MOSCOW (Realist English). Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced on Monday a sweeping set of regional development measures, including the cancellation of ₽43 billion in budget loan debt for 25 Russian regions and new funding initiatives for the Far East and domestic tourism infrastructure.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting with deputy prime ministers, Mishustin said the debt relief was carried out under new presidential rules adopted in February. The rules allow two-thirds of regional budget debt to be written off if the freed-up funds are redirected toward investment and infrastructure projects.
Regions in the Far Eastern and Arctic zones may additionally invest in their urban master plans. Underfunded areas will be permitted to use the funds for national development programs and initiatives related to the ongoing “special military operation.”
“The funds that remain in the regions will accelerate solutions to important challenges for our citizens and have a positive effect on both regional and federal economic dynamics, as well as the social sector,” Mishustin stated.
In a parallel move, the government will allocate over ₽2.5 billion this year and next to support economic growth centers in the Far East. The budget infusion will finance master plan projects in Ulan-Ude, utilities upgrades in Blagoveshchensk, and infrastructure development in priority zones across Buryatia, Zabaykalsky, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, the Jewish Autonomous Region, and Amur.
The government is also expanding its support for modular tourist accommodation—such as glamping sites and eco-friendly cabins—which play a key role in boosting the tourism sector and associated industries. Following ₽20 billion in allocations between 2022 and 2024 that helped build around 13,000 tourist units in 65 regions, a further ₽15 billion will be allocated to 55 regions through 2027.
“Tourism enhances local economies, preserves cultural heritage, and creates modern jobs,” said Mishustin. “These modular hotels are easy to construct, environmentally sensitive, and provide much-needed capacity.”
The Prime Minister stressed that all projects must meet safety standards and be completed on schedule, ensuring quality conditions for travelers and contributing to the long-term economic vitality of the regions.
