The laureates of the "Heroes of Our Time" award honoured at the National Centre RUSSIA

The first-degree laureate of the International #WEARETOGETHER award in the "Heroes of Our Time" category is the Nizhny Novgorod project "Tsekh 52" ("Workshop 52"), led by Denis Lukinykh. The project team produces unique equipment for the servicemen taking part in the special military operation. The award ceremony took place on 3 December at the National Centre RUSSIA during the International Civic Engagement Forum #WEARETOGETHER 2025. 

"More than ten thousand applications — that is more than ten thousand people who care, who have warm, compassionate hearts, who are ready to help others and share warmth and kindness. This truly reflects our national values. It is symbolic that this year is the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, the year marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, and we honour the best. Those who have managed to build a bridge between the feats of the past and the courage of the present. Those who help our defenders, their loved ones, who support them with warmth and care. This is very valuable," said the State Secretary — Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation and Chair of the State Foundation "Defenders of the Fatherland", Anna Tsivilyova, during the award ceremony.

The "Heroes of Our Time" category features projects aimed at active participation in addressing the tasks of the special military operation, as well as at the rehabilitation and social integration of servicemen, and preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War. This is the key award in the Year of the 80th Anniversary of Victory and the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. More than 10,000 initiatives competed for the award.

"A wonderful title for a category — 'Heroes of Our Time'. I would like to express my deep gratitude to you and to everyone who supports our fighters, our civilians. These are incredible people, and soon it will be four years that they have been spending their strength, their time and their money to help those who are now defending our Fatherland," added the Head of the Executive Committee of the People's Front, Mikhail Kuznetsov.

The "Tsekh 52" team develops mock-ups of military equipment — decoys that save the lives of crews — and much more. More than 500 volunteers across Russia are involved in the production project. Participants freely share technologies and blueprints and exchange experience, attracting new contributors so that production volumes grow and support for the servicemen becomes more extensive. "Tsekh 52" has produced more than 3,500 mobile mini-stoves "Mishanya", 2,500 camouflage nets with a total area of 45,000 sq. m., and 25,000 trench candles. Special non-removable camouflage has been applied to 28 T-62 tanks, 20 T-80 tanks, four D-20 howitzers, and five vehicles.

"Many thanks to the organisers and to the President of the Russian Federation for giving us the opportunity to gather here and for recognising our achievements. Thanks to our team, our volunteers, thanks to whom I am here, and to all volunteer groups who are doing enormous work and deserve to be here," said the laureate of the "Heroes of Our Time" category, Denis Lukinykh.

The second-degree laureate in the category is the Moscow youth project "Pozlezavtra" ("The Day After Tomorrow"), organised by the Deputy Head of the charitable foundation "A Country for Children", Boris Peshkov. The project helps teenagers overcome fears and socialise. Since 2022, it has reached more than 4,200 young people: 24 specialised sessions were held in Lugansk and Melitopol, and around 7,000 psychological consultations were provided. In 2025, specialised sessions for the children of defenders of the Fatherland were launched.

The third-degree laureate in the category is the Moscow support programme "SVOy Business" ("Your Own Business") of the United Russia party. The project creates a supportive community for participants of the special military operation and their families, helping them start their own business and gain confidence in the future. As part of an intensive five-day course, participants receive practical knowledge of running a business through in-person meetings with entrepreneurs and personalised mentorship. To implement business ideas, the project provides access to state support through SME.RF. The project has brought together hundreds of SVO veterans from different regions of Russia. In the first months of the programme, 468 veterans from 23 regions of the country received training.

The #WEARETOGETHER award is established by Rosmolodezh. The organiser is Dobro.rf. The general partner of the award is Alfa-Bank, and the strategic partner is Rosatom State Corporation.