Cossacks to display military skills in Cup city

Rostov-on-Don, Russia: A senior official in Russia’s southern Rostov region says Cossack patrols in this World Cup city will “display their military skills” and not replace the role of police.

Deputy regional governor Igor Guskov told reporters on Saturday that members of the academy of the self-governing militia would take part in horseback patrols along the Don River, but weren’t strictly given the responsibility of providing security.

Guskov said that “we are all Cossacks here,” adding that a number of public events planned in the city would involve Cossack culture.

Authorities have boosted the police presence before Sunday’s match between Brazil and Switzerland.