A couple of Cossack veterans, identified by their beards and distinctive uniforms (different from standard Soviet/Russian military uniforms). A passionately independent and free-spirited group, the Cossacks were historically outlaws and outcasts, and fled for the nether regions of Russia in search of freedom from prison and/or serfdom. They were later pardoned by the tsar in exchange for forming their own independent Cossack battalions, which guarded Russia's borders, and for which it soon became apparent there was no equal. To this day, they are known for their skill and dedication to "keeping order", and there have recently even been attempts to re-establish those historic Cossack battalions in certain parts of Russia.