Zínichev died on September 8th during an emergency drill in the Russian city of Norilsk, in the Arctic, trying to save the life of film director Alexandr Mélnik.

Zínichev will be buried this Friday in Saint Petersburg, the city of his birth, the TASS news agency reported.

Putin approved a decree granting posthumously the title of Hero of Russia on Zinichev.

‘For the heroism, courage and bravery shown in the performance of his duty,’ said the decree.

Putin sent a message of condolences to the wife and son of the late official describing as a reliable, loyal and professional friend, and recalled that the Minister of Emergency dedicated his life to serving the country and the people, and emphasized that ‘to save a human life, he did not hesitate to take the risk and died, fulfilling his duty to the end.’

‘We have lost a true combat officer, a close comrade to all of us, a man of great internal strength and courage. For me it is an irreparable personal loss. We have been united by many years of working together,’ Putin stated.

At the time of his death, the Russian official was 55 years old and held the rank of Army General. Since 1987, Zínichev worked in the Russian security agencies. At the end of July 2016, he was appointed acting governor of the Kaliningrad region.

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