There is an album on the Volga – Newspaper Kommersant No. 194 (7395) dated 10/19/2022

On October 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the Governor of the Samara Region, Dmitry Azarov, and was touched by the photo album that the Governor handed him at the request of the Women’s Council of the 2nd Army. Special Correspondent “Kommersant” Andrey Kolesnikov – with details that the interlocutors did not hide.

The meeting with Dmitry Azarov was one of those that can be rescheduled, but cannot be cancelled. On October 18, it turned out that it was full of touching details and secret springs.

“I would suggest starting with the positive, namely with investment projects,” Vladimir Putin became interested.

For a long time no one in a conversation with him started with investment projects. Simply, apparently, because there are none. And so it would be possible.

– If in April-May the index of industrial production decreased significantly, now we can say that the economy has adapted. In fact, we have already reached the restoration of the positions of 2021,” Dmitry Azarov carefully commented on the situation. “Vladimir Vladimirovich, if possible, the fourth slide is on this topic. There is a decline in the index of industrial production, and here there was an increase in hidden unemployment, which you paid attention to, the peak period.

Here is something he still did not do right now. He was asked to talk about investment projects, and he shared his vision of the decline in the index of industrial production and the growth of hidden unemployment. Moreover, Vladimir Putin, a few seconds before, managed to praise him for low unemployment rates. But it turned out that she was just hidden.

In fact, Dmitry Azarov has been talking about the situation since 2018. On the one hand, it is logical: it was this year that Vladimir Putin became president for the umpteenth time. Where else to start counting?

Dmitry Azarov called 2018 a preparatory year. 2019 – proactive (you could also say “quasi”; also beautiful).

“In 2021, investment interest recovered after the covid suspension of investment projects in 2020, and we are attracting investments at a faster pace,” Dmitry Azarov explained. “For four years, we have created about 10 thousand jobs every year, Vladimir Vladimirovich! Such diversification, creation of new jobs allowed us to maintain the situation in the current year.

It would seem that everything is developing unusually in the Samara region. But in fact, much more unusual.

— To date, we have 12 thousand registered unemployed for 44.5 thousand vacancies – this is a very good start. Of course, we really hope to keep these positions!

That is, potentially negative unemployment in the region. Dmitry Azarov, like the Samara region, has no one to compare with. It’s even embarrassing for others.

– Very well! the president supported the governor.

Highly? Soft, too soft.

Then Dmitry Azarov spoke about the twin city of Samara in the Donetsk region – the city of Snezhnoye.

It turned out that something really worthwhile was done here:

“As we agreed with the residents of the city, the entire infrastructure, and primarily related to the heating season, has been put in order,” Mr. Azarov said. “This is not only a system of heat supply, water supply, sanitation, but, of course, these are schools , this is a museum and this is a youth sports school.

But this is what worked:

“The complete reconstruction of the school made it possible on September 8, on the Day of the Liberation of Donbass, to hold the first tournament in Greco-Roman wrestling,” Dmitry Azarov said under the approving look of Vladimir Putin, who, by all indications, liked this meeting more and more. republics … Many actions are held in support of both the special military operation and the armed forces. But about one thing,” his voice even trembled, “if you will allow me, I will tell separately.

And Dmitry Azarov moved a large photo album closer to Vladimir Putin.

– This action, – he continued, – was carried out by women – the wives of officers and soldiers. They called her “Heroes’ Wives”. Vladimir Vladimirovich, they wanted to and held a photo exhibition on the streets of Samara, the women’s council of the 2nd Guards Army decided so (it’s always somehow calmer when the army has its own women’s council.— A.K.)! Of course, they thus supported their husbands, fighters. They said: “Let the guys know and the enemy knows that behind each of our fighters there is a strong and loving Russian woman, which means the whole country”!.. Such wonderful women, they decided to do it themselves!

The Russian President examined the album.

– In their husbands’ tunics and dresses! he understood.

Indeed, one could see that the women in the pictures were wearing military uniforms.

“Kind words… The letters are personal, but they decided to make it public, which, among other things, will inspire those who provide support in the rear today,” Dmitry Azarov sighed lightly.

“Well done…” the president said softly.

“And this is generally a unique picture …” the governor drew the attention of the president.

“A beautiful woman,” Vladimir Putin paid tribute.

– In the first photo, she is still pregnant … – Dmitry Azarov suddenly decided to tell the truth.

– And here with the baby! the President exclaimed.

“Vladimir Vladimirovich, such a support action took place on the territory of Samara,” Dmitry Azarov stated.

Well, what did he feel? Everyone would be in his place … Oh, Samara-town …

So Vladimir Putin did not hide:

Can I take this album with me? he softly asked permission from the governor, already, however, shifting the album from the negotiating table to his worker.

– So I brought it to you, – Dmitry Azarov responded with bewilderment.

“Good,” said the president.

Not just good.

And how good!