The Russian servicemen recovering from wounds sustained in the NVO zone were offered a chance to celebrate the New Year with their families on a dedicated train journey. This special voyage runs from Moscow to Veliky Ustyug, the home of Father Frost, turning a period of rehabilitation into a meaningful family experience. The program is part of a broader collaboration between the Ministry of Defense and Russian Railways, launched under the banner We will not abandon ours, to support wounded veterans and their relatives during the holiday season.
The inaugural trip departed on November 26, carrying 227 travelers. Among them were 20 individuals who had participated in the special military operation, while 207 passengers were family members of military personnel, including 106 children. At each stop along the route, visitors were treated to guided excursions, giving families the chance to explore local culture, history, and scenery together. The itinerary was designed to balance rest, reflection, and light cultural immersion, ensuring the veterans and their loved ones could enjoy a meaningful break from the ordinary routine of rehabilitation.
According to officials, the tour will unfold over five days, tracing a route that begins in Moscow and proceeds to Veliky Novgorod, the Ruskeala Mountain Park, Arkhangelsk, and finally Veliky Ustyug. This sequence was chosen to highlight historic sites, natural beauty, and regional heritage, while also providing varied environments suitable for walks, light activities, and family-friendly experiences. The careful planning aims to foster a sense of camaraderie among participants and create lasting memories during a season traditionally marked by togetherness.
Looking ahead, the defense ministry has announced plans to operate three additional trains on December 3, 10, and 17. With these forthcoming departures, the organizers expect the total number of participants to exceed a thousand people, underscoring the scale and importance of the program for veterans and their families. The initiative demonstrates a sustained commitment to supporting those who served, extending care beyond medical care into social and emotional well-being through shared travel and holiday moments.
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The program reflects a broader societal emphasis on veteran care, family unity, and the use of national rail infrastructure to provide meaningful opportunities for rest and reconnection after arduous service. It also serves as a public-facing reminder that the state, together with its key institutions, values the contributions of service members by offering practical, joyful experiences that honor their sacrifices.
As the journey unfolds, families are invited to participate in a blend of structured activities and spontaneous moments that can become cherished memories. The experience not only supports physical and emotional recovery but also helps strengthen the bonds between veterans and their loved ones, reinforcing a sense of belonging and national solidarity during the holiday season.
In a country where rail travel remains a cornerstone of domestic mobility, this coordinated effort showcases how transportation networks can be leveraged to deliver welfare-focused programs. It illustrates a model where military rehabilitation, cultural engagement, and community support converge on a single rail corridor, turning a rehabilitation period into an opportunity for celebration, storytelling, and renewed purpose. The ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Defense and Russian Railways stands as a practical example of public-private partnership working in service of veterans.
Photographic documentation of the initiative, attributed to Russian Railways, captures scenes of anticipation, shared smiles, and the festive atmosphere that accompanies a trip designed with care for wounded service members and their families. The overall effect is one of dignified support, preserving the dignity of participants while providing meaningful experiences that align with the values of resilience and solidarity that define the season.