The Volga and Don rivers are representative of the analysis of river restoration problems in the South-East Europe. A hierarchy in the dimensions of the rivers from the Volga to numerous minor tributaries, their many uses, and different kinds and degrees of degradation require a hierarchy in the aims of the policies, planning and implementation of river restoration. The principal causes of degradation of the Volga are closely connected with dams, sewage and irrigation, which lead to reductions in potable water supply, the fishery and biodiversity. The main problem for small rivers in the Don basin is water shortage. Therefore the aims and methods of river restoration for small and large rivers are different. However, they have to be achieved through a common scheme of coordinated arrangements. This scheme is based on systematic and targeted approaches and includes, on one hand, the removal of some dams, reduction of pollution, restoration of water volume and biodiversity, and on the other hand, the settlement of conflicts through negotiated agreements and the involvement of public opinion. The target programming of river restoration is a process of some specific iterative procedures, including theming, analysis of the situation, goal setting, problem evaluation, conversion of problems into tasks, and planning. The Federal Target Programme, Volga Revival, follows this sequence of operations, and extends to some measures for the restoration of minor rivers in the Don basin.