Aleksey Nikolayevich Botyan other name, Alexei Botian (Russian: Алексей Николаевич Ботян; 10 February 1917 – 13 February 2020) was a Soviet and Russian spy and intelligence officer.[1] He was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation in 2007 for his role in protecting the Polish city of Kraków from destruction by the Nazis in January 1945.[1]

Aleksey Botyan
Native name
Алексей Николаевич Ботян
Birth nameAleksey Nikolayevich Botyan
Born10 February 1917
Chertovichi, Vilna Governorate, Russian Empire
Died13 February 2020(2020-02-13) (aged 103)
Moscow, Russia
Buried
Allegiance Soviet Union
 Russia
Years of service1939–1989
RankColonel of State Security
AwardsHero of the Russian Federation
Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" Fourth Class
Order of Courage
Twice Order of the Red Banner
Order of the Patriotic War
Order of the Red Banner of Labour
Medal "For Battle Merit"
Medal "To a Partisan of the Patriotic War"
Medal "For the Defence of Moscow"
Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
Medal "For Impeccable Service" First and Second Classes
Silver Cross of the Virtuti Militari

Botyan died in Moscow on 13 February 2020, at the age of 103.[2] President of Russia Vladimir Putin offered his condolences in an official message, stating "The legendary scout, a strong, extraordinary personality, passed away. He was the leader and participant in brilliant special operations, which became an important contribution to the Great Victory and are forever inscribed in domestic and world history."[3] Botyan was buried with military honours in the Alley of Heroes in the Troyekurovskoye Cemetery on 17 February.[4]

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Russian WWII Intelligence Veteran Botyan Dies at 103 - The New York Times". The New York Times. 13 February 2020. Archived from the original on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  2. ^ "Умер разведчик Алексей Ботян" (in Russian). RIA Novosti. 13 February 2020.
  3. ^ "Соболезнования в связи с кончиной Алексея Ботяна" (in Russian). Kremlin.ru. 13 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  4. ^ "В Москве похоронили легендарного разведчика Алексея Ботяна" (in Russian). REGNUM News Agency. 13 February 2020.