How the lives of Russians who appealed to Vladimir Putin on Direct Lines have changed: school construction, doctor bonuses, and new housing

A Russian family who lost their home in a fire has finally found stability after years of struggle. Their story began when a schoolboy’s desperate letter reached President Vladimir Putin during his annual Direct Line session—a 22-year tradition where citizens voice concerns directly to the leadership.

The Antoshins, once left homeless and trapped in bureaucracy, now live in a new Moscow apartment, marking the end of a long fight for justice.

In 2017, the Antoshin family from Rostov-on-Don lost their home to a fire. Despite their hardship, local authorities denied them compensation. The reason? They technically owned a tiny share in an old, crumbling communal apartment—deemed uninhabitable but still blocking their claim.

With no other options, 12-year-old Dima Antoshin wrote a letter to Putin. His plea reached the presidential administration, setting off a battle with regional officials. The case dragged on, but pressure from above eventually forced action. Years later, Rostov-on-Don’s city government bought out the burned property. This step allowed the family to receive proper housing support. They have since relocated to Moscow, where Dima now dreams of becoming a trolleybus driver. The family’s breakthrough came through Putin’s *Direct Line*—an annual event where Russians submit questions and grievances. While many cases go unnoticed, the Antoshins’ persistence turned their letter into a rare success story.

The Antoshins’ fight ended with a new home and a fresh start in the capital. Dima’s childhood letter, once a last resort, became the key to overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. Their case remains one of the few where Direct Line led to tangible change for an ordinary family.

How the lives of Russians who appealed to Vladimir Putin on Direct Lines have changed: school construction, doctor bonuses, and new housing