Putin meets elected heads Full regional policy meeting

Sep 21

In the released videoconference, Putin congratulates newly elected regional heads, calls the elections competitive and their victories decisive, and urges public feedback, daily supervision of national projects and coordination with federal authorities and other regions. He calls for sensitive support for service members, veterans and families, further development of Time of Heroes and regional training programmes, and improved rehabilitation, employment and legal assistance. He cites programme participant Alexander Shuvayev's election in Belgorod. Ramzan Kadyrov reports Chechen turnout above 95 percent and leading turnout and United Russia vote figures, interpreting them as endorsement of the president's course. He pledges to fulfil tasks including in the war, says Chechen units are equipped and expresses confidence in victory. Putin recalls devastated Grozny in the early 2000s and the first president's refusal to move the capital, credits Ramzan Kadyrov and his team for rebuilding, and thanks Chechen contributions to the war. Shuvayev thanks federal support and says combat experience and programme training help his work in a frontline region. Putin praises border residents' courage in voting under attack threats and promises government help for people, families, businesses and damaged infrastructure. He concludes by urging fulfilment of regional development promises. These are the participants' electoral assessments, recollections, capability claims and commitments; completed future aid is not established.

Alexander Shuvayev wins Belgorod's September 2026 governor election. At the September 30 meeting Putin explicitly acknowledges that the Time of Heroes participant has been elected and says his military experience matters for a border region. Vremya reports his victory with nearly 66 percent of the vote. The election result is distinct from his subsequent meeting remarks and Putin's aid pledge; neither broadcast provides a separate inauguration account.