Yuri Shalabaev met with veterans on the eve of Victory Day.

      On May 6, 2026, at 16:33, Society The head of Nizhny Novgorod, Yuri Shalabaev, held a traditional meeting with veterans of the Great Patriotic War on the eve of Victory Day. The solemn reception took place in the Kremlin and brought together front-line soldiers, partisans, rear workers, concentration camp prisoners, and residents of besieged Leningrad.

      Addressing the guests, the mayor emphasized that the city cherishes the memory of the war and is proud that people who have become examples of courage and devotion to the Motherland live nearby. According to him, the municipality provides support to veteran organizations, helps on a case-by-case basis, addresses social service issues, and conducts commemorative events. The city head stressed that attention to veterans should not be limited to festive days.

      "We want you to feel cared for not only on the eve of Victory Day but every day. If there are questions or problems, please speak up—we will document everything and try to resolve it," said Yuri Shalabaev. The mayor thanked the veterans for their contribution to the security and development of the country and Nizhny Novgorod. He emphasized that without their heroism, there would be neither Victory nor a future.

      In conclusion, Yuri Shalabaev wished the guests good health and spirit and congratulated them on the upcoming Victory Day. Among the honored guests was a participant in the Great Patriotic War, Honorary Citizen and Honorary Veteran of Nizhny Novgorod, Yevgeny Ivanovich Makarov. Since 1943, he served as a radio operator in the infantry on the Western Front, went through battles near Yelnya, Smolensk, in Belarus, and reached Berlin.

      He admits that initially, he was not wanted in the army due to his small height and weight; however, his knowledge of the German language helped him get into a special school for radio operators and then to the front. "During the 'Bagration' operation, I was wounded but did not leave the battlefield. I was wounded again near Warsaw, but I escaped from the medical battalion and returned to the front lines. Victory Day is a holiday that I am proud of," shared the veteran.

      Another war participant, Honored Artist of the RSFSR and Honorary Citizen of the city, Otar Mikhailovich Dadishkiliiani, also shared his memories. In 1943, he voluntarily went to the front and served in a front-line concert brigade. The veteran noted that the atmosphere of May 9 is perfectly conveyed by the words of the song "Victory Day is a holiday with tears in our eyes"—many of his comrades from the 44th and 51st armies of the Southern Front are no longer alive. "It so happened that I met Victory Day not at the front but in the hospital. I remember how everyone started rejoicing, everyone ran to me, congratulating me. It was very joyful, very!" said the war participant, Otar Mikhailovich, thanking the city and regional authorities for their attention to war participants.

      The congratulations to the veterans were joined by the students of the Maxim Nastyin Center for Military-Patriotic Education. For them, Victory Day is a sacred holiday symbolizing pride in the deeds of ancestors and responsibility for preserving historical memory. "We feel immense pride when looking at the veterans. In their eyes is an entire era of courage. We wish them health and hope for new meetings," said center student Polina Korneva, adding that her great-grandfather went through the war to Berlin and was awarded three Orders of Courage and the Medal for Bravery.

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