Nizhny Novgorod residents were awarded for their assistance to participants of the Special Military Operation.

      April 16, 2026 11:45 Society In the Nizhny Novgorod region, 119 volunteers and business representatives received awards for their active participation in providing humanitarian aid to participants of the Special Military Operation (SMO). The ceremony "With Our Heart" took place on April 15 at the House of National Unity. Thank-you letters were presented to the participants by the Deputy Chairman of the regional government, Minister of Internal Regional and Municipal Policy Pavel Karasev. He emphasized the significance of their contribution, noting that it is precisely thanks to such compassionate people that the country stands strong. Among the awardees are representatives from various fields and ages: employees of social institutions, workers from enterprises, entrepreneurs, clergy, students, and retirees. One of the participants in the ceremony was 93-year-old Kapitolina Egorova. She shared that during the Great Patriotic War, she helped at the rear, and now she continues to support the fighters—using part of her pension to buy fabric and sew underwear, blankets, and warm vests. "I cannot do otherwise. My heart demands that I help those who protect us. Every stitch is my support and prayer for them," the Nizhny Novgorod resident shared. Auto-volunteer Kirill Lisin from Arzamas has been delivering humanitarian aid since the beginning of the SMO. Initially, he and a friend organized the first shipments for their fellow countrymen, and then they created the volunteer group "Reliable Rear 152." Now the team not only collects and transports cargo but has also organized a sewing workshop where volunteers make necessary items for military personnel. Lisin is confident that with joint efforts, any difficulties can be overcome. The government also recognized the head of the volunteer center at the House of National Unity, Sergey Tashkinov, with a thank-you letter. Since April 2024, his team has regularly gone on humanitarian missions to the patronized territories of the DPR—Khartsyzsk, Ilovaisk, and Mangush. He emphasized that during this time, more than 30 expeditions have taken place. Volunteers engage in landscaping, medical assistance, targeted support for residents, work with youth, and provide help to fighters, including making camouflage nets and delivering humanitarian cargo. According to him, the award received is recognition of the entire team's work. Additionally, the "For Support of the SMO" medals were awarded to the heads of departments at the House of National Unity. Among them are Andrey Sudar, overseeing the infrastructure project for the restoration of patronized territories in the DPR, and Tatyana Druzhinina, heading the coordination center for supporting military personnel, mobilized individuals, and their families. The head of the DNE, Sergey Fedorov, noted that the "With Our Heart" ceremony has been held for the eighth time. This year, 119 people received awards, and previously, more than a thousand residents of the region have been recognized with government thank-yous. "Their genuine active patriotism, selflessness, and good deeds confirm that our strength lies in unity," he emphasized. It should be noted that in March, the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod region expanded the list of those eligible for the medal for support of the SMO. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.