Penza, 7 March 2022. PenzaNews. For the courage shown during the special operation to protect Donbass, the title of Hero of Russia was awarded to the deputy commander of the anti-aircraft missile division Alexey Pankratov, who is serving in the Penza region. This was announced by Governor Oleg Melnichenko via his Telegram channel.

Photo: T.me/omelnichenko

“I am glad to congratulate the deputy commander of the anti-aircraft missile division Alexey Pankratov, who is serving in the Penza region, on awarding him the title of Hero of Russia! With the forces of his division, Captain Pankratov destroyed five Bayraktar drones and shot down a Su-25 aircraft, covering our motorized rifle brigade,” the head of the region wrote.

He added that the Russian Defense Ministry also noted the heroism of Dmitry Abakumov, a graduate of the Penza Artillery Engineering Institute.

Photo: T.me/omelnichenko

“Under the command of Major [Abakumov], his division destroyed 10 combat vehicles and Grad multiple launch rocket systems, and also eliminated the enemy’s command post,” the governor explained.

Oleg Melnichenko wished the Russian soldiers and officers “to fulfill their duty and complete the special operation in the near future, bringing peaceful skies back to Ukraine.”