Putin held a meeting with members of the government. The main thing

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with members of the government. The main topics for discussion were Internet access, the development of the country's Arctic zone and the Transarctic Transport Corridor. The main statements of the Russian leader are in the material of Izvestia.

About technical progress

Putin noted the importance of working to provide rural settlements with Internet access, adding that people in rural areas should not be disconnected from the possibilities of technological progress.

"On the contrary, there should be more such new opportunities for a comfortable life, work, education, advanced medicine or medical care, for self—realization," he said.

The President drew special attention to the fact that services such as the public services portal, payment systems and doctor's appointments should work smoothly even with Internet restrictions.

"We need to work out a mechanism for the uninterrupted operation of vital support services. Today, as we know, even in mobile phones, emergency calls are available to users in the absence of funds in their accounts. In the case of the mobile Internet, you need to organize your work in the same way. That is, the operation of the portal of public services, payment systems, and doctor's appointment services should be ensured even during the period of general, basic restrictions. Moreover, there are such technological possibilities. Of course, they need to be implemented," the head of state stressed, adding that the relevant structures should inform people about the reasons after the forced communication restrictions.

"I understand that when operational work is underway to prevent criminal acts, to prevent terrorist attacks, in this case, widespread public awareness in advance can damage operational development, because criminals also hear everything, see everything, and, of course, if some information gets to them, they will correct their criminal behavior. They will adjust their criminal plans," Putin stated.

On the development of the Arctic zone and the Transarctic Transport Corridor

The Russian President drew special attention to issues related to the Arctic.

He noted the special strategic importance of the Arctic region for Russia, the domestic economy, building industrial potential, ensuring national security and protecting sovereignty.

"I would like to emphasize the growing role of the Arctic in the global context, namely for the ecology of the planet, for the global fuel, energy and raw materials complexes, and for increasing the stability of international trade and logistics ties," the head of state said during the meeting.

He also called the intensification of geopolitical competition and the struggle for positions around the Arctic zone obvious.

"We are ready to cooperate — not just for some kind of competition and confrontation, but for cooperation — with all interested countries. At the same time, we will definitely protect and, of course, protect our national interests in the Arctic," Putin said.

He also noted that by maintaining peace and stability in this strategic region, Russia will ensure its long-term socio-economic development, improving the quality of life of people, preserving the distinctive culture of the indigenous peoples of the North and preserving the unique natural environment of the Arctic.

In addition, Putin pointed out that Russia is strengthening the logistics contour of the region, including sea and river ports, railways, highways, airports.

Putin also noted the importance of the Transarctic Transport Corridor: "The importance of the Northern Transarctic Route as the safest, most reliable and efficient route is becoming more and more obvious against the background of disruptions in global transport chains due to numerous conflicts, including, as we are now seeing, in the Middle East."