Viktor Zubkov and Anatoly Brovko discussed important issues of the Volgograd Region's socio-economic development. Mr Zubkov prioritised the region's social sector and the development of the agro-industrial sector.

The first deputy prime minister confirmed the receipt of an appeal from a group of Volgograd Region residents requesting that he head the United Russia regional ticket at the upcoming State Duma elections, scheduled for December 2011.

"This is a very serious proposal made by persons enjoying the well-deserved respect of the residents of the region, which, in turn, is renowned for its heroic history and has solid potential and very good development prospects. To accept this proposal is both a great honour and a responsibility. Consequently, I will come to the Volgograd Region in the next few days in order to hold additional meetings and consultations with the region's residents and then make a final decision. The most important thing is not only to head the party ticket but also to rally a team of like-minded persons who could offer a clear and comprehensible programme on the development of the region, both its cities and its countryside, who could implement this programme through concrete deeds, relying on popular support, and who will worthily represent the region in the new State Duma," Mr Zubkov said.