Meating with Head of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania Sergei Menyailo

The principal focus of the Head of the Republic's report was on the social support measures provided to military personnel, participants in the special military operation and their families. The republic currently provides a total of 37 regional support measures, prioritising the housing construction programme. Work on the utility networks is nearing completion, the design planning has been finalised, and foundation construction has commenced. There are 967 individuals on the waiting list, including 800 family members of servicemen killed during the special military operation. Foundations for the first 100 houses have already been laid. These land plots are available across the republic. According to Sergei Menyailo, approximately 150 houses are expected to be handed over by spring next year.

Sergei Menyailo provided an update on the progress of the Valour of Ossetia programme, which is designed to train qualified and competent managers from among participants in the special military operation for service within state authorities, local self-government bodies, and other organisations and public associations in the republic. The first cohort has completed its training, and 60 percent of its members have already secured employment. Enrolment for the second intake is currently underway. In addition, advisers on military and patriotic education are being trained from among special military operation veterans for subsequent deployment to schools. By the end of the year, every school will be staffed with such advisers.

The discussion also covered the Centre for Missing Persons, established jointly with the Ministry of Defence. The President underscored the crucial importance of the efforts undertaken by such regional centres. Sergei Menyailo reported that enquiries are being received from 74 regions, mostly concerning military personnel serving in the units and formations of the 58^th Army, whose command is headquartered in Vladikavkaz, the capital of North Ossetia. To date, 184 people have been located. Volunteer search groups are being deployed to the special military operation zone, with all requisite safety precautions in place. Direct contact has been established with unit and army commanders.

The meeting also addressed matters relating to the region's socioeconomic development. According to Sergei Menyailo, despite adverse weather conditions, no major emergencies have occurred, as the republic began clearing storm drains and riverbeds two years ago. The President noted that the republic's housing and utilities services problems remain acute. Sergei Menyailo described ongoing efforts to improve the water supply and to connect mountain villages - irrespective of their population - to the gas network. Gazprom has laid 15 kilometres of gas pipeline in the mountainous areas. Furthermore, Ossetia is taking measures to ensure the provision of high-speed internet and mobile communications.

In response to a question from Vladimir Putin regarding agricultural operations, Sergei Menyailo said that sowing had been delayed due to rain; nonetheless, no major disruptions have occurred and agricultural producers have adjusted their plans accordingly. Last year, 540,000 tonnes of grain were harvested, including 161,000 tonnes of winter crops. This year's harvest is expected to be no lower.