Orphanage Teacher Dreamed of Family, Dies in Special Military Operation

Dima Zhivoglazov, a 21-year-old orphanage teacher from Yaroslavl, was killed in the special military operation (his real name was Ulukbek, but during his life he asked to be called Dmitry. — Ed.). In autumn 2024, he was supposed to begin compulsory military service but chose to sign a contract and go to the special operation. He was taken in early September.

Two weeks later — on 18 September 2024 — Dima died. This was reported in November 2025.

«Ulukbek Zhivoglazov died on 18 September 2024 in the Kremensky District, in the village of Novovodyanoye,» Yaroslavl Oblast ombudsman Sergey Baburkin told 76.RU, citing data from the military commissariat. «The commissariat explained that his body will likely be brought back in December.»

Dima grew up in the Vinokurova Orphanage and stayed on to work as a teacher after graduating. He was three years old when his father was imprisoned, and he and his sister were taken from their alcoholic mother. Three times, the children were placed with foster families but were later returned to the orphanage.

In an interview with 76.RU, Dima said he knew where his biological parents, brothers, and sisters lived — those born after he and his sister were taken to the orphanage. But he did not communicate with them.

For him, family became the staff and other children at the orphanage. Dima practiced kickboxing from childhood, led a healthy lifestyle, and loved to study. The teachers held him up as an example to the younger groups — they listened to and respected him. When Dima left the orphanage at age 18, he was invited to work as a night teacher.

Kickboxing is a combat sport that allows strikes with hands and feet, as well as some elements like sweeps and throws (depending on the style and rules).

He agreed and immediately immersed himself in educating the younger generation. He strictly reprimanded those who used foul language and caught boys smoking.

«The children have changed for the worse,» Dima shared in an interview with 76.RU, which he gave before leaving for the special military operation. «They»ve started to allow themselves more: arguing with teachers, talking back, using a lot of swear words. In our time, that didn«t happen. Everything was stricter.»

How He Decided to Go to the Special Military Operation

«My conscription was due in October anyway. What»s the point? I«d just lose a year. This way, I»ll serve the Motherland,« he said before signing the contract.

Dima did not discuss his decision to go to the special military operation with anyone. He presented it as a fait accompli to the orphanage management.

»The contract is for one year. They offered me one, three, or five years initially. But I thought I definitely couldn«t handle five years, or even three. So, I»m only going for a year. Maybe after that time, I«ll want to extend, but that»s not certain either,« Dima shared his thoughts.

In early September 2024, the young man signed the contract and took the oath. The orphanage director at the time came to support him. The young teacher did not allow others to come, citing a desire to avoid tearful goodbyes.

«I try not to think about the bad. Everything will be fine!» he explained then.

After his service, Dima considered applying to university. In the future, he wanted to build a strong and happy family.

Read the full interview with Dima Zhivoglazov, which he gave a few days before signing the contract, in this article.