Meeting with Government members

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon.

Before we begin today's meeting, I would like to say a few words about recent domestic political events - specifically, the State Duma elections that have just taken place. I want to thank the citizens of Russia for their active participation in this election campaign.

We all know about the attempts to disrupt and derail these elections, as demonstrated by the adversary's continuous efforts to breach air defences in Moscow and other regions, but the fact that people were queuing up at the voting stations proved that Russia cannot be intimidated. Such a high - indeed, record - turnout of voters coming to the polling stations shows that the Russian people support our efforts to strengthen the country.

A great deal depends on the Government - monetary policy, social policy and many other tasks. The vote cast by Russian citizens in the State Duma elections reflects their hope that the goals we have set for the vital development and strengthening of Russia will be achieved.

We certainly understand the times we live in. I would now like to address our troops and commanders on the front line. I want you to know, comrades: this vote was for you. People believe in you, believe in our victory, and believe in your courage, heroism and devotion to the Motherland. I have no doubt that all the goals we have set for the special military operation will be achieved.

I want to reiterate that much depends on the Government in the areas within its remit. Clearly, strengthening the state's defence capability is impossible without effective monetary and, as I have already mentioned, economic policy.

To date, we have achieved all our goals according to a plan, including addressing social issues and fulfilling our obligations to the country's citizens. We must do everything to live up to the trust the people have placed in the Government of the Russian Federation, and in the entire Russian leadership, in all key areas of strengthening the country.

We have an important item on today's agenda: the issue of "whitewashing" the Russian economy. One aspect of this involves the use of the Chestny Znak (Honest Sign) system. Before we turn to the main agenda item, however, I would like, as usual, to briefly address a few current matters. The first of these is the International Youth Festival, which has just concluded.

I would like to ask Mr Chernyshenko to say a few words on this subject.

Please, go ahead.

To be continued.