The "Serving the Fatherland" campaign with the participation of veterans of the Special Military Operation has been launched in the regions.

      On June 18, 2026, 16:23 Society The day before, on June 17, the State Fund "Defenders of the Fatherland" and the Russian Society "Knowledge" launched the traditional All-Russian educational campaign "I Serve the Fatherland." Its main heroes are veterans and participants of the special military operation (SMO). All events of the campaign are implemented within the framework of the national project "Youth and Children" and are conducted to draw attention to the veterans of the special operation and involve the heroes in educational activities. "For the third year, we are implementing a project together with the Russian Society 'Knowledge' that unites veterans of the special military operation and youth across the country. The 'I Serve the Fatherland' campaign provides an opportunity to convey to the younger generation the values that are the foundation of the unity of our society through personal meetings and stories of defenders. We see how in demand such an open dialogue is, how sincerely the guys perceive the stories of heroes, and what a lively response these meetings find among schoolchildren and students across Russia," said State Secretary - Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Chairwoman of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Fund Anna Tsivileva. In the format of an open dialogue, veterans of the special operation will share stories about loyalty to military duty and the country, courage and feats of Russian soldiers in the SMO zone, discuss opportunities for implementation in military and civilian professions, and what role combat experience and the ability to take responsibility play in this. Meetings with youth will take place as part of the summer health campaign. "The 'I Serve the Fatherland' campaign provides a unique opportunity to hear the living stories of heroes who have shown courage and loyalty to their duty. I am convinced that the personal example of veterans and participants of the SMO is a powerful incentive for everyone. Through this important experience, we strive not only to develop patriotism but also to form a conscious attitude towards serving the Motherland, deepening the understanding of the residents of our country of the values of friendship, unity, and humanity," said Maxim Dreval, General Director of the Russian Society "Knowledge." Key events of the campaign will include days of military glory, including Navy Day, Airborne Forces Day, and Air Force Day of Russia, as well as memorable dates and state holidays. The campaign will conclude with the forum "Together We Will Win!" which will take place at the end of August in Moscow. In Buryatia, SMO veteran Bayir Moiseev told the kids that heroism is not only a feat in battle but also daily work, honesty, and responsibility to the country and loved ones. The topic of military duty and the role of art in supporting combat morale was discussed at a meeting with the social coordinator of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Fund, author of the book "Someday We Will Sit Quietly by the Fire" Vladimir Dugarev. He read his poems written during the SMO to the kids. "Heroism is manifested not only in battle but also in the ability to maintain humanity, to think and feel even at the limit of possibilities. After all, words are a weapon that does not shoot but heals the soul," noted Vladimir Dugarev. In Kuzbass, combat veteran Andrey Saveliev spoke. He shared that, as the commander of an anti-aircraft missile division, he protected the troop grouping from air strikes and repeatedly participated in complex operations. "The main thing is people and cohesion. Technology is important, but the commander makes decisions, and soldiers carry out the combat task. And when you see the result, you understand the value of every second of training and every day lived," emphasized Andrey Saveliev. The All-Russian campaign "I Serve the Fatherland" has been conducted by the State Fund "Defenders of the Fatherland" and the Society "Knowledge" since 2024. During this time, about 1300 meetings have taken place. More than 300 veterans and participants of the special military operation, who are supported by the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Fund, have served as lecturers for the initiative. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major 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+.