Artyom Sazonov: "Patriotism begins with ordinary things"

      April 10, 2026 11:24 Society A series of patriotic meetings is taking place at the Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. Veteran of the special military operation Artem Sazonov conducts discussions with students of the Nizhny Novgorod Institute of Management: sharing personal impressions, talking about a patriotic project that they plan to implement in the universities of the region. Artem Sazonov is a participant in the regional program "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region." The project has been implemented since 2025 by the Presidential Academy in collaboration with the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Public Organization. The program aims to integrate and employ participants and veterans of the special military operation into the system of public administration and enterprises in the region. Artem Sazonov's mentor in the project is the director of the Presidential Academy, Ekaterina Lebedeva.

      "Together with other project participants, Artem is working on creating a common methodology for patriotic education of youth. Within this framework, he has been assigned a special mission: the adaptation of veterans of the special military operation and combat participants, as well as their involvement in working with the younger generation. Artem's combat experience and involvement in the project are key resources," said Ekaterina Lebedeva, director of the Presidential Academy. Artem shared the story of his own journey. Before the special military operation, he successfully ran a business, and then came to the decision to participate in the special military operation: he served as a driver, a UAV operator, and at the end of his service – as an instructor. He was wounded but completed his combat mission. For personal courage and bravery in combat conditions, he was awarded the "For Courage" medal of the II degree.

      "What do you think patriotism is? I believe it starts with simple things. Helping a grandmother across the street, planting a tree, cleaning up trash, taking care of an elderly person. My colleagues and I realize that real patriotic education, which starts small, is vital for the country. We want to create a common methodology for such education with veteran mentors of the special military operation in every university. We will soon launch a pilot project," said Artem Sazonov. Artem Sazonov talked with the students, asking them, in particular, about their understanding of patriotism. "I believe it is, above all, love for my small homeland. And I feel it. And the realization that I can participate in the fate of my country," shared one of the students. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+