On December 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Gazprom’s chief executive, Alexey Miller, during a visit to St. Petersburg. The discussions centered on the development plans for the St. Petersburg region and its surrounding areas, with Putin set to preside over a dedicated session focused on regional growth. Dmitry Peskov, the president’s press secretary, confirmed the schedule at a briefing for journalists.
According to Peskov, the President was at VKS in St. Petersburg and planned to chair a meeting dedicated to advancing the development of the city and its suburbs. He also noted that Putin would hold a separate working meeting with Alexey Miller, the head of Gazprom, to cover topics related to energy infrastructure, investment, and strategic projects that tie into the wider regional agenda.
During the day in St. Petersburg, Putin’s program included remarks and a cultural program prepared to welcome visiting heads of state and government. The informal CIS leaders’ summit, observed on Tuesday, December 26, was expected to begin with cultural events at Pavlovsk, hosted by the president. The program also envisioned presidential speeches and public addresses, followed by a luncheon honoring the delegates in attendance.
Earlier reporting indicated that Putin had met with members of the Iranian delegation after discussions at the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) meetings, continuing a broader dialogue on regional cooperation and economic projects that span multiple blocs.
In a lighter moment during the proceedings, Putin made a remark about the notion of a superior Russian government, a line that drew a smile from attendees and reflected the president’s characteristic inclination toward candid, informal exchanges in such settings [Kremlin press service].