The Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia took part in a meeting of the Presidential Council for Cossack Affairs

Alexander Bastrykin, Chairman of Investigative Committee of Russia, spoke via video-conferencing at a meeting of the Presidential Council for Cossack Affairs. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology; the Federal Agency for Nationalities, the State Duma Committee on the Commonwealth of Independent States, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots.

The meeting summarised the Council's work for the current year and discussed the main activities for 2022.

In his speech, the Head of the Investigative Committee pointed out the special role of representatives of the Cossacks in the upbringing of the younger generation. He noted the particular importance of supporting representatives of the youth Cossack movement, who are an example and a true moral compass in the face of rising crime and drug addiction among adolescents. In particular, Alexander Bastrykin said it was necessary to support the initiative to increase the staff reserve of the civil service by including representatives of the Cossack youth, who will honestly and worthily perform their duties due to their worthy upbringing and valorous traditions. He agreed to introduce this experience in the Investigative Committee and share it in the regions. The Head of the Committee also suggested that the Cossack youth community should consider developing a media network to use modern digital technology in a positive way to create positive programmes on the Internet and a child-friendly media space.

“Why did I decide to raise this issue at our meeting of the Cossack Society? Because, on the one hand, we see a huge amount of work on the organisation of the All-Russian Cossack youth organisation and, on the other hand, we observe the trends I have mentioned. I think it is important for the Cossack movement to expand its work towards other part of our youth," Bastrykin added.

The meeting also heard presentations on improving the legislation of the Russian Federation in the field of implementation of state policy in relation to the Cossacks. The results of the Best Cossack Cadet Corps competition were summed up. The topic of involving Russian Cossacks in environmental protection activities, environmental safety and forest protection was also discussed. The question of developing international contacts with compatriot Cossacks living abroad was raised.

Joint work will continue, as the Cossacks are the true backbone of the Russian state. All proposals will soon be sent to representatives of the Cossack movement.