Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on aerospace leaders to focus on developing rocket engines for spacecraft launches, stressing the need to preserve Russia’s global standing in space technology. During a visit to Samara after trips to China and Vladivostok, he toured the Kuznetsov Design Bureau plant and highlighted Russia’s ability to innovate despite Western sanctions. Putin noted advances in energy-sector engines and said modernization of the PD–26 aircraft engine could support both military and civilian aviation projects.