Today, the president received the Polyanov family, including the boy who asked him to help him see Saint Petersburg from a bird's eye view in early December.
Vladimir Putin: I hope you have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! We have some presents for you over there. Your dad can take them home. We'll help him. You two can decide who gets what later.
- Thank you so much!
- Why would you like to see Saint Petersburg from a bird's eye view?
- We've been to Saint Petersburg many times before. It's a beautiful city with beautiful museums. I'd like to see it all from above.
- I wish I could come with you, but, unfortunately, I have to work. But your family will be there with you. Look, you'll fly over the Gulf of Finland, circle around the Gazprom Tower, and cross downtown Saint Petersburg. On your way back, you'll follow the Neva, make a circle around the Peter and Paul Fortress, and return to Pulkovo International Airport.
After meeting with Artyom, the president accompanied him and his family to the helicopter, which was about to fulfill the young boy's dream.
Artyom is seriously ill, he's been diagnosed with brittle bone disease. Children like him are sometimes referred to as "children of glass".
This story began in early December when the volunteer forum "Dream with Me" was held. The participants were to pick up a letter written by a seriously ill child and make their wish come true. The president picked all of the remaining envelopes, one of which belonged to Artyom.
After the flight, the boy shared his impressions over the phone with the president.
Vladimir Putin: Hello again, how was the flight?
Awesome? So you really liked it?
How about your brother?
Okay. Have you unwrapped your presents yet?
About to start? Go ahead. It'll be a lot of fun.
You already know that? I'm sure you do!
All right then. Be well. I wish you the best of luck and hope you have a happy New Year.
Take care, buddy.
See you later.
Bye-bye.
Vladimir Putin: “He said it was awesome".
