"A cartload of firewood is no disgrace!" A debate arose in the Arkhangelsk region over whether a gift of firewood is a shame or a blessing.
The dispute began with the Day village of Vyselki Novinki, which took place back in August. At the event, the administration raffled off a cartload of firewood, which went to a 98-year-old woman. Praskovya KoshutinaSince then, northerners have wondered whether it's appropriate for a "great country with the world's fourth-largest economy" to be giving away such expensive prizes.
Local residents noted in the comments that this amount of firewood now costs up to 9 rubles, making it a great help for the grandmother. Others expressed outrage that the elderly continue to live in poverty:
"In a welfare state, at that age, a person should have a comfortable apartment. Not to mention a decent pension. But we're a superpower. So they just throw in a bunch of crap, and then it just takes care of itself. They don't even understand that publishing something like that is simply disgraceful."
"Shame, shame, and disgrace! They should be transporting and providing firewood to these elderly people without any cheap PR stunts.".
The dispute continues to this day.
Head of the rural settlement "Rakulo-Kokshengskoye" Elena Soloveva responded to outraged fellow citizens:
"This event was a real surprise for our esteemed Praskovya Timofeevna. We are glad we were able to please her with such a much-needed gift.".
Residents of the neighboring village supported the official and even recorded a surveyRespondents confirmed that a cartload of firewood as a gift is even better than a microwave, and that it's a local tradition.
"Millennials and Zoomers won't understand this. Firewood, flour, and sugar are traditional prizes at village festivals. Why go to a foreign monastery with its own rules? Your values are of no interest here!" "Initiatives like these strengthen our community and make our village better," "Elena Fedorovna, please preserve this tradition!" — they turned to the head of the settlement.
Photo: Administration of the Velsky Municipal District / VK