Heroes Nearby: Special military operation participant Timur Zagitov met with the youth of Zainsk.

      Home on a short leave came Major of the Airborne Forces Timur Zagitov — a man whose biography is filled with service to the country and whose heart remains unfailingly attached to his hometown.

      Timur walks down the corridor of his native Tatar Gymnasium, peering at the familiar walls. It was here that he first dreamed of the future, here that he learned responsibility and discipline — qualities that later became the foundation of his military career. On November 15 he met with the gymnasium students. The hall was silent: teenagers listened to every word. Timur spoke not only about service but also about the importance of remaining human, wherever you may find yourself. He spoke of comrades, overcoming hardships, the role of education — and it sounded not like a lecture but like a candid conversation from a man who has endured severe trials.

      Timur Zagitov is a participant in the operation to return Crimea, in the military operation on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, and since February 24, 2022, a participant in the Special Military Operation. He has been awarded state honors: the Order of Courage, the Medal of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" 2nd class, the Suvorov Medal, the Zhukov Medal; and departmental awards of the Ministry of Defense: For Combat Distinction, For Military Valor 2nd class, For the Return of Crimea, Participant of the Military Operation in Syria, Participant of the Special Military Operation.

      Meetings that change

      These days Timur Zagitov is dedicating himself entirely to the city’s youth. He talks with schoolchildren and students, taking part in dialogues about patriotism, choosing a profession and personal responsibility. On November 17 a new, especially warm meeting took place at the Center for Psychological and Pedagogical Assistance "Bez bergä". Students from Zainsk Polytechnic College gathered around a man for whom service to the country is not just a job but an inner duty.

      Timur spoke in detail about his path. These facts are important for young people: they show that even while serving, one can and should continue to study, develop and build one’s future.

      A living example

      Each meeting ends with questions. Students ask: what helped you overcome difficulties? How do you keep calm in difficult situations? What is the most important thing in the profession of a soldier?

      Timur answers honestly and directly. He talks about comrades, family support, the meaning of discipline, and that true patriotism begins with small steps — respect for one’s family, school, city.

      For the young people, these moments prove more important than any textbook. After all, standing before them is a man who once sat at the same desks, dreamed of the future, doubted, searched for himself — and managed to walk a path worthy of respect.

      Heroes truly nearby

      The November meetings in Zainsk are not just events. They are a dialogue between generations, an exchange of experience and values.

      And most importantly — they remind us: heroes live among us. They come home, enter schools, greet teachers, answer teenagers’ questions. By their example they show that courage, professionalism and a pursuit of knowledge are a path that begins here, in one’s hometown.

      Photo: Tatar Gymnasium, UDM.

      Aigul Yarullina

      More news about the event:

      Participant of the SMO held a meeting with schoolchildren of the Zainsk district of Tatarstan

      Participant of the SMO Timur Zagitov held a meeting with schoolchildren of the Zainsk district of Tatarstan. 18:05 18.11.2025 TRK Tatarstan-Novyy vek — Kazan

      Heroes nearby: SMO participant Timur Zagitov met with the youth of Zainsk

      Home on a short leave came Major of the Airborne Forces Timur Zagitov — a man whose biography is filled with service to the country and whose heart remains unfailingly attached to his hometown. 14:51 18.11.2025 Zainsk-Inform — Zainsk

      Heroes nearby: SMO participant Timur Zagitov met with the youth of Zainsk

      Home on a short leave came Major of the Airborne Forces Timur Zagitov — a man whose biography is filled with service to the country and whose heart remains unfailingly attached to his hometown. 14:07 18.11.2025 News Zainsk — Zainsk

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      Regional educational program "Path of the Hero"

      In Ingushetia the regional educational program "Path of the Hero," created to support participants of the Special Military Operation, is being actively developed. 09:25 17.11.2025 City Magas — Magas