Meeting on current issues with deputy prime ministers

Agenda: partial write-off of regional debt on budget loans; financing of the comprehensive development of science cities; preparations for the summer children's health campaign.

Mikhail Mishustin's opening remarks

Report by Dmitry Chernyshenko on preparations for the summer children's health campaign

Excerpts from the transcript:

Mikhail Mishustin: Good morning, colleagues.

The Government continues to support the development of regional infrastructure and the creation of attractive conditions for business at the local level. The write-off of two thirds of debt on budget loans has proven to be one of the most effective tools in this effort.

Today, this support will be extended to a further 21 regions of the Russian Federation. Their debt will be reduced by more than 114 billion roubles in total. This measure will affect the Udmurt and Chuvash republics, the republics of Karelia, Komi and Mordovia, the Krasnodar, Perm and Khabarovsk territories, as well as the Jewish Autonomous Region, the Voronezh, Kaliningrad, Kemerovo, Magadan, Nizhny Novgorod, Omsk, Penza, Pskov, Samara, Tomsk and Yaroslavl regions, and the Nenets Autonomous Area.

These regions have allocated a significant share of their own funds to engineering works required to launch new investment projects in their territories, to modernise housing and utilities infrastructure, including the replacement of lift equipment in apartment buildings, to implement urban master plans and to address other priorities.

The write-off will free up substantial resources in regional budgets and support further improvements in economic performance and living standards.

Now, turning to a decision aimed at strengthening the country's technological sovereignty.

Russia's science cities play a vital role in developing cutting-edge solutions and innovations, many of which have no global equivalents. The President has emphasised the need to provide them with comprehensive support.

Among these leading centres are Korolyov and Dubna, where breakthrough work is underway in the rocket and space sector, nuclear physics, and other important fields.

Last year, both cities in the Moscow Region reaffirmed their high status for another 15 years. The Government will provide funding for their integrated development, as outlined in the signed directive. These subsidies will be directed toward expanding research infrastructure, upgrading production facilities, and improving the social sphere.

It is essential to use these funds as effectively as possible to strengthen the capabilities of research teams and key industrial enterprises.

To the next item on the agenda.

The school year is nearing its end, with only a few weeks left. Many parents are already considering where their children will spend the holidays. It is important that this time is engaging, active, and, above all, beneficial for their health, helping them recharge for the next academic year.

The President has stressed the need to give special attention to the quality and safety of children's recreation. As part of the infrastructure modernisation programme, dozens of dormitories, medical units, and cafeterias are built and upgraded each year.

Last year, around 40,000 recreational facilities of various types across the country hosted more than 5.5 million children.

At the same time, it is essential to place strong emphasis on the educational component, ensuring that children's recreation is both meaningful and engaging. Programmes should be dynamic and well-structured, incorporating educational excursions, sports, and creative activities to encourage active participation and well-rounded development.

Mr Chernyshenko, you are responsible for overseeing this area. Are all regions fully prepared for the upcoming season? The floor is yours.

Dmitry Chernyshenko: Mr Mishustin, colleagues,

On the eve of the summer season, amendments were introduced to Federal Law On the Basic Guarantees of the Rights of the Child in the Russian Federation. Interdepartmental commissions on children's recreation will now be chaired personally by regional heads.

Last week, we held a conference call with them to review all aspects of organising children's recreation. Following this, instructions were issued to address all deficiencies identified by oversight bodies before the first sessions begin.

Overall, as you noted, work in the regions is progressing effectively across several areas.

First, infrastructure.

In total, 40,478 facilities will be in operation this summer, including over 2,200 permanent camps, of which 665 operate year-round.

The existing infrastructure will make it possible to accommodate over 5.75 million children over the summer, which is more than last year.

This year, 44 regions are participating in the construction and refurbishment programme: 82 additional residential modules are to be built and 38 facilities are to undergo major repairs.

A mandatory requirement in the development of new facilities is the provision of conditions for children with disabilities.

A comprehensive approach includes the installation of specialised equipment, information support and staff training.

A key issue discussed, including with State Duma deputies, was preventing the repurposing of children's camps. Together with the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography, we are identifying such facilities and, in cooperation with the regions, working to restore them.

Second, we are to ensure the right conditions.

As you noted, our top priority is the safety and comfort of children. The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Emergencies, the Ministry of Health, and Rospotrebnadzor are working closely with regional authorities to achieve this. Comprehensive anti-terrorism drills were conducted in all educational institutions on 21-22 April.

I would also like to remind you that updated procedures for medical care in children's camps have been in force since 1 September 2025. The lists of required medical equipment and medications have been revised. In addition, children with chronic conditions are now allowed to use their personal medical devices - such as glucometers or hearing aids - under the supervision of medical staff.

The list of specialists eligible to work in camp medical centres has also been expanded, enabling more comprehensive care for children.

Rospotrebnadzor carries out laboratory inspections to ensure compliance with sanitary and epidemiological standards. These checks cover the quality of drinking water, the condition and operation of kitchen equipment, staff health, meal plans, and daily schedules.

We place special emphasis on providing rest and rehabilitation opportunities for the children of our heroes - participants in the special military operation - more than 200,000 in total. In addition, support is extended to around 1.5 million children facing difficult life circumstances.

All-Russian children's centres are hosting children from the border areas of the Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk regions, as well as from our historical territories and areas affected by natural disasters, including the Chechen Republic and Dagestan.

I would also like to thank the regions of St Petersburg, Crimea, the Krasnodar Territory, and others that are providing opportunities for children from these areas to spend their summer holidays.

Third, education and leisure.

A unified federal educational programme has been developed and is now mandatory for all children's camps across the country.

During their stay, children take part in sports, arts, technology, and local history activities. They create group newspapers and blogs, join project-based sessions, and engage in forms of self-governance - electing leaders and serving on group councils. They also participate in military-sports games such as Zarnitsa and Orlyonok, as well as formation and song contests.

Themed days are organised around topics such as remembrance, unity, family, and health, among others. Participants in the special military operation also take part in these events. Altogether, these activities are designed to foster the spiritual and moral values set out in the presidential executive order.

A free federal hotline - 8-800-250-28-90 - has been launched to provide round-the-clock support for parents, offering guidance on all aspects of organising children's holidays and helping them choose suitable camps.

Regions are also encouraged to set up similar services.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep you informed.

Mikhail Mishustin: Thank you. It is essential to ensure that children enjoy comfortable conditions, so their time away is positive, beneficial for their health, and supportive of their overall development.