A working meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Governor of the Murmansk Region Andrey Chibis took place in Moscow. The head of the region, Chairman of the State Council Commission on the Northern Sea Route and the Arctic, presented the main parameters of a comprehensive project for the development of the Arctic and the Transarctic transport corridor and received the support of the head of state.
The proposals were prepared as part of the execution of the President's instructions given at the International Arctic Forum in Murmansk, which was held in March this year.
"The development of the Arctic is as important for our country today as the development of space for the Soviet Union. The phrase "The Arctic is the new cosmos" was even born. In our opinion and the opinion of the experts we work with, given the scale and importance of the task, this can become a national idea," said Andrey Chibis.
The Chairman of the State Council Commission stressed that the Arctic is the foundation of the country's resource base, the foundation of Russia's security, economy and transport sovereignty, and thanks to the decisions taken by the President, serious dynamics has already been achieved in the number of investment projects worth 35 trillion rubles and a record for the Northern Sea Route. This will ensure the growth of cargo traffic until 2035, but after that there is a serious risk of its decline. Therefore, it is already important to develop new resources and build a sustainable management system in order to strengthen Russia's advantage in the Arctic.
The main objectives of the integrated project are to ensure safety, extraction and deep processing of resources, and the creation of a seamless transport system. However, as Andrey Chibis noted, one of the most important tasks is to improve the quality of life of Northerners. There are people behind all projects, so it is paramount that the conditions for them are comfortable and decent. The development of the Arctic begins with the inhabitants.
"Your decision on the Arctic mortgage, which has seriously boosted housing construction, according to the master plans that we have started, is a real change in people's quality of life. It is fundamentally important that we are attracted to the North, and to keep those guys who are growing up and being educated here," the governor said.
So, in the Murmansk region, as part of the national project, a plan has already been implemented to commission housing by more than 170%, 20 apartment buildings are being built. This is an unprecedented amount since the Soviet era.
Also at the meeting, the Russian President touched upon the issue of gasification of the Murmansk region and asked to assess the situation. Andrey Chibis thanked the head of state for his support in this matter and noted that the work is being carried out within the established deadlines.
Recall that at IAF 2025, Vladimir Putin instructed the Russian government to strictly comply with the gasification plan for the Murmansk Region until 2030. In October of this year, the first five—year program for the development of gas supply and gasification in the Murmansk Region was signed for 2026-2030. The document was signed by Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee, and Andrey Chibis, Governor of the Murmansk Region.
The head of the region noted the importance of these events for the region and appealed to Vladimir Putin with the initiative to fix the cost of gas for industrial consumers at the average level in the Northwest.
The meeting also focused on the construction of new medical facilities and the development of education. Andrey Chibis emphasized that one of the most important aspects is children's health. The well-being of children living in the Arctic requires special attention and care: the head of the region requested funding in 2027 for the construction of a children's hospital provided for in the master plan.
Andrey Chibis also reported on his work in the field of education. In recent years, 8 kindergartens have been built, there is no queue for preschool institutions, and education is 100% affordable. This year, the Governor's Lyceum was opened, schools and colleges are being renovated, and Murmansk Arctic University is developing.
"Our task is to keep the children who live and are brought up with us. So that they can realize themselves and live comfortably, receive a decent salary and, most importantly, develop the most important region for our country," emphasized Andrey Chibis.
Photo: kremlin.ru
/Ministry of Information Policy of the Murmansk Region/