Transcript of the beginning of the meeting: 

Vladimir Putin: We have already talked at some length about several issues. If you think we need to discuss strictly regional issues then please, go ahead.

Evgeny Savchenko: From the point of view of the economy and the social sector, this region is generally quite stable despite the current crisis. There are a range of problems which we raised with the Government previously, and they have not been fully resolved. I would like to review them.

The first issue may seem a little trivial. Ukraine, as you know, will host the European football championship finals in 2012. The finals will take place in Kharkov. Currently, they are extending their infrastructure to meet with ours: roads and so on.  They are proceeding regardless of what else happens. A large number of fans will be heading from here to Kharkov, and I would like us to appear competent. I don't want us to look any worse than the Ukrainians.

Vladimir Putin: As it happens we have just reviewed the construction of a new road with this in mind.

Evgeny Savchenko: Thank you very much for that.

Next year will mark the 65th anniversary of Victory day. We are planning to open a museum of Combat Glory on May 3at Prokhorov Field as agreed to with the Ministry. This year we were allocated 60 million roubles from the Federal budget. But costs will run higher. We would like you to support this a little...

Vladimir Putin: But how can it cost more given the crisis and falling construction costs?

Evgeniy Savchenko: The initial cost was more than 500 million, we have decreased that by more than 100 million, we revised it.

Vladimir Putin: You've already revised it, but you say it's more expensive.

Evgeny Savchenko: We were given 60 million, but the actual site costs more. Even with falling costs.

Vladimir Putin: Why does it cost more?

Evgeny Savchenko: It costs more than the amount we have been allocated. We were allocated 60 million, and it will cost about 400 million.

Vladimir Putin: The overall cost of the project has been decreased?

Evgeny Savchenko: Yes it has been decreased. We raised this question more than once.... You see what a pitiful condition the airport is in... You gave your express instruction, but the legal difficulties continue to this day with the Ministry of Transport. I ask for this to be reconsidered, please. If we were given total control over it, then we would put things right. The runway is practically in a state of total disrepair.

Vladimir Putin: Very well.

Evgeny Savchenko: No financial resources are required. We will do it all ourselves, we will find investors, we have already found them.

Vladimir Putin: Overall how are things in the region?

Evgeny Savchenko: Overall, I think our economy has adapted to the crisis conditions, even those areas that have been hit hardest.

Vladimir Putin: We know that the overall state of the metals industry is anything but simple. And in your region?

Evgeny Savchenko: We have retained our metals production. And there has even been growth in some areas. As far as iron ore production is concerned, we are at 70-75% on last year, but from the beginning of the year the trend has been positive. I think that by the end of the year we will have restored our previous rate of production of iron ore.

Vladimir Putin: And what is the situation in the social sector?

Evgeny Savchenko: In the social sector we are fully honouring all our public obligations towards our citizens. There is no reason for us to revise our approach to the budget, work contracts, or support from the federal budget. Thank you very much for this