Aleksey Botyan

Aleksey Nikolayevich Botyan (Russian: Алексей Николаевич Ботян; 10 February 1917 – 13 February 2020) was a Soviet, then 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.[2]

Aleksey Botyan
Native name	Алексей Николаевич Ботян
Born	10 February 1917 Chertovichi, Vilna Governorate, Russian Empire
Died	13 February 2020(2020-02-13) (aged 103) Moscow, Russia
Buried	Troyekurovskoye Cemetery
Allegiance	Soviet Union  Russia
Years of service	1939–1989
Rank	Colonel of State Security
Awards	Hero 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.[3] 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."[4] Botyan was buried with military honours in the Alley of Heroes in the Troyekurovskoye Cemetery on 17 February.[5]