Biography
Retired military man Vladimir Kolesnikov lost his beloved wife in 2020, and in 2022 he faced a new test in life — criminal prosecution for his faith. Despite his advanced age and impeccable reputation, Vladimir faces a considerable prison term.
Vladimir was born in March 1946 in Lviv (Ukraine). He has a younger sister and brother. As a child, Vladimir was fond of sports, participated in running competitions, took second place.
From 1956 to 1968, Vladimir received an education: he studied at the Orenburg Suvorov School, then at Kazan, and then graduated from the Yeysk Aviation School and received a diploma of higher education. In 1968 he was sent to serve in Transbaikalia, and in 1976 he retired with the rank of captain on a seniority pension. Vladimir worked for 8 years at the northern mine. He now lives on a pension. His situation is complicated by the fact that he has suffered a disease and is limited in his actions.
Vladimir lived in different cities: Uralsk, Orenburg, Kazan, Yeysk, Magadan, Salsk, as well as in the city of Mosty (Belarus).
Vladimir married Zinaida in 1979, she raised a daughter. In marriage, the couple had a son and another daughter. Zinaida worked in the trade sector, as well as in the cleaning industry. Because of her deteriorating health, the couple moved to Vyselki (Krasnodar Territory), where Vladimir still lives. In his free time, he walks, cultivates his garden, takes care of his pet, a parrot.
While still studying at the cadet school, Vladimir began to think about spiritual issues. He was sure that God existed. In 1993, his wife heard about a major worship service of Jehovah's Witnesses and wanted to attend. Later, the couple began to study the Bible together and in 1995 embarked on the Christian path together.
Vladimir's children are worried about their father. All relatives and friends were shocked by the unjust persecution of a law-abiding and peace-loving believer.