The Greatest White North Isn't Just Canada: Russia's Arctic Development Plans

Solovetsky Monastery on the shores of the White Sea founded in 1436.

A travel blog notes that while Canada is known as the Great White North, Russia’s White North is far larger and is actually actively being developed, which Canada’s isn’t. Here’s a map showing where the Arctic Circle lays upon Russia:

Under the Arctic Ocean lies the Lomonosov Ridge which is attached to Russia’s portion of the Continental Shelf as depicted below:

Its importance is due to what how the Law of the Sea determines where the boundaries of a nation’s exclusive economic zone lies. Russia’s claim is very large. The synopsis of “The Lomonosov Ridge as a natural extension of the Eurasian continental margin into the Arctic Basin” from 2012 is just one of many studies that very conclusively prove Russia’s claim, which is most actively opposed by the Outlaw US Empire which has no claim as it’s not a signatory to the Law of the Sea, nor is its territory infringed. It’s very likely the types of resources along and under the Ridge are similar to those found along Russia’s Arctic coastline. This is but one small area of Russia’s Great White North that will be developed over the 21st Century.

Before we get to the discussion, here’s an excellent bilingual site that is filled with info and some excellent video. This page from that site has excellent fundamental information like the 2.5 million people living there (40% of the entire Arctic population) have 5 million square kilometers of land to explore. In 2020, President Putin singed this degree for the establishment of a long-term plan for Arctic Region development. Here’s part of what it says at its beginning:

3. In this Strategy, the concepts of the Arctic and the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (hereinafter referred to as the Arctic zone) are used in the same meanings as in the Fundamentals of State Policy in the Arctic.

4. The features of the Arctic zone, which determine special approaches to its socio-economic development and ensuring national security in the Arctic, are as follows:

(a) Extreme natural and climatic conditions, extremely low population density and the level of development of transport and social infrastructure;

b) the high sensitivity of ecological systems to external influences, especially in the places of residence of the indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation (hereinafter referred to as the "small peoples");

c) climate change, which contributes to the emergence of both new economic opportunities and risks for economic activity and the environment;

d) stable geographical, historical and economic ties with the Northern Sea Route;

e) the unevenness of the industrial and economic development of certain territories of the Arctic zone, the orientation of the economy towards the extraction of natural resources, their export to the industrially developed constituent entities of the Russian Federation and export;

f) the high resource intensity of economic activity and the livelihood of the population, their dependence on the supply of fuel, food and other vital goods from various constituent entities of the Russian Federation;

g) the growth of the conflict potential in the Arctic.

II. Assessment of the state of development of the Arctic zone and the state of national security

5. The importance of the Arctic zone in the socio-economic development of the Russian Federation and ensuring its national security is due to the following:

(a) The Arctic zone produces more than 80 per cent of combustible natural gas and 17 per cent of oil (including gas condensate) in the Russian Federation;

b) the implementation of major economic (investment) projects in the Arctic zone ensures the creation of demand for high-tech and science-intensive products, as well as stimulates the production of such products in various constituent entities of the Russian Federation;

c) the continental shelf of the Russian Federation in the Arctic (hereinafter referred to as the continental shelf), according to experts, contains more than 85.1 trillion cubic meters. cubic meters of combustible natural gas, 17.3 billion tons of oil (including gas condensate) and is a strategic reserve for the development of the mineral resource base of the Russian Federation;

d) the importance of the Northern Sea Route as a transport corridor of global importance used for the transportation of national and international goods will increase as a result of climate change;

e) the probability of occurrence of events with adverse environmental consequences as a result of anthropogenic impact and (or) climate change in the Arctic zone creates global risks for the economic system, the environment and security of the Russian Federation and the world as a whole;

f) 19 small-numbered peoples live in the Arctic zone, and objects of their historical and cultural heritage with historical and cultural value of global importance are located;

g) objects of strategic deterrence forces are located in the Arctic zone in order to prevent aggression against the Russian Federation and its allies.

It continues for about 20 more pages. And now for the meetings Putin held on 11 December in Arkhangelsk first with 7 families who are residents and mortgage holders about what’s working and not working for them prior to the meeting with regional managers “on the development of key settlements in the Arctic zone.” The video reveals the youthfulness of those Putin converses with which is a method he seems to favor more as he delves into the deeper issues facing families and their needs regarding development in the Arctic:

Vladimir Putin: Dear friends, good afternoon! I'm glad to see you.

We are going to have a meeting here in Arkhangelsk today on the socio-economic development of the region and Arctic cities. I understand that here, opposite me, on the screen are just those people, those families who were the first to receive a preferential mortgage intended for the Arctic regions.

Before the meeting with my colleagues, I would like to ask you and hear your opinion about how this tool works, what additional work needs to be done so that it is not burdensome and efficient enough, what is the quality of the housing provided and how the social and transport infrastructure is developed: I mean, how to travel to those places where you are working. where you live and how to get there.

I would like to hear your opinion about the availability of the necessary number of retail outlets, kindergartens, how quickly and how you can get to health care facilities and [about] everything related to ensuring a normal and comfortable life.

Please, who would like and who could say something on this topic? I'm just asking you to help me with the work that is currently ahead of me with colleagues when discussing issues of this kind.

Igor Berdnikov: Mr President, hello!

My wife and I were the first to receive an Arctic Mortgage. This was a big surprise for us. We would like to say that the transaction went through without any delays, and the bank's employees have worked everything out.

We would like to thank you for the fact that in our country there are such state programs as maternity capital, and now the Arctic Mortgage. All this together gave us a chance to buy our own housing.

Vladimir Putin: How was it issued? Without any difficulties? How did the registration process itself take place?

Igor Berdnikov: We came to the branch of VTB Bank in Arkhangelsk. Immediately we were taken to a separate room, and the bank's managers began to approach us. Their responsibilities were distributed among themselves: someone was engaged in electronic signatures, someone was engaged in paper forms of documents. There were no overlays, everything was signed, everything was done quickly enough.

Reply: For about two hours.

Igor Berdnikov: Within two hours, yes.

Vladimir Putin: As for other questions that I just asked: transport accessibility, availability of social infrastructure in the housing that you received?

Igor Berdnikov: Yes. My family and I live in the city of Novodvinsk. The city itself is small. The apartment we purchased is located in the city center, so everything is within walking distance.

As for transport, we, residents of northern cities with more severe climatic conditions, would probably like to see warm stops and enjoy such benefits of civilization.

The second point is the transport itself. It runs quite regularly, but there is such a moment that families with small children with strollers go from Novodvinsk to Arkhangelsk. They need space on the bus to put this very stroller.

At the moment, there are minibuses in which this cannot be done, or rather large buses, but they only have seating, there are no platforms for placing wheelchairs.

Remark: It is very inconvenient to make the last stop from Novodvinsk to Arkhangelsk: the bus passes the most important stop in Arkhangelsk and stops far away, that is, you need to go back to it.

Vladimir Putin: I'll give the governor a hint, and he'll probably react.

If in the center, everything else is clear.

Okay, thanks a lot.

Do you have any ideas, suggestions, and recommendations for your colleagues who organize this work? Is everything okay?

Igor Berdnikov: I'm fine, thank you.

Vladimir Putin: I have heard about transport.

Thank you.

I want to wish you all the best, your family-I see a little girl running there-and the younger generation, too.

Thank you.

Please, anyone else.

Alexander Shilov: Hello, Mr President!

Vladimir Putin: Hello!

A. Shilov: We are a young family. My wife and I have been living together for more than eight years. We have a daughter, Stephanie, who is four years old.

From the moment we got married, we started thinking about housing. Now, at the moment, we still live in rented housing, in a one-room apartment.

Choosing the possibility of obtaining a loan for a new apartment, we decided on the choice of "Arctic mortgage". After discussing everything with my wife, we decided that it is suitable for us, since the interest rate is only 2 percent and the program allows you to purchase secondary housing, and not just a new building. We took out [the mortgage] for a period of 20 years, but since the interest rate is small, we plan to pay it off early. We made the initial payment at the expense of part of the funds paid to my wife under the Zemsky Doctor program. We have purchased a comfortable two-bedroom apartment. Now we have our own nursery for the child.

We would like to thank you for the opportunity to improve your living conditions so quickly through such programs as Arctic Mortgage and Zemsky Doctor.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Did you get a mortgage quickly? No problem?

Alexey Shilov: Yes, we did everything quickly. We were assisted by a local real estate agency and, accordingly, employees of VTB Bank. That is, everything went very quickly and simply for us.

Vladimir Putin: Excellent. Thanks for the information.

About social issues, social infrastructure. Do you have a small child, how is the kindergarten and so on?

A. Shilov: There's nothing wrong with kindergartens.

I would like to focus on the renovation of the House of Culture in the city of Segezha. And the playgrounds could be put in proper shape or put some new ones.

Vladimir Putin: I see. Okay, I'll also talk to the head of the region for sure. Let's hope he responds, and I'll see how it's done. Especially when it comes to playgrounds, it doesn't cost anything at all. I do not know what condition the Recreation Center is in, but you can definitely make playgrounds for children.

Well Thank you very much.

Please, who else?

Tatyana Yandulova: Hello, Vladimir Vladimirovich. We moved to Norilsk seven years ago from the city of Yoshkar-Ola. My husband immediately got a job at the Oktyabrsky mine, I also did not stay at home for a long time, I work as a hairdresser.

Not so long ago, we decided to improve our living conditions and buy an apartment. The mortgage was approved immediately. But while we were processing the documents, we learned about the "Arctic Mortgage" at 2 percent. We decided to wait and see if this program will take effect. And we waited. Hurray!

There is still a lot of work ahead, and a lot of effort needs to be invested. But with your support, Mr President, in our region and in the city of Norilsk, we can do everything.

R. Yandulov: Hello, Vladimir Vladimirovich!

I work at the Oktyabrsky mine on a stable schedule. My wife always has a lot of interesting ideas, which I support in everything. I'm sure she'll do just fine.

Tatyana Yandulova: I would like to wish all residents of the Arctic territory not to miss this opportunity, not to be afraid of anything, and you will succeed.

Vladimir Putin: Of course, 2 percent is a good percentage. How is your air cleaner?

T. Yandulova: It's cleaner. We have been living for seven years, and for seven years everything is fine.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, everything does not happen well, but, as reported, enterprises have begun to invest more in air purification equipment and indeed the overall performance is better than steel.

Tatyana Yandulova: Yes, we also have warm stops.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, there is still a lot of work to be done, but in general, everything is moving in the right direction, so I am very happy. Have a nice day." Good luck. Thank you.

R. Yandulov: Thank you, Mr President.

Vladimir Putin: Please, who else?

Alexander Cherepanov: Good afternoon, Mr President!

Vladimir Putin: Good morning.

Alexey Cherepanov: Under the Arctic Mortgage program, my family and I also took a one-room apartment. We have two children: the little one stayed at home, and the older one is with us. In principle, there were no problems or bureaucratic delays in obtaining a mortgage, everything went quite well. The bank's employees also worked quickly and competently. There are no questions about the registration of the mortgage itself, everything is fine.

We took a one-room apartment, I would like to take a bigger one, but for this I would really like the amount of the mortgage ceiling to be, for example, not 6, but 9 million, so that you can take an apartment larger. The one-room room is still a little cramped for four people.

Vladimir Putin: I agree. This is a specific offer for mortgage loans in the Arctic zone. I think we'll discuss it.

I agree with you, this is the right thing to do: we need to raise this bar, it is too small. You are absolutely right.

Thank you for reminding me of this.

Alexander Cherepanov: Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: I wish you all the best and happiness in your new home.

Please, Murmansk region.

Olga Kurilova: Hello, Mr President!

We are from the city of Monchegorsk, Murmansk region. Olga, Anton and Daniel, our son. First of all, we would like to thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Danya looks very good, super.

Hello, Dan.

Olga Kurilova: I was shy.

Vladimir Putin: It's good.

Olga Kurilova: First of all, we would like to thank you for providing a preferential Arctic mortgage at two percent.

We moved to the Murmansk region just two years ago and lived in a rented apartment in Monchegorsk. Thanks to the Arctic Mortgage, they quickly found a two-room apartment, made out a deal on Friday, and already at the weekend they began to move slowly.

We had an online transaction with a bank manager from Murmansk. Everything went quickly enough, there were no difficulties. Somewhere, probably, in 1.5-2 hours, we actually completed the transaction.

I would like to make some more suggestions.

Vladimir Putin: Please.

O. Kurilova: Our friends have moved – doctors. They also wanted to get an "Arctic Mortgage", but they recently graduated from the institute, received an education, and their work experience does not allow them to get an "Arctic Mortgage" now.

We would like to suggest that the length of service for doctors to apply for an Arctic Mortgage should be reduced – removed.

Vladimir Putin: I agree.

You see, your example shows that in principle this tool, a 2% mortgage, allows people to gain a foothold in the territories where they would like to live, especially here the conditions are quite harsh: here, where I am now, in Arkhangelsk, and you there. And if you have a desire to stay here, of course, this is very good, and it secures people for these territories: we lived in a rented apartment, now we have our own. More people should have this opportunity.

And of course, doctors are the category that we need in such territories. You're right. We will definitely discuss it with our colleagues now, and I think that we will come to this decision. So thank you and all the best in your new place.

So, please. Something else?

Alexander Karpovich: Hello, Mr President.

Vladimir Putin: Good morning.

Alexander Karpovich: My name is Alexandra Karpovich. This is Varvara. We are from the city of Kirovsk.

Vladimir Putin: Varya, hello.

A. Karpovich: Say hello.

We also had a deal on the Arctic Mortgage on the 8th. I would also like to thank you from our family for this opportunity: to take out an Arctic mortgage at 2 percent, to improve your living conditions. We didn't have any problems with the deal either. It was remote, supervised by mortgage managers from Murmansk. We were in the office in Apatity, everything was fine. The only thing is that my friend's husband is a member of the SVO, and they also wanted to buy an apartment using the "Arctic Mortgage" at 2 percent, but they do not fall by age. They would very much like to have, perhaps, some separate category for the participants of the SVO, where they could use such a program without age restrictions.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much for mentioning this. This is generally a sacred thing. We help the guys in many areas. I think this is just a technical omission. I can tell you right away that we will do it. Exactly perfect.

Alexander Karpovich: Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: So thank you for paying attention to this.

So, someone else?

A. Pirogova: Hello.

Vladimir Putin: Please.

A. Pirogova: I have such a question. We have a lot of friends and relatives working at defense enterprises in Severodvinsk, but, unfortunately, not all of them are old enough to get an Arctic mortgage.

Question: Mr President, could you lift the age restrictions for employees of defense enterprises and their families?

Vladimir Putin: As for employees of defense enterprises, we should generally assign people to those enterprises, those jobs where they work. In general, this is always important for solving very acute problems that the state faces in order to increase its defense capability. And as for the northern regions, all the more so. So now we will discuss it with our colleagues, and I think we will come to this decision. You are absolutely right.

A. Pirogova: Thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you for drawing my attention to this.

Please, someone else? All.

I want to wish all of you happiness in your new homes, new apartments and all the best to you, your children. And additions to the family, of course, in families.

Happy New Year to you. Good luck. Thank you very much for your suggestions and tips. Thank you.

Goodbye.

Here’s an interesting factoid from 2016:

About half of Russians believe that the majority of people living beyond the Arctic Circle would like to permanently relocate to another Russian region. The poll was conducted by the Business Council of the State Commission for Arctic Development. The survey was intended to identify how most Russian residents see the Arctic regions. The report was published on the council's website.

According to the poll, 44% of Russians think that the majority of people beyond the Arctic Circle would like to relocate. Meanwhile, two-thirds of the respondents actually living in or near the Arctic do not want to move.

Perceptions can be deceiving. And now for the video meeting with Arctic region government members and Alexei Likhachev, Rosatom’s CEO who has managerial reign over the Northern Sea Route and Russia’s massive icebreaker fleet:

Vladimir Putin: Dear colleagues, good afternoon!

Today we will discuss the development of the Arctic. First of all, we will focus on the quality of people's lives, the current appearance and future of our northern cities and towns – both new ones founded in the twentieth century and cities with a long history. All of them, of course, are symbols, the embodiment of a huge will, a colossal role, one might say, of audacity, labor, courage of many generations of our ancestors and our contemporaries, of course, too, who mastered and are still mastering the North. Today, millions of people live here, work, create families, raise children and make a huge contribution to the development of the entire country.

As you know, during the Eastern Economic Forum in September, we completed the review of master plans for cities and localities in the Russian Far East. In total, we analyzed the social and economic development programs of 22 cities and outlined concrete steps. These projects are already being implemented.

The experience gained should form the basis for the development of similar projects for our other territories, and above all for the Arctic zone of Russia, which, as I have already said more than once, is of special, strategic importance for us. I would like to emphasize once again that this is a region with enormous economic opportunities. We largely associate it with strengthening our country's energy potential, expanding logistics capabilities, and ensuring national security and defense. Therefore, further comprehensive development and development of these territories is an indisputable priority for us.

We have already spoken with the Government, and the Government has been instructed to determine a list of key cities in the Russian Arctic for which a corresponding program and development plans should be prepared. It includes 16 localities and large agglomerations. Today we will discuss this list in detail.

At the same time, I would like to note that the master plan has already been approved for such an Arctic city as, say, Anadyr, which is part of the Far Eastern Federal District. I repeat, the approaches that were used for its preparation, as well as in the preparation of master plans for other Far Eastern cities, can become a good basis for future work.

It is important that the master plan is based on a realistic economic model of the city's development, based on which you should make spatial decisions, plan the creation of the necessary infrastructure and housing.

Major investment projects are actively developing in the Arctic zone of Russia, such as the NOVATEK Center for the Construction of Large-capacity Offshore Structures, where unique plants for the production of liquefied natural gas are assembled.

In addition to such large–scale industrial, energy and other projects of this kind, our task is to lay the foundation for the development of the service economy in the city, to form the basis for strong small and medium-sized businesses, so that the economy of cities is diversified, so that people have a choice in the labor market, and wide opportunities for self-realization. This is important in order to avoid the problems that arose at the time, which we have not yet solved in the complex-I mean the problems of single-industry towns, where everything was tied to only one enterprise, and all life was created around this enterprise at the time [Mostly Soviet legacy].

And, of course, for citizens who are employed in such an urban economy, it is necessary to create a favorable urban environment and modern housing.

The Arctic zone of Russia is almost a third of the territory of our country. Nine regions of the Russian Federation are fully or partially located here, and about 2.5 – well, 2.4, a little more – a million people live here.

And I repeat: our main task is to achieve a noticeable improvement in the quality of people's lives. This means that it is necessary to increase the efficiency of regional health care, education, transport and housing and communal services, create conditions for the influx of additional investment, the growth of tourism, and the creation of skilled jobs. All this is the key to increasing the population of the Arctic territories.

It should be noted that work is already underway in each of these areas within the framework of national projects and a number of federal and regional programs. I also ask you to take this into account and avoid duplication of existing events and master plans being prepared. On the contrary, it is important to ensure that they effectively complement and reinforce each other.

I note that due to the measures already implemented in the Arctic cities, it was possible to achieve an increase in the volume of housing commissioning. Last year, this figure increased by 36 percent.

At the same time, by analogy with the Far Eastern one, we have also launched a preferential "Arctic Mortgage" at two percent per annum, which will allow and allows us to purchase housing on more favorable and attractive terms for people. [Compare that rate with the current central bank rate of 16%]

I have just spoken to citizens, also via video link, who were among the first to use this mechanism. Among them, I saw on the screen, first of all, of course, young people, young families, and, as I understand it, different professions. And this tool, a two-percent mortgage, of course, is in demand for everyone. They also had some ideas and suggestions, and I'll tell you more about this later, but first I'd like to listen to you.

Now I would like to emphasize that in the Arctic cities, due to the arrival of investors who see good business prospects here, the labor market is growing, and people's incomes are also growing. But of course, there are still many problems and unresolved issues.

Mass development of many Arctic cities was carried out quite a long time ago, and now most of them need not just a point-by-point, but a named comprehensive modernization, updating of residential, social, sports, cultural facilities, roads, engineering communications, and creating a comfortable urban environment based on modern urban planning standards.

One of the key priorities here is the resettlement of dilapidated housing and the modernization of the housing and utilities system. The Governor [of the Arkhangelsk region Alexander Tsybulsky] and I said, unfortunately, I, to be honest, somehow missed: it turns out that there are some buildings here in Arkhangelsk that, as he said, actually lie on their sides, but for some reason they didn't get there… Well, why-it is clear, because until January 1, 2017, all our emergency housing was built in order to solve problems. And they didn't fall into that category. I will ask Marat Shakirzyanovich [Khusnullin], and, accordingly, the Minister of Construction [and Housing and Communal Services Irek Fayzullin] to definitely pay attention pay attention to this, and as a priority task, you need to solve it. In general, it is necessary to increase the rate of resettlement of dilapidated housing, and more actively provide citizens with decent housing conditions. [This is an older article from 2015 that documents what it was like before this major push by Putin to improve Russian’s wellbeing.]

I would like to emphasize once again that the choice of building materials and technologies for the construction of residential buildings, industrial and public facilities should be taken into account, of course, taking into account the harsh climate of these places, with special attention, and even at the design stage of capital structures, take into account data on the increase in global temperature and permafrost melting, avoid the risk of damage to buildings built on such thawed or melting, shaky ground.

And of course, all construction projects must meet strict environmental requirements and ensure the preservation of the unique, rich nature of the Arctic.

Among the most important, systemic tasks is the development of tourism, which has a huge potential in the Arctic zone. To do this, it is necessary to improve the hospitality industry, offer interesting tourist routes and services, and, as I have already said, develop the cities and towns themselves as a whole.

Today we will discuss other areas of forming the economic base of cities and localities in the Arctic.

Let's start working. The floor is given to Alexey Olegovich Chekunkov, Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic.

Please, Alexey Olegovich.

A. : Vladimir Vladimirovich, the Government of the Russian Federation continues to work on improving the quality of people's lives and developing the economy in the Russian Arctic. The world's largest preferential economic zone with an area of five million square kilometers has been created throughout the entire territory of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation. Over the past three years, 775 investment projects have been launched here, with a planned investment volume of almost two trillion rubles. In fact, more than $ 480 billion has already been invested, and 14,000 new jobs have been created.

In the Arctic, social programs are being implemented to support people, which have proven themselves in the Far East. Vladimir Vladimirovich, you have just met with the first recipients of the Arctic Mortgage. During the first two days of the program, 20 banks received six thousand applications. 122 loans worth 514 million rubles have already been issued. We will develop the program and add regional support measures to the federal ones in order to encourage the construction of new housing and at the same time prevent a sharp increase in apartment prices.

Also, 5,5 thousand people received free land plots under the "Hectare in the Arctic" program. 65 percent of people use them to build their own homes, and about 20 percent use them to run their own businesses.

Since 2022, a program of support for indigenous and small-numbered peoples of the North has been implemented. Within the framework of the project "Children of the Arctic" in 2022-2023, 18 thousand children from the Arctic regions rested in the southern and Far Eastern resorts.

The most important systematic work is the implementation of the unified plan for the development of the Northern Sea Route until 2035, which was adopted on your instructions. The volume of cargo traffic on the NSR increased from one million tons in 2012 to 34 million in 2022. This year, we expect a new record of 36 million tons. At full capacity, the new enterprises being created along the NSR route will generate a cargo flow of more than 200 million tons per year and generate significant additional revenues for the budget. According to Vostokgosplan's calculations, tax revenues from new projects will total 21 trillion rubles by 2035.

On the fourth of August, the Federal Law on Northern Importation, developed on your instructions, was adopted, which will make the delivery of goods to the North faster and more reliable, increase the range and curb price increases.

These large-scale tasks are being implemented by people who live, work and serve in the Arctic. With a territory of 28 percent of Russia, the population of the Arctic zone is less than two percent of the total Russian population – two million 370 thousand people, 86 percent of them live in polar cities. It is fair to say that these are cities with some of the harshest natural conditions that exist on earth. Infrastructure and housing stock were built in the middle of the last century and need to be updated.

Following your instructions following your visit to the Murmansk Region, the Government of the Russian Federation has identified a list of key Arctic localities that play a key role in the development of the economy, security and logistics of the Northern Sea Route.

Approaches to forming the list have been worked out with all Arctic regions, including within the framework of the State Council's working group on Arctic development, formed on your instructions by the Governor of the Murmansk Region.

Key decisions on implementing investment projects, developing the Northern Sea Route, and improving the quality of life of people in the Arctic are considered by the State Commission for Arctic Development under the leadership of Yuri Petrovich Trutnev.

I would also like to thank Maxim Stanislavovich Oreshkin for his deep immersion in the master plans.

So, the list of supporting Arctic localities includes 16 agglomerations. These are cities and towns that collectively have more than 1.6 million inhabitants.

In the Murmansk Region, these are the Murmansk, Kirov-Apatity and Monchegorsk agglomerations. Accordingly, it is the largest transport hub of the Northern Sea Route, where all the world's nuclear-powered icebreakers are registered. The headquarters of the Northern Fleet, which provides defense security for more than 20 thousand kilometers of coastline in nine time zones. It is the center of mineral fertilizer production and the largest metallurgical cluster. A unique project has been implemented here, which you mentioned in your opening speech, Mr President. And this project is yet another example of Russia being the first in the Arctic to apply bold approaches that have no analogues in the world – as a Center for the construction of large-capacity structures in Murmansk, as the ice-resistant berth Varandey and the Prirazlomnaya platform, floating LNG plants, the floating nuclear power plant Akademik Lomonosov, the sulfur project "Norilsk Nickel and many others.

In Karelia, the Kemsko-Belomorskaya agglomeration is a transport and tourist center. The White Sea-Baltic Canal passes through here, one of the largest molybdenum deposits in Russia has been discovered, and the world-famous White Sea petroglyphs are located there.

The Arkhangelsk agglomeration is the largest in the Arctic by population, including Arkhangelsk, Novodvinsk and Severodvinsk, a transport and industrial center with a strong shipbuilding industry, a developed forestry, pulp and paper industry.

We are designing a new campus for the largest university in the Arctic, which will allow Arkhangelsk to become a world-class center of Arctic education and science.

The Naryan-Mar agglomeration provides a key section of the Northern Sea Route from the Barents Sea to the Kara Sea with a length of 1.5 thousand kilometers, as well as major oil production projects, including Varandey and Prirazlomnaya .

There are three agglomerations in Yamal: These are Novy Urengoy – the gas capital of Russia, the Salekhard-Labytnangi agglomeration – a logistics hub and a new pole for the development of Arctic tourism, and Noyabrsk – a large Arctic city with a population of more than 100 thousand people, the center of the oil and gas industry, where new technologies for extracting hard-to-recover reserves are being tested.

In Komi, the Vorkuta agglomeration is a city of labor valor, the largest coking coal producer in the Arctic and today one of the single-industry towns that requires new approaches in order to meet the requirements of the time.

In Taimyr, the Norilsk-Dudinka agglomeration is a world-class non-ferrous metallurgy center that provides the bulk of Russian nickel, platinum, palladium, and cobalt production, as well as significant amounts of copper and silver. Starting in 2021, Norilsk is implementing a renovation program that can serve as a model for the development plans of all Arctic cities in many aspects, including from the point of view of public-private partnership, when the city-forming enterprise, in this case Norilsk Nickel, provides two-thirds of the total investment in a comprehensive development plan.

We also gain valuable experience in working with permafrost soils in terms of solutions used in the renovation of Norilsk. And, of course, the experience of creating 109 warm stops, which were mentioned by the recipients of the Arctic Mortgage, deserves attention. We will certainly extend this experience to the entire Arctic zone.

Igarka is an important mineral resource center that ensures the development of Vankor, a transport hub for the northern delivery and one of the first ports from which the development of the Northern Sea Route began.

Dikson, Tiksi and Pevek agglomeration are major international seaports. Pevek also provides major gold mining projects and served as the prototype of the village of geologists from Oleg Kuvaev's novel "Territory". And the capital of Chukotka, Anadyr, is the easternmost city in Russia. The master plan has already been defended as part of the work on the Far East.

These supporting agglomerations also play an important role in ensuring the defense and security of our country in the Arctic. Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, on your instructions, the Federal Law on the Budget for 2024-2026 includes 30 billion rubles for major repairs and the creation of new infrastructure in closed administrative-territorial formations and localities with the deployment of military formations. A program for the development of such settlements will be adopted by the Government in the near future and will improve living conditions for 17,000 servicemen and their families.

What do we do next? Together with all Arctic regions and development institutions-VEB.RUSSIAN FEDERATION, HOUSE.Together with large businesses operating in the Arctic, we are starting to create master plans for these agglomerations. Just as we did in the Far East, we analyze the structure of the economy, employment, and spatial organization. When determining priorities, first of all, we will rely on the opinion of the residents themselves. In accordance with your instructions, master plans for all 16 agglomerations will be prepared by July 1, 2024.

An important part of this work will be to replicate best practices. As part of the preparation of master plans, we will create a register of best practices for organizing life in the North and use them everywhere in the development of northern settlements. Decisions such as standards for housing construction in the Arctic, Arctic medicine, education, rescue, urban lighting, transport, and others will be taken into account when preparing all master plans.

And, of course, as you said, Vladimir Vladimirovich, we will pay special attention to increasing the role of service in the economy of Arctic cities.

Recently, the Federation Council commissioned a sociological survey on travelers ' satisfaction with Arctic tourism, and travel to the North showed the highest percentage: 97 percent of people were highly satisfied with traveling to the Arctic regions.

Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, now a new economy is being created in the Arctic, along the Northern Sea Route, comparable in importance to the development of Western Siberia, Yamal and Taimyr in Soviet times. But then they mostly worked in the most difficult living conditions, often at the risk of their lives.

Now our work is aimed at creating conditions in the Arctic in which people can live with dignity in the North, enjoy all the benefits of civilization, despite the polar night and permafrost.

We thank you for your constant attention to the development of the Arctic.

The report is over.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

Colleagues, I would now like to give the floor to the heads of regions who are somehow affected by the issues raised. I just want to ask you not to tell us about all the problems of the regions, but about those for which we have gathered – briefly, clearly, so that it is clear. Would love to hear your ideas. Okay, do we have a deal?

Please start with Alexander Vitalievich Tsybulsky, Arkhangelsk region.

A. Tsybulsky : Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,

Dear colleagues!

Very briefly, three main theses. First – we are actively involved in the preparation of master plans. We consider this area extremely promising, but everything that has been said today, of course, should first of all be aimed at people, at preserving and securing young people and specialists in the Arctic territories.

In this regard, as I am the first speaker, I will take the liberty to express my gratitude to you from all the Arctic regions for introducing the "Arctic Mortgage" mechanism, which we have been waiting for a long time. If you take the Arkhangelsk region, just in the first week, more than 600 applications for approval of this mortgage were submitted.

Despite the fact that this tool has just started working, I would already dare to make a suggestion about a certain adjustment.

"Arctic mortgage" is a tool that should be aimed at developing the economy. As a suggestion, I would like to suggest that we should enable the constituent entities of the Russian Federation to determine two or three additional categories of recipients of this preferential mortgage based on the real needs of the regional economy. For example, for the Arkhangelsk region, it could be employees of enterprises of the military-industrial complex and scientists. I assume that our agglomeration, as Alexey Olegovich [Chekunkov] said, is based on three main areas of development: science, shipbuilding and ship repair, transport and logistics center.

On science. We need scientists who will use the infrastructure that has already been created and is being created. This, let me remind you, is the Northern (Arctic) Federal University, the current Scientific and Educational interregional Center, the Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Studies, which is under construction and will appear in 2027, and the Arctic Star interuniversity campus.

Shipbuilding, ship repair. Today you visited our company and saw that highly qualified specialists work there. Nevertheless, there is a shortage of personnel, and it could also be closed through this mechanism.

By transport and logistics center. Arkhangelsk is the oldest port in Russia with a 400-year history. Once it was the main and only port. Today, of course, we have lost some of these competencies, but nevertheless we are actively working to restore them.

Today, for the development of the Northern Sea Route and for reaching a cargo turnover of more than 200 million tons by 2035, we have a shortage of deep-water areas in the waters of the Northern Sea Route and is recorded by all experts. Here, among other things, Arkhangelsk could become an important point for the development of the Northern Sea Route. We have developed a project for the development of the Arkhangelsk transport hub. In September, the Government of the Russian Federation issued an order approving a comprehensive plan for the development of the Arkhangelsk transport hub until 2035. It also involves the construction of a new deep-water area of the Arkhangelsk port. We are actively discussing this issue with the state corporation Rosatom, which, of course, we see here as a strategic partner, and the company's management expresses preliminary interest.

In this regard, I would ask, perhaps, following our meeting today, Vladimir Vladimirovich, to instruct the Government of Russia, the government of the Arkhangelsk Region, and Rosatom State Corporation to work out the development of the Arkhangelsk transport hub and include the project for the construction of the deep-water port of Arkhangelsk in the Northern Sea Route development plan until 2035 as a higher-level strategic document level.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Artur Olegovich Parfenchikov, please.

By the way, I have just talked to citizens, talked about playgrounds and so on, who gets this mortgage. I think that this applies not only to citizens who live or start living in houses that are purchased with a mortgage in the near future, but also in general.

I know that you are doing a lot in this area, including creating sports grounds, I have even seen equipment there in my time, and so on, but nevertheless I would like to draw your attention to this. Then call us separately and tell us, please, what you plan to do in this regard in addition.

Please, Artur Olegovich.

A. : Good afternoon, dear Vladimir Vladimirovich!

Dear colleagues!

Your assignment is accepted. We will develop it, although in the city of Segezha we made a very good park with playgrounds under the federal program last year. I understand that there are not many sites, so let's see what else can be done in Segezha, because the city is an important, industrial city and also belongs to the Arctic Zone of the Republic of Karelia. This is the southernmost, in fact, part of our Arctic zone, with good economic preferences. We are currently working together with the Murmansk Region to develop gasification of these areas in Karelia, and we are designing a gas pipeline together with NOVATEK. I think this will also give a serious boost to Segezha and, of course, the Kemsko-Belomorskaya agglomeration.

I would probably like to draw your attention here, as you have already mentioned. Of course, a very serious problem for the entire Arctic, and for the Karelian region as well, is the issue of settling dilapidated housing. We have already completed the resettlement phase ahead of schedule, two years ahead of schedule, until 2017. This is 160 thousand square meters. Indeed, until 2017, municipalities, let's say, were rather cautious about the procedures for recognizing housing as an emergency, because they were afraid to be left alone with this problem later. Now, after 2017, the situation has changed dramatically. We have only in the Arctic zone after 2017 recognized emergency 250 thousand square meters of emergency housing. This is a task of colossal complexity and importance, and this is the first thing that our citizens pay attention to today.

Of course, the program that has now been adopted also includes the Arctic Hectare project, which is quite active in Karelia. 1,700 land plots have already been transferred, of which 50 percent are just individual housing construction. Therefore, "Arctic hectare" will also help to seriously solve the problem of housing provision.

And of course, the Arctic Mortgage. We have already accepted more than 100 applications across the country. I think that this program will be expanded. And indeed, I support my colleague's suggestion. Of course, we need to look at the possibility of some separate categories for each region. It is clear that you have already said in your speech that these may include certain social categories, members of the Free Economic Association, and so on, but perhaps there are certain positions to be taken in the economic sphere as well.

As for our agglomeration, Kemsko-Belomorskaya, it is clear that this is a serious transport hub, it is a historical transport hub. The city of Kem is an outpost, probably still Old Russian in the Arctic zone, it is the alignment of the White Sea-Baltic Canal. And we have now submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Transport to consider the expansion. Yes, of course, there is the Arkhangelsk transport hub, but we propose to expand the development of the transport system to the entire White Sea basin, including the old Soviet ports of Kem and Belomorsk, and, of course, the White Sea-Baltic Canal itself, which, in fact, is a link between the Northern Sea Route and the Volga-Baltic direction. Of course, it is difficult to overestimate the importance of these areas today.

We are also working on behalf of the Ministry of Transport and hope to include all this in our concept (we are working on agglomeration together with VEB).

So many thanks for the assignment on agglomerations. I think that here we will work together with the Ministry of Arctic Affairs.

And of course, tourism. You talk about it a lot, and quite correctly. The Minister has just noted that the Kemsko-Belomorskaya agglomeration is, in fact, one of the centers for the development of Arctic tourism. First, this is the story: this is a unique Pomeranian culture, these are White Sea petroglyphs. This, by the way, is the last UNESCO site that was adopted in the Russian Federation. Three years ago, we defended this position, and the White Sea petroglyphs received this status. This is the exit to Solovki. According to your decree, the Kemsko-Belomorskaya agglomeration is part of the development territory of the entire Solovetsky Archipelago. We are actively working with the Government Commission headed by Dmitry Nikolaevich Chernyshenko.

We will develop it. I think we will also focus on the issues that I have drawn your attention to, together with our colleagues from the federal Government.

Thank you.

The report is over.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much, Artur Olegovich.

Colleagues, since we have not one or two governors, but many more, I ask, most importantly, for any additional suggestions or comments on the topic. Specifically, so that it is clear, understandable and could form the basis for decisions taken today.

Please, Uiba Vladimir Viktorovich.

V. Uiba : Good afternoon, dear Vladimir Vladimirovich!

Dear colleagues!

I would like to sincerely thank you for the great attention that is being paid to the development of the Arctic territories today. Of course, the adoption of the Federal Law on State Support in 2020 and the introduction of a single Arctic subsidy in 2022 played a significant role, so we were able to restore order in the Arctic territories, and, of course, the decision to extend the terms of preferential Far Eastern mortgages to the Arctic in 2023.

Like you said, one, two, three. Today, special attention is paid to the strongholds of the Arctic zone. Since this year, Vorkuta has been included in the list of reference cities. And taking into account what you said, we planned to launch the master plan in April 2024. But taking into account what you said about Anadyr, we will now correct it, because it is clear that the master plan has been adopted, and maybe some things will go ahead. Nevertheless, in Vorkuta with the change of the city-forming enterprise – now Trotsenko's company AEON-of course, we have just made a huge progress in adopting the master plan.

And the following. We have a question of resettling people from the Arctic and the North – first of all, Vorkuta and Inta – who have been waiting for resettlement since the early 2000s. Today it is 17 thousand families. If we move at the rate we are doing today, it will take 100 years. Of course, people are not happy about this at all. And of these 17 thousand, 9 thousand are disabled people and pensioners. We have a huge request (and I think this is true for many territories, Mr Putin) to set up a program for the rapid resettlement of residents of the Far North.

Returning to Vorkuta, just two words too. I said that today we have completely revised the approach to the master plan, but the two tasks that you have already given new deadlines for three times, Mr President, are the program for the socio – economic development of the republic-the Usinsky water pipeline there and the Vorkuta airport. Taking into account your recent instructions, I would like to ask you to complete this task by the end of the year, so that we can enter the new year with a social and economic development program.

This is the way we go through the houses that, as you said, have fallen on their sides [Permafrost undermining foundations]. Indeed, homes are aging faster than the relocation program. And in just two years, we have taken a billion dollars out of our own income and are moving people forward so that, God forbid, a disaster does not happen and the house does not collapse. In other words, we will boost this program at our own expense. But here, of course, you can't do without the help of the federal center. Although, I repeat, in two years we have invested an additional billion dollars in order to simply move people out of such houses that are falling on their sides.

These are all the main proposals, Mr Putin. If you support us, we will, of course, be very grateful.

Thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you. Thank you for paying attention to all of this.

Colleagues, I would like to remind you once again that the topic of our meeting today is the development of key settlements in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. This is what I ask you to pay attention to when you continue to speak. Okay? There are a lot of problems, a lot of them, and everything needs to be solved, this is natural. The topic is like this, you all know about it.

Nikolaev Aisen Sergeevich. You are welcome.

A. Nikolaev : Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, good afternoon!

The Tiksi-Naiba agglomeration has fallen into the strongholds of the Arctic zone. You were in Tiksi in 2010, and you know this territory. In our country, it is connected both with the provision of the Northern Sea Route, as a strong point for emergency rescue operations, and with ensuring the country's defense capability.

As part of the development of agglomerations, we plan to build and reconstruct a number of social facilities to accommodate military personnel and their families: hospitals, schools, sewage treatment plants, residential buildings for military personnel and their families, as well as for those who will work at the emergency rescue center. Here we have an understanding. We will make a master plan with DOM.RF. I already spoke with Vitaly Mutko the other day. There will be financing on a parity basis.

Then follow Tiksi. Vladimir Vladimirovich, taking into account the special development of science here, the scientific and space test site, Roscosmos plans to open a spacecraft observation point here, and in general, from the point of view of the development of the scientific and educational center "North: Territory of Sustainable Development", we plan to strengthen work on scientific support for the study of the Arctic.

Of course, the development of the Naiba deep-water port, which is located near Tiksi, is very important for us. We plan that the seaport will consist of three parts. The first part is cruise ships that already reach Tiksi via the Lena River. The second direction is a cargo base. The third direction is the deep-water port of Naiba, which we plan to build somewhere by 2030-2032 with the planned cargo base due to the development of investment projects in the Arctic and Yakutia up to 15 million tons annually. We are developing projects there, including building a road from Naiba to Ust-Kuiga, where Rosatom is building a low-power nuclear power plant for the development of the huge Kyuchus cluster. There, Mr Putin, is gold, rare earth, tin, and a number of other minerals, including those necessary for the country's defense capability. That's why this project is huge.

The development of Tiksi as a stronghold will help raise the entire vast territory of a part of our Yakut Arctic to another level, and, of course, the quality of life of people will be completely different.

Thank you so much for your support.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Mikhail Mikhailovich Kotyukov, please, Krasnoyarsk Territory.

Mikhail Kotyukov : Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,

Dear colleagues!

In the Krasnoyarsk Territory, four localities are now included in the list: Norilsk, Dudinka, Igarka and Dikson.

Vladimir Vladimirovich, in accordance with your instructions for Norilsk, the master plan and comprehensive city modernization plan have been implemented for two consecutive years. Changes in the city are evident. The modernization of key and city-forming enterprises is seriously underway, the infrastructure of Norilsk is changing, and today these changes are already visible to the naked eye.

Norilsk is becoming an attractive city for resettlement from other regions of the country. There are already such examples: young families choose Norilsk for their own life, and, of course, the "Arctic Mortgage", launched now, will only strengthen such plans.

What I think is fundamentally important for the development of master plans and such comprehensive plans for the future is the mandatory participation of key city-forming enterprises in them. At the same time, this participation is both organizational and, of course, financial. Using the example of Norilsk, I can say that 68 percent of all costs included in the plan are borne by businesses, and in fact it determines what the city will be like in order for people to come to this city and want to stay in this city.

Such approaches should be applied to all comprehensive plans, so that the economy actually determines the necessary level of development and requirements, and we can work out the relevant infrastructure, social sphere, and housing renovation issues together. And of course, in the North, environmental issues are fundamentally important.

We have now started developing the remaining three master plans. Taking into account the accumulated experience and, I am sure, the interest of our industrial partners and investors, we will develop these plans in a timely manner.

Thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you for your information and suggestions

Chibis Andrey Vladimirovich, Murmansk region.

A. , good afternoon!

First of all, I would like to thank you for the concrete decisions that were taken as a result of your visit, and both the Government and the Administration for the fact that these decisions are already being implemented.

We have already started working on the master plans, and we will complete them in due time.

I would like to draw your attention to a few things that concern our region – I am sure that other subjects as well-just as part of the work on master plans.

The first story is the cost per square meter, on the basis of which the limits for settling emergency housing are allocated, and on which the working tool for a mortgage depends, among other things. Now it is defined in the region of 95 thousand rubles. It is established that it is quite obvious that the cost of construction, due to logistical constraints, is higher. We have already made the relevant calculations and discussed them, but here we would like to ask our colleagues to review them again and make a decision on increasing the cost per square meter.

I would like to say once again that this would also help in terms of mortgages-the allocation of mortgage loans, and it would help to increase funding for the resettlement of dilapidated housing. This is just about the problem that you mentioned, Mr Putin, that many houses in the Arctic require relocation and additional funding.

The second issue that is important for us, and we already understand this as part of the work on the master plans, is of course the promotion of housing construction, including its state support.

We are starting two such projects for two houses – rental houses. Thanks to the decision of the State Commission for the Arctic, the support of the Ministry of the Far East and the Arctic, but taking into account the projects that we are currently implementing, everything that concerns rental houses, homes for young professionals, taking into account the need for these young specialists, we need such systematic support. As part of our work on the master plan, we will also give you a specific set of suggestions based on your experience.

The third issue is a systemic one, concerning the major repairs of those houses that have been built, especially panel houses. It is quite obvious that we will have to make some additional systematic decision on the major repairs of these houses, as well as on the preservation and extension of their service life, as part of our work with Arctic cities. These resources will not be sufficient under the current capital repair fund program.

And one more topic that I wanted to raise. We are working on preparing an educational campus project. Given that we are now actively developing our Arctic university, we would also like to ask you to support us in terms of developing and establishing such a campus. Why? Because people need to be retained, people need to be attracted so that they receive education here, adapted to the climate that exists, and precisely in those specialties, in those professions that are needed today in the framework of the economic development of the Russian Arctic and those unique projects that you mentioned and the Minister reflected in his report.

And a final question, if I may. Again, we see a growing flow of people who come to visit us, including those who come to new jobs. We have started private investors, one has started preparing the construction of a new airport complex in Murmansk, the second airport in Apatity is a center of tourist activity, and we also have a private investor who is ready to do this. But I would like to give instructions to work out the issue of upgrading the runways, which need to be developed and brought into line.

Once again, I want to say a huge thank you for supporting what we are discussing today. The tasks that you have given us are executed very dynamically and quickly.

Thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Yes, everything is important. The cost per square meter is, of course, a specific question, and it cannot be pretended that it does not exist. This is absolutely accurate.

Bezdudny Yuri Vasilyevich, Nenets Autonomous Okrug, please.

Yu.Bezdudny : Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,

Thank you very much for the revolutionary decision that was made on the Arctic Mortgage. For us, it is truly revolutionary. The city of Naryan-Mar has become a strong point, and today it is dynamically developing, social facilities are being built. We are moving out of the emergency housing stock ahead of schedule, and the appearance of the city is really changing. And it is no coincidence that Naryan-Mar is such a pearl of the Arctic today, even if it is small, there are not so many residents in the area, but the city is elegant and beautiful, especially during the polar night. Therefore, tourists began to come to us.

As for the questions that my colleague Andrey Chibis has just raised. We have the same situation, Vladimir Vladimirovich – 83 thousand square meters at a real cost of 120 and above. It is clear that we are still doing this relocation, and we are doing it at a faster pace, but this problem exists today.

I would also like to say that we are implementing a regional program in rural localities in order to support people in building housing. We call it "30 by 70", when a family receives 70 percent of the construction of a residential building from the regional budget. This is a serious program that helps to secure people in rural areas.

Vladimir Vladimirovich, if I may, I will return with another proposal to the Arctic Mortgage. The decision on the "Arctic Mortgage", of course, fixes personnel in the Arctic zone, and we have the most severe zone. But it cannot attract personnel, because in order to get an "Arctic Mortgage", you need to work in the Arctic zone for five years.

Of course, it would be a breakthrough if we were able to extend this mortgage to visiting people, to young professionals, and today we are acutely aware of the shortage of teachers and doctors, especially doctors of narrow specialties.

Vladimir Vladimirovich, if such a solution could supplement the Arctic Mortgage, it would really help attract young specialists – doctors and teachers-to our strongholds.

Thank you very much. I finished my report.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Kuznetsov Vladislav Garievich, Chukotka.

Vladimir : Good afternoon, Vladimir Vladimirovich!

Good afternoon, dear colleagues!

Mr President, I would like to thank you for your attention to the region.

We have two localities included in the master plans, the main localities of the Arctic zone-Anadyr and Pevek.

As you said, a master plan has been approved for Anadyr, and we are actively working on it. Indeed, this is a very serious step for us in terms of regional development, because almost half of our population lives in the Anadyr agglomeration. The master plan includes the development of both social facilities and infrastructure, including sewage treatment plants, which are extremely important for us, and the provision of vegetables, which is also extremely important for our region.

We are now actively working on Pevek's master plan. This is also an important locality for us, because it is our main port, it is actually the gateway to the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. Most of the minerals are extracted in this zone. And here, Mr President, I would like to say that there are several issues that I am sure will be supported.

One of the issues is the availability of the Internet. You have already paid attention to this issue when we defended the plan of the Anadyr agglomeration. In the Pevek area, this is also an extremely important issue, because it takes people's lives to a completely different level and is also a big part of a number of production processes.

Also, within the Pevek agglomeration, an important issue is air traffic, because it is quite difficult to get to this zone by another route, for example, from Anadyr. We have recently reconstructed the runway, but we have a very difficult situation with the terminal itself, which will not allow us to operate the airport properly.

Mr President, I would also like to ask for your support here.

Thank you very much. The report is over.

Vladimir Putin: Well Thank you very much.

Dmitry Artyukhov, please, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

: Good evening, dear Vladimir Vladimirovich!

Dear colleagues!

Thank you for your attention to Arctic issues. We also participated in the preparation of master plans for our three cities: the Salekhard agglomeration, Noyabrsk, and Novy Urengoy. We are working particularly hard on the latter, because, Mr President, by your order, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of our gas capital in 2025. This is, of course, a very big event for us. I would like to thank the managers of all our key companies: Gazprom, NOVATEK, Transneft, and Rosneft. All managers are personally involved in the preparation for the anniversary. I am sure that we will also make a big step forward in the social sphere, including new educational and healthcare institutions. Indeed, our gas capital will change significantly.

The master plans focus on the development of transport infrastructure. You will remember that in February of this year, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of civil aviation, we launched a new terminal in Novy Urengoy – a great experience, the first concession in the country. We built a new airport and lane. This is all without budget money.

Just two weeks ago, the competition also ended for a concession in Salekhard. We extend our PPP experience to our next Arctic support center. I am sure that in 2027 we will open a new terminal here in Salekhard.

We are moving systematically under the Northern Latitudinal Route project, which is the most important project for the development of our main cities. We are currently working with the Government. All its main elements received a positive conclusion from Glavgosekpertiza. We are moving to move on to practical implementation.

A separate question on the development of tourism, as you emphasized. We are planning a Snezhinka Arctic station in the Salekhard agglomeration in cooperation with the Moscow Physics and Technology Institute, our key national university, to test new technologies and Arctic science. The design has also been completed. We received a positive opinion. We hope that when we are included in the master plan, we will get a strong scientific center in the Arctic.

As a practical suggestion, Mr President, I agree with what my colleagues have said about improving the Arctic Mortgage mechanism. Alexey Olegovich [Chekunkov] also spoke about this at the beginning. We cannot now supplement the Arctic Mortgage with our regional support measures. All together: a change in the price, somewhere it just needs to be increased, a revision of the approach, plus regional support measures-this will certainly give even greater coverage to our residents by this mechanism.

Of course, 2 percent in our time is a huge help for improving housing conditions. The Northerners are very much waiting for this.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

Now I would like to listen to my colleagues from the Government. Reshetnikov, Savelyev, Fayzullin, and finally Siluanov. Also short, please.

Please, Maxim Gennadievich.

M. : Vladimir Vladimirovich!

All work on the Arctic zone is led by the Ministry of the Far East Development, we participate in the preparation of methodological recommendations for master plans, and we work together with our colleagues.

The only thing I will probably return to what you said in your opening speech is that we really need to have economic models that are stable, so that we don't just allocate money on a one-time basis, put everything in order or to some level, and then our colleagues would run around again and don't understand where to get the money for maintenance.

We clearly have two models here. The first is when there is a strategic enterprise. We are well aware of which mining and processing plants are located in the Murmansk region, and they are ready to take on the financing themselves; there is also Pevek – Baimka, a large deposit that will provide money. It is necessary to calculate everything so that normal funds are provided immediately for the maintenance of these localities, either from taxes, or together with enterprises to negotiate.

There is a block of questions where, conditionally, the Ministry of Defense. Then we need to use the full ruble either from the federal budget, or within the framework of programs, or somehow negotiate with the Ministry of Defense that, perhaps, within the framework of some of their budgets, they will give money for the maintenance of infrastructure. I mean, after we've cleaned up. Probably, the Ministry of Defense has its own tasks there. Their salaries are still quite good, they pay personal income tax to regional budgets, then then allocate and look at money from regional budgets.

Therefore, we just always say when we develop master plans, so that there is also a subsequent model, we understand how we will maintain it, and there is always more "wishlist" inside master plans than money at the moment. Therefore, please prioritize your activities: what should be done first and what can be postponed for a while.

Plus questions related to housing and communal services, and other issues. We are helping our colleagues here to use other tools so that VEB's money can be used, as well as some existing programs that we have in various industries. We also collect all this together from Mindalvostok.

We support the topic of tourism in the North in every possible way, and we have points being formed. Both what Dmitry Andreevich [Artyukhov] said about Salekhard, and the fact that there is a lot in the Murmansk region-practically in all the northern regions now, this is a growth point everywhere, colleagues are doing this. We need to finish one issue related to the fact that capex is more expensive there than what is defined in our legislation for the entire territory of the country, construction there is simply expensive.

Alexey Olegovich [Chekunkov] and I have one suggestion that they should add a little more than the standard that is available for the entire territory as part of their program. We'll finish that, too, and everything else is in the works.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Savelyev Vitaly Gennadievich.

V. Savet of Liev: Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,

Dear colleagues!

I want to say that in general, with the expansion of the route network, as well as an increase in passenger traffic in the Arctic zone, we are implementing three traditional air transportation programs. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that more than 3 billion rubles were allocated for the implementation of these programs this year, and more than 690 thousand passengers are planned to be transported on 75 routes.

There are 47 civil aviation airfields and 349 landing sites in the Arctic zone. We are continuing to implement measures, and this year we are working on the reconstruction of five airports. Of these, three airports – Pevek, Arkhangelsk and Chersky-will be introduced this year, and two airports – Murmansk and Bering-will be introduced next year.

From the questions that have just been received from the governors, I would like to say that Andrey V. Chibis drew attention to Apatites. Yes, we know about this band. In 2013, it was transferred from the Ministry of Defense to the subject. The lane is operated in normal condition until 2025. Rosaviatsia constantly analyzes it. This is in the plan, and with the availability of budget funds, we will start repairs, but so far we have no concerns about it.

As for Pevek, we have completed the reconstruction of the runway in Pevek. There is a desire among the regions to build terminals at the expense of the Federation and the federal budget, but we usually do not do this. Moreover, it costs more than 2 billion rubles. Therefore, the subject will have to negotiate either with extra-budgetary funds, or with investors, or find money, because we are building a regular runway, parking lots and taxiways.

The question was raised about the reconstruction of the White Sea-Baltic Canal. Yes, we know this question, we are working with Artur Olegovich Parfenchikov on this topic. Unfortunately, there is no cargo base there until we have identified it. And the reconstruction itself is quite capital-intensive. There are a lot of rock works and blasting operations there, so as soon as we decide, we will support this project. So far, we have already spent some time, but we are working together to find this cargo base.

I finished my report. Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: I understood. Thank you.

Please, Irek Fayzullin.

I. : Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,

Dear colleagues!

I will briefly describe the essence of the questions raised. In general, all regions of the Arctic zone are successfully implementing the programs of both the Ministry of Construction and the GRBS for FAIP. It should be noted that today more than 2.8 million square meters of housing have already been commissioned, a total of 124 thousand people have been resettled in all regions from emergency housing.

I will immediately indicate the amount that needs to be completed. If for the main cities it is a little more than 1 million square meters of accidents, and in general for the Arctic territories-4.9 million square meters, this is after January 1, 2017. This is what is already registered today. And this work, of course, we will continue.

Vladimir Vladimirovich, according to the appeals of the governors regarding the formula used to calculate the cost per square meter, the Ministry of Finance and I will continue to work together with the Ministry of Eastern Development to work out the formula that will give the necessary price accuracy in order to solve the problems that exist today.

Unfortunately, the formula that works here takes into account both primary and secondary housing, and there were few new housing projects built in these regions in previous periods. Therefore, we have accepted the task in this part, and we will finalize it here.

Naturally, we are actively working on all programs aimed at creating a comfortable urban environment and providing incentives for the next five-year plan. Only for 2023, the Ministry of Construction has allocated 27.2 billion rubles to the Arctic territories this year, and 34.4 billion rubles to other GRBS.

Therefore, as part of the instructions that will be given, as well as for the meeting in Murmansk, we have already provided a little more than 2 billion rubles for the ZATO, the funds will go to the closed territories, as was given in the instruction in this part.

Therefore, in general, the current situation is as follows. Mr President, we will continue to work with the regions and ministries.

Vladimir Putin: Well Thank you very much.

Anton Germanovich, please.

A. Siluanov : Thank you, Vladimir Vladimirovich.

The governors raised a number of financial-intensive issues. Of course, it is not easy to solve everything at once, the budget has been adopted. Nevertheless, about 15 billion rubles a year are allocated for the Arctic program, including your instruction on the ZATO, which is included in the budget.

There is money and, accordingly, under the Far Eastern program. This applies to those regions that are located in the Arctic zone. There is room for maneuver to use this money for tasks.

However, what would you like to draw your attention to? We have a lot of TORS (advanced development areas) with preferential treatment in the Far East and the Arctic zones. And the position of the Ministry of Finance has always been as follows: if we provide benefits, then enterprises should invest in infrastructure development no less than these benefits.

This issue is still being discussed with our colleagues in ministries and departments, but I think it is absolutely correct. If we provide preferences, then the amount of these preferences should be invested by enterprises in investments, in new jobs, and, of course, in infrastructure. And here there is an opportunity to develop infrastructure within the framework of these resources.

Next, I would like to draw your attention to something else. The Governor of Chukotka spoke about the need for an additional amount of money for the Internet. The following year, we decided to cancel the benefits of LTE communication. In this regard, a certain resource is allocated, which we agreed with our colleagues from the Ministry of Digital Development to direct precisely to the development of communications, including in such regions as Chukotka and Yakutia. Therefore, the issue of Internet availability will be resolved next year. In this part, we will find the resource.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Please, Alexey Olegovich, do you have a desire and need to summarize something?

A. Chekunkov: The instructions will be fulfilled. Thank you so much for your support.

Vladimir Putin: Well Thank you.

Dear colleagues, I would like to thank you all for the informative work, conversation and constructive suggestions that you have just made. The Government has already been instructed to complete the preparation of master plans for supporting settlements in the Arctic zone by July 1, 2024. I ask you to pay attention to the issues that were discussed just now, and the proposals that were made by the regional leaders – the same cost per square meter. Why are we fooling ourselves? We put an understated figure, which means that we will simply do less, or we will look for money or violate discipline. What for? Let's start from objective circumstances or plan according to what we have and can do.

I want to emphasize that the deadline I mentioned before July 1, 2024, by which the master plans should be completed, must certainly be met so that regional authorities and businesses can start implementing their goals in practice next year.

We understand that a lot depends on their implementation, on the achievement of these goals, first of all, of course, the level and welfare of our citizens.

I would like to emphasize once again that the Arctic is a territory of enormous economic opportunities. It doesn't seem necessary to repeat it, but I will say it anyway, so that we can understand what the subject of our discussion is today and why we are doing this.

In order to fully realize the region's potential, it is absolutely necessary to increase investment in the social sphere as well. Here I cannot disagree with Anton Germanovich [Siluanov]: The Ministry of Finance is right. If we provide benefits to businesses, then, of course, we need to work with our business colleagues so that they respond appropriately to what the state is doing, so that certain projects that are beneficial for businesses are implemented, so that people can live here and live with dignity. We need to work together.

I mean not only the development of the industrial base and global transportation, tourism, and so on, but, as the head of the Ministry of Finance said, so that business also responds appropriately and works in social terms, helping the state implement social projects.

I very much hope that entrepreneurs, our companies, and development institutions will join them in taking an active and interested part not only in investment projects, but also in creating the necessary conditions for people to live here in these difficult territories. In this sense, of course, I look forward to implementing public-private partnerships and projects in the field of public-private partnership.

All the necessary financial instruments and mechanisms for this are already in place. By the way, I ask my colleagues from the regions to provide all the necessary assistance to businesses in the upcoming work, because we are not the only ones who should expect something from them, even giving them preferences. There are, as you know, thousands of problems, thousands – a car and a small cart. We need to help them integrate into regional life, help them with the projects that are planned to be implemented.

Once again, I would like to return to my conversation with citizens who were the first recipients of this preferential 2% Arctic mortgage. As I have already said, they also made some suggestions. In my opinion, quite important issues were raised.

What I would like to draw your attention to here. I believe that it would be right and fair to extend this program to participants in a special military operation. Of course, first of all, this is our sacred duty. You and I are sitting here – we are dealing with difficult issues that are necessary, but we are still warm, you know, and safe, and the guys are there, on the front line, and in the mud, and under bullets, and under shells. We must never forget this. They and their families should certainly always be in the focus of our attention, especially when dealing with issues of this kind.

In addition, it would be correct – and I also agree with this – to remove the requirement for work experience in the Arctic regions in order to receive mortgage benefits for employees of medical institutions – I support this initiative and ask the Government to extend this opportunity not only to medical workers, but also to teachers. I think this is appropriate. Without the support of teachers in removing restrictions on working hours in the region, we will certainly not be able to create the necessary and necessary environment for people here.

I certainly agree that it is necessary to summarize and create a kind of register of the best regional practices for the development of Arctic cities. This is a really effective solution for organizing the work of the transport system, social infrastructure, and public spaces in the broadest sense of the word, in the conditions of the North.

In conclusion, I would like to draw the attention of the heads of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, whose cities participate in the development of master plans, to the fact that they need to be widely discussed in public, to take into account the opinion of local residents and their proposals on specific activities of these programs as much as possible.

Once again, thank you all for your work, for being prepared in such a way. I expect that we will move towards our goals quickly, but at the pace we need. In practical terms, we will implement them more widely, these programs, including taking into account the comments of the regional leaders that were made.

Thank you very much. [All Emphasis Mine]

And you read at the end, Russia’s plans aren't just some top→down edict prepared without sound advice. Rather, to do the job right the first time, Russian has learned these processes must be as inclusive as practical and is an aspect of democracy that’s rarely discussed. Certainly one of the major reasons why Russian place such faith in their government is that they get to actively participate—something that was once called participatory democracy and heralded as a US Virtue during the Cold War but no more as it was canceled with the Neocon rise in the 1990s. The—shall we say requirement—for business to invest and support infrastructure and social projects is a very positive part of Russia’s social-contract that is almost non-existent in the West, aside from corporate naming rights as such. Housing as the linked article somewhat informs remains one of the continuing “fallout” problems from the 1990s Neoliberal Rape that made millions of Russians homeless after decades of guaranteed housing during the Soviet Era. The “homesteading” program discussed has been improved and now accepts foreigners under certain conditions. If I were under 50 again and had that opportunity, I’d go for it and know exactly what I’d do which is required. But it isn’t just the Arctic, it’s the Far East too. From here, it’s to the West as in Go West Young Man.

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