Artyom Zhoga takes part in the 5th Forum "«Patriots of the Urals" at the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra

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The Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Ural Federal District, Artyom Zhoga, is taking part in the 5th Forum of volunteers and civic activists "Patriots of the Urals". The event opened the day before in Khanty-Mansiysk and has brought together around 350 participants at the National Centre RUSSIA, including government representatives, public figures, volunteers, and veterans of the special military operation. The forum’s main day is taking place on 18 March. The date was chosen deliberately — the country marks the anniversary of the reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia.

"I see many familiar faces here — people I have known for quite some time. I met you even before I became the Plenipotentiary Representative, when I had just arrived in the Ural Federal District. I met many of you on the line of combat contact: you came, brought supplies, and we spoke. Thank you very much for continuing this service and carrying on your work. Today we will discuss the work of volunteers in hospitals, cooperation with the media, the involvement of participants of the special military operation in the country’s public life, and much more. I am confident that your experience, your knowledge, and your joint work will produce proposals and solutions that will help both you and all the volunteers of our large country in the future. I would like to wish you success in this work," said the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Ural Federal District, Artyom Zhoga.

The Governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra, Ruslan Kukharuk, also addressed the forum participants. He focused on the development of the volunteer movement in the region and on creating conditions to support participants of the special military operation and their families.

"'Patriots of the Urals' is a truly large-scale project that brings together everyone who demonstrates genuine commitment to the fate of their country through real action. I would like to thank the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Ural Federal District, Artyom Vladimirovich Zhoga, for initiating the forum and for the trust placed in our region. It is an honour for Yugra to host the fifth, anniversary meeting of like-minded people," noted the Governor of Yugra, Ruslan Kukharuk.

For the first time in the forum’s history, a dedicated venue is entirely focused on children — "Patriots of the Urals. Children" has brought together young activists and mentors from among combat veterans. Together, they are exploring new formats of patriotic education and discussing how to ensure that children and participants of the special military operation can support each other more.

The programme of the day includes a series of educational and strategic sessions. Participants are discussing the organisation of volunteer work in hospitals, with the "Humanitarian Volunteer Corps" sharing its experience. A separate session is devoted to how non-profit organisations can communicate their support efforts in the media.

Alongside the educational programme, the exhibition "Soulful Defence Industry" is on display. Here, non-profit organisations and volunteers present items they have made by hand for servicemen: knitted clothing, trench candles, handmade talismans, and toys. Each exhibit carries its own story and warmth.

The final plenary session of the forum will be attended by Hero of Russia and Chairman of the Board of the Movement of the First, Artur Orlov; Head of the Committee of Soldiers’ Families, Yulia Belekhova; Executive Director of the Association of Veterans of the Special Military Operation, Dmitry Afanasyev; and Deputy Head of the Main Military Medical Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Russia, Oleg Kalachev.

The business programme will conclude with the cultural and educational project "Cinema in the Service of the Fatherland". Forum participants will meet frontline artist Virineya Shigina, who will present her works, speak about how contemporary events and the feat of defenders are reflected through art, and present the film "NeBes Peresvet".

A total of 1,278 applications were submitted to take part in the fifth, anniversary forum "Patriots of the Urals" from 43 regions of the country — from Kamchatka to Karelia. Nearly 300 of these were from those wishing to join the children’s programme.

The National Centre RUSSIA was established by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to preserve cultural heritage, showcase the country’s achievements, and promote national interests. The centre’s space in Khanty-Mansiysk presents the region’s economic and social projects, as well as its cultural and natural features.