A cooperation agreement was signed between the Defenders of the Fatherland foundation for support of participants in the special military operation and Saratov State University. The document was signed by SSU Rector Alexei Chumachenko and the head of the Saratov regional branch of the foundation Dennis Belousov. The signing ceremony was attended by the deans of the faculties and directors of the institutes, SSU.

Dennis Belousov introduced the guests to the foundation affairs and conducted a tour around their office. ‘Our work is aimed at supporting the participants of the SMO, combat veterans, and their family members, including the families of deceased servicemen.’ According to him, along with social support for military personnel, the foundation aims to hold patriotic events for young people, as well as attract student volunteers to cooperate with the Paralympic movement.

The idea of forming a patriotic worldview among students was supported by SSU Rector Alexei Chumachenko. ‘In addition to the tasks that universities are facing today in training qualified personnel, the educational aspect is extremely important. Joining our efforts, we will be able to build an educational system where the moral guidelines of our compatriots who pay their debt to the Motherland will become the basis for the development of spiritual and moral potential among socially active youth and the entire younger generation.’

The branches of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation have been opened in Saratov and the districts of the region. Since the beginning of its work, almost four thousand people have applied to the branch. The most common issues are problems with receiving payments and certificates of combat veterans, as well as assistance in medical care and social rehabilitation.

As part of the signed document, the interaction of the university youth associations with the regional foundation will be established, mutual events and actions will be held.

The signing of the agreement was preceded by an excursion of the deans and directors of SSU to the SMO Museum. The museum exposition presents personal belongings, photographs, and awards of the Heroes of Russia, captured weapons, and a book of memory of the Saratovites who died in the SO, which currently has 437 names.

In the central part of the exposition there is a Sign of the Governor of Saratov Region For courage and bravery. 11 Saratov servicemen were the first to receive an award for participation in the special operation on February 22, 2023.