The National Centre RUSSIA opens in Yugra

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On 16 December 2025, a branch of the National Centre RUSSIA opened in the capital of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area. It was established by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.

The Head of State congratulated the residents of Yugra on this momentous occasion and expressed confidence that the National Centre RUSSIA branch will become a sought-after venue for organising business and creative meetings, and for friendly interaction among residents and guests of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area.

"You have every right to be proud of the many generations of your fellow countrymen who developed the richest mineral deposits, built cities and towns, and established transport and social infrastructure facilities. And undoubtedly, the modern — day achievements of people living in the Yugra region are impressive. The region, which this year has worthily marked its 95th anniversary, is consistently developing a powerful industrial, technological, and human resources potential. It makes a truly invaluable contribution to strengthening the strategic sectors of the domestic economy and ensuring the country's energy security. In-demand programmes are being implemented here in the fields of education, healthcare and culture, environment and tourism, and priority attention is given to preserving the unique customs and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the North," Sergei Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration, and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the National Centre RUSSIA, read the address out.

Sergei Kiriyenko also congratulated the residents of Yugra on the opening of the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Yugra.

"I would like to congratulate everyone on the opening of the third branch of the National Centre RUSSIA. The first one opened in Vladivostok in September, the second one opened yesterday in the geographical centre of Russia — in the Krasnoyarsk region. And today — a branch in Khanty-Mansiysk has opened, the first National Centre branch in the Russian Far North. Much of the branch's exposition is dedicated to the Russian North, its people, traditions, the incredible will and courage of the pioneers and those who developed the regions of our country's Far North. This is a history of pride, a history of overcoming, a history of courage and heroic deeds, which not only Khanty-Mansiysk, not only all the regions of the Far North, but our entire country rightly takes pride in," said Sergei Kiriyenko.

The organising team chose a very fitting name for the branch's exposition, added Sergei Kiriyenko. According to him, the name "See Yugra, Fall in Love with Russia!" is very beautiful. The country is the sum of the achievements of each region. There cannot be Russia without Yugra, without the history, culture, victories and accomplishments made by great people on this land, he emphasised.

"We already see from the work of the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow that virtually all major international events are held here. Recently, the SCO Heads of Government Council meenting took place, attended by countries representing the majority of the Earth's inhabitants — two-thirds of the global community. And, of course, the National Centre's exposition helps them to feel even more connected to our country. The main task of these venues is to bring up the new generation. Our children, who will shape Russian society in the future, must see history, traditions, and be proud of the people who created an amazing, the world's best, largest, and strongest country. It is important that they themselves want to become part of history and continue this work," stated Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects, Alexei Zharich.

A welcome address on the occasion of the opening of the National Centre RUSSIA was sent by the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Ural Federal District, Artyom Zhoga.

"Today, another powerful centre for cultural events, educational programmes, workshops, and creative meetings has appeared on the map of the Ural Federal District. Most importantly, it is here that everyone will be able to feel how the unique history of Yugra connects it to the motherland and what an important place it occupies in the strong and united family of Russian regions. It is noteworthy that the branch's exposition is being formed based on suggestions from the residents themselves, as well as from public activists, young people, and the veteran community. I have no doubt that the organisers will not only showcase the region's unique features, its culture, traditions, and legends, but will also talk about national projects, heroes of the special military operation, and the contribution of Yugra's residents to the development of our great Motherland. Already in March, we will hold the 'Patriots of the Urals' forum for volunteers and civil activists at the National Centre RUSSIA in Khanty-Mansiysk, which will be attended by residents not only from the regions of the Urals and Western Siberia, but from across the country," noted Artyom Zhoga.

Governor Ruslan Kukharuk awarded Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, with the badge of distinction of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra "For Strengthening Friendship and Cooperation," thus recognising her significant contribution to developing economic, cultural, and social ties between the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra and other subjects of the Russian Federation.

"The opening of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra is a significant contribution to the development of the region's cultural and educational infrastructure. For us, this is not just a new facility — it is an important tool for dialogue between generations, cultures, the past and the future. An exposition showcasing the achievements, strength, and spirit of our region will be permanently presented here. Lectures, thematic expositions, workshops, and meetings will be regularly held at the National Centre. I am confident that this space will become a place where projects are born that can define a new stage of development not only for Yugra but for all of Russia," noted the Governor of Yugra, Ruslan Kukharuk.

Furthermore, it was Ruslan Kukharuk, while serving as mayor of Tyumen, who, during a speech at the "Small Homeland — the Strength of Russia" forum, proposed to President Vladimir Putin to preserve the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO, and create similar exposition spaces in the regions. Thus, today this idea is being realised in the branches of the National Centre RUSSIA.

"Welcome to our family, the National Centre RUSSIA family. The space was created by order of our President. This exposition speaks to the fact that on such land, brave, very audacious, very resilient, very patient people can live. You are pioneers today as well, because you were among the first to open a new venue. All of us, our team, hope that the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra will become a place of pride, a place of strength. But most importantly, we dream that everyone who comes here, both young and old, will feel proud, dream, and want to create the future—the future of our great Motherland, Russia <...> I want to thank Ruslan Nikolaevich and his entire team for their courage. Because he was one of the first to propose opening a branch here, and his team supported him. They were not afraid to take a risk, and in a very short time created a new space. This space is very powerful, technological, interesting, bright, and meticulously thought out. It is a tremendous effort," said Natalia Virtuozova.

The Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova, thanked the Governor and his team and also presented Ruslan Kukharuk with a statuette in the shape of the letter "O" — the symbol and hallmark of the National Centre. Such a statuette is received by regions where a new venue opens. The first one opened in September in the Far East — its symbol was the Amur tiger; the second Centre opened just the day before, in the Krasnoyarsk region — its symbol was two grayling fish, representing the mighty Yenisei River. The symbol of the centre in Yugra is the loon.

During the opening day, an enlightening programme dedicated to the feats and achievements of our country commenced at the branch. Participants learned about true — life examples of courage and success, heard stories about people whose heroic deeds inspire new generations, and discussed how personal achievements are linked to the country's development.

The Russian society Znanie held an enlightening meeting with Maxim Khramtsov, first Olympic champion in taekwondo in the history of Russian sport, the 2017 World Champion, two-time European Champion, champion of the 2019 Military World Games, five-time Grand Prix Champion, and Honoured Master of Sports of Russia. Young people from Khanty-Mansiysk were able to speak with the renowned athlete in an open dialogue format.

The "Heroes of the Fatherland" exposition opened in the branch's temporary exposition hall. The project is dedicated to residents of Yugra whose lives are connected to key military events in the country's history — from the Great Patriotic War to modern-day armed conflicts.

The National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra comprises several halls, each dedicated to a specific theme. "Immersion in Yugra" introduces guests to the key features of the region, its nature, culture, and 22 municipalities. The "Pride Through Time" hall reveals the history of the region's development through people, events, and achievements, while "Dialogue of Nature and Humanity" hall showcases the uniqueness of Yugra's natural ecosystems and their influence on human life. The "Flight Over Yugra" cinema hall is an immersive hall in the format of an aircraft cabin, which allows visitors to see the autonomous region from above. Tours of the National Centre's expositions can be booked free of charge by prior registration on the website.

Branches of the National Centre RUSSIA are opening in the country's regions by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. Another venue opened in the Krasnoyarsk region the day before. Their main mission is to demonstrate the unity and achievements of our country. The Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area is among the five regions where National Centre branches are being created as a priority.