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The governor participated in a meeting of the Federal District Council, chaired in Perm by the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Volga Federal District.
Igor Komarov noted that regions within the Volga Federal District are implementing a wide range of support measures for participants of the Special Military Operation (SMO) and their families. The focus is on timely, targeted, and comprehensive assistance that combines federal standards with regional initiatives. Regional branches of the state fund “Defenders of the Fatherland” are also involved in efforts to support the social adaptation of servicemen.
“There are 200 consolidated support measures for SMO participants operating in the districts. These measures aim to assist active servicemen and veterans of the Special Operation in employment, starting their own businesses, medical rehabilitation, and providing legal and psychological counseling. A significant portion of benefits is directed toward creating decent living conditions for their family members,” the Plenipotentiary Representative emphasized.
He positively assessed the work carried out in the district in accordance with the tasks set by the President. One result of this work has been the active involvement of Special Operation veterans in public and political life. According to Komarov, every individual returning from the SMO should not only receive social support but also have the opportunity to integrate and realize their potential in civilian life.
Oleg Melnichenko reported that Penza Oblast launched a regional personnel program, “Heroes of Penza Oblast”, for SMO participants. More than 370 applications were submitted, and 35 finalists were selected. An additional 15 active Russian Armed Forces members were included in a reserve group and will undergo training at a later stage.
“As mentors, we involve servicemen who have already completed training and hold leadership positions,” the governor emphasized. “This includes Artyom Nikolayev, participant of the Presidential project ‘Time of Heroes’ and Deputy Chair of the Government of Penza Oblast, who has been awarded two Orders of Courage, as well as Aleksandr Artamoshkin, Deputy Chair of the Penza City Duma, awarded the Order of Courage and the Medal For Valor. I am confident that they will serve as excellent examples for other SMO veterans who have decided to continue contributing to the development of their home region in civilian roles.”
In August, the Penza Oblast Association of Special Military Operation Veterans was established (previously, these functions were carried out by the public organization “Combat Brotherhood”). Founders of the Association include veteran organizations, the regional branch of the search movement, SMO participants, and volunteers.
Currently, more than 200 SMO veterans are members of NGOs in Penza Oblast, actively participating in the region’s public life. With grant support from the Penza Oblast government, five projects were implemented in 2024.
“We are leveraging the potential of SMO participants in the development of Penza Oblast. The Regional Association of SMO Veterans has set a goal to double the number of active members in veteran organizations by October 2026,” Oleg Melnichenko stated.
“We also plan to establish within the Association branches an Institute of Public Representatives in Municipalities. Its main task will be to coordinate with social coordinators from the Defenders of the Fatherland fund to address issues raised by SMO participants and their family members. This approach will improve communication and allow for more efficient responses,” he concluded.
Summing up the meeting, the Plenipotentiary Representative emphasized that the main goal of the Federal District Council is to develop and implement solutions that enhance the support system for SMO participants and their families, as well as the rehabilitation and adaptation of veterans.
Additionally, significant work is being carried out at the federal level. By the President’s directive, a State Council commission on support for servicemen has been established, and a basic standard of regional and municipal support measures has been recommended for federal districts.
Igor Komarov reminded attendees that the Council’s proposals will be included in the official protocol on the topic, which will be submitted to government authorities for implementation of the relevant measures.