On February 28, Sergey Melikov, the Head of Dagestan, expressed his discontent over a video alleging a lack of assistance from Dagestan to the Rosgvardiya (National Guard of Russia) in the context of the [so-called] Special Military Operation (SMO).

Melikov suggested that the video might be a fake created by enemies to sow discord, adding that Army General Viktor Zolotov, a Hero of Russia, might be unaware of its existence. He stated that as a general raised in the traditions of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he found it difficult to comment on such matters but felt compelled to respond due to numerous calls and messages expressing concern.

He emphasized that in the Caucasus and among officers, it is not customary to boast about good deeds, referencing the saying, "Do good and throw it into the Caspian Sea." However, he warned that the video could offend those in Dagestan who contribute to the war effort out of a sense of duty.

Melikov asserted that Dagestan is a leading region in providing humanitarian aid to servicemen, officially delivering over 25,000 tons of supplies, including transportation, military-technical equipment, food, and medical aid. He stressed that assistance is not selective and extends to all military units in need, particularly those stationed in Dagestan and those with a majority of Dagestani servicemen, including the 102nd Brigade of the Rosgvardiya.

He further stated that since the beginning of the SMO, Rosgvardiya units have been transported to and from the conflict zone on comfortable vehicles provided by Dagestan’s Ministry of Transport, with financial support coming from the republic’s reserve fund, municipalities, and charitable organizations. He noted the irony that just the day before, he had signed an order allocating several million rubles to equip a unit of the 102nd Brigade with modern technical equipment. Targeted assistance to military units is delivered regularly along the entire frontline, from the Kursk region to Zaporizhzhia.

Melikov also mentioned a letter of gratitude he received from the 71st Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division, stationed in Shali, Chechnya, for aid provided by the Makhachkala Mayor’s Office on his behalf. Regarding the F. Dzerzhinsky Separate Operational Purpose Division, in which Hero of Russia Captain Dmitry Serkov served, he stated that last year’s anniversaries of the division did not go unnoticed and that the aid allocated to military personnel remains part of history. He affirmed his personal responsibility for supporting the military and honoring the memory of his service and fallen comrades.