Prime Minister Putin expressed his condolences and condolences on behalf of President Dmitry Medvedev in connection with the death of the team's Commander Col. Igor Tkachenko.

"Allow me to express my condolences and condolences on behalf of Dmitry Medvedev. This is a heavy loss. Unfortunately, nobody can be absolutely safe. I hope you will be able to cope with this tragedy," Putin said to the pilots. He emphasized that he understands how much they are grieving this loss.

"You have chosen to be in the military yourselves," Putin said, and expressed gratitude to the Russian Knights for promoting Russian aviation. He expressed the hope that they would continue flying despite such a grievous loss. "For us pilots, it is important to start working again. The earlier we do this, the sooner everything will right itself," replied one of the Russian Knights.

Putin added that at the same time the pilots should not resume flying until they calm down.

The Prime Minister promised to consider the Defence Minister's proposal to present a state award to the team's commander, Igor Tkachenko, who lost his life in a training mission. "The Defence Minister's proposal to confer a state award on Igor Tkachenko will be considered by all means," he said.