Shoigu expressed condolences on the death of Hero of the USSR Vostrotin

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu expressed condolences over the death of Hero of the USSR Colonel General Valery Vostrotin. The statement of the head of the Ministry of Defense was published press service defense department.

“It was with deep sorrow that I learned about the death of Hero of the Soviet Union, Colonel General Valery Alexandrovich Vostrotin. Throughout all the years of military service and further in responsible positions in government bodies, Valery Alexandrovich proved himself to be a true professional and patriot of the Motherland,” said Sergei Shoigu.

The head of the Ministry of Defense said that during the decade of his joint work with Mr. Vostrotin at the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Colonel General has always been distinguished by integrity, decency and reliability. According to Sergei Shoigu, his friendship with Valery Vostrotin was not interrupted for a single day.

The Minister noted the Colonel General’s contribution to the development of the veterans’ movement. He stated that, as the leader of the Union of Russian Paratroopers, Mr. Vostrotin contributed to solving many issues of military personnel and members of their families.

Valery Vostrotin died at the 72nd year of life today, February 13th. Mr. Vostrotin commanded the 345th Guards Regiment, which included the 9th Airborne Company. She is famous for the battle for the dominant height 3234 in Afghanistan. Based on these events, director Fyodor Bondarchuk made the film “9th Company”.

From 1994 to 2003, Valery Vostrotin was the deputy of Sergei Shoigu, who headed the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. Afterwards, Mr. Vostrotin was a deputy of the State Duma of the fourth convocation. Since 2017, the Colonel General has been the head of the board of trustees of Patriot Park. He also starred in three films: “Black Shark”, “The Path” and the documentary “Brotherhood in Combat”.

The 9th Airborne Company of the 345th Guards Regiment under the command of Valery Vostrotin became famous for the capture and battle for unnamed heights, marked on maps as 3234 and 3228. On January 7, 1988, the soldiers held the line for 12 hours against superior forces enemy. The victory made it possible to unblock the road to the city of Khost and resume supply to the Soviet troops.

Erdni Kagaltynov