Who is Yakov from Last of the Breed and what is their importance?

Yakov is also on the run from the Soviets. He along with several other people from the village spends most of their time breaking their fellow Russians out of prison. Yakov is the first person to help Mack after his escape from prison. He tells Mack about the village and how to get there. While Mack is staying at the village, it is Yakov who comes to tell him that Kyra is looking for him in the town of Aldan.