Government meeting

The agenda: Results of the working visit to Kazakhstan, budget allocations for implementing the social gas supply programme, establishing a financial infrastructure for the circulation of digital currencies, social support for veterans of the special military operation, budget allocations for supporting residents of border regions.

Mikhail Mishustin's opening remarks:

Good afternoon, colleagues,

Last week, we paid a working visit to Kazakhstan.

In Astana, we held bilateral talks with the Kazakhstani leadership. We discussed in detail the implementation of joint projects and focused on strengthening trade and economic collaboration and scientific and technological cooperation.

In Shymkent, together with our partners from the Eurasian Economic Union we took part in an international digital forum. At the plenary session, we exchanged experience of integrating modern solutions into the economy and social sectors of our states.

A meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, the first one this year, also took place. We reviewed the most significant issues of strengthening integration cooperation in high-priority fields with a focus on the industrial sector.

We approved regulations for establishing and operating Eurasian technological platforms, called on to become an effective tool for implementing the innovative potential of the five member countries.

We will continue to expand collaboration in the field of customs regulation. This is essential for developing the common market and ensuring the free movement of goods, services, capitals and workforce.

Colleagues,

Addressing a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in December in St Petersburg, the President emphasised that future integration work should hinge on the Eurasian Economic Path declaration which calls for enhanced collaboration in the field of technological development, establishing a common transport and logistics infrastructure and a financial market, as well as more active economic processes within the EAEU. The governments should help implement all these measures. I would like to ask deputy prime ministers, heads of federal executive agencies and ministers to closely monitor these issues within their remit.

Further, let's discuss the adopted decision. As instructed by the President, we are implementing a social gas supply programme. Over one million households have joined the integral gas supply system within the framework of this programme. However, even more our citizens can take part in it. Gas pipelines have already been connected to their respective land plots, and now it is possible to install boilers, stoves and ovens inside homes.

Not all regional residents are able to quickly purchase the required equipment. To expedite this process, we will allocate an additional one billion roubles. This funding will support privileged categories of benefit-seekers, those lacking their own resources for purchasing and installing gas equipment. This includes veterans of combat operations, participants in the special military operation, families with many children, low-income households, first-category disabled persons and others.

In all, 56 Russian regions will obtain subsidies for these purposes. This concerns the most hard-pressed regions. They will be able to redistribute funding and subsidise needy residents.

Today's Government meeting agenda includes a topic of expanding the capabilities of people and entrepreneurs.

The President has placed emphasis on the need to build up economic momentum that encompasses all regions. Domestic businesses must offer more goods and services and develop trade ties with foreign partners. It is necessary to streamline logistics, insurance and the payments infrastructure and to establish a transparent and competitive business environment, while actively introducing innovations, autonomous systems and digital platforms.

To achieve these goals, we have drafted a number of legislative acts that are aimed at creating our own financial infrastructure for the circulation of digital currencies. From now on, people and businesses will be able to buy and sell them at Russian platforms and to store them in national depositories.

These measures will make it easier and safer to use cryptocurrencies, and companies will be able to reduce spending on foreign trade operations.

Another topic deals with support for our defenders. The state and the entire society see this as high-priority objective and duty. We devote great attention to accomplishing it.

Today, we will discuss amendments to the law on social assistance which concern veterans of combat operations who became disabled during the special military operation.

After completing their military service, including that with volunteer units, they will be able to contact territorial Social Fund divisions, where they receive monthly cash payments, and request a range of social services, such as provision of medications and medical appliances, sanatorium-and-resort vouchers, as well as free trips in commuter trains and intercity transport to the place of treatment and back.

It is now possible to apply for this package each year, until October, and to start receiving it in early January. These amendments will allow veterans of the special military operation to do this anytime, and they will be able to obtain this support early next month.

They defend the interests and sovereignty of our country. Certainly, we will continue to provide them and their families with all assistance they need.

And now, I would like to say as few words about border regions.

The President has stressed that we should pay special attention to the requirements of these Russian territories' residents. We need to help those who were forced to abandon their homes.

Since early 2026, the Government allocated about 1.3 billion roubles for accomplishing this objective. The funding was used to rent temporary housing for our citizens in the Kursk Region.

Today, we will allocate an additional one billion-plus roubles for these purposes, so as to compensate their leasing expenses. Today, they need additional financial support. This support is quite essential for family budgets, especially for families with children.

I would like to ask the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Construction to provide the regions with the required resources as soon as possible, so that people receive all benefits to which they are entitled on time.