Andrey Gneushev congratulated veteran Vasily Kuznetsov on the upcoming Victory Day.

      On May 8, 2026, at 14:07, the Society section reported that the First Deputy Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Andrey Gneushev, congratulated World War II veteran Vasily Afanasyevich Kuznetsov on the upcoming Victory Day.

      Andrey Gneushev, on behalf of the government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, conveyed words of gratitude to the veteran for his heroism and presented him with commemorative gifts.

      "Every such meeting leaves a special mark on my soul. My grandfathers also went through the Great Patriotic War. And I am immensely proud of each of our veterans. As long as we have the opportunity, we must take care of them, be there for them, and help. We grew up on the stories of war participants, and today our task is to pass this on from generation to generation, so that no one has even the slightest chance to distort our history," said Andrey Gneushev.

      During the meeting, the veteran shared personal memories and secrets of longevity, emphasizing that the most important thing is to always be in motion.

      "Our whole life has been difficult. I grew up in a village in a large family, and we had to work from childhood. Then the war began, when everyone knew that you couldn't stay on the sidelines. And it was together that we were able to achieve Victory! Today, of course, we live in wonderful conditions. We are very glad that we are not forgotten, that people care about us. I wish everyone goodness and peace!" emphasized Vasily Afanasyevich.

      Andrey Gneushev wished the veteran good health and support from loved ones.

      Reference:

      Vasily Afanasyevich Kuznetsov was born on March 8, 1925, in the village of Lapshikha, in the Dalnekonstantinovsky District of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, in a large peasant family. In 1940, he graduated from seven grades of the Kuzhutska Secondary School, then worked on a collective farm for two years.

      In January 1943, at the age of 17, Vasily Afanasyevich was drafted into the Soviet Army. He was sent to the Far East, where he trained as a mortar commander. During the war with Japan in August 1945, he fought in the artillery regiment of the 84th Cavalry Division of the 1st Far Eastern Front as a mortar crew commander, then as a platoon commander. He passed through the Greater Khingan and reached Harbin.

      After the end of the Great Patriotic War, Vasily Afanasyevich served for seven years under the command of Marshal of the Soviet Union Kirill Meretskov. After completing his service, he continued his career in Gorky. The veteran has more than 60 years of work experience.

      Since 2005, Vasily Afanasyevich has been actively involved in public work in the Council of Veterans of War, Labor, Armed Forces, and Law Enforcement Agencies of the Soviet District of Nizhny Novgorod. Today, the veteran is known not only to the district Council of Veterans but also to the youth of the Soviet District.

      For over 15 years, Vasily Afanasyevich has been regularly giving lectures and talks to young people in the district. He conducts active military-patriotic work and provides significant assistance to educational institutions in collecting materials for the creation of museums of military and labor glory.

      Vasily Afanasyevich Kuznetsov has been awarded the Order of the Patriotic War II class, the Zhukov Medal, the Medal "For Victory over Japan," the Medal "300 Years of the Soviet Army and Navy," and numerous commemorative medals.

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