Condolences to Mikhail Kalashnikov’s family 2013-12-23 21:20:00 Vladimir Putin expressed deep condolences to the family and friends of Mikhail Kalashnikov on his passing. The message reads, in part: “This is an enormous irreparable loss for all of us. Gone is a man of extraordinary talent and commitment, a figure of historical importance, a Russian original. The weapon he created has served Russia reliably and will continue to do so for a long time to come, and it will forever remain a symbol of the Russian Army’s victorious traditions. Mikhail Kalashnikov pursued his calling with single-minded dedication and commanded the most profound respect. He gave liberally of his ideas and expertise to young specialists and was a tireless public activist. We shall forever retain a fond memory of Mikhail Kalashnikov, a man who performed his duty to Russia with great integrity until the very end.” The legendary small arms designer, a Hero of Russia, twice Hero of Socialist Labour, Lieutenant-General Mikhail Kalashnikov died on December 23 in Izhevsk at the age of 94.