Caring for servicemen: the exposition "Soulful Defence Industry" opens at the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra
At the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra, the exposition
"Soulful Defence Industry" has opened as part of the 5th Forum
"Patriots of the Urals". Dozens of volunteers and non-profit
organisations have brought items they produce themselves for the needs of
servicemen — from hospital clothing to UAV drop systems and homemade jam. The
exposition was visited by the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President
of the Russian Federation in the Ural Federal District, Artyom Zhoga, and the
Governor of Yugra, Ruslan Kukharuk.
"When we first visited such an exposition, we could not
immediately find the right name for it. This is not the military-industrial
complex — here, people create things that help servicemen recover emotionally.
That is why we decided to call it 'Soulful Defence Industry'. Just look:
volunteers sew anti-drone blankets and hospital clothing. After being wounded,
a serviceman arrives at a hospital without personal belongings, and relatives
are not always able to come. This is where these items — from clothing to
hygiene products — help the men focus not on everyday difficulties, but on
recovery after injuries," said the Plenipotentiary Representative of the
President of the Russian Federation in the Ural Federal District, Artyom Zhoga.
The exposition "Soulful Defence Industry" has
brought together civic activists who, in their spare time, produce essential
items for servicemen. The term has taken root in the volunteer community and
now unites dozens of initiative groups across the district.
"My husband is currently in the zone of the special
military operation — many of our friends and relatives are there. It all began
in 2022, when the men asked for trench candles — we started making them at
home. Today, our group produces camouflage nets, sews underwear for hospitals,
makes anti-drone blankets, and collects humanitarian aid. In 2025 alone, we
sent more than 25 tonnes of supplies," said Marina Demidyuk, head of the
volunteer association "Warm Hearts" from the Kondinsky District.
The geography of participants covers eight municipalities —
from Surgut to the Kondinsky District. In total, 10 volunteer groups and
non-profit organisations are represented at the exposition, most of them
implementing their initiatives with the support of the Governor of Yugra Grant.
The stands feature a wide range of items: from hospital clothing and camouflage
nets to trench candles, dry showers, and knitted belts made from dog wool. A
separate section presents technical equipment — anti-thermal imaging blankets,
UAV drop systems, and Ilizarov apparatuses.
Forum participants are already exploring the results of this
work and learning from those for whom supporting servicemen has long become a
lifelong commitment.
The 5th anniversary forum "Patriots of the Urals"
is taking place in Khanty-Mansiysk at the National Centre RUSSIA from 17 to 19
March 2026. The forum was established on the initiative of the Plenipotentiary
Representative of the President of Russia in the Ural Federal District, Artyom
Zhoga.
As part of the #LetterToAHero campaign letters addressed to participants of the special military operation were handed over.
The Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Ural Federal District, Artyom Zhoga, is taking part in the 5th Forum of volunteers and civic activists "Patriots of the Urals".
"The Crimean Spring" and 18 March are dates that have become part of our country’s modern history.
