A book about the legendary KGB general Yuri Danilov was presented in Nizhny Novgorod.

      NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" — Maria Orlova

      Most of Yuri Danilov’s life and service was classified as "Secret." He devoted almost half a century to serving in state security agencies, rising from a young operative to head of the KGB Directorate for Gorky Oblast. His name remains little known to many residents of Nizhny Novgorod — by the nature of his work he was not a public figure, and much of his activity has not yet been declassified. However, an event took place in Nizhny Novgorod that may change that.

      On December 25 the Record center hosted the presentation of the book At the Invisible Post (16+) and the premiere of the documentary-biographical film KGB Legend. Yuri Danilov (16+). The event brought together veterans of the state security agencies, serving FSB officers, government representatives, journalists and the public. A correspondent from NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" also attended the presentation.

      The book, written by the editor-in-chief of the newspaper Novoe Delo (part of NOIC) and historian Vadim Andryukhin, is the result of nearly two years of research. It compiles archival materials, memories of veterans and colleagues, and interviews with Yuri Georgievich’s relatives. Special attention in the book and the film is paid to the early stage of Danilov’s service — his work in the Baltics in the late 1940s and early 1950s. At that time he took part in the fight against nationalist underground movements, personally infiltrated agents, carried out ambushes and participated in the elimination of armed formations.

      "He never spoke about this. But thanks to the archives and the recollections of colleagues it was possible to reconstruct part of this complex and dangerous work — how he fought Latvian nationalists who had been trained by the SS. It was a real war — with life-threatening danger, shootouts, and infiltration into bandit formations," Andryukhin noted.

      He said he personally knew Yuri Danilov. However, by then Danilov was already retired. Their first meeting took place in the early 1990s, a difficult time for the country.

      "I was a fifth-year student at the History Faculty of Nizhny Novgorod University, and I led a student search detachment that reburied the remains of fallen soldiers," Andryukhin recalled. "There was no money for expeditions. On the advice of the director of the university museum I turned to Yuri Georgievich Danilov. She said, 'Call him, he’s an interesting person, he can help.' So I did. Danilov arranged to meet me at the Chkalov monument. I thought we’d talk for ten minutes, but we walked around the city center for five hours just talking. He knew how to put people at ease. A very charming, wise man. He said he wouldn’t promise anything but would try to help — and he did. Thanks to his assistance the Gorky Automobile Plant provided us with everything we needed for the expedition," the book’s author said.

      Later their acquaintance grew into regular communication. "Yuri Georgievich was not verbose, especially when it came to service, but he always gave wise advice. He was one of those people who influenced my life. I am grateful to fate for that acquaintance," Andryukhin emphasized.

      The personal impression of Yuri Danilov and a conversation with the head of the regional FSB directorate Igor Ivanovich Zavozyaev led to the writing of the book.

      As the author himself noted, "this is the story not only of one person, but of an entire era — from the Great Patriotic War to the collapse of the Soviet Union," a tale of how the state security system was built, how personnel were formed, and how tasks were addressed not only in countering spies but also in ensuring the everyday safety of citizens.

      "Yuri Danilov was a unique person. He joined the organs in 1943, in the midst of the war, began in the NKVD district department in Sormovo, and finished his service in 1991 as head of the regional KGB directorate. It’s a rare case of someone who worked his whole life in one region, in one directorate," Andryukhin shared.

      The film KGB Legend. Yuri Danilov was produced by the Volga TV company based on the book. Work on it lasted nine months. Veterans of the security agencies, historians and journalists took part in the filming.

      "This is a film not only about a chekist but also about a man who lived his whole life in service, cared for his subordinates, knew what was happening in their families, and knew how to build infrastructure — from medical care to children’s camps," said the TV company’s general director Elena Lebedeva.

      Deputy Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast Andrey Gneushev, speaking at the presentation, emphasized: "We may never know all the details of the service of people like Yuri Georgievich, but it was they who ensured the country’s security and the peace of its citizens. This is an example that should be shown to young people — how to selflessly serve the Motherland."

      Veterans who served under his command shared their memories of Lieutenant General Danilov, and they were unanimous: Yuri Georgievich left a deep mark not only on the history of the state security agencies but also on people’s lives.

      "We still remember him with gratitude. We are proud to have gone through the Danilov school. He was an officer of honor, a man of exceptional integrity, a wise and demanding leader," said Colonel (ret.) Sergey Sherikhov, chairman of the Council of Veterans of the State Security Agencies of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast.

      About Danilov as a leader spoke the former first deputy head of the FSB Directorate for Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Colonel (ret.) Evgeny Sofyin.

      "He was a consummate professional. He personally controlled the operational situation, traveled to the sites, and immersed himself in every case. For him there were no trivialities. Even document preparation — he checked every comma himself," he said.

      Many other veterans spoke about the Danilov school of training chekists. Colonel Vasily Sultanov, who served under Danilov’s command, recalls that Yuri Georgievich personally took part in personnel selection.

      "He checked not only professional qualities but also the family situation and moral compass. He knew what was happening in every employee’s home. It was a real school — with its own principles, traditions and continuity," he said.

      "Through him, one could say, hundreds of employees passed. Under his leadership 15 generals who served across the country were raised. He was very strict, but fair. A leader with a capital L," added Colonel (ret.) Nikolay Kultyapov.

      Veterans expressed the hope that the book and the film will be used in educational institutions for the patriotic education of young people.

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