Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited two Air Force pilots who were downed during the peace enforcement operation in Georgia, and who are now staying at hospitals in Moscow
23 august 2008
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited two Air Force pilots who were downed during the peace enforcement operation in Georgia, and who are now staying at hospitals in Moscow
Mr Putin, who was accompanied by Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and Air Force Chief Commander Alexander Zelin, first visited Guards Major Vyacheslav Malkov at the Burdenko Main Military Hospital, subsequently calling on Colonel Igor Zinov at the Seventh Central Military General Aviation Hospital.
The hospital's chief physician told Putin about the pilot's condition. Putin then asked Maj. Malkov how he was feeling and inquired about his plans.
The Russian Prime Minister also talked to Maj. Malkov's wife who said she was also serving in the Armed Forces. Maj. Malkov told Putin that his wife was behaving calmly, the way a soldier should.
Col. Igor Zinov was receiving relatives at the time of Putin's visit. When asked by the Prime Minister about his condition, Col. Zinov replied that there were no complications and that no surgery was required.
Vladimir Putin wished him a speedy recovery.
The Russian Prime Minister also talked to both pilots face to face.