Russian Deputy Prime Ministers Review Union State Outcomes, 2025 Aviation Performance, and Kuril Islands Lending

Government Officials Convene in Moscow

On February 9, 2026, a meeting of Russian Deputy Prime Ministers was held at the Government House in Moscow to address several pressing national and international issues. The agenda included a review of the outcomes from the recent Council of Ministers of the Union State of Russia and Belarus meeting, an assessment of the civil aviation industry's performance in 2025, and discussions on preferential lending in the Kuril Islands. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin delivered opening remarks, while Deputy Prime Ministers Vitaly Savelyev and Yury Trutnev presented reports on civil aviation and investment in the Kuril Islands, respectively.

Outcomes of the Russia-Belarus Union State Council Meeting

The meeting followed the Council of Ministers of the Union State of Russia and Belarus session, which took place in Moscow on February 2, 2026. Chaired by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and attended by Belarusian Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin, the council focused on deepening cooperation and implementing the Union State Agreement. Discussions covered trade and economic collaboration, with a roadmap for the next three years also being initiated.

Significant progress was reported, including the signing of fifteen bilateral documents aimed at enhancing industrial, scientific, technological, and tourist potential. A resolution was adopted to grant 'Union State goods' status to products comprising at least 50% Belarusian or Russian components, a measure intended to safeguard the common market. In 2025, foreign trade turnover between Belarus and Russia saw a 5.6% increase. Russia was highlighted as Belarus's primary partner, accounting for approximately 60% of all foreign direct investment in Belarus during 2025.

2025 Civil Aviation Industry Performance Review

The Deputy Prime Ministers also assessed the performance of the Russian civil aviation industry in 2025. The sector has been navigating challenges related to replacing foreign aircraft with domestically produced models. The Comprehensive Civil Aviation Development Program (KPGA), launched in June 2022, aims to deliver 994 civilian aircraft by 2030, including models such as the Superjet-100, MC-21, Il-114-300, Tu-214, and Il-96-300.

However, the program has encountered setbacks, including production delays and limited interest from airlines. Deliveries of the MC-21 were postponed to 2025, and the Superjet 100 to 2026. In early 2025, the government reduced its aircraft production targets by 50%. Furthermore, a 22% reduction in government spending on new aircraft and helicopter production, amounting to 22.4 billion rubles ($281.5 million), was planned in May 2025 due to these delays. Despite these challenges, Russian Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov stated in December 2025 that Russia is prepared to offer domestically developed aircraft systems, such as the fully import-substituted Tu-214, to the international market, prioritizing domestic airlines.

Preferential Lending Initiatives in the Kuril Islands

Discussions also covered the implementation of preferential lending programs in the Kuril Islands, a region benefiting from various state support instruments, including a federal target program, priority development areas, and a tax regime. In 2016, the Sakhalin region government introduced interest-free housing loans for residents through the Sakhalin Mortgage Agency, as part of a broader program for socioeconomic development slated for completion by 2025.

The 'Kuril Islands priority development area' has notably contributed to the islands' growth, while the tax regime has shown a positive, albeit limited, impact, primarily in the tourism sector. Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev was tasked with reporting on efforts to attract further investment to the region.