Meeting with Head of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency Veronika Skvortsova

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon.

What shall we begin with, Ms Skvortsova?

Head of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency Veronika Skvortsova Skvortsova VeronikaHead of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA) : If I may, Mr President, I'd like to address the participation of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA) in the special military operation.

From the very beginning of the operation, FMBA units, comprising combined mobile medical teams, have been actively involved in addressing the medical and sanitary consequences of hostilities in the Donetsk People's Republic, the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, as well as sabotage attacks in the Belgorod Region, Crimea, and during emergency situations.

The first months of our work highlighted the urgent need for a significant modernisation of the mobile medical care system and the development of a new specialised medical capability within the agency.

A dedicated department and specialised units were established, incorporating rapid response teams for radiation, chemical, and biological reconnaissance, as well as for identifying hazardous factors and implementing protective measures. Additionally, mobile medical teams composed of experienced specialists were formed to deliver specialised, including high-tech, medical care in combat conditions. These teams are equipped to perform surgical procedures and resuscitation efforts in the field.

To ensure the efficiency of operations, the vehicles underwent comprehensive modernisation. Specialised medical-technical equipment was developed specifically for radiological, toxicological, and biological reconnaissance vehicles, which are fully outfitted with advanced portable digital tools designed by the FMBA's centre. These devices function within a unified information system, enabling real-time operation.

Notably, armoured ambulances have been introduced, along with specialised ambulances featuring fragmentation protection made from high-density polyethylene and Kevlar. These multilayer materials, developed in the experimental workshops of the FMBA, are used to reinforce vehicles and construct stretchers for safe evacuation of the wounded. They are capable of withstanding damage fragments equivalent up to 110 grammes of TNT. Additionally, KAMAZ-based vehicles have been equipped with built-in operating rooms and resuscitation units, enabling the provision of critical surgical and resuscitation care both during transportation and in field conditions.

Our units operate in close coordination with the Defence Ministry, maintaining direct contact with their medical divisions, and have proven their effectiveness. For instance, on the night of August 7, during an enemy attack on the border areas of the Kursk Region, we swiftly relocated a team of 200 personnel to our medical base in Kurchatov in just four hours. This deployment included 180 highly qualified specialists, 68 surgeons across various specialties, resuscitation experts, radiation, chemical, and biological protection teams, as well as the necessary transport, including armoured vehicles. This enabled our unit to evacuate the wounded or affected individuals directly from the combat zone.

To be continued.