 |
Nikita RyabovColonel
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Nikita Semyonovich Ryabov: A Kremlin Veteran
- Kremlin Security
- Near-Assassination Attempt
- Guard Duty at Lenin's Tomb
- Suppression and Turnover
- Commandant Duties
- World War II and Bombing
- Postal Security
- Post-War and Retirement
Nikita Semyonovich Ryabov: A Kremlin Veteran
Early Life and Military ServiceNikita Semyonovich Ryabov, born in 1931, dedicated almost nine decades of his life to military service, primarily in the Kremlin. In 1935, he was conscripted into the Special-Purpose Regiment responsible for safeguarding the Politburo and government members.
Kremlin Security
As a Kremlin guardsman, Ryabov witnessed firsthand the intricate security measures implemented within the hallowed fortress. He recalled the former government's collective residence in the Kremlin, with some members maintaining personal livestock. Buoyed by Nikita Khrushchev's leadership, Kremlin security personnel faced the challenge of monitoring his numerous children, known as "mikoyanchiki," who playfully manipulated elevator buttons.
Near-Assassination Attempt
In a chilling episode, Ryabov witnessed an attempted assassination on Anastas Mikoyan's vehicle. An armed assailant managed to infiltrate the Kremlin's security and fire shots at Mikoyan's bulletproof car, which fortuitously thwarted the attack.
Guard Duty at Lenin's Tomb
Ryabov's responsibilities extended to guard duty at Lenin's Tomb within the Mausoleum. He described the rigorous 30-minute "smirno" stand and recounted the infamous incident of an individual who smuggled explosives into the tomb and detonated them while descending the stairs. Although the assailant perished, the surrounding soldiers remained unharmed.
Suppression and Turnover
The 1937 "Great Purge" left its mark on the Kremlin Regiment, with many high-ranking officers executed or imprisoned. Ryabov witnessed this unsettling period and chose to pursue a long-term service extension in October 1938.
Commandant Duties
After joining the Kremlin Regiment's officer battalion, Ryabov assumed responsibility for the Soviet Union's two primary flags: the one above the Oval Hall and the one above the Senate Building. These flags frequently succumbed to wind damage, necessitating frequent replacements. His duties also involved a perilous route to the Oval Hall flag, with 240 required bends to traverse the attic. To expedite this journey, Ryabov and his colleagues devised a makeshift route along the building's lightning rod, which alarmed the head of the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions.
World War II and Bombing
During World War II, Ryabov manned a rooftop post during air raids. He narrowly escaped a fatal explosion that destroyed part of the arsenal building, sparing Stalin's nearby office but killing 18 soldiers of the machine gun unit.
Postal Security
In 1947, Ryabov took up the position of head of the Kremlin Expedition of the Feldjäger service, handling all incoming and outgoing mail for the Politburo and government. He recalled engaging with Soviet leaders, including Nikita Khrushchev and Nikolai Bulganin.
Post-War and Retirement
Nikita Ryabov's illustrious career spanned multiple Soviet and Russian leaderships, from Stalin to Putin. He retired in 2017, receiving a modest pension as a Lieutenant Colonel in the reserves. Despite his age, his sharp memory and vivid accounts of his extraordinary experiences continue to captivate listeners.
