Putin-Situation In Annexed Ukraine Regions 'Difficult In Places'

Speaking to a group of gov't officials at a televised meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the situation in annexed regions of Ukraine is 'difficult in places', but that 'we have all resources needed' to improve conditions in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk oblasts that Russia claims as its own territory. Says that 'We guarantee the security of our country, and will improve defence'.

• Putin says that the focus of gov't 'should be on demographic problems'. States that 'We have to increase the technological capabilities of the economy' and that 'we will have to expand international ties and diversify logistics'.
• Says that 'additional revenues will allow us to fulfill any tasks', referring to impact of higher hydrocrabon revenues on state budget.