Russian president Vladimir Putin said the situation in the illegally annexed parts of eastern Ukraine, have remained 'difficult in places'. Speaking at a televised meeting with government officials, Russia he said had all the resources to improve life in the four Ukrainian regions that Moscow claimed in September 2022. The four territories make up 15% of Ukraine, marking it the largest forcible takeover in Europe since the second world war. 
Russia-Ukraine war live: Putin says situation in illegally annexed regions ‘difficult’ as Ukraine claims Russia yet to capture Soledar