Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, on a working visit in the Kemerovo Region, has met with the widows of the miners killed in the Raspadskaya mine explosions

The prime minister asked if the federal and regional authorities and the mine owners have done what they promised to do, if they have paid out compensation, provided tuition for the miners’ children, resolved housing problems and helped with the repayment of loans.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has held a meeting on the results of the coal industry’s modernisation and development prospects in Kemerovo

After the meeting, the prime minister signed a long-term programme for the development of the coal industry to 2030.

During his visit to the Kemerovo Region, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin speaks at a Popular Front rally

The prime minister emphasised in his speech at the rally that “this nation has always leaned on the powerful and strong shoulder of miners or steel workers, especially during hard times.”

Vladimir Putin visits Kemerovo Region Governor Aman Tuleyev, who is in hospital following surgery

Vladimir Putin attends a class of young judo students and speaks with members of the national judo team during a visit to the Regional Judo Centre in Kemerovo

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin takes part in the Forum of Ethnic Groups of Southern Russia during a visit to the Stavropol Territory

“When we are together, when we feel that we are a united nation, Russia has always managed to overcome any difficulties and times of trouble, to defeat its enemies and to uphold its freedom and independence.”

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Sergei Shoigu

The meeting focused on proposals for the development of the Far East and Eastern Siberia, which had been drafted on the prime minister’s instructions. In Vladimir Putin’s opinion, they must include the establishment of a development institute and the attraction of modern and efficient managers in order “to address the acute problems” in the region.