Vladimir Putin met with participants of the 2nd Young Scientists Congress at Sirius Science and Art Park. The Kremlin press service noted that young researchers, students in the program for developing a reserve of management personnel in science, technology and higher education, and winners of the Leaders of Russia competition took part in the audience with the president.
About integration
During the meeting, the President stated that the pace of actions will determine how quickly the new regions, which became part of the state on September 30, are fully integrated. The DPR, LPR, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions of Ukraine were later annexed.
“As for the completion time, it will depend on how fast we move. The sooner, the better,” Putin noted.
He indicated that documents recognizing education and academic titles awarded in Donbass should be acknowledged in Russia. “I won’t announce a final decision right now, but I agree that such recognition should be provided to Russian citizens living in these areas,” he said.
“People should live normally, without problems, so that they can vote to join the Russian Federation without obstacles,” Putin added.
About Support
The president described the residents of the new Russian regions as “our people” and emphasized that every effort must be made to support them.
“A person like Fedorova from Lugansk, who once lived in Novosibirsk, or someone in St. Petersburg or Moscow—these are our people, and we must help them,” he stated.
He confirmed a plan to back science through grants and noted that much work remains in the new regions to implement tools and programs that support education and science across the Russian Federation.
Universities in the new regions will see faculty salaries set at up to 200% of the regional average. “All necessary decisions will be taken,” Putin asserted.
Putin said university students in Kherson, previously abandoned by Russian troops, should be given every opportunity to continue their education.
“There were four universities in Kherson. They moved from the right bank to the left, and we must ensure that people and students can continue their studies.”
He envisioned residents of new territories becoming part of the Russian reality, stressing that Russia should first of all establish a presence there. This consolidation would not be limited to military concerns; it would involve engaging with local populations so they can feel the benefits of joining Russia.
About infrastructure
Putin noted that the scientific and educational infrastructure in the disputed regions remains in a difficult state.
“The condition of buildings, structures, and equipment shows the scale of the task ahead. Preliminary estimates place possible injections at several tens of billions of rubles—around 37 billion,” he explained.
Additionally, the LDNR called for the integration of students and teachers from Zaporozhye and Kherson into the broader scientific and educational space of the Russian Federation.
About psychological problems
Putin highlighted that about 15% of Russians, roughly 21 million people, may need psychological support. He cited a recent social study and noted higher needs among young people, estimated at about 35%.
He admitted that psychological services in the country are not yet fully developed due to limited state funding. “Unfortunately, the state does not give due importance to this at all levels,” the president said.
Putin indicated he would instruct the administration to consider declaring November 22 the Day of Psychologists, though he paused on a firm commitment, promising to give the matter due attention.
Buy in Russian
At the congress, Putin also voiced support for domestic manufacturing. “I always say it and I will say it again: Buy Russian products,” he urged.
He promised to review a proposal from a participant to extend investment tax relief to Russian makers of scientific instruments and consumables. “We can discuss it with the government; the idea is reasonable,” he said. Putin noted that about 90% of instruments used by Russian scientists come from abroad, highlighting the dependence on foreign equipment and the need to build a domestic base.
“We cannot function without equipment, but we must start developing our own instrument base intensively. It is not feasible to rely on imports for everything, from nails to advanced tools, and yet we should strive for independence in many areas,” he stated.
About jump to jump
Putin expressed conviction that a leap forward and a shift to a new technological order are possible now in Russia. “The core foundations of education and science in Russia are strong,” he told the young scientists. He recalled the 1990s when science faced a crisis, yet managed to preserve its core strengths. Today, scientists face the task of moving to a higher level of technological development.
Partners will be found
Putin assured that Russia would always find technological partners. “Partners will always be found, I am confident of that. If we operate at a high level, we will continuously have technological collaborations.”
He added that nothing in the modern world can be artificially wrapped or permanently closed like a mushroom, underscoring the openness of Russia to collaboration.