Admiral Igor Kasatonov was awarded the badge of Honorary Citizen of the City of Sevastopol

On the eve of Navy Day, a ceremonial presentation of the “Honorary Citizen of the City of Sevastopol” badge of distinction to Admiral Igor Kasatonov took place in the large hall of the Legislative Assembly of Sevastopol.

The military leader commanded the Black Sea Fleet in 1991-1992. When the Soviet Union collapsed, during the formation of the CIS, the Ukrainian president demanded that the military take a new oath. Igor Kasatonov forbade his subordinates to do so — and kept the Black Sea Fleet for Russia. Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev and Chairman of the Legislative Assembly Vladimir Nemtsev had previously made a motion to award the admiral.

Igor Kasatonov was awarded the badge of Honorary Citizen of the city of Sevastopol, which is an image of the first monument of the city of Sevastopol — the monument to A.I. Kazarsky, framed by a wreath with a golden cartouche with the motto «As an example to posterity», a certificate of Honorary Citizen of the city of Sevastopol and a certificate of Honorary Citizen of the city of Sevastopol.

For me, as for many Sevastopol residents, it is Igor Vladimirovich Kasatonov who is the symbol of the phrase «loyalty to the oath». It is a great happiness that it was you who were at the helm of the Black Sea Fleet during the troubled times for the country and were able to preserve our pride. Thank you for the Black Sea Fleet! A young generation of Black Sea sailors is now growing up on your example, who know that no matter how difficult it is, you can never betray your oath, and in the end, our people will still win. This faith and your personal example are worth a lot.— the press service of the Government of Sevastopol quotes Mikhail Razvozhaev.

The Governor awarded Igor Kasatonov with a medal “In Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the Return of Sevastopol to Russia.”

In defending the national interests of our Motherland, you initiated and led the struggle for the most important goal: to preserve the Black Sea Fleet and its main base — Sevastopol, thereby creating Russia’s defense in the South-West strategic direction, without shedding a drop of blood. Thanks to you, thanks to your fundamentally tough position, competent and skillful actions, the Black Sea Fleet of the former Soviet Union was preserved for Russia. This is what predetermined the future fate of our Hero City Sevastopol. Without the Black Sea Fleet, the return of Crimea and Sevastopol to their native harbor would have been impossible, — said Vladimir Nemtsev.

In his speech, Admiral Igor Kasatonov noted that the people of Sevastopol helped him make fateful decisions at that time: the support of the Hero City residents was of great importance both for the commander himself and for the sailors of the Black Sea Fleet.

I am sincerely grateful and appreciative to the current leadership of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhaev, Vladimir Nemtsev, the entire Legislative Assembly for such a high honor to be an Honorary Citizen of Sevastopol — a city that has a rich history, a great legacy of memorysaid Igor Kasatonov.

Let us recall that on June 14, the badge of Honorary Citizen of the City of Sevastopol was awarded to Admiral Alexander Vitko. The names of both admirals are inscribed on the memorial wall with the names of Honorary Citizens of Sevastopol.

source: press service of the Government of Sevastopol