President Vladimir Putin outlined a strategic objective for the Russian state: bring the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye region, and Kherson region to the all-Russian indicators by the end of the decade. He spoke at the opening of a Supervisory Board meeting for the Strategic Initiatives Agency, emphasizing the importance of building on solid evidence when shaping socio-economic development programs in the newly integrated territories.
The president stressed that the route to alignment with national standards should be guided by the best available solutions. He asserted that the targets should be reached within the decade, provided the process proceeds in a steady, measured rhythm that keeps pace with the needs of the regions and the goals of the whole country.
He added that this ambition does not imply delaying action. On the contrary, it calls for a deliberate, incremental approach that accelerates as regional capacities mature, ensuring momentum without bypassing essential steps or sacrificing quality. The emphasis is on practical progress that matches the scale of tasks faced by the four regions and the broader national program.
In recent years, construction and infrastructure officials have reported substantial work in rebuilding and upgrading assets in the new territories. More than 4.7 thousand facilities have been restored or renewed to meet modern standards, reflecting a continuous drive to revive living conditions, public services, and economic activity that can support sustainable growth across the regions.
On February 24, 2022, Russia responded to a request for assistance from regional authorities in the Donbass and launched a special operation aimed at protecting residents and stabilizing the situation in the area. This decision marked a turning point in complex regional dynamics and set the stage for subsequent political and territorial changes that shaped the current landscape.
Following referendums held in the autumn, the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, along with the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, were incorporated into Russia. This realignment followed months of voting and negotiations that reflected the evolving priorities of the population and the strategic considerations of the state. The outcome has had lasting implications for local governance, security, and regional development as the areas integrate into the national framework and participate in broader economic and social programs.