At the beginning of the conversation, Vladimir Putin noted that even in the Soviet Union, the Donetsk Region – now the Donetsk People’s Republic – was considered to be one of the most developed and largest industrial and infrastructurally advanced regions of the USSR, both in terms of industry and agriculture. The President also remarked that colossal damage had been inflicted in recent years, but recovery is progressing at a fairly rapid pace, and under the leadership of Denis Pushilin’s team, there is clear forward movement and progress.
Denis Pushilin thanked the President for the high praise and confirmed that everything is being done in the republic to restore its former glory and contribute to the benefit of the entire country, emphasising that the DPR is supported by entire Russia.
One of the most challenging and sensitive issues, according to Denis Pushilin, is water supply. Many measures have already been taken to address this, with efforts focused on stabilising the situation, including reducing water losses. Currently, 223 emergency teams are operational, of which 117 are from sponsor regions. Moscow is contributing the most to Donetsk, with a total of 700 specialists from various regions engaged. Last year, 126 kilometres of pipelines were replaced, and this year, another 165 kilometres are planned for replacement. With federal assistance, water conduits for internal redistribution have been constructed, and underground sources are being utilised. Following a snowy winter, reservoirs are filling up.
Another complex issue is the work in liberated territories. People need passports, documents, pensions, benefits, and lump sum payments.
Vladimir Putin observed that quite recently, just six months ago, about 25 percent of the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic was under the control of the Kiev authorities, and asked for updated estimates. Denis Pushilin reported that the figure is now 15–17 percent.
The discussion also touched upon supplying power to the households, the mass transit system, equipping medical institutions with high-tech equipment, training specialists at Donetsk Medical University, and rebuilding roads. According to the 2022 assessment, no more than 14 percent of federal, regional and inter-urban roads were up to standard. To date, 2,500 kilometres of roads have been built or brought up to code, and another 3,500 kilometres will have been built by 2030. Thirty-six artificial structures have been built. A domestic production base is being created with localisation in the road sector standing at 85 percent, including crushed stone, sand, and cement.
At the request of the President, Denis Pushilin discussed the creation of a ring road around the Sea of Azov. The Donetsk People's Republic is completing its part of the project ahead of schedule: last year, the plan included 450 kilometres, but over 800 kilometres have been built in the end.
The head of the republic also spoke about the SMO Zemsky Veteran programme. Many of those who fought for the DPR, shed their blood and were wounded are thinking about staying in the republic and have a sense that they have become part of that land. The programme provides for the allocation of land plots of up to 15 sotkas (0.15 hectare) and mortgage loans at 2 percent and includes building a house and other support tools. The President said the size of the land plots could be increased.
At the end of the meeting, Denis Pushilin shared a story of a serviceman with the President. The serviceman, 21, is originally from Samara. After completing his compulsory military service, he signed a contract and took part in assault operations, leading assault groups in the 51st Army of the Southern Military District. At one point during a combat operation he found himself defending his position alone for 68 days. The enemy tried to get to him, but he held on; ammunition, mines and food were delivered to him by drones. The attacks against him continued day and night with artillery fire and from the flank. Yet, he held the position for 68 days. He has been evacuated. He completed the assigned tasks, and other servicemen have since advanced farther. Unfortunately, both of his feet had to be amputated. He is now staying in a hospital.
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Denis Pushilin said it was an outstanding feat and asked for appropriate awards to be presented to the soldier with the involvement of the Defence Ministry.
Vladimir Putin promised to discuss this with the commander and said that the award would match the serviceman’s feat. And, of course, everything would be done to help him from a medical standpoint, to support him, and to make him feel like a fully functional individual.