More than 500 residents of Nizhny Novgorod participated in the events for the Day of Veterans of Combat Operations.

      On July 1, 2026, at 17:46, Society On July 1, memorable and solemn events dedicated to the Day of Veterans of Combat Operations took place in Nizhny Novgorod. They brought together more than 500 people - representatives of veteran organizations and government bodies of the Nizhny Novgorod region, family members of veterans, and activists of public organizations. The commemorative events of the Day of Veterans of Combat Operations began in the "Switzerland" park at the memorial complex for Nizhny Novgorod residents who fell in Afghanistan and Chechnya. The first deputy governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Andrey Gneushev, addressed the participants of the rally. "Today’s day unites those who have gone through modern military conflicts and fulfilled their military duty in different countries and regions, and those who are currently participating in the special military operation. You represent different generations of defenders of the Fatherland, and each of you has your own story of service. Our common duty today is to be there, to help, and to pass on your example of resilience and courage to the youth. It is you who know at what cost victory is achieved and how important it is to have a reliable rear. Today we are united in support of the soldiers of modern Russia: those who have already fulfilled their military duty and those who continue to defend our country. Together we are on course to create a strong Russia. Eternal memory to the fallen heroes! Strong health to the living. A low bow for your service!" said Andrey Gneushev. The gathered honored the memory of the fallen participants of local wars and conflicts with a minute of silence and laid flowers at the monument. "The official status that the Day of Veterans of Combat Operations has received in our region is recognition of the merits of all Nizhny Novgorod residents who participated in combat operations, internationalist warriors, and military personnel who carried out tasks in hot spots. Today, veterans who fought in Afghanistan, Chechnya, Ossetia, Syria, and in the special military operation have gathered together. We all had and have a common goal - to defend the interests of our country, regardless of the place of service. We know what combat brotherhood means in military conditions and how important cohesion and mutual assistance are in the rear. We remember the heroism of our departed comrades and will preserve this memory for new generations," noted Valery Biryukov, chairman of the board of the Nizhny Novgorod regional organization of the "Russian Union of Veterans of Afghanistan." A rally-concert in support of the course of President of Russia Vladimir Putin and the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation took place in the Nizhny Novgorod Victory Park. Deputy of the State Duma, member of the "United Russia" party faction Artem Kavinov addressed the gathered with a welcoming speech. "There have been no easy, simple periods in the history of Russia. It has always been a series of trials, challenges, difficulties, but ultimately - victories. We are the homeland of winners! And now, during the special military operation, we are all in one formation - from the president, officers, and soldiers at the front to producers, entrepreneurs, and volunteers. We all, the concerned, are needed by Russia today. And it is needed by us," emphasized Artem Kavinov. During the ceremonial part, veterans of combat operations from different years, family members, and educators of current participants in the special military operation were awarded prizes and gifts. 40 veterans received gift certificates for active community work. Relatives and teachers of two servicemen who showed courage and heroism in the special operation zone were presented with letters of gratitude from the command of the 25th Combined Arms Army. The internationalist warrior Alexander Makarov was awarded the medal "For Combat Merit." "I was 19 years old when I served in Afghanistan in 1985-1986. We flew on combat operations; I was a machine gunner, a shooter. The medal found me 40 years later. When we were young, we didn’t think about awards; we just fulfilled our tasks. Now, for me, this is pride! And my children will also be proud of their father," shared Alexander Makarov. The Nizhny Novgorod regional organization of the "Russian Union of Veterans of Afghanistan" and the House of National Unity organized a memorial action for fallen fellow countrymen, a rally honoring veterans, and a patriotic concert with the support of the government of the Nizhny Novgorod region. "Being one of the organizers of the solemn events on the Day of Veterans of Combat Operations for the House of National Unity is not only an honorable and responsible task. It is also our sincere desire to express gratitude and respect to those who risked their lives for our country. We unite efforts with the veteran community and the regional government to preserve the memory of Nizhny Novgorod warriors and actively support veterans of combat operations in peaceful life, providing attention and necessary assistance," emphasized the head of the House of National Unity, Sergey Fedorov. The program of the Day of Veterans of Combat Operations concluded with a patriotic concert. The guests of the holiday were entertained by the group "Cascade," "Soldiers of Fortune," Alexey Trofimov, Oleg Shatokhin, Alexander Medvedev, and the ensemble of songs and dances of the Volga region of the National Guard of the Russian Federation. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main 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+.