A new detachment of volunteers has departed from Nizhny Novgorod for the SVO zone.

      05 November 2025 10:00 Society

      On November 4 in Nizhny Novgorod, a solemn rally dedicated to National Unity Day was held on the People's Unity Square. The central event was the dispatch of another detachment of 30 volunteers who set off to defend the Motherland. On the same day, another humanitarian convoy with aid for participants of the special military operation and residents of border territories departed from the region.

      Representatives of regional authorities, deputies, clergy of various confessions, veterans, public organizations, as well as concerned residents of Nizhny Novgorod and city guests gathered at the monument to Minin and Pozharsky.

      Gleb Nikitin, Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Region, recalled that it was at this very place, by the Kremlin walls, that Kozma Minin’s historic words "Kupno za edino" were spoken, which became a symbol of unity and joint struggle for the Motherland. He noted that the people of Nizhny Novgorod consistently support the warriors participating in the special military operation and expressed confidence that those heading to the front today will pass on a measure of support and the faith of their fellow countrymen to their comrades in arms.

      Evgeny Lyulin, Chairman of the regional Legislative Assembly, emphasized that the feat of the Nizhny Novgorod militia of 1612 remains an example of civic responsibility and cohesion. According to him, this tradition lives on today — volunteers go to serve, and residents and enterprises of the region, authorities and deputies systematically assist the fighters. Lyulin called this an expression of civic solidarity bequeathed by the ancestors and remaining the foundation of the country’s sovereignty.

      The volunteers were blessed by Metropolitan Georgy of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas. He reminded people of everyone’s duty to preserve their country’s traditions and of how the people of Nizhny Novgorod united four hundred years ago to save the Fatherland under the protection of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. In his words, the lessons of the Time of Troubles remind that there are many peoples in Russia, but only one Motherland, and that the spirit of unity and conciliarity should always live on our land. At the end, the metropolitan blessed the participants of the humanitarian convoy as well, sprinkling the cargo with holy water.

      The regional government, the House of National Unity, municipalities, the Nizhny Novgorod Metropolia and the ANO "Spiritual Heritage" took part in preparing the humanitarian aid. The convoy included technical equipment, construction materials, tools, camouflage nets, essentials, and 3,500 books for servicemen and institutions in the new regions. In total, two 20-ton trucks were sent.

      Evgeny Chintsov, Speaker of the Duma of Nizhny Novgorod, noted that the word "unity" sounded particularly loudly that day. He reminded that, as in past centuries, the people of Nizhny Novgorod stand up to defend the country, support fighters at the front and together develop their native city. According to him, even a child’s letter or drawing can warm a soldier’s soul no less than a bulletproof vest.

      Yury Shalabaev, Mayor of Nizhny Novgorod, congratulated residents on the holiday and stressed that the people of Nizhny Novgorod have always been ready to take responsibility for the fate of the country. He noted that many fellow countrymen still take part in volunteer formations and support participants of the special military operation. "We, like our ancestors, stand shoulder to shoulder, defending the Motherland and instilling love for it in our children," the mayor added.

      At the end of the event, participants laid flowers at the monument to Patriarch Hermogenes by the church in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. This saint played a key role in the emergence of the popular militia during the Time of Troubles.

      Earlier it was reported that as part of the National Unity Day celebrations, townspeople made camouflage nets and trench candles that will be sent to the front. Nizhny Novgorod residents also had the opportunity to write letters to the servicemen of the special military operation.

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