Meeting with elected heads of regions
The President held a videoconference meeting with the heads of 21 regions of the Russian Federation who were elected during the single voting day on September 14, 2025.
September 26, 2025
18:15
The Kremlin, Moscow
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,
We have gathered so that I can congratulate you on your election victories, but also to discuss what lies ahead in the near future. The fact that you have received convincing support as a result of these elections, both through direct voting and election via regional legislative assemblies, is evident.
The election campaigns took place under competitive conditions across all regions - and with high turnout - victories were secured either by incumbent leaders or acting heads. That is, our citizens and voters assess candidates by their concrete deeds and results, which is undoubtedly a sound, responsible approach and an indicator of the maturity of our electoral culture and civil society as a whole.
It is clear that people are counting on the continuation of the country's strategic development course, that it will bring further positive changes to their regions, hometowns, and villages.
Naturally, it is very important to justify this trust by structuring your daily work in line with stated plans and public expectations, acting with full dedication. I am confident that you are guided precisely by such principles.
In total, over 5,000 election campaigns at various levels concluded on the single voting day. They took place across 81 regions - practically nationwide - with regions employing diverse approaches to maximise voter convenience. I refer both to remote formats and the organisation of multi-day voting.
I believe this experience, which takes into account regional specificities, should continue to be applied moving forward.
Colleagues,
Undoubtedly, each region has its own distinct features and, in some respects, unique immediate tasks.
Yet this very diversity is one of our country's greatest strengths. Here, the coordination and consolidation of different regions' capabilities and efforts are paramount, as is formulating regional socioeconomic programmes in close alignment with achieving our national objectives.
Our common key objective is the strengthening of the sovereignty and security of the state. In this regard, the efforts that the regions undertake to support the defence industry and their active, substantive assistance to our servicemen on the frontlines, to the veterans of the special military operation and their families are of utmost importance - these tasks unquestionably remain among our priorities. I expect this work to continue.
At the same time, I underscore that we possess all necessary capabilities and resources to address strategic development objectives for the country, to achieve positive changes both in the economy and the social sphere.
This year, we have commenced the implementation of new national projects. Their effectiveness largely depends on how work is organised locally. I have no doubt that these matters remain under your constant supervision, and I request that the pace of fulfilling assigned tasks not be reduced.
Through close cooperation between federal and regional authorities, we must create conditions for long-term economic growth and technological leadership, while naturally adhering - as I have stated repeatedly - to the principles and requirements of macroeconomic policy. Ultimately, this means improving the quality of life and well-being of our citizens, of Russian families. Here, I reiterate, every region's contribution is essential, alongside that of the Government.
I emphasise: substantial resources are being allocated towards implementing national projects. And of course, people must see tangible, concrete results where they live.
This means, first and foremost, further modernisation of schools, kindergartens, hospitals, outpatient clinics, road construction, public transport development, and improvement of living conditions. Overall, creating comfortable, favourable environments for living, working, self-fulfilment, and leisure. Not just in regional capitals, but also in small towns and rural areas.
All this serves to unlock human potential, the potential of regions as a whole, and ultimately strengthens our country, ensuring its sustainable, confident development.
And of course, we must do everything necessary to preserve regions' historical and cultural heritage, their distinct identity, so that people feel continuity between eras, genuinely share the values that have always mattered to our society, and understand just how much we can - and must - take pride in.
Colleagues,
The scale of the tasks before us, and the challenges our country currently faces, impose new and higher demands on the governance system and on those working in positions of authority. Let me reiterate: what matters here are not only professional competencies but also personal qualities - the readiness to work, first and foremost, for the benefit of Russia, to serve its interests.
I expect that this will be your guidance in your personnel policies and that you will actively involve veterans of the special military operation in management teams. I speak about this constantly - in particular, graduates of the Time of Heroes federal programme and its regional equivalents.
Two individuals from this programme - Maria Kostyuk and Yevgeny Pervyshov - have, following the recent elections, become heads of regions.
I am convinced that the dedication to the Motherland demonstrated by our servicemen, by those tempered in combat, and their unwavering principles must serve as benchmarks for all those who are today part of government authorities and decision-making systems.
I want to particularly emphasise: we must always listen carefully to the people, remain in constant contact with them, meet with them, hear them out, and understand their needs. For, as we have said many times - and I stress this again - it is the assessment of our citizens that is the primary measure of the effectiveness of our work.
Colleagues,
I wish you successful and productive efforts in achieving the results the people expect of you. We understand the historical stages Russia is going through. And, of course, the outcome of the vote reflects - perhaps above all - the readiness and desire of the people to support Russia, to stand by their country, to stand by those whose actions have an impact on the state of the economy and the social sphere. But this desire is not aimed at elevating any individual with his or her ambitions; rather, it is directed at making the country stronger. The realisation of these aspirations depends on you, and I very much hope that, mindful of this imperative, you will work for the good of Russia as a whole - and for the benefit of those who came out, voted for you, and expect results not only in broad terms but in their specific region, town, or village. Frankly, I too am counting on this quality in your - in our joint - work.
Now, I would ask some colleagues to share their thoughts.
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