Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of preserving memorials dedicated to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War in the newly integrated regions of Russia. He spoke about this during a televised address on the Moscow-based channel Russia-1, underscoring the need to safeguard monuments that honor the wartime sacrifices and the memory of veterans. He pointed out that public spaces, including large parks featuring stelae and commemorative statues, should be protected as enduring symbols of national history and resilience.
During the broadcast, Putin conveyed a clear message: parks and memorial complexes dedicated to the Great Patriotic War deserve careful stewardship. He suggested that these sites, often set in prominent public spaces, serve not only as reminders of the past but also as sources of national pride and unity for communities across the country.
In related updates, Ilshat Shagiakhmetov, the director general of the Russian Regional Development Fund, announced plans for the newly integrated regions to receive infrastructure budget loans for the first time. This move signals intensified investment aimed at rebuilding and modernizing regional infrastructure, which families and local businesses will directly feel as improvements unfold over the coming months.
Earlier, Vitaliy Khotsenko, the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic administration, reported that key infrastructure in the port city of Mariupol, including power supply and railway connections, has been restored. The update highlights the ongoing efforts to reestablish essential services and to reconnect vital transport routes critical for regional recovery and daily life.
Additionally, Marat Khusnullin, deputy prime minister of the Russian Federation, noted that the new regions are operating under the coordination of the Ministry of Construction. He stated that, to date, 430 schools and kindergartens have been restored, with more than 360 educational facilities planned for construction or renovation within the year. Khusnullin emphasized that these restoration efforts are part of a comprehensive plan, carried out in a coordinated manner to accelerate renewal and support local communities across the region. The progress reflects a broader commitment to rebuilding and equipping schools and childcare centers to meet modern standards while preserving regional heritage and the collective memory tied to the Great Patriotic War.