In the early hours of March 1, 2000, 90 paratroopers of the 6th company were attacked in the Argun Gorge by a 2,000-strong army of Chechen militants; 84 paratroopers perished in battle.
The President laid a wreath at the site where the monument would be erected. He met with relatives of the killed paratroopers and also visited the barracks of the 6th company, where he talked with recruits.