Nizhny Novgorod veteran of the special military operation Alexander Kuritsyn underwent retraining at MGIMO.

      On March 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM, Politics. On March 27, Nizhny Novgorod veteran of the Special Military Operation Alexander Kuritsyn received a diploma for completing the retraining program at MGIMO. Diplomas were awarded to veterans of the Special Military Operation who successfully completed the third stream of the professional retraining program "Management of Urban Infrastructure and Territorial Development" by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and the State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, and Chair of the State Fund "Defenders of the Fatherland" Anna Tsivileva.

      For ten weeks, defenders from 16 regions of the country mastered the competencies necessary for effective management of urban territories at the Odintsovo branch of MGIMO. Among them were not only military personnel but also representatives of civilian professions: economists, engineers, medical workers, lawyers, educators, and journalists. To date, this is the largest in terms of participants and duration face-to-face educational program for veterans of the Special Military Operation.

      "The program is indeed in demand among our guys, employers, and relevant agencies. More than 60 people have already completed the training. Veterans of the Special Military Operation are developing initiatives that are directly oriented towards regions and small towns, covering a wide range of issues important for society as a whole. Together with the teams of governors and industry ministries, we will help defenders implement projects and find employment. I am confident that today's graduates will join the ranks of managers, and their unique experience and dedication to the Motherland will find worthy application in peaceful life," noted Anna Tsivileva.

      The program included seven educational modules and covered a wide range of competencies necessary for successful professional activity focused on territorial development. Lectures and practical classes addressed state and municipal management, comprehensive development of urban economies and territories, digitalization and the application of artificial intelligence, investments, project management, budgeting, public procurement, and ecology.

      Veteran of the Special Military Operation Alexander Kuritsyn, representing the Nizhny Novgorod region in the program, actively participates in the activities of the regional branch of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" fund, which actively supports his social initiatives and projects. Before participating in the special military operation, he worked as a sailor-motorist and served in the presidential regiment. He participated in the Special Military Operation from 2022 to 2025 and sustained three injuries. He was awarded the Suvorov Medal.

      "Studying at MGIMO became a support point for me — here I felt again that I was moving forward. Now, when all the stages are behind, I am glad that I made it to the end. A diploma from such a university as MGIMO is not just a 'certificate.' It is the confidence that there is a future after service. And it is in our hands," the veteran shared.

      The training also included independent work on projects and practical classes at infrastructure facilities in Moscow and the Moscow region: at Mosoblgaz, the Moscow Situational Center, the Neva waste processing complex, the Vodokanal municipal enterprise in Podolsk, the energy utilization plant in Svistjagino, the Museum of Urban Economy in Moscow, the Moscow Regional Duma, and others.

      Classes were conducted by more than 20 instructors: doctors and candidates of sciences, associate professors, leading researchers, heads of government bodies, industry experts, and experienced practitioners.

      The fourth module of training for 30 veterans of the Special Military Operation under the program "Management of Urban Infrastructure and Territorial Development" is planned for June 2026.

      The State Fund "Defenders of the Fatherland" was established by the Decree of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Its main goal is the personal support of veterans of the Special Military Operation and the families of heroes. Specialists and social coordinators of the fund assist defenders not only with medical and social rehabilitation but also with retraining and employment, provide legal support, adapt housing to the needs of disabled individuals, and ensure long-term home care. The fund is headed by State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Anna Tsivileva. The fund's branches operate in all regions of Russia.

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