Nizhny Novgorod Cossacks joined the ranks of the "BARS-NN" reservists.

      On March 26, 2026, at 18:17, Society Representatives of the Nizhny Novgorod branch of the all-Russian public organization "Union of Cossack Warriors of Russia and Abroad" joined the mobilization reserve "BARS-NN". The first contracts were signed by veterans of the special military operation and reserve officers, as reported by the House of National Unity.

      To support the volunteers, the ataman of the regional branch for the development of Cossack culture, Igor Gruzdev, arrived. According to him, the decision to join the reserve is a continuation of the historical tradition of the Cossacks in modern conditions. The Cossacks have long stood guard at the borders of the country, and now, by joining "BARS-NN", they strengthen the defense of their homeland.

      "Our warriors will defend Nizhny Novgorod enterprises from drone attacks. The Cossacks are inseparably linked to faith. This spiritual support inspires the defense of the homeland and family. We support the guys and thank them for their service," said Igor Gruzdev.

      One of the reservists with the call sign "Makar" returned from the front line in the fall of 2025 after his fourth volunteer contract. He served in the Cossack detachments "Don", "Yenisei", and "Rus", and was awarded the Order of Courage. During his service, he repeatedly had to repel drone attacks, and now he intends to apply the experience gained to protect the region's industrial infrastructure.

      "A Cossack is a warrior by birth; it is in our blood to defend the homeland, home, and family. After participating in the special military operation, I decided to join the reserve to stand guard at the Nizhny Novgorod borders," he said.

      Another representative of the Cossack community with the call sign "Melnick" works at one of the industrial enterprises in the region. He emphasized that protecting the native borders is part of Cossack traditions and his personal duty as an officer. Together with his brother, he joined the ranks of territorial defense to support his comrades in the special military operation zone.

      Before being sent to special training, a prayer service was held in the Church of Saint Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon according to Cossack tradition. The service was conducted by the archpriest of the Prioksky district of the Nizhny Novgorod diocese, Father Oleg Karsakov. He noted that prayer before starting an important task has special significance for a Cossack and gives warriors confidence and calmness.

      Service in the "BARS-NN" reserve takes place exclusively in the Nizhny Novgorod region and does not involve deployment to the special military operation zone. Recruitment is conducted on a voluntary basis through military commissariats of municipalities by signing a contract with the Ministry of Defense of Russia. The contract allows for the combination of military training and drills with primary civilian work.

      During the contract period, reservists are provided with monetary support, equipment, and uniforms. During drills, their jobs and salaries are preserved, and life and health insurance, medical assistance, and free meals are provided.

      By the decree of the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Gleb Nikitin, additional support measures have been established for "BARS-NN" reservists and their families. These include free kindergarten, school meals, sports sections, and extended day groups for children, subsidized vouchers to camps and sanatoriums in the region, as well as priority rights for transferring children to schools near their homes. Families of reservists are guaranteed priority free medical assistance under the regional state guarantee program.

      For consultations on joining the reserve and obtaining support measures, one can contact the social protection departments, as well as educational and healthcare institutions at their place of residence.

      Detailed information is available on the Telegram channel "BARS-NN", on the social network "VKontakte", on the project website, and by calling the hotline at 8-800-10-17-017 (extension 2). The line operates daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

      Earlier, Gleb Nikitin urged employers not to hinder employees from joining "BARS-NN".

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