March 23, 2026

Pro-War Babushkas Evicted


Pro-War Babushkas Evicted
An unexpected series of setbacks has halted a Russian volunteer organization’s efforts in support of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Dmitry Steshin via KP Photobank

A Russian volunteer group responsible for sending camouflage nets to the frontlines in support of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has recently faced a major setback: they're facing an eviction notice from their workspace. Surprisingly, the challenge came from Russia’s very own DOSAAF, the Volunteer Society for the Assistance to the Army, Aviation, and Navy.

In March, the group's leader, Tatyana Ermakova, received a letter from DOSAAF stating that the Udmurt volunteers would be evicted from their workshop before their lease expired. Allegedly, the babushkas were in violation of fire safety and sanitary regulations.

These women in Russia's Udmurt Republic started weaving camouflage nets and covers in October 2022, aiding Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The group, called Udmurtia Does Not Abandon Its Own, has been instrumental in supplying materials that bolster Russian aggression, carefully crafting nets that conceal Russian positions.

The group’s leader, 64-year-old Ermakova, makes monthly trips from Izhevsk to Russian-occupied regions of Eastern Ukraine, a nearly 2,500-mile round-trip. She has personally delivered over 1.5 million square feet of nets made by her workshop. Last November, donations from families of Russian soldiers repaired her car after a breakdown, as a way to show gratitude for her war-sustaining efforts. 

Sergei Bogatyrev, chairman of the regional DOSAAF branch, was particularly upset about the production workshop. He commented that “we do not have war in Udmurtia,” referring to the leased space, which looked more like a wartime factory than an office.

 

You Might Also Like

One War Volunteer's Story
  • February 24, 2026

One War Volunteer's Story

Ukrainian author Andriy Lyubka chronicles his work supporting the fight against Russian aggression.
TikTok Gets Cultured
  • January 01, 2022

TikTok Gets Cultured

TikTok isn’t just for kiddies these days. The video streaming platform offers a range of people, such as those of Russia’s many ethnic groups, the opportunity to educate others about their cultures.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices
May 01, 2013

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod is a mid-sized provincial city that exists only in Russian metaphorical space. It has its roots in Gogol, and Ilf and Petrov, and is a place far from Moscow, but close to Russian hearts. It is a place of mystery and normality, of provincial innocence and Black Earth wisdom. Strange, inexplicable things happen in Stargorod. So do good things. And bad things. A lot like life everywhere, one might say. Only with a heavy dose of vodka, longing and mystery.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955