zov travel

'ZOV': The diary of a disillusioned Russian soldier

Pavel Filatyev, a Russian soldier who fought in Ukraine, wrote a long story denouncing the motives behind the war and the appalling condition of the Russian army, before going into exile.

By  Isabelle Mandraud and Emmanuel Grynszpan

Time to 3 min.

• Share on Twitter
• Share on Messenger
• Share on Facebook
• Share by email
• Share on Linkedin

Subscribers only

Pavel Filatyev made a promise to himself while he was under Ukrainian artillery fire: "My god, if I survive, I'll do everything to change this." After being on the front lines from day one, on February 24, he was finally able to keep his word when he was evacuated in early April for a nasty eye infection caught in a trench. On August 1, using social network VKontakt – the Russian equivalent to Facebook – the soldier and ex-paratrooper, seething with rage, published 141 pages about the Kremlin-initiated war in Ukraine. "Two months of mud, hunger, cold, sweat and the feeling of death. It's a pity they don't let reporters come to the front line. That's because [Russians] can't see their people dirty, skinny and embittered..."

The work is titled ZOV , three letters that mean "call" in Russian, while playing with the letters "Z," "O" and "V" painted on Russian military vehicles. The story reveals the appalling conditions endured all along by the army sent by Moscow to invade the Ukrainian territory. Mr. Filatyev, who was part of the 56 th Guards Air Assault Regiment, which was restructured with the 171 st Separate Air Assault Battalion, was in Feodosia, Crimea, when the order to relocate was given. The goal, as he would later discover, was to capture the city of Kherson, located just 100 kilometers from the "border" with the Crimean peninsula, annexed in 2014 by Russia. It would be the first city to fall under Russian occupation.

Adrenaline rush quickly replaced by anger

It is hard to imagine the extent to which Russian soldiers themselves are embroiled in a web of information and propaganda. Mr. Filatyev was born into a military family. He served in Chechnya in the late 2000s, then returned to civilian life before enlisting again "because [he] didn't have an apartment at age 33." In his testimony, he tells of a unit that left for combat without even knowing it. "Very late on the evening of the 23rd [of February], we were loaded in trucks headed for an unknown location. Only those in the first vehicles knew where they were going. We drove at night with the lights off." He rode in an old UAZ truck "without brakes" and filled with "boxes of ammunition."

In the wee hours of February 24, he finally understood that something big was going on when he heard massive gunfire, rockets and missiles all around him. "The smell of gunpowder surrounded us. You could feel vibrations in the air, and flashes of lightning illuminated the still dark sky. I understood that this stuff was much more serious than the Donbas and the Crimean referendum. (...) Something I had never seen before. Maybe Ukraine or NATO were really attacking us?" Mr. Filatyev wrote.

You have 50.46% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.

Lecture du Monde en cours sur un autre appareil.

Vous pouvez lire Le Monde sur un seul appareil à la fois

Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil.

Parce qu’une autre personne (ou vous) est en train de lire Le Monde avec ce compte sur un autre appareil.

Vous ne pouvez lire Le Monde que sur un seul appareil à la fois (ordinateur, téléphone ou tablette).

Comment ne plus voir ce message ?

En cliquant sur «  Continuer à lire ici  » et en vous assurant que vous êtes la seule personne à consulter Le Monde avec ce compte.

Que se passera-t-il si vous continuez à lire ici ?

Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Ce dernier restera connecté avec ce compte.

Y a-t-il d’autres limites ?

Non. Vous pouvez vous connecter avec votre compte sur autant d’appareils que vous le souhaitez, mais en les utilisant à des moments différents.

Vous ignorez qui est l’autre personne ?

Nous vous conseillons de modifier votre mot de passe .

Lecture restreinte

Votre abonnement n’autorise pas la lecture de cet article

Pour plus d’informations, merci de contacter notre service commercial.

Get unlimited access to Le Monde in English €2.49/month, cancel anytime

A soldier’s tale: Russian serviceman’s scathing memoir depicts a senseless war

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

A Russian soldier’s searing firsthand account of the Ukraine invasion — depicting ordinary foot soldiers exploited as cannon fodder by inept commanders and a cynical Kremlin leadership — is drawing decidedly mixed reviews from inside and outside the battle zone.

For many outside observers, the ex-serviceman’s 141-page memoir, posted by him online in early August, offers a rare inside glimpse of Moscow’s brutal yet bungled attempt to subdue a smaller and less powerful neighbor.

But six months into a devastating war , some Ukrainians believe that widespread Western media attention to the veteran ex-paratrooper’s journal unfairly lionizes a willing tool of the Russian military machine, who should share in the accountability for wartime atrocities .

Moscow has maintained an icy public silence over the claims made by former soldier Pavel Filatyev, who managed to flee Russia this month after self-publishing his explosive story on VKontakte, a Russian-language platform similar to Facebook.

The 34-year-old said he took part in Russia’s initial assault and spent two months in southern Ukraine before being shipped home with a severe eye infection stemming from dirt blasted into his face by bombardment. He wrote the memoir during his recuperation.

Filatyev’s depiction of a haphazard and disorderly offensive, with many Russian troops unaware of their true objective even as they pushed their way into Ukrainian cities and towns, is in many respects consistent with appraisals issued by Western intelligence.

World & Nation

Six months of war in Ukraine — and it’s only growing more dangerous

Far from bogging down in a stalemate, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine presents new perils after six months, including the threat of a nuclear disaster.

Aug. 24, 2022

“Morale is poor in many parts” of Russia’s military, and its army is “significantly degraded,” Britain’s Ministry of Defense said Wednesday — Ukraine’s Independence Day, which coincides with the six-month mark of the invasion — in an intelligence assessment similar to other recent evaluations by the Pentagon and Western analysts.

But while the broad outlines of Moscow’s methods and tactics have become steadily apparent — as well as its missteps, most notably the early, failed attempt to seize the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv — Filatyev’s account offers a granular, on-the-ground portrait that casts Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war effort in an even more damning light.

Some scenes are vividly drawn: After capturing the southern city of Kherson, the first major Ukrainian metropolis to fall to the Russian invaders, ravenous and ill-provisioned troops wolfed down whatever food stocks they could find, Filatyev wrote.

“Like savages, we ate everything there: oats, porridge, jam, honey, coffee,” he wrote, describing his comrades-in-arms as “exhausted and feral.”

Tymophiy’s diary: A boy orphaned by war chronicles his fury and grief

Tymophiy, 12, lost his mother and stepfather in a hail of Russian fire and is now in the care of relatives. His diary is a record of fury and grief.

Aug. 5, 2022

For troops in the field, he wrote, there was “no hint of comfort, a shower or normal food.” Most equipment was ancient and malfunctioning, including the rusty rifle he was issued.

Whole Russian units were wiped out by friendly fire, he asserted, and soldiers frequently shot or otherwise deliberately injured themselves in a bid to be sent home.

“We didn’t give a damn,” he wrote.

While Filatyev’s day-to-day anecdotes and descriptions of particular scenes could not be independently verified, his service record in the 56th Guards Air Assault Regiment — which took part in the capture of Kherson and then was stationed on the battlefront outside the nearby city of Mykolaiv — was confirmed by news organizations including the Russian investigative consortium iStories, now based in Riga, Latvia, which published abridged excerpts.

Throughout the memoir — titled “ZOV,” after the tactical symbol emblazoned on Russian vehicles — Filatyev depicted rock-bottom troop morale and commanders far out of their depth. Higher-ups, he said, had clearly decided to “flood Ukraine with our corpses.”

Although a disillusioned Filatyev denounced the war as morally wrong and declared he wanted no further part in it, some Ukrainians are infuriated by the memoir’s wealth of detail about privations endured by Russian forces rather than about the death and destruction they wrought in a country invaded without provocation.

Filatyev, now in an undisclosed location after a human rights network helped him leave Russia, has given several news interviews describing how, after posting his memoir online, he moved from place to place, expecting to be arrested at any time. That prompted Ukrainian podcaster and activist Maksym Eristavi to tweet a denunciation of what he called the “romanticizing” of “a Russian terrorist killing [Ukrainian] families.”

Start your day right

Sign up for Essential California for the L.A. Times biggest news, features and recommendations in your inbox six days a week.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Some military historians, however, consider the memoir an authoritative pushback against the Kremlin’s nonstop glorification of purported military successes in Ukraine, and a useful addition to the annals of this war. Firsthand accounts from Russian soldiers have mainly been fleeting in nature — captured, for example, in intercepted phone conversations with family members at home.

Author and researcher Chris Owen, who put together several long Twitter threads based on Filatyev’s disclosures, wrote that the soldier’s account, by far the longest and most detailed of its kind, “provides an informative insider’s perspective on what has gone wrong” for Russia in Ukraine.

But in Russia, where independent news outlets have been shuttered and criticism of the “special military operation” criminalized, relatively few people have seen even the excerpts published by mostly blocked outlets, let alone the entire memoir.

Public opinion polls — to the extent they can be relied upon — point to continuing robust approval ratings for Putin, a phenomenon that Ukrainian analyst Denis Bohush, the director of the Center for Russian Studies in Kyiv, attributes to “20-plus years of Putin’s personal propaganda machine .”

Russia’s ‘most hidden crime’ in Ukraine war: Rape of women, girls, men and boys

Ukrainian authorities believe cases of sexual assault by Russian occupiers are vastly underreported. Shame and many factors underlie survivors’ unwillingness to report rapes.

Aug. 21, 2022

Despite his scathing assessment of the Ukraine war, Filatyev, who came from a military family and previously served with the Russian army in Chechnya, expressed residual feelings of loyalty toward an institution he had long served.

In an interview last week with the German newsmagazine Der Spiegel, conducted over Zoom from an undisclosed location, Filatyev, described as appearing weary and somber, said that he wanted the Russian army to be “strong and good,” and that his account was meant to help achieve that end.

“Only when we talk openly about our problems in Russian society can we bring order to the armed forces,” he said. “At the same time, I don’t want it to be an aggressor and threaten the whole world.”

Special correspondent Markus Ziener in Berlin contributed to this report.

More to Read

Desperate for soldiers, Ukraine weighs unpopular plan to expand the draft

Feb. 26, 2024

Dismayed by Moscow’s war, Russian volunteers are joining the fight — on Ukraine’s side

Dec. 14, 2023

Ukraine’s rising number of amputees face trauma on a scale unseen since World War I

Sept. 4, 2023

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

Laura King is a Washington, D.C.-based reporter for the Los Angeles Times. A member of the Foreign/National staff, she primarily covers foreign affairs. She previously served as bureau chief in Jerusalem, Kabul and Cairo.

More From the Los Angeles Times

In rare call, Russian defense minister warns French counterpart against sending troops to Ukraine

April 3, 2024

Ukraine lowers its conscription age to 25 to plug a shortfall in troop numbers

Ukraine aims drones at oil refinery and drone factory in its deepest strike yet inside Russia

April 2, 2024

2 killed as Russia launches attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure

March 31, 2024

• - K-town Now
• Asia-Pacific
• - Storm Tracker
• Middle East
• Map of Memorials
• Entertainment
• - Video Games
• Europe Travel
• - Quick Trips
• - After Hours
• Pacific Travel
• The Meat and Potatoes of Life
• U.S. Travel
• Storm Tracker
• Rewards for readers
• Get Stripes
• Stripes Lite
• Archives/Library
• Special Publications
• Mobile Apps
• Email Newsletters
• Digital Access
• Home Delivery
• Marine Corps
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• Archive photo of the day
• - Schedules Europe
• - Scoreboards Europe
• - Schedules Pacific
• - Scoreboards Pacific
• - Pacific Sports Blog
• - Military Matters
• - Force for Hire
• Out of Uniform
• Communities
• Stripes Europe
• Stripes Guam
• Stripes Japan
• Stripes Korea
• Stripes Okinawa
• Our Other Websites
• In Memoriam
• Month of the Military Child
• Best of Germany
• Best of the Pacific
• Letters to Santa

Expert Air Force translators post diary of dissident Russian paratrooper’s Ukraine ordeal

Former Russian paratrooper Pavel Filatyev e-published a 140-page memoir titled "Zov," meaning "Calling," a criticism of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Russian army. It was translated in December 2022 by native Russian speakers in the Air Force's Language Enabled Airman Program. (Facebook/Pavel Filatyev)

Former Russian paratrooper Pavel Filatyev was so disillusioned with the war in Ukraine that he risked his life to publish an unsparing firsthand account, which can now be read in English thanks to the work of American airmen. 

Before the retrospective, titled “Zov,” or “Calling,” was removed from the social media site VKontakte, where it was initially posted in August 2022, Air University scholars copied it.

Then native Russian speakers in a special Air Force language program produced what the service says is the first complete English translation of the 144-page memoir.

“It’s definitely him pouring his soul out,” said Capt. Mihkail Berlin, a Russian language instructor at the Air Force Academy who helped with the translation. “It’s more of a personal journal.”

In 2022, former Russian paratrooper Pavel Filatyev e-published a 140-page memoir titled “Zov” on his page on Russian social media site VKontakte. His firsthand account of the invasion of Ukraine was translated by five members of the Air Force’s Language Enabled Airman Program and posted on the Air University website. (U.S. Air Force)

Filatyev described cold nights without a sleeping bag and units being issued rusty, broken rifles and ill-fitting uniforms and boots. Rations quickly dwindled and the higher command was nowhere to be found, according to Filatyev.

“In this war, they just decided to drown Ukraine with our corpses,” he wrote.

Filatyev and his comrades didn’t know they were invading Ukraine until their military trucks rumbled across the border on Feb. 24, 2022, the author said.

“Everyone is riding in bewildered silence, surely there is a plan,” he wrote.

As it turned out, there wasn’t.

Before he was evacuated because of an eye injury two months into the war, Filatyev vowed to do “everything to change this” if he survived.

LEAP of fate

Berlin and four other Russian speakers in the Air Force’s Language Enabled Airman Program, or LEAP, translated the manuscript in December.

The LEAP translators split the work into about 30 pages each, devoting hours outside their normal Air Force jobs to complete the project in about a month, they said. The finished document, now at 77 pages, is available to read on the Air University website.

Part of the Air Force Culture and Language Center, the program currently supports some 4,200 scholars representing 96 languages. The “Zov” translators said the project shows the importance of maintaining diverse language fluency in the force.

The document is being used in Air Force academic circles to examine the conflict from the Russian side and inform students of the conditions on the ground early in the war, they said.

Earlier publications of Filatyev’s account were translated using artificial intelligence, said Maj. Roman Obolonskiy, a LEAP airman on the project.

“Artificial intelligence is just not there yet to incorporate all the jargon and Russian as a living language,” he said.

Obolonskiy, a director of operations for a C-17 maintenance unit at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., consulted Russian military forums and other sources to research military vocabulary.

A glossary tacked on to the end of the document lists more than a dozen military terms. “Starley,” for example, is slang for a senior lieutenant, while “kombat” is short for battalion commander.

Master Sgt. Nadia Wolfe, who was born in Kyrgyzstan, initially was puzzled when Filatyev described being “surrounded by grenades, ammunition and rocks,” she said. “I took a second look at ‘rocks.’ Why was he surrounded by rocks?”

The NSV Utyos is a Soviet-era heavy machine gun. The word “utyos” also can mean cliff or rocks.

Colloquial speech and swear words also colored the manuscript, Berlin said.

Cursing in Russian is “kind of a sublanguage of its own,” he said, noting that Russian has more than 10,000 swear words and combinations.

“Funny enough, we were trying to prepare for the upper classmen a class on Russian swear language,” Berlin said. “There’s enough (in Russian) to fill a whole semester’s worth.”

Since the war started, the number of language assistance requests has increased for many of the service’s Russian LEAP scholars, the translators said. And there’s an increased demand for Ukrainian speakers.

Russian is being spoken much less frequently by Ukraine’s military and citizenry, both as a matter of cultural pride and battlefield strategy, said Berlin, who now is studying Ukrainian.

Berlin, 34, was born in Russia and came to the United States at age 15. His mother didn’t want him to be drafted. He ended up joining the Army at the age of 17 and later switched to the Air Force.

Berlin lived through the post-Soviet 1990s in Russia, when “corruption was at an all-time high,” he said.

In reading “Zov,” it’s clear “that nothing has changed,” he said. “It remains the same or maybe even it’s become worse.”

Obolonskiy, who was born in Ukraine and came to the U.S. at age 11, said he “failed to grasp the severity” of the corruption.

He pointed to examples of military incompetence that sound almost comical. Filatyev was told to jump out of his vehicle, set up his mortars and then move them, and nobody knew why, Obolonskiy said.

During training, they were told to go out and shoot, but not enough weapons were available and there were no bullets, he said.

“Apathy, corruption, incompetence, we can grab just about every bad word in the English language for organizational structure and it will fit,” Obolonskiy said.

Wolfe, a medical logistics flight chief at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., was surprised by Filatyev’s frankness.

“His description of military confusion and hurry up and wait,” she said. Also, it seemed as if “officers and enlisted were not even working on the same side or on the same objectives.”

Rage against the war machine

Filatyev’s story stands as one of the few open-source war accounts from the perspective of a Russian soldier.

His descriptions are detailed, jarring and sometimes poetic, while he seethes with rage when critiquing his government for starting “a terrible war” in a country “where most of our relatives live.”

He also directs anger at his fellow citizens for idly standing by and contributing to the corruption that he says permeates every aspect of Russian society.

“I do not know how to convey to millions of zombies with Russian passports that we ourselves are to blame for everything that is happening. It is us,” he wrote.

He is now living in France, where he has applied for asylum. After his eye healed, his choices were return to the war or face prosecution, Germany’s Der Spiegel magazine reported in October. He fled Russia shortly after publishing his memoir.

Besides being gripping prose, “Zov” is also rife with lessons for U.S. military planners, the translators said.

“When funds and resources are misappropriated and misused, it results in the mission not being completed,” Berlin said.

For Obolonskiy, the numerous miscalculations of Russia’s might stood out in light of Filatyev’s exposure of the rot in the Russian armed forces.

Analysts thought “Russia had the second-most powerful military in the world and this war would be over in a couple of weeks,” he said. “Yes, they did have ‘X’ amount of vehicles, but only a small percentage of them were functional.”

“We need to be able to learn those lessons, apply them to future adversaries and maybe evaluate ourselves as well,” Obolonskiy said. “Do we ourselves fit the criteria? So it matters for us, too.”

previous coverage

• A Russia-Ukraine timeline: Key moments, from attack on Kyiv to counteroffensive

related stories

• Pentagon announces new long-term arms package for Ukraine worth up to $2.1 billion

Sign Up for Daily Headlines

Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets from around the world.

Sign Up Now

Challenges of Translation

Lessons for the us.

More Understanding

Related content, f-35s deploy to poland to keep ‘safeguarding’ nato, ukraine’s survival ‘in danger’ if west fails to help, austin says, experts: 2025 could be ‘year of decision’ in ukraine war, us planning to train 12 ukrainian f-16 pilots this fiscal year, as ang provides new details, guard chief: first ukrainian f-16 trainees are ‘on track,’ but funds aren’t there for more, foreign military sales sets new record, up 55.9 percent in 2023, 4 ukrainian pilots undergoing f-16 training in arizona as pentagon reveals new details, pentagon: ukraine expected to employ f-16s in 2024, britain’s cameron urges more aid for ukraine: ‘good investment’ for degrading russia.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

‘I don’t see justice in this war’: Russian soldier exposes rot at core of Ukraine invasion

Exclusive: Pavel Filatyev has fled his homeland after publishing a 141-page account detailing his experiences on the frontline

• ‘They turned us into savages’: extract from Pavel Filatyev’s account

P avel Filatyev knew the consequences of what he was saying. The ex-paratrooper understood he was risking prison, that he would be called a traitor and would be shunned by his former comrades-in-arms. His own mother had urged him to flee Russia while he still could. He said it anyway.

“I don’t see justice in this war. I don’t see truth here,” he said over a tucked-away cafe table in the Moscow financial district. It was his first time sitting down in person with a journalist since returning from the war in Ukraine .

“I am not afraid to fight in war. But I need to feel justice, to understand that what I’m doing is right. And I believe that this is all failing not only because the government has stolen everything, but because we, Russians, don’t feel that what we are doing is right.”

Two weeks ago, Filatyev went on to his VKontakte social media page and published a 141-page bombshell: a day-by-day description of how his paratrooper unit was sent to mainland Ukraine from Crimea, entered Kherson and captured the seaport, and dug in under heavy artillery fire for more than a month near Mykolaiv – and then how he eventually was wounded and evacuated from the conflict with an eye infection.

By then, he was convinced he had to expose the rot at the core of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “We were sitting under artillery fire by Mykolaiv,” he said. “At that point I already thought that we’re just out here doing bullshit, what the fuck do we need this war for? And I really had this thought: ‘God, if I survive, then I’ll do everything that I can to stop this.’”

He spent 45 days writing his memoirs from the conflict, breaking an omerta under which even the word war has been banished in public. “I simply can’t stay quiet any longer, even though I know that I probably won’t change anything, and maybe I’ve acted foolishly to get myself in so much trouble,” says Filatyev, his fingers shaking from stress as he lit another cigarette.

His memoir, ZOV, is named for the tactical markings painted on Russian army vehicles that have been adopted as a pro-war symbol in Russia. Until now, there has been no more detailed, voluntary account from a Russian soldier participating in the invasion of Ukraine. Extracts were published in Russia’s independent press, while Filatyev appeared via video for a televised interview on TV Rain.

“It’s very important that someone became the first to speak out,” said Vladimir Osechkin, the head of the human rights network Gulagu.net, who helped Filatyev leave Russia earlier this week. That also made Filatyev the first soldier known to have fled Russia due to opposition to the war. “And it’s opening a Pandora’s box.”

This week the Russian investigative site iStories, which Russia has banned from the country, has published a confession from another Russian soldier admitting on camera to shooting and killing a civilian resident in the Ukrainian city of Andriivka.

Filatyev, who served in the 56th Guards air assault regiment based in Crimea, described how his exhausted and poorly equipped unit stormed into mainland Ukraine behind a hail of rocket fire in late February, with little in terms of concrete logistics or objectives, and no idea why the war was taking place at all. “It took me weeks to understand there was no war on Russian territory at all, and that we had just attacked Ukraine,” he said.

At one point, Filatyev describes how the ravenous paratroopers, the elite of the Russian army, captured the Kherson seaport and immediately began grabbing “computers and whatever valuable goods we could find”. Then they ransacked the kitchens for food.

“Like savages, we ate everything there: oats, porridge, jam, honey, coffee … We didn’t give a damn about anything, we’d already been pushed to the limit. Most had spent a month in the fields with no hint of comfort, a shower or normal food.

“What a wild state you can drive people to by not giving any thought to the fact that they need to sleep, eat and wash,” he wrote. “Everything around gave us a vile feeling; like wretches we were just trying to survive.”

Filatyev took a deep drag from a cigarette as he recounted the story, nervously looking around for anyone watching him at close to midnight in a Moscow park, then tries to explain.

“I know it will sound savage to a foreign reader,” he said, describing a fellow soldier stealing a computer. “But [the soldier] knows that this is worth more than one of his salaries. And who knows if he’ll be alive tomorrow anyway. So he takes it. I’m not trying to justify what he’s done. But I think it’s important to say why people act like this, to understand how to stop them … What a person will do in these kinds of extreme situations.”

He railed at length against what he called the “degradation” of the army, including the use of dated kit and vehicles that left Russian soldiers exposed to Ukrainian counterattacks. The rifle he was given before the war was rusted and had a broken strap, he said.

“We were just an ideal target,” he wrote, describing travelling to Kherson on obsolete and unarmoured UAZ trucks that sometimes stood in place for 20 minutes. “It was unclear what the plan was – as always no one knew anything.”

Filatyev describes his unit, as the war dragged on, being pinned down in trenches for nearly a month near Mykolaiv under Ukrainian artillery fire. It was there that a shell blasted mud into his eye, leading to an infection that nearly blinded him.

As frustrations grew on the front, he wrote about reports of soldiers deliberately shooting themselves in order to escape the front and collect 3 million roubles (£40,542) in compensation, as well as rumours of acts of mutilation against captured soldiers and corpses.

In the interview, he said he had not personally seen the acts of abuse carried out during the war. But he described a culture of anger and resentment in the army that tears down the facade of total support for the war portrayed in Russian propaganda.

“Most people in the army are unhappy about what’s going on there, they’re unhappy about the government and their commanders, they’re unhappy with Putin and his politics, they’re unhappy with the minister of defence, who has never served in the army,” he wrote.

Since going public, he said, his entire unit has cut contact with him. But he believed that 20% of them supported his protest outright. And many others, in quiet conversations, had told him about a grudging sense of respect for the patriotism of Ukrainians fighting to defend their own territory. Or had complained about mistreatment by Russia of its own soldiers.

“No one is treating veterans here,” he said at one point. In military hospitals, he described meeting disgruntled soldiers, including wounded sailors from the Moskva cruiser, sunk by Ukrainian missiles in April, shouting a senior officer out of the room. And, in ZOV, he claimed that “there are heaps of dead, whose relatives have not been paid compensation”, corroborating media reports of wounded soldiers waiting months for payouts.

Filatyev’s original plan was to publish his memoir and immediately turn himself in to the police. But Osechkin, the activist, told him to reconsider while urging him repeatedly to flee the country. Until this week, he had refused to do so.

“So I leave, I go to America, and who am I there? What am I supposed to do?” he said. “If I’m not even needed in my own country, then who needs me there?”

That was why, for two weeks, Filatyev had been staying in a different hotel every night and living out of a heavy black knapsack he carried with him, trying to stay one step ahead of the police. Even then, he admits, he should not have been hard to find.

The Guardian has not been able to independently verify all the details of Filatyev’s story, but he has supplied documents and photographs showing he was a paratrooper with the 56th airborne regiment stationed in Crimea, that he was hospitalised with an eye injury sustained while “performing special tasks in Ukraine” in April and that he had written directly to the Kremlin with his complaints about the war before going public.

Old photographs show Filatyev as a teenager in a blue-and-white telnyashka (the traditional blue and white undershirt worn by military personnel) among his fellow soldiers, then hanging from a carousel during paratrooper training, then, already older, clean-shaven in tan camouflage posing with a rifle in Crimea before the war began.

Born into a military family in the southern city of Volgodonsk, Filatyev, 34, spent much of his early 20s in the army. After serving in Chechnya in the late 2000s, he spent nearly a decade as a horse trainer, working for the Russian meat-producing company Miratorg and wealthy clients before reenlisting in 2021 for financial reasons, he said.

Now he is a changed man. He remains powerfully built and articulate, but war and stress have taken their toll. His scarred cheeks are covered by a two-week old stubble. He still can’t see properly out of his right eye. And he laughs bitterly at having to complain about the Russian army to a foreign journalist and “coming to talk to you like a priest over beers”.

“They say that the heroism of some is the fault of others,” he said. “It’s the 21st century, we started this idiotic war, and once again we’re calling on soldiers to carry out heroic deeds, to sacrifice themselves. What’s the problem – are we not dying out at it is?”

Most of all, he wondered why he was still free. He had heard that his unit was preparing to charge him with desertion, an accusation that could land him in prison for many years. And yet nothing happened.

“I don’t understand why they still haven’t snatched me up,” he says upon meeting at a train station in Moscow. “I’ve said more than anyone has for the last six months. Maybe they don’t know what to do with me.”

It is a mystery he may never solve. Filatyev fled the country via an undisclosed route sometime after Saturday evening, when he headed off to find a hostel to spend the night. Two days later, Osechkin announced Filatyev had managed to escape Russia “before his arrest”. It is still unclear whether or not he has been charged formally with any crime in Russia.

“Why should I have to flee my country just for telling the truth about what these bastards have turned our army into,” Filatyev wrote in a Telegram message. “I am overwhelmed by emotions that I have had to leave my country.”

He remains one of just a handful of Russian soldiers to have spoken out publicly about the war, albeit after months of agonising about how to do so without violating his service. “People ask me why I didn’t throw down my weapon,” he said. “Well I’m against this war, but I’m not a general, I’m not the defence minister, I’m not Putin – I don’t know how to stop this. I wouldn’t have changed anything to become a coward, and throw down my weapon and abandon my comrades.”

Sitting along the busy streets of Moscow for possibly the last time, he said he hoped this would all come to an end after popular protests like during the Vietnam war. But for now, he said, that seemed far off.

“I am just terrified of what happens next,” he said, imagining Russia fighting for total victory despite the terrible cost. “What will we pay for that? Who will be left in our country? ... For myself I said that this is a personal tragedy. Because what have we become? And how can it get any worse?”

Most viewed

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

ZOV: Inside Putin's Corrupt War on Ukraine - A Dissident Soldier's Story Hardcover – February 1, 2024

• Print length 208 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Profile Books
• Publication date February 1, 2024
• ISBN-10 1800817312
• ISBN-13 978-1800817319
• See all details

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Profile Books (February 1, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1800817312
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1800817319
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

No customer reviews

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Start Selling with Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

ZOV by Pavel Filatyev

Translation by chriso, my comments and a related article by roth & sauer.

Pavel Filatyev

For your further reading, I’ve included the article by Roth and Sauer, which I had read yesterday. This is a paragraph from Filatyev’s ZOV as published in The Guardian :

Have you ever seen the paintings of the Sack of Rome by the barbarians? This is the best way to describe what was going on around me. Everyone looked worn-out and feral, and we all began to scour the buildings in search of food, water, a shower and a place for the night; some started grabbing computers and whatever valuable goods they could find. I was no exception: I found a hat in a smashed-up truck onsite and took it. My balaclava was too cold. I became disgusted with all the looting, despite my wild state.

Olga and I had talked about the state of preparedness of the Russian Armed Forces and the level of corruption that had led to its current issues many times. She had said that the numbers we were seeing weren’t indicative of the reality of the preparedness of the forces on the ground. Numbers are often inflated or uncomfortable situations are swept under the rug so as not to displease the higher ups. In her estimation, she said that she would be surprised if 30% of the supplies in the procurement contracts actually reached the soldiers.

Another aspect when considering the strength of the armed forces is the esprit de corps of the units, which is fundamental to their survival. The Americans and Brits understand that leadership, and making sure the fighting forces are well taken care of taking care of is the key to victory, something that the Russians do not value. We’ve seen time and time again how the Russian forces were poorly equipped and had to go looking for food.

What follows is a thread composed by ChrisO as posted on Twitter—his translation and commentary of the first part of Pavel Filatyev’s “ZOV”, which is about his experience in Ukraine. At the end of the reading, there is also a link to the original PDF file as uploaded online.

From “ZOV”- Pavel Filatyev--translation & commentary ChrisO

Introduction

A 34-year-old former Russian paratrooper, Pavel Filatyev, has published a remarkable in-depth account of his experiences of the Ukraine war. He served with the Feodosia-based 56th Guards Air Assault Regiment and fought in southern Ukraine for two months. A thread follows. Filatyev was part of the force that captured Kherson in February and was hospitalised with an eye injury after spending more than a month under heavy Ukrainian artillery bombardment near Mykolaiv. By that time, he was completely disillusioned with the war. While recuperating, Filatyev wrote a scathing 141-page memoir titled 'ZOV' (after the recognition symbols painted on vehicles of the invasion force) and published it on VKontakte (Russian Facebook). Not surprisingly, he's now been forced to flee Russia for his own safety. In this first installment, I'll cover FIlatyev's experiences in the six months before the war, when he was going through training as a paratrooper in Crimea with the 56th Guards Air Assault Regiment. It was not a happy experience for him.

From ZOV with comments

Filatyev comes from a military family. After an earlier period of military service, he rejoined the Russian Army in August 2021, joining his father's old unit. Although it was theoretically an elite unit, he found that the soldiers' living conditions were terrible. He found there were no beds in his company's barracks, which were infested by a pack of stray dogs fed by the dining room staff. He avoided a nearby hostel which he was advised was a "sewer". Another company found a bed for him in their barracks, which lacked a power supply.

Eventually, Filatyev moved to a cheap hotel when Crimea's holiday season ended. As he later wrote, "I had to run like a homeless man from one barracks to another, looking for a bed to sleep in, until I found a place to rent at my own expense [after] 3 weeks." He also found the unit's food was appalling: "there is not enough food for everyone, the potatoes in the soup on the water are raw, the bread is stale". Basic hygiene was difficult because the water supply was interrupted, resulting in a lack of working showers or toilets. Filatyev spent ten days waiting for a uniform before being given a summer outfit but no shoes in the right size. In the end, he went out and bought his own. (This is a common situation often resulting from supply chain corruption).

During his previous military experience, Filatyev had received substantial training in theory, tactics and physical training. He expected to get improved training following Russia's much-vaunted military reforms in the 2010s, but found that the reality was very different. The company commander was largely absent. The unit's young political officer attempted on his own initiative to give lessons in tactics. One day, the company went to the firing range for target practice, but the training session was a fiasco. "[We] get up at five in the morning, spend three hours lined up and waiting for the truck, we finally go, we arrive at 12:00, line up, stand, the commanders at the range do not like the way some piece of paper is filled out, the major tears up the sheet and throws it ..." "He yells with hysterical cries that there will be no firing because of this, the whole company stands and contemptuously looks at the hysterical major with sympathy for the young starshina [sergeant major] who is being discouraged from taking any common-sense initiative ..." Finally, at 13:00, the target practice got underway in searing midsummer Crimean temperatures. "The heat is 50+, there is no water, we initially drove until lunch, now it turns out that we are here for the whole day, plus night shooting [until] one o'clock in the morning". The soldiers finally returned to their base exhausted, dehydrated and famished, having only had one dry ration pack for each 3-4 men. As Filatyev comments, "This is not hardening of the body, this is nothing more than sabotage of one's own army."

There was a lengthy delay before any parachute jump practice was organised. In the meantime, a mass COVID outbreak in the unit was dealt with by having positive results "miraculously disappear[ing] somewhere in everyone's tests" despite many soldiers not being vaccinated. With the onset of winter, the soldiers were given worn-out winter uniforms of the wrong sizes. Filatyev got into trouble by complaining, but in the end privately purchased a jacket for his own use (likely one that had previously been stolen and resold by corrupt depot staff). Parachute jump practice finally took place in November 2021, but it was another fiasco. Several days were wasted packing parachutes "from morning until 21:00," as it turned out that half of the company did not know how to do it. The soldiers set off for their jump practice at 02:00 in sub-zero conditions, travelling on open-top trucks. They spent five hours "jumping on the spot ... to warm up somehow". When they jumped, Filatyev found that the drop zone had mistakenly been centred on a cemetery. Fortunately, Filatyev writes, "it's good that the weather was good, everyone taxied out, no one landed on a cross or anyone's grave." But after he got back to base, he found that he had contracted pneumonia in both lungs, with many comrades also falling ill. He was sent to a military hospital where he spent a week recovering. While there, he found that his company commander had attempted to cover up his stay in the hospital, presumably to avoid awkward questions about why so many of the unit's members fell sick at once. By this time, Filatyev was fed up. He wrote a detailed complaint to the Russian Ministry of Defence (MOD) outlining the many violations of regulations and the poor military ethos that he saw, as well as the almost complete lack of training provided to the troops. "An atmosphere of apathy reigns among contract servicemen," Filatyev complained, "and 90% of them are discussing in the smoking rooms how to finish their contract as soon as possible ... I also heard from a number of officers that they don't want to serve here."

There was also little esprit de corps among the men. "The Russian and airborne unit flags [looked] as if they had gone through a war (only a fortnight ago they were replaced) and the unit staff ... patched them up because there was already a hole in the hole". The unit raised the flags every morning accompanied by the Russian national anthem, but as Filatyev notes sardonically, "half the servicemen do not sing it". He wrote that "the duty and anti-terrorist units are on duty only on paper" and did not attend morning roll calls. Filatyev told the MOD that what he had observed over the past 3.5 months "horrifies me ... in fact, I see complete anarchy, there is only a faint hint of combat readiness, [and] I hear a lot of ridicule among the local population about Feodosia VDV [airborne troops]." Things got worse when Filatyev's unit was reorganised just before the war (in December 2021), becoming the 56th Guards Air Assault Regiment. But it was a regiment only in name, consisting of 2 battalions and a reconnaissance company equivalent in numbers to a platoon. The units were grossly undermanned on the eve of the war. His own 2nd Airborne Assault Battalion consisted of three companies of 45-60 people each (165 in total), and the amphibious assault battalion also consisted of 165 people. But on paper they had 500 people. Filatyev blames widespread corruption and a system of photo reports, which enables commanders to hide problems, for this situation. He suggests that as few as 100,000 Russian troops may have invaded Ukraine in February (despite paper numbers of at least 200,000). When the new regiment was formed, the deputy commander of the Airborne Forces arrived to carry out an inspection. Instead of training, "we stupidly fucked around all day, as usual, instead", lining up uselessly for 7 hours while the officers inspected the regiment's vehicles.

"All this [equipment] is a hundred years old, a lot is not working properly, but on their reports everything was probably fine and this was two months before the special operation." The general showed no interest in the men standing in their worn-out "scarecrow" uniforms. Filatyev's complaint to the MOD led only to retaliation from his own commander, who was rumoured to have tried to file a criminal complaint against him. Some officers told him that they supported him, "saying that all this is certainly true, but it is useless to complain." Not surprisingly, Filatyev writes, by January 2022 "the desire to serve has disappeared completely. I realized that our combat capability, to put it mildly, is not very good, we do nonsense, useless chores, dressing up or pretending to have classes". He concluded that "the Russian army is in a madhouse and everything is for show", despite some people still wanting to make something good of it. He blames middle-ranking career officers "who do not want to lose it all (they are the ones who keep the rotten system)".

ChrisO’s closing comment

In the next installment, I'll cover Filatyev's experiences immediately before and just after the start of the invasion in February 2022. You can download the original Russian text here .

Further reading

Roth & sauer , ‘i don’t see justice in this war’: russian soldier exposes rot at core of ukraine invasion—the guardian.

Pavel Filatyev knew the consequences of what he was saying. The ex-paratrooper understood he was risking prison, that he would be called a traitor and would be shunned by his former comrades-in-arms. His own mother had urged him to flee Russia while he still could. He said it anyway. “I don’t see justice in this war. I don’t see truth here,” he said over a tucked-away cafe table in the Moscow financial district. It was his first time sitting down in person with a journalist since returning from the war in Ukraine .

Share EuroFile

Ready for more?

(e.g. [email protected])

Remember me

Forgot Password?

• SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III
• Combatant Commands
• Holiday Greetings Map
• Taking Care of Our People
• Focus on the Indo-Pacific
• Support for Ukraine
• Value of Service
• Face of Defense
• Science and Technology
• Publications
• Storytellers
• Tell Your Story
• Media Awards
• Hometown Heroes

Hometown News

• Create Request
• Media Press Kit

• DVIDS DIRECT

Media Requests

About dvids.

• Privacy & Security
• Copyright Information
• Accessibility Information
• Customer Service

Language-enabled Airmen Translate Russian Memoir of Combat in Ukraine

Photo By Anh Dang | In May of 2022, Russian paratrooper Pavel Filatyev e-published a 140-page memoir... ... read more read more

Photo By Anh Dang | In May of 2022, Russian paratrooper Pavel Filatyev e-published a 140-page memoir entitled ‘ZOV’, after the ‘Z’ symbol on his VKontakte page. ‘ZOV’ is a criticism of the ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine and of the Russian Army. This document was translated in December 2022 by Russian Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars Capt. Abror Samatov, Capt. Roman Obolonskiy, Maj. Herman Reinhold, Master Sgt. Nadia Wolfe, and Capt. Mikhail Berlin. (Courtesy graphic)   see less | View Image Page

AL, UNITED STATES

Story by mikala mccurry  , air force culture and language center.

As Russia poses a persistent threat to international peace and security according to the United States National Security Strategy, United States Air Force leadership has issued a challenge to increase adversary understanding within the force and create a more complex operating environment for strategic competitors. Air University’s Russian Research Task Force is one the educational programs designed to meet this challenge. When an open-source document emerged on the social media account of a Russian parachutist detailing information on the Ukraine conflict that would be crucial for educating Airmen, Air University’s Office of Sponsored Programs called on five Russian language Scholars in the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Language Enabled Airman Program to translate the 140-page memoir. “The ZOV manuscript, when it appeared on social media, offered a valuable, direct account of the Russian experience. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and their information arm are very good at distributing their side of the conflict, but the Russia accounts have been highly mediated by censorship, so ZOV is a fascinating glimpse into what is going on in the minds of the Russian combatants. Because it is highly colloquial, we especially value the fluency and military vocabulary knowledge of LEAP linguists,” said Dr. Margaret Sankey, Research Coordinator for Air University’s Office of Sponsored Programs. Air Command and Staff College Professor Dr. Andrew Akin is currently leading Air University’s Russian Research Task Force and saw the ZOV manuscript as a valuable primary resource for his students’ research. The RTF is examining the Ukraine conflict as part of their course and utilizing the memoir as open source, unclassified accounts of the conditions on the ground in Ukraine. “The Russian RTF is working on creating an edited volume on the Russian-Ukraine war, and this translation is an example of a timely primary source that has been made available to the group through the capacity of LEAP translators. Otherwise [without translations], primary source artifacts like this soldier's account would be undiscovered or unusable to anyone but excellent Russian linguists for years,” Dr. Akin explained. Maj. Herman Reinhold served as one of the LEAP team members who translated this document and acknowledged his LEAP education and training as one of the determining factors for his success on this project. “My regular language emersions and Language Intensive Training Event programs have allowed me to sustain and enhance my Russian language skills throughout my career,” Reinhold said. “My cultural understanding of Russia also aided in the translation since many nuances within the document could be missed by an individual who has the language knowledge but lacks a deep cultural understanding.” Reinhold and team saw firsthand the potential impact this translation project would have for total force Airmen on enhancing adversary understanding of Russia. “The memoir serves as a stark reminder of the contrast between military capabilities on paper and actual capabilities. This can also serve as a reminder to analysts to question conventional wisdom and not take reported numbers at face value,” Reinhold explained. “Any Airman studying Russia must understand that its military capabilities have been evolving throughout the conflict. The way the Russian army conducted operations early in the conflict differs from how it is conducting operations now.” AFCLC’s education and training designed to enhance the technical vocabulary of LEAP Scholars enabled them to accurately translate a memoir engrained in military jargon. Since LEAP Scholars possess language, cultural, and military experience and knowledge, they were able to translate the document in a comprehensive, understandable, and impactful way for utilization by Airmen. “This document translation shows direct connection to CSAF Gen. Brown’s Action Order C in ‘understanding our adversaries and their ways of war’ and how language, regional expertise, and culture education helps Air University go deeper in what was said in the manuscript and have insights into the nuances of what was actually meant,” AFCLC Director Howard Ward said. The translated ‘ZOV’ manuscript is available in the Air University Library.

LEAVE A COMMENT

Public domain  .

This work, Language-enabled Airmen Translate Russian Memoir of Combat in Ukraine , by Mikala McCurry , identified by DVIDS , must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright .

CONNECTED MEDIA

MORE LIKE THIS

Controlled vocabulary keywords.

No keywords found.

•   Register/Login to Download

DVIDS Control Center

• 404-282-1450
• [email protected]

Web Support

• [email protected]
• 1-888-743-4662
• Links Disclaimer
• No FEAR Act
• Small Business Act
• Open Government
• Strategic Plan
• Inspector General
• Sexual Assault Prevention
• DVI Records Schedule
• DVI Executive Summary
• Section 3103

Restaurants Food and Drink | Zov’s celebrates 35 years in Tustin, eyes…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Food & Drink
• Amusement Parks
• Theater & Arts

Things To Do

Restaurants food and drink, subscriber only, restaurants food and drink | zov’s celebrates 35 years in tustin, eyes expansion to san clemente.

Before Food Network and Bravo’s “Top Chef” shone the spotlight on kitchen professionals, Zov Karamardian was one of Orange County’s original celebrity chefs. In 1987, she opened her namesake restaurant Zov’s in the Enderle Center in Tustin.

“She just saw something in the Enderle Center and that was the inception of the restaurant,” says Karamardian’s daughter, Taleene, Zov’s vice president.

Over the years, Zov’s reputation grew. She wrote cookbooks and did culinary demonstrations. The Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurant hosted culinary classes with renowned chefs Jacques Pepin, Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse, Martin Yan, and Hugh Carpenter.

“For the chefs series, we used to invite well-known chefs to come and cook here,” says Zov Karamardian. “I was a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the James Beard Foundation. … When someone had a book out, we’d invite them to host a class and promote their books. People really enjoyed coming.”

Zov Karamardian is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Zov’s in Tustin, CA. She is planning on opening her fourth location in San Clemente. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)

CEO Armen Karamardian, son of Zov Karamardian, is celebrating the 35th anniversary of his moms restaurant, Zov’s in Tustin, CA. The family is planning on opening their fourth location in San Clemente. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Zov’s Bistro & Bakery is celebrating their 35th anniversary for the Tustin location. Zov Karamardian is planning on opening her fourth location in San Clemente. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Karamardian family members Taleene (Vice President), Gary, Zov and Armen (CEO), from left, are celebrating the 35th anniversary of Zov’s Tustin location. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)

After 35 years, Zov’s still serves modern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. The mezze platter, signature kabob plate, Moroccan salmon, and the angel hair pasta (“We can’t take that off the menu!” says Karamardian.) remain the same. But the family’s next generation is updating the restaurants and evolving Zov’s footprint across Orange County.

“Now, we’re 14,000 square feet and expanding into four locations,” says Zov’s husband, Gary, a retired aerospace professional, who is another well-known figure at Tustin restaurant. His broad smile and friendly mustache are a fixture at Zov’s in Tustin. He greets customers and circulates around the dining room.

“Now, I come, we socialize. But the kids are running the business,” he says, glancing over at his son, Armen, who is CEO of Zov’s. “We’re so blessed.”

“That’s the thing about being around for 35 years, it’s not just about the food,” says Armen Karamardian. “All of our restaurants have craft cocktails with fresh juices. There are things that guests are really passionate about, that same emphasis is put into our bar program. The food is the centerpiece but it’s nice that the bar now shares a seat at the table.”

The bar at Zov’s in Tustin marks the original 1,200 sq. ft. restaurant space. Similar to the Enderle Center location, the restaurant group is expanding.

In 2007, Zov’s opened in Newport Coast and Irvine. In 2021, a modern American concept called Roxy’z (named after Karamardian’s Armenian grandmother Araxi “Roxi” Soghomonian) opened in Anaheim. Zov’s plans to open its fifth restaurant in San Clemente next year.

For its 35th anniversary, Zov’s partnered with UCI Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute to create a special 3-course anniversary menu for $35. The meal created by Karamardian and UCI Samueli Institute’s executive chef Jessica VanRoo includes roasted beet dip with tahini and toasted pita, sea bass with seared zucchini cake and lemon caper sauce, and a chia seed yogurt dessert.

“It’s become an institution,” says Karamardian with pride of Zov’s. “A mom opened a restaurant and it stays open! I never worked in a restaurant or went to culinary school.”

“This story should’ve never happened,” agrees Armen with a laugh.

As the family prepares for its anniversary celebration in the fall, we asked Armen and Karamardian about the restaurant’s history and how the business is evolving.

This interview is edited for clarity and brevity.

Q. Tell us about the original Tustin restaurant.

Zov Karamardian: In 1987, we started with 3 employees. A dishwasher, myself, and a helper for me. I would go to Downtown L.A. to pick up all my produce. They wouldn’t deliver because there was a minimum. So I’d pick up my produce, drive back to the restaurant around 4 o’clock in the morning. I’d make the soups, desserts, breads. Then at 11 o’clock, I’d be out there greeting the guests. It was really a labor of love. A lot of hard work.

Armen, he would come home from school and on holidays, he’d help bus tables.

Q, Did Armen always want to work at Zov’s? 

Armen Karamardian: It was my senior year at UC Riverside, winter quarter, and my dad had some health issues. Mom was at home with Dad while he was recovering. So I held down the fort for three weeks. I would drive back and forth because it was important for me to keep going to school. Then, it struck me, everything I was doing at school, I could apply to our own family business. Dad started getting better. I graduated. Then, I told my parents I wanted to join the business. …

The bakery opened in 1991. I came on in 1993.

I spent 2 years (cooking) on the line, learning the back end of the business. It was the best decision that they (my parents) made because it enlightened me to how the restaurant works.

The importance of our back of house team, what they go through each day, the challenges. They’re the heartbeat of the restaurant. … We’re lucky that we’ve had employees with us for 25 to 30 years.

Q. What makes Zov’s food special?

Zov Karamardian: Our whole concept is fresh and healthy foods. People seek that out now. Mediterranean food is “the thing” because of its ingredients. It’s real food. There are doctors all over the world that say to eat real food, not processed foods.

Q. What have you learned after 35 years?

Zov Karamardian: Community is the most important thing. People want to be appreciated. It’s how you treat people and the community. Even from day one, when we weren’t making money, I’d always give a $25 gift card (for charity and fundraisers). I figured, you give them a $25 gift card, you know they’ll come in.

Q. Why is it important to support local causes and organizations?

Armen Karamardian: It’s an integral part of what we do. We’re in Orange County. The communities that our restaurants are in, the schools, religious organizations, youth athletics, nonprofits, the Samueli Center, who we collaborated with for our 35th anniversary, that’s an important part of our familial, philosophical responsibility to contribute to our community.

The same legacy that my grandparents passed down to my parents and we pass down to our kids.

Q. How did the UCI Samueli Center Integrative Health Institute and Zov’s 35th anniversary menu come to fruition?

Armen Karamardian: It’s an amazingly beautiful facility at UCI. The Samueli family is a generous benefactor to that building. Their executive team was referring to culinary medicine. Medical students are physically in the kitchen learning how to cook healthy food. A lot of the elements of what they’re teaching is from the Mediterranean diet. It’s food we share at our restaurants.

For our 35th anniversary, we partnered with UCI executive chef Jessica (VanRoo)on the menu. The three-course prix fixe menu is offered at all of our stores to celebrate their initiative and for our guests to celebrate our 35th anniversary throughout the year.

Q. Describe your next location in San Clemente.

Armen Karamardian: Our customer base expanded. Rather than have them drive to us, we’re better off finding locations that nestle into those communities. That’s how Irvine and Newport happened. San Clemente is a perfect example of that. … It’s a 3,600-square foot neighborhood restaurant, similar to our Irvine and Newport models. There’s a vibrant downtown. It’s a special community. We want to be a part of that.

Information: zovs.com

• Newsroom Guidelines
• Report an Error

More in Restaurants Food and Drink

Restaurants Food and Drink | James Beard Award 2024 finalists announced; Anaheim’s Strong Water makes the cut

Restaurants Food and Drink | Recipe: Homemade macaroni and cheese is the perfect comfort food

Restaurants Food and Drink | El Torito to close Westminster location after nearly 50 years in business

Restaurants Food and Drink | Where to find deals on National Burrito Day, April 4

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

View prices for your travel dates

Reviews we perform checks on reviews. tripadvisor’s approach to reviews before posting, each tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. if the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines , the review is not published. when the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines . learn more about our review moderation..

• Excellent 8
• Very Good 8
• Terrible 37
• All languages ( 78 )
• Russian ( 69 )
• English ( 7 )
• German ( 1 )
• Spanish ( 1 )

" Worst hotel in Moscow! "

" Avoid this hotel. If you book it you will regret it "

" Avoid the rooms that point to the near electric power plant "

" stay away from this hotel "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

VECHNY ZOV: Reviews (Moscow, Russia) - Photos of Hotel - Tripadvisor

Choose City

Alabama Whores

Baltimore Whores

Baton Rouge Whores

Beverly Hills Whores

Chiraq Whores

Compton Whores

Crenshaw Whores

Dallas Whores

Houston Whores

Las Vegas Whores

Memphis Whores

New Orleans Whores

Philadelphia Whores

Zo’s Butcher Shop

PRIVACY   |   TERMS   |   SUPPORT   |   18 U.S.C. § 2257

Zotravels.com is an adult entertainment website featuring a fictitious character named “CutThroat Zo”. The scenes and scenarios depicted on Zotravels.Com are scripted and consist of consenting adults role playing. All models appearing on zotravels.com are consenting adults who are aware of the content and consent ahead of time to the acts involved in their scene.

Copyright © 2021 Zotravels All rights reserved.

All models were at least eighteen (18) years of age when they were photographed.

support@[email protected]

• Russia Hotels ( 50,185 )
• Moscow Hotels ( 5,401 )

Book Vechnyy Zov Hotel

See all photos

Removed from saved list

2,080 reviews

5.7 Review score

Location rating score

Vechnyy Zov Hotel

The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. Conveniently situated in the Eastern Surburbs part of Moscow, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. Don't leave before paying a visit to the famous Red Square. Rated with 3 stars, this high-quality property provides guests with access to restaurant, fitness center and indoor pool on-site.

790 meters to public transportation

• Front desk [24-hour]

Airport transfer

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

• Shuttle service
• Swimming pool [indoor]
• Fitness center
• Check-in/out [express]

Rooms available at Vechnyy Zov Hotel

• Room size: 30 m²/323 ft²
• Outdoor view
• 1 queen bed and 1 sofa bed
• Room size: 12 m²/129 ft²
• 1 queen bed or 2 single bed...
• Room size: 100 m²/1076 ft²
• Garden view
• 1 sofa bed & 1 double bed
• 2 single beds and 1 queen b...
• Room size: 20 m²/215 ft²
• 4 single beds
• Room size: 25 m²/269 ft²
• 2 single beds and 1 sofa be...
• Room size: 70 m²/753 ft²
• 2 single beds or 1 queen be...

Frequently asked questions

Does Vechnyy Zov Hotel provide airport transfer?

Vechnyy Zov Hotel provides airport transfer service upon request! Additional costs may apply. To request, check the box on the booking form just before the payment page.

Does Vechnyy Zov Hotel have a swimming pool?

While relaxing at Vechnyy Zov Hotel, you can delight in the swimming pool facility to get your day started the right way with a splash for a refreshing morning or evening.

What types of entertainment are available at Vechnyy Zov Hotel?

Vechnyy Zov Hotel features billiards while you stay at this property, providing guests with entertainment value throughout your stay here.

Does Vechnyy Zov Hotel have a fitness center?

Absolutely! Vechnyy Zov Hotel features fitness center that is conveniently located on site, catering to your active needs to stay in form while on vacation. For more details, please contact the property for more information.

What interesting attractions are in close proximty of Vechnyy Zov Hotel that are in walking distance?

While lounging at Vechnyy Zov Hotel, begin your getaway by visiting the nearest destinations that are within walking distance to the property which include Izmailovo Natural and Historical Park and Moscow Animation Museum.

What are the property's policies for children's bedding at Vechnyy Zov Hotel?

Vechnyy Zov Hotel's policy regarding children's bedding considers guests age 13 years and older as adults, and therefore must use an extra bed which will incur an additional charge. You can find additional information about specific child policy and age range for this property, by checking the "Property policies" section located in the property page for more details.

In which languages can Vechnyy Zov Hotel's personnel communicate?

Vechnyy Zov Hotel can converse up to 3 languages which includes English for visitors that prefer this language. Please refer to the "Amenities and facilities" section and in the "Languages spoken" category to find out what other languages this property supports.

What is the typical rating that verified Solo travelers' have given to Vechnyy Zov Hotel?

Past solo travelers that have stayed at this property have given Vechnyy Zov Hotel an average rating of 6.0. You can look up more detailed customer reviews and comments by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

What is the typical rating that verified Group travelers have given to Vechnyy Zov Hotel?

Past group travelers that have stayed at this property have given Vechnyy Zov Hotel an average rating of 6.2. You can check out more detailed customer ratings and remarks by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

What is the nearest train, metro, or bus station to Vechnyy Zov Hotel?

The nearest train, metro, or bus station is Kropotkinskaya Metro Station, 10025.34 m away from Vechnyy Zov Hotel.

What is the closest airport to Vechnyy Zov Hotel?

The closest airport to Vechnyy Zov Hotel is Grabtsevo Airport, 163.0 km away.

More about Vechnyy Zov Hotel

Unwind and Indulge: Vechnyy Zov Hotel 's Entertainment Facilities At Vechnyy Zov Hotel , we understand the importance of providing our guests with a range of entertainment options to enhance their stay. Whether you are looking to relax, socialize, or simply have a good time, our hotel offers a variety of facilities to cater to your needs. Step into our stylish bar and unwind with a refreshing drink after a long day of exploring the vibrant city of Moscow. Our friendly and knowledgeable bartenders are always ready to mix up your favorite cocktails or recommend a local specialty. Enjoy the cozy ambiance and catch up with friends or make new connections as you sip on your beverage of choice. For those seeking ultimate relaxation, our sauna is the perfect retreat. Indulge in the soothing heat as it envelops your body, melting away any tension or stress. Take advantage of the sauna's health benefits, including improved blood circulation and detoxification. After your session, cool off in our invigorating plunge pool or relax in our comfortable lounge area. Surrounded by lush greenery, our garden provides a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the vibrant flowers and plants that adorn the landscape. Find a quiet spot to read a book or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Our garden is also a great place to socialize with fellow guests, making it the ideal setting for a casual gathering or a romantic evening. Vechnyy Zov Hotel 's entertainment facilities are designed to enhance your stay and provide you with a memorable experience. Whether you choose to unwind at the bar, rejuvenate in the sauna, or escape to our serene garden, we guarantee that you will find the perfect way to relax and enjoy your time with us. Experience a World of Sports at Vechnyy Zov Hotel Welcome to Vechnyy Zov Hotel , where the possibilities for sports and recreation are endless. Our hotel boasts a range of top-notch facilities that cater to every fitness enthusiast's needs. Dive into our indoor pool and enjoy a refreshing swim or indulge in a leisurely soak in the bubbling hot tub. For those looking to break a sweat, our fully-equipped fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring a rewarding workout session. If you're in the mood for some friendly competition, head over to our table tennis area and challenge your friends or family to an exciting match. And if you're a nature lover seeking an outdoor adventure, our hotel is surrounded by picturesque hiking trails that will take you through breathtaking landscapes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. At Vechnyy Zov Hotel , we understand the importance of staying active and providing our guests with a variety of sports facilities to choose from. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a competitive player, or simply looking to explore the great outdoors, our hotel has something for everyone. So pack your sports gear and get ready to have an unforgettable stay filled with thrilling activities and endless fun. Convenience Facilities at Vechnyy Zov Hotel At Vechnyy Zov Hotel , guests can enjoy a range of convenience facilities that enhance their stay in Moscow. With a variety of services available, guests can relax and focus on making the most of their trip. One of the standout convenience facilities at Vechnyy Zov Hotel is the laundry service. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, having access to laundry facilities is a game-changer. No need to worry about finding a laundromat or packing excessive clothes - simply drop off your laundry and let the hotel take care of it. In addition to the laundry service, Vechnyy Zov Hotel also offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas. Stay connected with loved ones, catch up on work emails, or plan your next adventure in Moscow without any hassle. The hotel also provides a designated smoking area for guests who smoke, ensuring a comfortable environment for everyone. Other convenience facilities include express check-in/check-out, luggage storage, and a vending machine. These services make your stay seamless and stress-free, allowing you to make the most of your time in Moscow. Furthermore, the hotel provides daily housekeeping, ensuring that your room is always clean and tidy. With its range of convenience facilities, Vechnyy Zov Hotel goes above and beyond to cater to the needs of its guests. Whether you're a business traveler or a tourist exploring Moscow, these facilities will enhance your overall experience and make your stay memorable. Convenient Transport Facilities at Vechnyy Zov Hotel At Vechnyy Zov Hotel , we understand the importance of seamless travel experiences for our guests. That's why we offer a range of convenient transport facilities to ensure your journey is hassle-free from start to finish. For those arriving by air, our hotel provides airport transfer services, allowing you to relax and unwind as soon as you land in Moscow. Our professional and friendly drivers will be waiting to greet you at the airport and transport you directly to our hotel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey. If you prefer to drive yourself, rest assured that we have a car park available for your convenience. The best part? Our car park is free of charge, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace without worrying about additional expenses. Additionally, we offer a shuttle service for guests who wish to explore the city or visit nearby attractions. Our shuttle service operates at scheduled times, making it easy for you to plan your day and maximize your time in Moscow. Whether you choose our airport transfer service, take advantage of our free car park, or utilize our convenient shuttle service, Vechnyy Zov Hotel is committed to providing you with a seamless and stress-free travel experience. Book your stay with us today and let us take care of your transportation needs. Indulge in Culinary Delights at Vechnyy Zov Hotel At Vechnyy Zov Hotel , guests can embark on a gastronomic journey like no other with its exceptional dining facilities. The hotel boasts a stylish and inviting restaurant that offers a diverse menu of delectable dishes, catering to all tastes and preferences. Whether you're craving traditional Russian cuisine or international favorites, the talented chefs at the restaurant are dedicated to creating unforgettable dining experiences for every guest. For those who prefer to dine al fresco, Vechnyy Zov Hotel also provides BBQ facilities, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal while basking in the beautiful surroundings. Gather with friends and family, savor the aroma of grilled delicacies, and create lasting memories in this charming outdoor setting. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, Vechnyy Zov Hotel offers daily housekeeping services. This means that guests can rest assured that their dining areas will always be clean and tidy, allowing them to fully relax and indulge in the culinary delights on offer. From the moment you step foot in the hotel, you'll be treated to exceptional service and a dining experience that is second to none. Experience Comfort and Convenience at Vechnyy Zov Hotel Discover a wide range of room options at Vechnyy Zov Hotel , each designed to provide comfort and convenience during your stay in Moscow, Russia. Whether you are traveling alone, with family, or with friends, there is a room type to suit your needs. Choose from the spacious Comfort Double Room, the cozy Economy Double or Twin Room, or the stylish Junior Suite. With sizes ranging from 6 to 30 square meters, you can find the perfect space to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the city. By booking your stay at Vechnyy Zov Hotel through Agoda, you can enjoy the best prices and a hassle-free experience. Agoda offers competitive rates for all room types, ensuring that you get the most value for your money. Additionally, Agoda's user-friendly platform makes it easy to search, compare, and book your preferred room type at Vechnyy Zov Hotel . Say goodbye to the stress of searching for the best deals and let Agoda handle your accommodation needs for a seamless travel experience. Explore the Eastern Suburbs of Moscow Nestled in the heart of Moscow, Vechnyy Zov Hotel offers a perfect base to explore the captivating Eastern suburbs of the city. The Eastern suburbs of Moscow are a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a unique blend of old-world charm and modern attractions. Step outside the hotel, and you'll find yourself immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the Eastern suburbs. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets, lined with charming cafes, boutiques, and local markets. Discover the rich history of the area by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Izmailovo Kremlin, a stunning replica of a medieval Russian fortress. Explore the enchanting Izmailovsky Park, a sprawling green oasis that offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. For art enthusiasts, the Eastern suburbs are home to the famous Vernissage Art Market, where you can browse through a vast collection of traditional Russian crafts, paintings, and souvenirs. Indulge in the local cuisine at one of the many authentic restaurants, offering a variety of delicious Russian dishes. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking an escape from the city's hustle and bustle, the Eastern suburbs of Moscow have something for everyone. Vechnyy Zov Hotel provides the perfect starting point to explore this captivating area, ensuring an unforgettable stay in Moscow. Convenient Transportation from Moscow Airports to Vechnyy Zov Hotel Welcome to Vechnyy Zov Hotel , a hidden gem nestled in the Eastern Suburbs of Moscow, Russia. Getting to this tranquil oasis from the nearby airports is a breeze, ensuring a seamless start to your stay. If you are arriving at Sheremetyevo International Airport, the most convenient way to reach Vechnyy Zov Hotel is by taking a taxi or a private car. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can also use the Aeroexpress train service from the airport to Belorussky Railway Station, and then transfer to the metro to reach the hotel. This option may take a bit longer, but it offers a cost-effective way to travel. For travelers landing at Domodedovo International Airport, the quickest and easiest way to reach Vechnyy Zov Hotel is by taking a taxi or a private car. The journey typically takes around 1 hour, depending on traffic. If you prefer public transportation, you can take the Aeroexpress train from the airport to Paveletsky Railway Station, and then transfer to the metro to reach the hotel. No matter which airport you arrive at, Vechnyy Zov Hotel is easily accessible, allowing you to start your Moscow adventure with ease and comfort. With its serene location in the Eastern Suburbs, this hotel provides a peaceful retreat away from the bustling city center, while still offering convenient access to Moscow's main attractions. Book your stay at Vechnyy Zov Hotel and immerse yourself in the beauty of Moscow's Eastern Suburbs. Explore the Natural Beauty and Cultural Heritage near Vechnyy Zov Hotel Nestled in the heart of Moscow, Vechnyy Zov Hotel offers easy access to a range of captivating landmarks and attractions. One of the highlights is Sokolniki Park, a sprawling green oasis that beckons visitors with its serene atmosphere and picturesque landscapes. Take a leisurely stroll along its winding pathways, rent a bike to explore the park's vast expanses, or simply relax amidst the lush greenery. For a taste of Russia's rich history, head to Kuskovo Estate, a magnificent 18th-century palace surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. Marvel at the opulent interiors, adorned with intricate frescoes and ornate furnishings, and stroll through the French and English-style parks that surround the estate. Art enthusiasts will be delighted to discover the Italian House, a cultural center that showcases a diverse range of exhibitions, performances, and workshops. Immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art, attend a live music concert, or participate in a creative workshop. Animal lovers shouldn't miss the Husky Park Sokolniki, where you can interact with adorable Siberian huskies and even go for a thrilling dog sledding ride. Other nearby attractions include the Roman Viktyuk Theater, known for its avant-garde productions, the Bell Reut, a unique art space dedicated to the art of bell ringing, and the Moscow Children's Shadow Theater, where you can witness enchanting shadow puppetry performances. History buffs can pay their respects at the Monument to Marshal Rokossovskiy and the Monument to Russian Guard of Semyonovskiy Regiment, both significant landmarks commemorating Russia's military heritage. With such a diverse range of landmarks and attractions nearby, Vechnyy Zov Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Moscow. Convenient Public Transport Stations near Vechnyy Zov Hotel Vechnyy Zov Hotel is strategically located near several public transport stations, ensuring convenient access to various parts of Moscow. Novokosino Metro Station is just a short walk away, providing easy connections to the city center and other popular attractions. Novogireyevo Metro Station is also nearby, offering quick access to the vibrant Kosino district and its numerous shopping centers and entertainment venues. For those looking to explore the historic side of Moscow, Izmaylovskaya Metro Station is a great option. From here, visitors can easily reach the iconic Izmaylovo Kremlin, a fascinating complex of traditional Russian architecture and a popular tourist destination. Shchyolkovskaya Metro Station is another nearby station that provides access to the bustling Shchyolkovo district, known for its vibrant markets and cultural events. Cherkizovskaya Metro Station, Partizanskaya Metro Station, Perovo Metro Station, and Vykhino Metro Station are also conveniently located near Vechnyy Zov Hotel , offering easy connections to other parts of the city. Whether you're here for business or leisure, the hotel's proximity to these public transport stations makes it a convenient base for exploring all that Moscow has to offer. A Culinary Adventure at Vechnyy Zov Hotel When it comes to dining options, guests at Vechnyy Zov Hotel are in for a treat. The hotel is surrounded by a variety of restaurants that cater to every palate. Just a stone's throw away, Casa di Famiglia offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere with its Italian cuisine. For those craving a taste of Russian flavors, Abkhaziya is the perfect choice, serving up traditional dishes in a warm and inviting setting. Sports enthusiasts can head to Sport-Bar DERBY to catch a game while enjoying a delicious meal. T-Stil is a popular spot for those seeking a fusion of European and Asian flavors, with its eclectic menu. If you're in the mood for some pub grub, Black Cat Pub is the place to be, offering a wide selection of beers and hearty dishes. And for a unique experience, guests can visit The Vodka Museum Tavern, where they can sample an array of vodka and learn about its rich history. After a long day of exploring, Hookah-Cat Lounge provides a relaxing ambiance to unwind with a shisha and a refreshing drink. And for coffee lovers, Coffeelovers is the go-to spot for a freshly brewed cup of joe. With such a diverse range of dining options just steps away from Vechnyy Zov Hotel , guests are sure to embark on a culinary adventure during their stay. Shop 'til You Drop in Moscow Vechnyy Zov Hotel is conveniently located near a plethora of shopping landmarks. Just a short walk away, you'll find Happy Pottery, where you can browse through a stunning collection of handmade ceramics and pottery. For art enthusiasts, Vernissage and Vernisazh Market are must-visit destinations, offering a wide range of traditional Russian crafts and artworks. If you're looking for contemporary art, head over to Mikhail Satarov's Art Gallery or Reutov Art Gallery, both showcasing the works of talented local artists. For a unique shopping experience, Kalyan - Khat is a hidden gem where you can find a variety of hookahs and tobacco products. Nature lovers will also appreciate a visit to Kosino Park, where you can explore the park's beautiful surroundings and enjoy a leisurely stroll. If you're in the mood for some bargain hunting, Svalka is a flea market that offers a treasure trove of second-hand goods. For a taste of the local art scene, don't miss the Art Gallery of The City District, which showcases contemporary artworks by emerging Russian artists. And for all your shopping needs under one roof, Shopping Mall Semenovskiy is just a short drive away, offering a wide selection of international and local brands. With so many shopping landmarks nearby, Vechnyy Zov Hotel is the ideal base for a memorable shopping spree in Moscow.

Amenities and facilities

Languages spoken, internet access.

• Wi-Fi in public areas

Things to do, ways to relax

• Table tennis

Cleanliness and safety

• Staff trained in safety protocol

Dining, drinking, and snacking

• BBQ facilities
• Restaurants
• Vending machine

Services and conveniences

• Daily housekeeping
• Laundry service
• Luggage storage
• Smoking area

For the kids

• Family room
• Check-in/out [private]
• Pets allowed
• Security [24-hour]

Getting around

• Car park [free of charge]
• Car park [nearby]

Available in all rooms

• Accessible by stairs
• Clothes rack
• Fire extinguisher
• Free bottled water
• Ironing facilities
• Private bathroom
• Sleep comfort items
• Smoke detector
• Socket near the bed
• Soundproofing
• TV [flat screen]
• Wake-up service
• Washing machine

Food and dining

• Cuisine: European, Middle Eastern, Russian
• Menu: Buffet
• Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) 29.4 km
• Ostafyevo International Airport (OSF) 33.7 km

Public transportation

• Partizanskaya Metro Station 790 m
• Cherkizovskaya Metro Station 2.5 km

Hospital or clinic

• Medical Center 4.0 km
• Izmailovsky Market 1.4 km

Cash withdrawal

What's nearby, popular landmarks.

• Saint Basil's Cathedral 8.6 km
• Red Square 8.6 km
• Bolshoi Theatre 8.7 km
• The Moscow Kremlin 8.9 km
• Armoury Chamber 9.3 km
• State Tretyakov Gallery 9.3 km
• Kremlin Walls and Towers 9.6 km
• Gorkiy Central Park of Culture and Recreation 10.4 km
• Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve 19.3 km

Nearby landmarks

• Izmailovo Natural and Historical Park 560 m
• Moscow Animation Museum 590 m
• Albatross Art Gallery 780 m
• Izmailovsky Park 870 m
• Svalka 930 m
• Brateyevskiy Park 940 m
• Izmaylovo Concert Hall 1.1 km
• Orthodox Church of the Great Martyr Demetrius 1.2 km
• Izmailovo Estate 1.3 km

Reviews of Vechnyy Zov Hotel from real guests

Select your country

Top destinations

Facilities (1)