Solodkov is the last person awarded the title, having received it two days before the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Solodkov prepared over 1,000 deep-divers in diving school and while serving in Algeria supervised the training of submarine crews in emergency rescue.

On 24 December 1991, Solodkov was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin for his contributions to diving.

Solodkov was the last person awarded the title,[4] receiving it two days before the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

[3][6] Solodkov was later deputy chairman of the Coordinating Council of Heroes of the Soviet Union, an NGO.