Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended unpopular social benefit reforms, but has criticised federal and regional officials for failing to fully implement them.
Thousands of pensioners have been protesting in towns and cities across Russia against the reforms which involve cash payments replacing Soviet-era benefits such as free public transport and subsidised electricity.
Mr Putin conceded that the reforms had left some people worse off, but said the old system had become outdated.
He has ordered a higher than planned increase in the rate of payments from 1 March.
