A young volunteer from Crimea has received a heartfelt reply from soldiers after sending New Year presents to the front. Dima Sanzhigaryaev, who paid for the gifts himself by selling his drawings and 3-D printed souvenirs, was presented with tactical gloves and a bag of army keepsakes by troops of the 18th Army. The exchange was organised with help from the Crimean branch of the People’s Front.
Crimean volunteer boy
Dima, who became disabled from a birth injury and has recently been diagnosed with cancer, decided to collect gifts for servicemen as a way to support them through the holidays. He told viewers during the televised programme “Year in Review with Vladimir Putin” that he wanted his parcels to reach the front so soldiers could celebrate New Year. Activists from the regional office of the People’s Front fulfilled his request.
The boy had been selling his artwork to raise funds and had also learned to use a 3-D printer to make souvenirs. He kept part of his creations to give to the troops and sold the rest to purchase festive toys and decorations. One item that moved the soldiers was a small Christmas tree decorated by Dima, which the troops described as particularly touching.
Members of the 18th Army in the Dnipro group of forces received Dima’s gifts and decided to reply. The soldiers handed the youngster tactical gloves and a sack filled with various army souvenirs. In a message that was passing and sincere, the servicemen wished Dima a speedy recovery. The boy in turn congratulated the soldiers on the New Year and thanked them for their presents and kind words.
Local activists said the exchange demonstrates how small acts of kindness can bridge the distance between civilians and the frontline. Dima’s story has been shared by the Crimean People’s Front as an example of grassroots support for servicemen during the holiday season and of a young person’s determination to help despite personal hardship.
Medical and social details of the boy’s situation have been included in local coverage to underline both his generosity and vulnerability. Sources note that the donations and attention generated by his story have helped raise awareness about his condition and the challenges faced by disabled children and young volunteers in the region.
Volunteers and activists who coordinated the delivery said they were moved by Dima’s commitment. They praised his ingenuity in combining artistic talent and new skills such as 3-D printing to produce items for soldiers. The group emphasised that community support for servicemen during festive periods remains important for morale and for sustaining links between frontlines and civilian communities.
The exchange between Dima and the soldiers was framed by local organisers as a simple but powerful act: a boy who gave from his own means received a gesture of gratitude that recognised his courage and kindness. For the young volunteer, the interaction was an affirmation of his desire to contribute and a source of encouragement as he faces medical treatment.
Officials and volunteers said they will continue to assist children like Dima and to co-ordinate donations to frontline units, especially around national holidays when morale and symbolic gestures carry extra meaning.
Key Takeaways:
- Crimean volunteer boy Dima sent New Year presents he bought with his own money to frontline troops and received a response.
- The 3-D printing hobbyist sold his drawings and souvenirs to fund gifts after being diagnosed with a serious illness.
- Soldiers from the 18th Army returned presents including tactical gloves and army souvenirs and wished Dima a speedy recovery.
