The central square in Karachaevsk is named in honor of the Hero of Russia, Major General Kanamat Botashev. The corresponding bill was unanimously approved by deputies of the local city duma.
The author of the initiative was the head of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Rashid Temrezov. He participated in the farewell funeral service on June 2, 2022 and proposed to immortalize the feat of the Russian pilot.
“Our fellow countryman showed valor and courage during a special military operation on the territory of Ukraine, and his feat is forever in our hearts,” he said.
It is worth noting that a monument to the Hero of Russia will also be erected on the central square in Karachaevsk. Local residents supported this initiative. ⠀
“For each of us, the life and military feat of Kanamat Khuseevich is an example of love for one’s Motherland and loyalty to the chosen path. Happy memory to the Hero! Eternal glory to his feat!” - added Rashid Temrezov.
Kanamat Botashev, at the age of 63, signed up to volunteer almost immediately after the start of the Northern Military District in Ukraine. He could not stand by and decided to protect the civilians of Donbass from Kyiv’s aggression.
The major general fell heroically during a mission near the city of Popasnaya in the Lugansk region, where a group of his comrades found themselves in a dangerous situation. The pilot understood that there were enemy anti-aircraft installations in this area, but without his help it would not have been possible to save the people. As a result, on May 22, 2022, his Su-25 plane was shot down by an Ukrainian Armed Forces missile. Due to damage to the aircraft, he was unable to eject.
Botashev was buried in his native village of Nizhnyaya Teberda near Karachaevsk. The head of the republic, Rashid Temrezov, met the Mi-8 helicopter that delivered the officer’s body and accompanied him throughout the farewell funeral service.
The mourning event was attended by local residents, relatives, close friends and colleagues. According to sources, he led the air wing of Wagner PMC. Imam Khadzhi Berdiev, during his speech at the funeral, called the feat of Kanamat Khuseevich holy, since he fought against the Nazis.