Call sign "Caiman": the story of a fighter from the Special Military Operation in Zainsk

      Mikhail Oborin does not speak; his story was told by his brother Vladimir.

      The serviceman with the call sign "Caiman" served in the zone of the special military operation from September 2022 due to mobilization. The fighter from Zainsk went through the Pokrovsk direction, suffered three serious injuries, and is currently recovering after treatment. His story was shared at a meeting with the leadership of the Zainsk district at the "Bez Bere – We Are Together" center by his brother Vladimir. Mikhail went to the special military operation, like many others at that time — without unnecessary words. A summons arrived, he thought about it, and went to the military enlistment office. From there — Kazan, training, preparation, and then — to his combat assignment.

      He is 36 years old. Pokrovsk direction. Shooter. A job where there are no loud words, but there is daily risk. During his service, Mikhail was wounded three times. In March and April 2024 — serious injuries: abdomen, leg, arm. The most severe injury was to his arm — a severed nerve, the arm functions poorly. Long rehabilitation, attempts to recover… And still, he returned back — to his own.

      The third injury was the most severe — to the head area. Mikhail has been undergoing rehabilitation for about eight months now. He is currently being processed for discharge. Behind him are not only hospitals and surgeries but also combat awards: the medals "For Courage" and "For Military Merit."

      — Will speech return? — journalists cautiously ask. There is no answer yet. Doctors said it was important to start intensive rehabilitation in the first six months, in Moscow. Now the family lives in hope — after discharge, to undergo rehabilitation under a quota.

      When the question is directed straight to Mikhail — about the main lesson of service, about why he was there — he takes his phone and types a few words. Simple and strong: "We must love and protect our family and homeland."

      His loved ones have always supported him — with calls, messages, humanitarian aid. Recently, it has mostly been hospitals and wards. Mikhail left for mobilization from his job at the Zainsk factory. His workplace was preserved for him. There is support — both from the enterprise and for the family and for the child.

      Today Mikhail does not speak. But his story sounds loud. It is the path of an ordinary person who made a choice, went through pain and loss, and preserved the most important thing — love for family and homeland. Sometimes silence speaks of courage more than any words.

      Photo by the author

      Aigul Yarullina

      More news about the event:

      "We must love and protect our family and homeland": the story of a participant in the special military operation from Zainsk.

      Mikhail Oborin, call sign Caiman, has been serving in the special military operation since September 2022 due to mobilization. 14:48 18.01.2026 IA Tatar-inform - Kazan

      Call sign "Caiman": the story of a fighter from the special military operation from Zainsk.

      Mikhail Oborin does not speak; his story was told by his brother Vladimir.

      The serviceman with the call sign "Caiman" served in the zone of the special military operation from September 2022 due to mobilization. 13:02 18.01.2026 News of Zainsk - Zainsk

      Call sign "Caiman": the story of a fighter from the special military operation from Zainsk.

      Mikhail Oborin does not speak; his story was told by his brother Vladimir.

      The serviceman with the call sign "Caiman" served in the zone of the special military operation from September 2022 due to mobilization. 12:53 18.01.2026 Zainsk-inform - Zainsk

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