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

      On April 16, 2026, at 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.

      The Deputy Chairman of the regional government, Minister of Internal Regional and Municipal Policy Pavel Karasev, presented the letters of gratitude to the participants. He emphasized the significance of their contribution, noting that it is precisely thanks to such caring individuals 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 in the rear, and now she continues to support the soldiers—using part of her pension to buy fabric and sew underwear, blankets, and warm vests.

      "I can't 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 from Arzamas Kirill Lisin 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 letter of gratitude. Since April 2024, his team has regularly traveled on humanitarian missions to the sponsored territories of the DPR—Khartsyzsk, Ilovaisk, and Mangush.

      He emphasized that during this time, more than 30 expeditions have taken place. Volunteers are engaged in landscaping, providing medical assistance, targeted support for residents, working with youth, and assisting soldiers, including making camouflage nets and delivering humanitarian cargo. According to him, the award received is recognition of the entire team's work.

      In addition, medals "For Support of the SMO" 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 sponsored 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 ceremony "With Our Heart" has been held for the eighth time. This year, 119 people received awards, and previously, more than a thousand residents of the region had been recognized with government letters of gratitude.

      "Their genuine effective patriotism, selflessness, and good deeds confirm that our strength lies in unity," he emphasized.

      Let us remind you 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.

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