Putin calls on government officials to improve living conditions in annexed areas of Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday urged Russian government officials to work hard to improve living conditions in the regions of Ukraine that Moscow has illegally annexed and where conditions are frequently dire, acknowledging that the situation in the regions has been “difficult.”

Speaking at his first meeting with government ministers this year, Mr. Putin said that “the fighting continues in some areas, peaceful life has not been restored everywhere and people’s safety hasn’t been ensured.” Read more

@nytimes