• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Meeting with Government members

Vladimir Putin held a videoconference meeting with members of the Government.

October 29, 2025
14:05
The Kremlin, Moscow

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,

Today, I would like us to discuss the development of our fisheries industry. The Government is addressing this systematically, but it is a complex issue that goes beyond simply ensuring a supply of products to consumers at affordable prices. While I will talk more about that aspect, the issue also encompasses areas like shipbuilding and investment tools such as the "keel quota" programme. This is precisely what makes it so multifaceted. In your reports today, I would like you to elaborate on how all the different tools we are using to advance this industry are working, and what further steps are needed to eliminate any bottlenecks in the development of our fishing sector.

Specifically, I would like you to address the construction of fishing vessels. As I mentioned, the "keel quota" programme is a key mechanism here. Launched in 2017 to support the industry, it allows for the exchange of fishing quotas for investments in the fishing fleet and processing infrastructure, thereby supporting investment in cutting-edge vessels, including new-generation trawlers capable of processing the catch directly on board using waste-free technology. Today, we will discuss the current results of this approach and explore how we can improve the efficiency of these quotas.

I would like to reiterate that Russia is endowed with unique reserves of biological resources. It is crucial, therefore, that we not only harvest them but also ensure their efficient processing and transportation. Moreover, we must prioritise the interests of the domestic market. Our goal is to ensure that Russia's catch and processed products seamlessly reach store shelves across the country so that residents in every region can purchase these high-quality goods at, as I have said, affordable prices.

At present, the level of fish and seafood in the Russian diet falls below the standard recommended by our Healthcare Ministry. I would like to point out that in countries with high levels of fish consumption, we also see a corresponding increase in life expectancy. Here in Russia, annual consumption stands at around 24 kilogrammes per person, but it should be higher. This is a key point I want to highlight for all our colleagues involved in this work, at every level.

This is a truly important systemic issue, as a balanced diet is critical for public health and, as I have mentioned, for life expectancy. With that in mind, I will also ask you to present specific proposals in this area today.

But before we begin our main discussion, I would like to invite Mr Andrei Nikitin to provide an update on the development of inland waterways. This issue is closely related to the key topic we will be discussing.

<...>

Vladimir Putin: Colleagues,

I asked to discuss this particular issue today, given its importance for the country's economy as a whole and especially for certain regions. The Kamchatka Territory Governor [Vladimir Solodov] spoke about it in detail. One can tell right away how important this line of work is for Kamchatka. It means jobs, budget revenues at all levels, and, of course, issues related to the diet which underlies the nation's health.

It was no coincidence that I mentioned the fact that in countries where fish and seafood consumption is quite high - in some countries twice as high as in Russia - life expectancy is also higher. Without a doubt, longevity is the result of comprehensive efforts, but diet plays a significant role as well.

In addition, as we can see, these matters are related to the operation of the transport system, environmental issues, nature conservation, and, which is crucial, directly to the manufacturing industry.

In particular, Ilya Shestakov [Head of the Federal Agency for Fishery] noted that the renewal of the fishing fleet is lagging behind the established schedules and plans. The keel quotas must, of course, be fair, and the entire system must function properly. Yes, we understand the challenges, such as key interest rates and other factors, but still, the corporate cost-benefit ratio remains quite high. We need to base our work, as discussed today, on actual circumstances.

The Governor of Kamchatka listed a number of serious, core issues. In due course, I would like to hear separately what Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov has to say about matters of shipbuilding and ship repairs, and Dmitry Patrushev, who oversees this sector, as well.

As for the Governor's requests and proposals, I would like the Prime Minister to formalise them accordingly, perhaps through his own instruction. Please let me know if you need me to issue additional instructions. I think, though, that setting out these matters in an instruction issued by the Prime Minister will be enough. What do you think, Mr Mishustin?

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin: Yes, Mr President, I am on it. With your permission, we will formalise it in my instruction.

Vladimir Putin: Very well. Thank you.

All the best. Thank you.