All Russian citizens released in prisoner swap to be nominated for state awards - Putin

MOSCOW. Aug 2 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated all Russian citizens released in a prisoner swap on Thursday on returning home, expressed special gratitude to those related to military service, and promised to nominate everyone for state awards.

Putin greeted the Russians near the plane's ramp, shook hands and hugged them. Vadim Krasikov, who was serving life sentence in Germany, was the first to disembark and meet with the president.

Artem and Anna Dultsev disembarked together with their children. Putin hugged teary Anna Dultseva and presented her and her daughter with flowers.

"First of all, I would like to congratulate you on returning home," Putin said, as he greeted the Russians at the Vnukovo 2 airport terminal.

He made a separate address to those related to military service and thanked them for "loyalty to their oath and duty."

"All of you will be nominated for state awards. We will meet again and speak about your future. For now, I want to congratulate you on returning home," Putin said.

He assured the Russians that the fatherland "did not forget about you for a minute."

The meeting continued without the press.