Russian citizens see stars with return of historic symbol

PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin yesterday agreed to reinstate the Soviet-era red star as the Russian military’s official emblem — in the latest reincarnation of Communist symbols that has sparked fears of a return to the repressive past.

The proposal came from Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov, who spoke yesterday at a meeting of Russia’s leading generals attended by Putin.

“The star is sacred for all servicemen,” Ivanov said in remarks broadcast on Russian television as Putin sat behind him, frowning his brow.