The meeting has been focused on issues concerning the situation in the LPR. Putin remarked during the meeting that the situation "on the line of contact is stable now," adding that he is amazed by the Ukrainian authorities pushing their citizens into the minefields.
"I sometimes look at what the enemy side does — I get the impression that it is not their people at all, whom they are pushing into the minefields ... acting like it is not their citizens at all ... But this is their business, their problems," Putin has said.
The president also said the present team is doing a good job and will be able to organize the elections in the republic in the current difficult conditions, and drawn attention to establishing direct contact with people for feedback, adding that Russian authorities will contribute to this process and positive attitude.
Putin also noted that low income and rising prices are the republic's main problem, detailing that there are issues with the need to restore the residential complex, social sphere, communications, housing and utilities, as well as industry.
Pasechnik, for his part, relayed during the meeting that the situation in the LPR remains tense due to the proximity of the front line but stable. The republic's head has added work is underway to regulate the legal status of institutions as ministries are carrying out tasks under national projects. It was also outlined that the budget system has been set up in the LPR in accordance with Russia's federal legislation.
Speaking with Yevgeny Balitsky, the acting governor of the Zaporizhzhia region, the Russian president was informed that the region has already formed a list of lawmakers and is prepared for the upcoming elections.
Balitsky also relayed the region's authorities would step up security measures during the elections, adding that district and territorial election commissions have already been set up, their staff and members had been approved, and Russia's national guard increased protection of election commissions' members two or three weeks ago.
In turn, Putin called Balitsky's team a mobilized one, expressing hope that the residents of the region would be able to feel it.
The Russian leader admitted that "the situation in the economy and the social sphere is stabilizing," adding, however, that there is "still a lot to be done to recover." The president also said Russian authorities would support the development program of the region.
Balitsky went on to inform the president about the plans to connect 100% of the region to the gas supply in the coming year.
Touching on Putin's approval rating in the region, Balitsky said Putin's positive rating in the region stands at 87%, while the United Russia political party's approval rating stands at 71%.