Meeting with Head of Udmurtia Alexander Brechalov

Alexander Brechalov Brechalov AlexanderHead of the Republic of Udmurtia began his report with the special military operation, outlining three main areas of work related to the topic. The first area is comprehensive support for military personnel and their families. The second is preserving historical memory. In this regard, the Head of the republic highlighted the activities of the Desantnik military patriotic club in Votkinsk, the improvement of Patriot Square in Izhevsk, and the creation of the Severny Rubezh military patriotic centre in Glazov. The third area concerns employment opportunities for veterans, with agreements already signed with 60 entrepreneurs. Even those with serious injuries are being successfully employed. For example, defence industry enterprises such as Elekond and Kupol employ veterans with serious injuries and assist them in adapting to civilian life, including supporting their involvement in sports and providing comprehensive assistance. In cooperation with the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), programmes have also been launched to train veterans for municipal public service.

Alexander Brechalov also spoke about support provided to the Lutuginsky District in the Lugansk People's Republic, which the republic assists. Last year, to mark the 80^th anniversary of Victory, a major memorial in the district was renovated, and, at the residents' request, an Eternal Flame was installed. Schools and kindergartens in the district are also receiving assistance with equipment and textbooks.

The Head of Udmurtia also reported on the progress in addressing issues raised by residents during the Direct Line with Vladimir Putin. Key areas of attention include social policy, infrastructure development, and the economy. According to Mr Brechalov, demographic development remains the primary challenge for the region. Since January 1, in addition to the federal maternity capital programme, a regional maternity capital payment of 300,000 rubles has been introduced for families having a third or subsequent child, as well as for young families under the age of 35. Infant mortality rates are declining, and medical institutions continue to receive modern equipment. The number of large families is increasing and currently exceeds 34,000. In 2025, their number grew by nearly 5,000 compared to 2024.

Vladimir Putin recalled that, during the Direct Line, residents of Udmurtia had pointed out the relatively high number of schools where children study in a second shift, among other issues. Alexander Brechalov noted that this problem mainly affects the republic's capital, Izhevsk, where no new schools were built between 1999 and 2017. Several large school construction projects are currently planned, and the situation is expected to improve in the coming years.

To be continued.