WWII veteran Vitaly Zorin died in Karachay-Cherkessia at the age of 101.

Vitaly Gavrilovich Zorin, a veteran of the Great Patriotic War and an honorary resident of the republic, passed away in Karachay-Cherkessia. This was announced on April 22 by the head of the region Rashid Temrezov in his Telegram channel.

"The sad news <...> is that Vitaly Gavrilovich Zorin, a veteran of the Great Patriotic War, an honorary citizen of the republic, and a recipient of the Order of Merit for Karachay—Cherkessia, has died. Just recently, our esteemed countryman turned 100 years old — a century filled with courage, trials and dedication to his country. It is difficult to find words to express the depth of the loss," the message says.

Temrezov noted that Vitaly Gavrilovich found himself at the front at the age of 16 and learned all the hardships of war at such a young age. The head of the republic stressed that Zorin courageously liberated Leningrad and European countries from fascism, and also participated in the Manchurian campaign against Japan.

The Head of the Republic added that the roads of war he had traveled would forever remain a symbol of courage, perseverance and selfless love for the Fatherland. On behalf of all residents of Karachay-Cherkessia and on his own behalf, he expressed sincere condolences to the family and friends of Vitaly Gavrilovich, assuring that the dear veteran would forever remain in the hearts of his people as a man of honor, courage and dignity, and thanked the Hero.