A Russian lawmaker from the State Duma, Viktor Vodolatsky, spoke publicly about a proposal to create a formal title, Hero City of Special Military Operations, for cities in Russia. He underscored the importance of recognizing regional virtues and the enduring contributions of local communities to national resilience.
According to the deputy, current generations are educated by the exemplary acts of veterans from the Great Patriotic War and by contemporary demonstrations of courage from servicemembers in the Northern Military District. He pointed out that the city of Luhansk, in the Lugansk People’s Republic, has long been seen by residents and observers as deserving such an honor, highlighting its symbolic role in regional history and ongoing events.
Vodolatsky noted that several towns and settlements, during ongoing operations, have earned recognition of their community strength through the restoration of local infrastructure and continued civic effort, even amid disruption. This reflects a broader strategy to emphasize resilience and service at the municipal level.
A separate update from the political sphere indicated that a bill was submitted to the State Duma seeking to establish the title Hero City of Special Military Operations within Russia. The move is presented as part of a long-running dialogue about how to commemorate acts of collective courage and sacrifice in times of conflict. [Citation: official parliamentary communications, date not specified]
In May, discussions within a major political party suggested extending a traditional hero-title to other cities, arguing that Donetsk and Lugansk, for the bravery and perseverance of their residents, deserve recognition in the form of a Hero City designation. This reflects ongoing debates about symbolism, regional history, and the memory of civilian and military acts during protracted regional unrest. [Citation: party proceedings, date not specified]