MOSCOW, September 15 (AVN) - President Vladimir Putin will meet relatives of the airborne troops killed in Chechnya in the Defence Ministry headquarters at 17.00 Moscow time (1300 GMT) on Friday, ministry sources told the Military News Agency.
Earlier, the Agency reported that the Russian government had ordered to pay RUR720,000 (USD26,000) to families of the 84 paratroopers of the 76th airborne division 104th regiment 6th company killed near Ulus-Kert on March 1 this year. Putin, who initiated the move, will personally hand over the bankbooks to the family members. Deputy Prime Minister Valentina Matviyenko, Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev and Airborne Commander Georgy Shpak were also planning to attend the ceremony.
All preparations for the meeting were classified, and reporters will not be allowed into the hall.
The Agency learned that relatives of 78 paratroopers will be present, the other six families will receive bankbooks via local administrations. At 19.00 Moscow time (1500 GMT), the relatives will also have a separate meeting with the Airborne command. Shpak will hand each family an Airborne anniversary badge and watch bearing colours of the 6th company.