MOSCOW, August 9. /TASS/. More than 955 million square meters of residential areas have been built in Russia over the past decade, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his video address on Builder’s Day.

"I would note that over the past decade, more than 955 million square metres of housing have been built across the country, and some 1.3 million people have received new apartments through programmes for relocation from dilapidated housing," Putin said.

The Russian president went on to say that alongside housing construction, the necessary infrastructure is also developing. "For instance, through the National Competition for Projects to Create a Comfortable Urban Environment, modern, convenient, and yet distinct public spaces are emerging in small towns, historical villages, and key communities," he said.

"The work of everyone in this vital sector deserves the most sincere recognition," the Russian president concluded.