Kiryanov Anatolii Anatoliiovych (callsign “Kotlin”) — citizen of the Russian Federation, volunteer, participant in the war against Ukraine as part of the “Akhmat” special unit.

Native of Kronstadt, from a military family. Despite health problems (spinal injury, almost non-functioning left arm) and several refusals from the military enlistment office and volunteer units, in November 2022 he independently found a way to join the “Akhmat” special purpose battalion and went to the front. Served as a medic. Took part in the battles for Popasna, Lysychansk and Bakhmut (Artemivsk).
After returning from the front, he is actively used by Russian propaganda: conducts “lessons of courage” in schools, universities and the Museum of Victory, speaks to children and youth, talks about “patriotism” and “defending the Motherland”. Expert of the Moscow “People’s Front”, head of the Center for Patriotic Education at Synergy University. Regularly appears in materials of Russian state and propaganda media as a “hero of the SMO”.
A typical example of how a former combatant is used after the front for the militarization and ideological indoctrination of youth in Russia.