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Russians Nikolai Patrushev, deputy leader of the FSB (Federal Security Service), and Vladimir Pronichev, director of the Border Guard Service, and others, visit Pole on two FSB MI-8 helicopters. The trip, led by polar explorer and Duma vice speaker Artur Chiligarov had flown to PH from Punta Arenas via KGI on a Antonov An 24 aircraft; the helicopters had been positioned at PH. They reached Pole on the evening of 7 January. The trip was led by polar explorer and Duma vice speaker Artur Chiligarov. It was variously described as a kickoff event for the International Polar Year, and as a PR effort to undermine the US "monopoly" at the South Pole. |