Valentin Varennikov 1923 – 2009

Biography

Valentin Varennikov was born on December 15, 1923, in Krasnodar, a vibrant city in southern Russia. He would go on to become a prominent figure in Soviet and Russian military and political life, dedicating much of his adult years to service in these spheres. His career spanned decades of significant historical change, from the Soviet era through the transformations of the late twentieth century into the modern Russian state.

Throughout his life, Varennikov held positions of considerable responsibility and influence. As a Soviet general, he played an active role in military affairs during a transformative period in his country’s history. Following the Soviet Union’s dissolution, he continued his involvement in public life as a Russian politician, contributing to the nation’s political landscape during its transition to a new era.

Varennikov passed away on May 6, 2009, in Moscow at the age of 85. His long life reflected the dramatic historical arc of his nation. He was laid to rest at Troyekurovskoye Cemetery in Moscow, one of Russia’s most significant burial grounds, where many notable figures have been honored. His legacy remains part of the broader narrative of twentieth-century Russian military and political history.