Russia launches comprehensive program to restore 3 border regions

The Russian government on Monday unveiled a program to rebuild and develop three western border regions, pledging billions of rubles for housing, infrastructure and business support.

The plan, ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, covers the Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk regions. First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said it expands on earlier aid, including more than 150 billion rubles (about 1.8 billion U.S. dollars) in payments, benefits and housing certificates distributed to residents over the past two years.

About 80 billion rubles will be allocated in 2025-2027 to rebuild infrastructure, housing, schools, hospitals and utilities, while also supporting farmers and small businesses. Officials said reconstruction is now possible in areas about 30 kilometers from the front line of the Ukraine crisis, where demining has been completed.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said the goal of the program is to restore homes and social facilities "as quickly as possible" so that residents can return to normal life.