Official website of the President of Russia

News   /

The President asked them to report on the results and impressions of their trip to Chechnya, not only concerning the situation on the ground, but also on the preparations for Victory Day celebrations on May 9.

The President said that it is premature to transfer the control of the counter-terrorist operation in Chechnya from the Federal Security Service to the Internal Affairs Ministry. The move must be prepared, bearing in mind that interaction with the local Internal Affairs Ministry bodies in Chechnya must first be established.

But above all it is necessary to ensure the safety of citizens and local leaders, the President stressed. He also noted the importance of disarming the militants and reintegrating them into normal civilian life.

Nikolai Patrushev briefed the President on operational data that shows that there were groups in Chechnya willing to surrender their arms to the authorities. But he stressed the need to continue to use all available means to fight those who do not want the situation in the republic to return to normal.

Vladimir Putin was also briefed by the Defence Minister and the Federal Security Service Director on the situation on the Russian-Georgian border. Sergei Ivanov also reported to the head of state on the preparation for military exercises on the Caspian.