The focus of Russia’s strategic ambitions centers on people, a theme highlighted by President Vladimir Putin during the recent gathering of the Strategic Development and National Projects Council. At a roundtable hosted by the Expert Institute for Social Research, Nikita Setov, the Deputy General Director of Polylog Consulting Group, framed the discussion around the question, “Seven National Goals: What kind of Russia are we building?” His remarks underscored a broad consensus on the national aims that guide policy and public investment in the country.
Setov stated that there is a solid agreement among policymakers and stakeholders about the national goals that have been set. The sense of unity around these aims was cited as a sign of political clarity and shared purpose that should translate into coordinated action across government and society.
Irina Hildebrandt, who leads strategic projects at the NAFI analytical center, referenced a center-wide survey of 1,600 Russian adults. The findings showed that 82 percent believe that the state and citizens should collaborate to solve public problems. This result reflects a public mood that values partnership between citizens and the state in tackling social challenges, a theme that recurs in discussions about national strategy.
In addition, another survey, surveying 5,159 Russian residents aged 14 and older, indicated that awareness of the National Goals Decree has reached 61 percent. This level of consciousness about the decree suggests growing public recognition of the overarching priorities and the framework guiding reforms.
Hildebrandt emphasized that the decree was signed only in May, making the 61 percent awareness a notable early indicator of public engagement. She added that residents’ perceptions of the national goals tend to cluster around three core areas: stronger family support, the creation of a comfortable and safe living environment, and the digital transformation of public administration. These focal points illustrate the practical channels through which the goals are expected to influence daily life and governance models.
According to Mikhail Shumakov, Deputy Director General for National Priorities, the initial national projects launched in 2019 have demonstrated tangible effectiveness. He noted that people are beginning to see positive changes as a result of these initiatives, and that the accompanying research corroborates these perceived improvements. This points to early, real-world validation of strategic investments and reforms that were designed to advance the stated national priorities.
During the roundtable, experts reiterated that the family stands at the center of all national projects. Tatyana Butskaya, who serves as the first deputy chairwoman of the State Duma Committee on Family Protection, explained that the family’s link to motherhood and childhood permeates every sector, with no industry operating in isolation from these concerns. The discussion highlighted how family policies are viewed as a foundational element of broader social and economic development strategies.
Natalya Lindigrin, the general director of the Institute for Regional Issues, added that funds generated from tax innovations will be directed toward supporting families. She argued that the entire state mechanism is geared toward attaining the defined national goals, reinforcing the idea that fiscal policy and social programs are mutually reinforcing components of the strategy.