Today is the birthday of Vera Chuldumovna Bailak, the legendary front fighter, medical worker of the volunteer cavalry squadron, and participant in the liberation of Ukrainian villages and towns from fascist occupation in 1944. The veteran was warmly greeted by the head of the republic, Sholban Kara-ool.

And a letter of greetings from faraway Rovno came to the administration of the Dzun-Khemchik district of Tuva, where Vera Chuldumovna’s large arat holding is located.

During the day, the life of the camp is paralyzed by the sun. The heat sends the reindeer huddling together in a circle. They alternate lying down: those standing up provide shade for the others.

Young calves hide beneath the bushes and under blankets that are hanging outside to dry out.

One small gust of wind is enough to make them grunt joyfully in anticipation of the coolness of the evening.