The meeting took place before the first session of the Presidential Council on Cossack Affairs. Council Chairman and Deputy Head of the Presidential Executive Office Alexander Beglov informed the head of state about the issues scheduled for discussion at the meeting.
During the meeting the President informed those present about signing the Decree on Conferring the title of Cossack General to the Ataman of the Kuban Association of Cossack Troops Nikolai Doluda. The Head of State also presented him with General's epaulets.
Cossack General is the highest possible rank for those members of Cossack communities included in the Russian state register who are not performing military service.
Cossacks are known to have inhabited Russia since the 14th century (they were free people, working mainly in various trades, as well as individuals who had done military duty on the outskirts of the country). Beginning in the 18th century, Cossacks developed as a military class.