Maria Lvova-Belova and Russian Theatre Union launch Giving Warmth 2026

Giving Warmth is a national initiative that has been running since 2023, organised by the Federal Youth Centre with the support of the Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights and regional children's commissioners. Volunteers hand out leaflets in public spaces to inform children about places where they can spend their free time in meaningful and productive ways (such as youth centres, cultural centres, clubs, and local landmarks) while also raising awareness of the risks associated with spending time online. The initiative has proved highly popular, bringing together over 40,000 participants from all regions of Russia. The Russian Theatre Union (RTU) joined the March 2026 edition as a partner.

In Gorky Park, Moscow, Maria Lvova-Belova Lvova-Belova MariaPresidential Commissioner for Children's Rights , alongside founder and artistic director of the Children's Musical Theatre of Young Actors Alexander Fyodorov and a theatre and film actor, Vladislav Miller, who chairs the RTU's Youth Council, spoke with local teenagers. The young people were given badges and leaflets listing places where they can enjoy quality free time.

The RTU's Chairman, actor and director Vladimir Mashkov, noted that the Giving Warmth initiative helps children discover what theatre has to offer. He explained that theatre is a place where teenagers can explore their talents, make friends, learn to better understand others, and grow in self-confidence.

The Giving Warmth campaign will run in all regions of the Russian Federation until March 29. The Russian Theatre Union is taking part in the initiative in 20 regions, including Moscow, the Bryansk, Kirov, Nizhny Novgorod, Novgorod, Novosibirsk and Ryazan regions, and the Donetsk People's Republic.