Published on: 2026-10-13
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
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Project “Youth of Moscow» held a series of patriotic events for students of capital city colleges and universities. The young people participated in excursions to places of military glory and open meetings titled “Dialogue with a Hero” with participants of the special military operation (SMO).
“Today, just as centuries ago, our defenders demonstrate courage and loyalty to duty. It is important for young people not only to know about the feats but also to learn from true heroes — those who have shown resilience, honor, and love for their Motherland. Veterans of the Special Military Operation become mentors for young Muscovites: they pass on not only experience but also moral guidance and the ability to take responsibility,” noted Margarita Savinkina, head of the “Youth of Moscow” project.
From the Battle of Borodino to the Defense of Moscow
The students visited the Borodino Field Museum-Reserve. They walked through the sites of the legendary battle, saw authentic exhibits, and learned about the participation of the Moscow militia in the defense of the Fatherland.
The main theme was the inseparable connection of defenders of the Fatherland across different generations. During the tour, the young people were told how the Borodino field became a battlefield in various historical eras. The participants learned not only about the events of the Patriotic War of 1812 but also about the Mozhaysk defense line of 1941. At that time, Soviet soldiers and militia held back the enemy’s advance, buying the time needed to organize the capital’s defense. In 1941, the headquarters of the rifle division was located almost in the same place where Mikhail Kutuzov’s command post had been in 1812. The fighting of the Great Patriotic War is recalled by pillboxes preserved within the territory of the museum-reserve.
An honest conversation about courage and choice
Open meetings called “Dialogue with a Hero” were held at the venues of Moscow universities and colleges. Combat veterans and participants of the special military operation spoke with students about the most important things: how to make decisions, take responsibility, and maintain inner strength.
Sergey Karelin, Pavel Nechaev, Vladimir Izmaylov, and Aleksey Vybornov spoke to the youth, sharing about their service and personal experiences. The students were able to ask them questions, including about a soldier’s daily routine and mutual assistance.
Sports as a support
One of the topics of the meetings was the role of sports in recovery after combat. Sergey Karelin, a participant in the special military operation and coordinator of the Moscow Association of Special Military Operation Veterans for the Central Administrative District, leads the running club of the “Youth of Moscow” project. He shared how engaging in this sport helped him return to peaceful life and explained why the discipline developed during training saves lives in extreme situations. For young people, such stories became not just motivation but a practical example.
For some heroes, working with youth is a conscious mission. Vladimir Izmaylov, a combat veteran and participant in the special military operation, completed training under the “Time of Heroes” program and a course in pedagogical activity. He is convinced that it is important to pass on knowledge about the country’s history to the younger generation, to cultivate respect for traditions and pride in the Fatherland, as well as to help them realize their role in society. For the students, the conversation turned out to be an opportunity to see how the experience of the older generation becomes a pedagogical practice.
Pavel Nechaev and Alexey Vybornov also shared their experiences. Pavel Nechaev served in a mortar platoon and is currently engaged in humanitarian aid and community work. Alexey Vybornov, awarded the Order of Courage, served in an assault unit and has tied his life to powerlifting. The veterans told the students about decision-making on the front line as well as military discipline.
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How Moscow youth participate in patriotic projects
The “City of Heroes” direction of the “Youth of Moscow” project regularly organizes wreath-laying ceremonies, meetings with participants of the special military operation, and excursions to places of military glory. Students can join thematic film screenings, historical dictations, sports trainings, and master classes that teach practical skills conducted by combat veterans.
Since February, the patriotic club “City of Heroes Moscow” has been operating. It unites combat veterans, employees of departmental agencies, and citizens awarded high state honors. The club’s activities aim at social integration of participants, involving combat veterans, employees of departmental agencies, and their family members in city events, as well as jointly implementing patriotic projects for youth. The key task is to preserve the historical truth about Russia and pass knowledge to the new generation. Club members regularly organize master classes, sports training sessions, and open meetings with youth.
The transfer of the experience of past generations and the fostering of patriotism among young Muscovites corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Youth and children”. More details about Russia’s national projects and the capital’s contribution can be found at special page.
You can learn about other opportunities for young Muscovites on the pages of the “Youth of Moscow” project at social networks.
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