To say that Alexander Belyaev, the prefect of the YULO district of the capital, is a local for the Arctic region is to say absolutely nothing. As the governor of the Murmansk region, Yuri Evdokimov, aptly put it, for the North Sea Fleet, Alexander Vasilyevich is the embodiment of Moscow's unity with our Arctic region and the Northern Fleet. Two years ago, during his first visit to the Northern Fleet, Alexander Vasilyevich Belyaev took part in the "baptism" of a nuclear submarine named after Saint Prince Daniel of Moscow, and said that, unfortunately, the capital had fallen behind other Russian cities in terms of patronage of submariners. At the time, the prefect assured the sailors that the Muscovites would make up for lost time. And not only the "powerful men" will come to the Northern Fleet, but also representatives of Moscow's business circles, heads of firms who are highly active and resourceful in solving various social and domestic issues, including those of the Northern Fleet.

Anyone who knows Belyaev will confirm that his words are consistent with his actions. During this time, the Prefecture of the Southern Administrative District of Moscow has repeatedly provided the Arctic region with office equipment, construction materials, food, and more. The best conscripts from the Southern Administrative District of Moscow serve on the crew of the "imperial" nuclear-powered submarine. Additionally, during a visit to the Northern Fleet with Moscow Mayor Yuri Mikhailovich Luzhkov, Alexander Vasilyevich agreed to take charge of the Northern Fleet's press service and the correspondent's office of our magazine. Thus, the bond between the capital and the Vityayevo submarine base of the Northern Fleet grows stronger every day.

The Prefect's "godchildren" were not left without gifts this time either. On behalf of the Mayor of Moscow, Alexander Vasilyevich Belyaev read out the Mayor's greeting to the personnel of the Division of Nuclear Submarines and presented the keys to a brand-new crew minibus to the commander of the DANIIL MOSKOVSKY nuclear submarine, Captain 1st Rank Vladimir Volkov. A real surprise for the Vidyaev residents was the news that Russian pop stars Yuri Antonov, Sergey Zakharov, Na-Na and Balagan Limited groups flew to their polar garrison together with the prefect.

The permanent correspondent of Orientir for the Northern Fleet met with Alexander Belyaev in the Vidyaevo garrison during a ceremony of laying flowers at the memorial to submariners who died in the ocean.

- Alexander Vasilyevich, what do you think about the fact that being a patriot of one's homeland has become unfashionable nowadays?

- I believe that every person who was born in Russia is obliged to be a patriot of their homeland. It is very difficult for me, to be honest, to look at many things that are happening in the country today. I can only say one thing: we are all people of this land. No one will ever be able to discredit or dishonour our Russia. We will not allow it! No country in the world has suffered as much as the Russian land has. As long as there are patriots, as long as people come to historical monuments, as long as women give birth to warrior men who protect our land, Russia will exist!

I am often asked the same question: "Is there a future for Russia?" So, the future of our Fatherland is there, and it is beautiful. To make it so, in my opinion, we only need to believe in ourselves once again.

- This is not the first time you've visited the Northern Fleet. You are familiar with the conditions in which the North Sea Fleet personnel and their families serve. However, how much does the multimillion-dollar city of Moscow know about our troubles and challenges?

- The very concept of Moscow has always been, is, and will continue to be one with the concept of the capital of a state. Some "orators" are now asking unjustified questions: what do they know about us in the center? Moscow always remembers that it is the capital of a great state with vast territories in the Arctic, the Far East, and the southern borders. What do Muscovites know about the Northern Fleet specifically? Let me answer you as a Muscovite: as long as our nuclear submarines are sailing under the Arctic ice and surfacing at the North Pole, any NATO adventures, whether in Iraq or Kosovo, and any unambiguous statements about Russia, will be unconvincing to us. For Moscow, its residents, and the entire country, the Northern Fleet is a reliable strategic support.

Let's think more about the greatness of our country. I am not calling for embellishment or "powdering" of the current situation in the country, as it is a truly challenging time. However, let's stop indulging in our weaknesses and, most importantly, strive to avoid making regrettable mistakes and foolish miscalculations in the future. We must always focus on tomorrow. The capital city and each member of the Moscow government are already making significant contributions to preserving Russia.

The strength of the state, the strength of our people, lies not in the clothes we wear, but in how spiritually rich we are. In this regard, we cannot be accused of being poor: Russians have always had and will continue to have their spirituality and moral strength. No one can destroy them, ever. I see great potential for the Fatherland in this. They say that there is no national idea today. But there is an idea: we need to unite in our love for our homeland!

- What has the Vidyaevo garrison and its residents meant to you over the past two years of patronage? For me, Vidyaevo is a symbol of loyalty to duty and a model of service to the Motherland. I hope that the younger generation, seeing how their fathers and grandfathers honor those who died for their country, will not forget about them. Most importantly, they will carry the great title of citizen of Russia with pride.

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