"Safe travels, Zhenya!"

      In another trip to the special military operation zone, Evgeny Maximov, a volunteer from the "We Don't Abandon Our Own" group, delivered humanitarian cargo. "I have arrived at the front for the 13th time," Evgeny writes in a message directly from the front. "I unloaded the humanitarian aid, and the guys were satisfied. I am here to help the fighters build a bathhouse where they can clean up, rest their souls and bodies, and regain their strength after completing combat tasks." It should be noted that Evgeny has already built several bathhouses for our fellow countrymen; we introduced this unique volunteer to our readers in the pages of the "Leninogorsk News" in issue No. 3 dated January 24, 2025. Philanthropist and volunteer Elena Mikhaleva participated in the collection of humanitarian cargo, who, along with her husband Dmitry, has been helping the SVO fighters since the first days of the special operation, not sparing their strength, time, and resources. "This time, thanks to the craftsmen of the 'We Don't Abandon Our Own' group, we sent a large number of camouflage nets. The packages contain long-term food supplies, gas cylinders, and canisters for cooking and heating food, fire extinguishers, special clothing, and so-called 'bulgarian' (a handheld power tool designed for cutting, grinding, and polishing various materials, along with discs for it). For the hospital, we collected and sent gloves, diapers, and specially sewn underwear for the wounded. Parishioners of the Holy Trinity Church donated their funds for the purchase of underwear and protein bars. The believers shared: 'We bought useful bars specifically for the SVO fighters. The product contains a high amount of protein, potassium, and magnesium. They are filling, low in sugar, and the packaging is so sturdy that it withstands drops from a drone even onto stones during air delivery of humanitarian cargo. According to the fighters, two such bars are enough for half a day.' Alexey Koshkin, the brother of an active fighter with the call sign 'Zima,' participated in the loading of humanitarian aid. Our 30-year-old fellow countryman signed a contract long before the special operation was announced. He has been wounded multiple times and has suffered concussions. He participated in the "Stream" operation: in March 2025, Russian troops needed only 10 days to make a stunning raid on the gas pipeline and unexpectedly find themselves deep in the rear of Ukrainian positions. After this operation, the servicemen laughed: 'The enemy met us in their underwear and slippers!' In December 2025, our fighter 'Zima' was awarded the badge of distinction of the Order of Saint George — the George Cross of the IV degree, and the Order "For Courage." Alfred Nasirov also participated in the loading of the humanitarian aid. He is a senior inspector of the probation group of the criminal-executive inspection. Recently, he helped his ward meet with the rector of the Holy Trinity Church, Archpriest Ioann Antipov: during his first leave, serviceman Vlad with the call sign 'Borza' decided to talk heart-to-heart with the priest and rid himself of his inner doubts. Vladislav is now at the front. In his appeal, he requested humanitarian aid from Alfred Nasirov, who decided to consult with the leader of the volunteer group "We Don't Abandon Our Own," Svetlana Salikhova. At that time, the packages were being loaded into the vehicle. 'We will help!' promised Svetlana Atlasovna. Among the active helpers is Timur Akhmetkhanov, a young specialist and paramedic at the Leninogorsk Central District Hospital. Learning that male strength was needed, he immediately responded to the call. Also present was Andrey Meshcheryakov, a man with a big heart and a kind soul, about whom we also wrote in August 2024. A true patriot of his country, he selflessly gifted his pickup truck to the fighters of the 155th separate guards marine brigade. Svetlana Salikhova reported: 'In this humanitarian convoy sent to the front, there are 53 camouflage nets measuring 3 * 6 meters, household items and personal hygiene products, underwear, socks, sponges, sweets, traditional Tatar treats — chak-chak and baursak, and much more. A huge thank you for the homemade noodles to the girls from Timyashevo. Named packages will be received by fighters with the call signs: 'Neva,' 'Bira,' 'Suslik,' 'Zima,' 'Mazda.' Elena Mikhaleva, philanthropist and volunteer, says: 'I express my immense gratitude to the students, their parents, teachers, and the administration of schools No. 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12. I sincerely thank the kindergartens No. 9, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 32 for their help to the SVO fighters. The heads of settlements and residents of the villages: Novy Ishtiryak, Mukmin Karatay, Ivanovka provide great assistance to our fellow countrymen. In each shipment of humanitarian aid, there are packages from the parishioners of the Holy Trinity Church, including medications and pain relievers, for which we are very grateful.' Author: Ilmira Gareeva. Photo: Svetlana Salikhova.