MOSCOW (Realist English). Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting in the Kremlin on Tuesday with Denis Pushilin, the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), to review reconstruction efforts and economic development in the region.
According to the Kremlin, the discussion focused on restoring water supply systems, upgrading medical facilities with advanced equipment and expanding transportation infrastructure, including a key road network around the Sea of Azov.
Putin noted that the Donetsk region had historically been one of the most industrially developed areas of the former Soviet Union, with strong manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
He acknowledged that the region had suffered significant damage in recent years but said reconstruction efforts were progressing at a relatively fast pace despite ongoing security challenges.
Pushilin said the DPR authorities are working to stabilize water supply, which remains one of the most pressing issues for residents. More than 220 emergency repair teams are currently operating across the region, including many specialists sent from other Russian regions.
According to Pushilin, about 700 external specialists are assisting local utilities with water and heating systems. Over the past year, 126 kilometers of water networks were replaced, and authorities plan to modernize another 165 kilometers in 2026.
Pushilin said water shortages had been exacerbated by infrastructure damage and aging pipelines but added that reservoir levels were improving after a relatively favorable winter.
The DPR leader also reported progress in restoring electricity supply to previously contested areas, including the city of Kurakhovo, where power was reconnected shortly before the New Year. More than 1,000 residents currently live there, and additional people have begun returning.
Infrastructure development remains a major priority, Pushilin said. Since 2022, more than 2,500 kilometers of roads have been rebuilt or brought up to federal standards, along with dozens of bridges and other engineering structures.
Work is also continuing on a broader transport project linking territories around the Sea of Azov. Pushilin said the DPR portion of the route is progressing ahead of schedule.
Healthcare modernization was another key topic of the meeting. Pushilin said medical institutions in the region are receiving high-technology equipment that local specialists had not previously had access to.
Putin emphasized the importance of training medical personnel capable of working with the new technologies and said the government would coordinate with federal authorities to ensure specialists are properly prepared.
Pushilin also highlighted the need to retain young medical professionals by improving student housing and expanding social infrastructure.
During the meeting, the DPR leader proposed a new program aimed at supporting veterans of Russia’s military operations by providing land plots of up to 15 acres for housing development.
Putin also discussed the situation on the front line, noting that Ukrainian forces currently control roughly 15–17% of the territory of the DPR.
Pushilin concluded the meeting by describing the case of a Russian soldier who reportedly held a position alone for 68 days during fighting near the settlement of Grishino before being evacuated with severe injuries. Putin said he would consult with military commanders regarding a state award and pledged support for the soldier’s recovery.
