If you encounter any obstacles in the process, do not hesitate to reach out directly to the head of the region: we maintain ongoing communication. Although we do not meet in person as frequently as desired, we stay in touch: he calls me when needed, and I reach out to him as well. The lines of communication are open, and you can work with him directly.

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Vladimir Putin (commenting on remarks by Head of the Krasnoyaruzhsky District Administration of the Belgorod Region Vitaly Kutomanov, who spoke about the problems of border territories, the neighbouring state’s crimes, indiscriminate strikes with indiscriminate weapons on social and civilian infrastructure, and the resilience of the frontline territories residents): First of all, we would thank your wards, so to speak – people we work for. You work for. I am speaking above all about the people living in the border territories, who found themselves in a very difficult situation due to the crimes committed by the Kiev regime. I fully agree with your assessment. The courage, heroism and resilience of our people have always – we will soon celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory of the Great Patriotic War – persisted: in those years, today, and in the past, they have been the guarantee of Russia’s existence. Few of those who are trying to encroach on our independence, our sovereignty, our freedom, our integrity understand this.

I think that, following the unsuccessful attempts to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield, a certain awareness is beginning to take shape, much like in previous historical periods, when others, including the Nazis, pursued similar goals. Today, this realisation is gradually dawning on some figures in the West as well.

The courage and fortitude of our people is the quality that prevails now. Unfortunately, today this heavy burden falls to the lot of those who live in the borderlands. We must do everything to support the people living there, and we will certainly do this.

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Vladimir Putin (responding to remarks by Tula City Duma Speaker Alexei Erk on integrating veterans of the special military operation into civilian life and a demand for them across municipal service): You have highlighted numerous points regarding the involvement of individuals who have served in the special military operation zone, and you have likely heard my prior statements on this matter. My initiative to establish the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation and the Time of Heroes platform is being realised.

I do not remember the exact venue, but I believe it was at a United Russia congress where I emphasised that among those currently engaged in combat operations, many aspire to contribute in the future at municipal, regional, or federal levels of government. However, not all possess the prerequisites to fulfil these ambitions: some lack higher education, while others have insufficient professional experience.

Ms Anna Tsivileva has succeeded in organising the work of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation. Undoubtedly, challenges remain, but overall, progress is steady and heartfelt – not least because many involved either directly participated in the special military operation or have close relatives who did.

The Time of Heroes platform is fully operational and functioning effectively. Thousands of applications have been submitted. To my knowledge, 83 candidates were selected in the first competition, despite stringent requirements. I reiterate: higher education and work experience, as you noted.

Let me return to my address at the United Russia congress. I stated then that while many of these individuals possess the will to serve, they often lack preparatory training, professional experience, or even formal qualifications. If you recall my words: Seek out these individuals and support them – they are our true national treasure.

In previous years, we spoke of certain “elites” (I have addressed this before, and I believe we share an understanding and are on the same page). What elites? Those who embezzled funds, flaunted wealth, and declared themselves “elite”? What kind of elite is that? The true elite are those who defend the Motherland. These individuals — they are the elite. The future of our country lies with them. Entrusting the nation to such people holds no fear. We must help them acquire education, accumulate necessary experience, among other things.

If someone returns from the battlefield, they have demonstrated patriotism, a readiness to risk life and health for the Motherland – these are fundamental qualities. Such a decision speaks volumes about their character. Yet before deployment, they undergo rigorous training: marksmanship, first aid, and now, preparations are conducted thoroughly, genuinely, and professionally.

The same applies here. If someone joins your frontline – and I deliberately use this term, as municipal governance represents the foremost operational tier – we must ensure they do not falter. We must guide them to make sound, correct decisions in the future.

How can this be done? We need to train people, just as we have been training them for taking part in combat. By the same token, we must be there to help those who are ready to continue serving people by dedicating their lives to civilian occupations: we must help them get an education and benefit from internships. You see, if a person comes forward but something does not work out for him or her, this may lead to disappointment. We must prevent this. People need this kind of support. Besides, you know that what these people want is to work for the people, and they are ready to devote their lives to this cause. It is essential that people are satisfied with the way those who work at this very important level of government fulfil their mission.

Changing qualification requirements may be an option, but before we do that, we must make sure that this does not come at the expense of quality. We can create a special course of some of this kind to enable people to move up the career ladder step-by-step. They can start by serving as your aides, for example, or your advisors, and then go on to fulfil other tasks. We can conceive a system that would enable people to progress and acquire the knowledge they need, as well as skills and education for serving people in their civilian occupations. I suggest that we offer them a special course in universities, specialised educational institutions, etc.

We have members of the Presidential Executive Office in this room. I can see that they are listening what we are saying here and scribbling down everything they hear. We will work with you to come up with appropriate training formats. That said, these people need training. Is that agreed?

In itself, the idea of creating conditions for attracting these people and enabling them to work in municipal entities and then move on to state government institutions is quite good.

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Vladimir Putin (in response to remarks by Head of the Orenburg Region’s Novosergiyevsky District Nursultan Mussagaleyev, Hero of Russia, career officer who served in the 76^th Airborne Assault Division – he raised a question dealing with perpetuating the Fatherland defenders’ memory): Let me begin by asking you to convey my best wishes to your comrades in arms from the 76^th Airborne Assault Division. I imagine that you have remained in touch with them.

I have been hearing about the 76^th Airborne Assault Division almost every day, what they did, where they went, how much they accomplished, how they have been operating, manoeuvring, or carrying out their attacks. I keep hearing about this unit almost every day.

What does this mean? This means that they have been fighting with dignity, while also acting boldly, effectively and heroically, just as they used to in Uncle Vasya’s [Vasily Margelov (1908–1990), Hero of the Soviet Union, who shaped the way Airborne Assault Troops operate today] time, and this is how they are doing it today. Units of this kind tend to stick to the traditions of the past.

Concerning the preservation of memory – you probably heard this because I have talked about it many times. I think this is extremely important, for all generations of defenders of the Fatherland, especially for those who are fulfilling their sacred duty to the Motherland today, in our time.

You know, every time I enter the Kremlin’s St George Hall, I see its walls covered with names. They commemorate the people and the military units that defended the Motherland in different historical periods. They all are listed on the pages of what might be described as a marble book for all eternity. This kind of commemoration should be continued on a larger scale, using modern capabilities, modern methods, but this is not enough.

You probably know that I met with women ahead of March 8, and that the audience included family members of the fallen fighters – women who have lost their husbands and fathers, who have suffered irreparable losses in their families. I heard a variety of proposals, such as to institute prizes and awards, and all of that must certainly be done – but this is not enough.

Prizes are good for today, but tomorrow, they may be forgotten or cancelled. We need something that will last centuries. We need to name streets and schools after heroes, and use modern media to publicise and propagate our fighters’ heroic deeds. A variety of modern capabilities are available for that.

I have made relevant comments. This is something that gives us hope for the future. This is what nurtures our attitude to the Fatherland, in every age group. This is our most important fortress and most important weapon to defend the future of Russia. The first steps are being made today, and perpetuating the memory of the people who gave their lives for the Motherland is one of them.

I will not go into detail now. Do we need uniform recommendations? Possibly. We could develop some basic standard. All I ask – I am asking you now, and I will talk to the Government and the Presidential Executive Office – is for this initiative to avoid a bureaucratic approach: “I have a list of instructions – number one, two, three, four, my job is done, goodbye, do not ask for more.” I do not want it to be like this. This should come from the heart, from a deep understanding of how important this work is and why. We are not doing it for those who are no longer with us – they do not care anymore. We are doing it for ourselves, for our children, for our grandchildren, for future generations. This is an extremely important thing. That is the approach I expect.

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Vladimir Putin: I would like to conclude our meeting where I started. I would like to thank you for your work, and there is a reason why this award is called Service, because your work is service to the nation.

I would like to thank you, wish you every success and express my full confidence that we will succeed. We might not be able to accomplish it all at once, but we will do everything that we have planned.

Thank you.