All news
"Why I was invited to the Kremlin - I didn't know until the last moment": First interview with SVO veteran Evgeny Pervyshov, appointed head of Tambov Oblast
- Evgeny Alekseevich, how unexpected was the president's proposal? How did you perceive it in general? What is the procedure? Judging by the video recording, it takes place right under the hood.
- Well, it's not an order, it's a high level of trust, so I think that if the president trusts you, you should accept it, implement it and justify it. It was a really unexpected offer. Until recently, I didn't know for what purpose I (the Kremlin - ed.) was invited, there was no talk about the region at all.
- So no one specifically warned you what the conversation was about?
- Yes. "We need to come", "There will be a meeting today." Everyone.
- Has your mother already found out about your new job from the TV news?
- I spoke directly to my mother. My father died long ago, but my mother is alive and well. Thank you, God. Of course, he is worried. She gave me advice on good deeds at my new job.
-Is your mother in Krasnodar?
- Yes, in Krasnodar. There are still children there...
-What did she tell you? "Good luck, son"?
- You can say it in your own words. You chose this path yourself, so be patient. Don't disappoint me.
- Kind words. Mom will always be in touch. Of course, if we have the opportunity, we will meet.
-By the way, friends, fellow soldiers, relatives, has anyone contacted you other than the KP reporter?
- We received many SMS and phone calls, but we were unable to answer them all. I apologize to everyone, especially today due to the lack of time. I was already directly immersed in the work that awaited me in the Tambov region. Therefore, I did not answer anyone's calls and tried to send SMS with gratitude for the support whenever possible.
- I understand the hint. Indeed, time pressure... But can you mention at least one fact from your biography? When you met with President Putin in the summer, he was surprised to learn that you went from being a deputy to being a private in the trenches. How do you explain this fact?
- Well, many people ask this question. It was my personal story and personal convictions. When mobilization began, I considered it my duty, like everyone who is called to defend their country. Of course, I had to become stronger.
Well, and another factor... In the first days of the Northern Military District, the State Duma sent me to Rostov to support our soldiers heading to the front. And we also visited people in the hospital.
I heard it from a soldier there. "We've been through a battle. Don't forget us. "Don't forget that we exist."
We went outside and talked. There are no words. Perhaps now we will talk with the party leadership, with the State Duma, conclude an agreement and go to the Northern Military District.
- For what period was the contract concluded?
- Then the volunteers were jailed for three months in 2022. Then the Ministry of National Defense introduced these rules for a period of six months. It turned out that he served a total of 10 months.
“I have four children, and they will come to Tambov.”
- He said that you and the kids called. What was their reaction?
- My eldest son Gordey is 21 years old, and I congratulated him right away, but also worried him. He is a good guy, he studies at the Kuban State University. I stopped studying. After the first year, I decided to go on my own, completed the academic course and went into the army.
And the family starts preparing for the move. They said they would come to Tambov as soon as I find out where I will live there.
I'll prepare the site and call you. I have two more children, a son and a daughter. Four children.
- Yes, you are a father of many children! What exactly did Gordey say?
"I'll take five white shirts."
- Tomorrow is my first day at my new job. What will you take? Maybe some kind of talisman?
- I was asked this question when I went to work in the State Duma. Then I said that I would take five white shirts. Well, tomorrow I am leaving and I will be introduced on the spot, so I want to convince the whole team that I am still working hard not to lose. These are critical times, so please make sure that no one relaxes and everyone stays in their places. I think that there will be no radical decisions for now.
Because - and I told the President - this is a new area for me and I need to get to know the residents, the administrative staff, the local representatives... and then I will learn and draw conclusions. Organize your work.
-What farewell did President Putin say? Maybe what we haven't seen is behind closed doors?
- First of all, we ask for the attention of residents. And pay special attention to the families of the SVO participants.
- Are any of your fellow soldiers from your team participating in the “Time of Heroes” program?
- It's too early to talk about it. But in any case, I will support those who have already been assigned to the Tambov region under this "Time of Heroes" program. I will watch.
And perhaps a similar process could be implemented in the region to select returning OBO participants who would like to work in autonomous or state bodies.