MOSCOW, July 30 (RIA Novosti's Sergei Shevchuk) - Russian paratroopers will help provide security at the Chechen presidential elections scheduled for August 29, Lieutenant-General Alexander Kolmakov, commander of the Russian Airborne Troops, said at a Moscow press conference on Friday.
At present, Airborne Troops are 35,000-strong, he said.
The Airborne Troops' commander congratulated servicemen and veterans of the Airborne Troops on their upcoming professional holiday. Russian Airborne Troops celebrate their birthday on August 2. On this day, 74 years ago, a paratrooper division of 12 servicemen first jumped from aircraft at exercises of the Moscow military district.
