Events digest: highlights of the week at the National Centre RUSSIA
The award ceremony for the winners of the All-Russian flagship project of the Movement of the First "MediaAttraction", the launch of the installation of the exposition "Regions-2030. Platform of the Future" and other events, highlights and moods of the week — in our digest.
The current eruptions of volcanoes in Kamchatka will attract increased attention from tourists not only from Russia but also from other countries. Vadim Prasov, Deputy Head of the Department "Entrepreneurship in the Hospitality Industry" at RANEPA under the President of Russia, told the press office of the National Centre RUSSIA.
"After the volcanic eruptions in Kamchatka, a surge in tourist activity among both Russians and foreigners is expected. Now many are concerned about the activity of several volcanoes, but for a significant part of tourists, such natural phenomena, combined with the unique beauty of the region, only enhance the interest," said Vadim Prasov.
According to the expert, the earthquake that triggered the volcanic activity occurred in the middle of the peak tourist season.
"The main surge will most likely occur next year. However, even now one can expect that volcano enthusiasts and thrill-seekers will adjust their plans and head to Kamchatka in the autumn or even in the winter," the expert added, noting that the increase in tourist flow will contribute to the development not only of the Kamchatka region but of the entire Far Eastern region.
The installation of the exposition "Regions-2030. Platform of the Future" has begun at the National Centre RUSSIA. The exposition will showcase the achievements and development prospects of Russia's regions through a synthesis of traditional and innovative formats.
The first participants of the project will be seven federal subjects: the Chelyabinsk, Tula, Voronezh and Amur regions, the Nenets Autonomous Area, the Republic of Dagestan, and the Jewish Autonomous Region.
Each region has developed a stand combining multimedia technologies, historical artefacts and interactive installations.
The key element of the exposition will be the legendary 2-3-2V steam locomotive, on which visitors will be able to embark on a virtual journey through Russia’s regions. The object is a precise replica of an experimental high-speed locomotive designed in 1938 at the Voroshilovgrad Locomotive Works.
Currently, pavilion No. 7 is undergoing installation works involving specialists from various fields. The exposition is being created using modern technologies while preserving traditional exposition approaches.
On 15 August, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted a solemn award ceremony for the winners of the All-Russian project of the Movement of the First "MediaAttraction". Following two days of competition, during which participants completed various tasks, more than 100 children, their mentors and parents were named winners and prize-winners in seven categories.
"MediaAttraction" is the flagship project of the Movement of the First for children, teenagers and adults interested in the field of media communications. By completing tasks, they immerse themselves in the world of media professions and master new skills. Participants create unique content that shapes Russia’s information landscape. Not every country can boast such an extensive media environment as the one that has emerged in Russia. This is the achievement of thousands of creators: journalists, bloggers, cameramen, and media professionals.
The award ceremony was hosted by Yulia Baranovskaya and Vyacheslav Makarov, joined by Kirill Gurin, a member of the children’s editorial board of "MediaAttraction", and Angelina Moskvina, activist of the Movement of the First and blogger. For the finalists, the MARTA dance studio presented a theatrical performance, and the Choir of the First performed the Russian anthem together with the entire hall.
The finalists were addressed with welcoming speeches by Yelena Kunina, Head of the Media Communications Department of the Movement of the First, and Svetlana Sanayeva, Head of the Culture Department of the National Centre RUSSIA.
During the award ceremony and the closing of the "MediaAttraction" final, well-known performers took the stage for the participants, including the band PIZZA, Tatyana Bulanova, NANSI & SIDOROV, ANILEDA, and many others.
Athletics in Russia is gaining new momentum today, and athletes are ready at any moment to return to the world stage and deliver top results. This opinion was shared with the press service of the National Centre RUSSIA by Dmitry Guberniev, Honoured Journalist of Russia, TV presenter and commentator, following the Russian Athletics Championship held in Kazan.
"Unfortunately, we do not have the opportunity to compete at world championships, but the efforts of the new leadership of the All-Russian Athletics Federation, the authorities of Tatarstan and the Match TV channel, which broadcast the championship in Kazan, are leading to the fact that athletics is now gaining new momentum in the country. Incredibly motivated athletes are ready at any moment to return and demonstrate results worthy of international standards, and the level of competition is extremely high. Now athletics, despite the suspension, is experiencing its second birth," said Dmitry Guberniev.
Speaking about the championship itself, the Honoured Journalist of Russia noted the strong results of the athletes, the excellent atmosphere, the high level of organisation and the attention to detail at the competition.
"Interest in athletics in the country has grown. I believe this is our common great victory," the commentator added.
The National Centre RUSSIA presented the participants of the II All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts" with a journey through the picturesque corners of Kemerovo region. Ruslan Gulamov and Daria Chernyakina from Tolyatti, winners in the category "In love with their work and each other", had the opportunity to discover the rich culture and nature of Kuzbass.
The newlyweds explored the Gavrilov Caves, strolled through Metallurgists Park, immersed themselves in national traditions at the "Shan Tuu Jerim" ethnopark in the village of Shanda, and also visited exhibits at the Guryevsky Museum of Local History and the Palace of Culture in Salair. The journey concluded with leisure at the "Salairskie Plesy" recreation centre, paddleboarding on Lake Aprelka and a sightseeing tour of the region’s capital, hospitable Kemerovo.
"As soon as we arrived in the region, we were immediately taken for a walk in the taiga. Its scale is impressive, it is incredibly beautiful. Then we went to see the outskirts and local landmarks of the town of Guryevsk. The people impressed us: they are very pleasant, true gold. We enjoyed the museums and the local flavour. There was also Lake Aprelka, where we went paddleboarding. Probably those were the strongest impressions of all the days," shared Daria Chernyakina.
In turn, Ruslan Gulamov noted that they had never been in the taiga before, and the journey left only positive emotions. According to him, Kemerovo is a very beautiful and pleasant city.
A significant part of the shared history between Russia and the USA is connected with Alaska. This was stated by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin during a joint press conference following his talks with US President Donald Trump. The Head of State reminded about the key role of Alaska during the Second World War, when the legendary air route for the delivery of combat aircraft and equipment under the Lend-Lease programme passed through it.
"It was a dangerous and challenging route over enormous icy expanses, but pilots and specialists of both countries did everything to bring victory closer, risking and giving their lives for a common victory. A significant part of the shared history between Russia and the USA is connected with Alaska, with many positive events. Even today, a vast cultural legacy of Russian America has been preserved here: Orthodox churches and more than 700 geographical names of Russian origin," emphasised President Vladimir Putin.
The Head of State also expressed gratitude to the American authorities and citizens for their respectful care of the memorial at the military cemetery where Soviet pilots are buried.
"We will always remember other historical examples when our countries fought common enemies together in the spirit of comradeship and alliance, extending help and support to one another," underlined Vladimir Putin.
After the meeting with US President Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin visited the Fort Richardson cemetery, located on the territory of the US military base Elmendorf-Richardson, where he laid flowers at the graves of Soviet soldiers.
As Vladimir Vasilyev, Chief Research Fellow at the Institute for US and Canadian Studies, told the press office of the National Centre RUSSIA, the alliance of states during the Second World War was "vital".
"During the Second World War, in the first half of the 1940s, when the fate of the world was being decided in the struggle against the ‘plague of the 20th century’ — fascism — such an alliance not only became possible but was vitally necessary. A transit route for the supply of American equipment and materials passed through the territory of Alaska. In addition, Alaska became a key link in the air route by which aircraft were ferried to the Soviet Union," noted Vladimir Vasilyev.
In the 18th–19th centuries, Russian explorers, merchants and missionaries established an extensive network of settlements in Alaska. The centre was Novo-Arkhangelsk (now Sitka), the administrative capital of Russian America. Trading posts of the Russian-American Company were located here, fur trading was conducted, and active maritime expansion took place. From Russian ports, furs were shipped to China, Japan and Hawaii, while American vessels brought food and goods to Alaska. Russia’s relations with the young United States were a rare example of peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit. Trade brought profit to both sides, and cultural contacts left a mark still visible today.
Today, Alaska remains a unifying symbol in the history of the two countries — a reminder of a time when shared interests, distant horizons and the courage of pioneers created space for dialogue.
The duo NANSI & SIDOROV and singer Tatyana Bulanova shared their impressions of the National Centre RUSSIA
One of the highlights of the final of the Movement of the First flagship project "MediaAttraction", which took place on 15 August at the National Centre RUSSIA, was the performance of popular artists. They shared their impressions of the National Centre RUSSIA and spoke about what makes this space special.
Honoured Artist of Russia Tatyana Bulanova noted the unique atmosphere of the National Centre RUSSIA, as well as the convenience and comfort it offers to both visitors and invited performers.
"I have already been to the National Centre RUSSIA more than once. It is wonderful here and excellent for performers. And I am sure that the audience also feels absolutely comfortable, at ease and delighted," said the singer.
According to Tatyana Bulanova, the creation of branches of the National Centre RUSSIA in the regions will contribute to the development of the entire vast country.
Tatyana Bulanova said in an interview with the press office of the National Centre RUSSIA:
"I believe it is very important to build such centres not only in Moscow and St Petersburg, but also in the regions. And I am in favour of our young people not rushing to big cities, but developing precisely those places where they grew up and began their lives. I want our vast, wonderful and beautiful country to develop evenly. Therefore, if such centres appear in the regions, it will be a very good thing."
The music duo NANSI & SIDOROV noted that the National Centre RUSSIA has become a unique creative laboratory where inspiration is born in an atmosphere of live interaction with the audience, something especially valuable and fascinating for them.
"We have already visited the National Centre RUSSIA, and this place evokes the warmest emotions. First of all, there is constant improvement and modernisation here, and every day it becomes more and more beautiful. That is why it feels extremely cosy and welcoming. In addition, a great variety of events are held here for absolutely different target audiences — events of all scales, from children’s gatherings to wedding festivals. And most importantly, everything here is conveniently located, highly informative, created for people and about people, who are one of our main sources of inspiration. And besides, the sound equipment here is outstanding, which is incredibly important for us as musicians," said Oleg and Anastasia.
Speaking about the importance of creating branches of the National Centre RUSSIA in the regions, the duo added:
"We travel with concerts to different regions of Russia — from Kaliningrad to the Far East — and see a huge number of modern, well-equipped venues and people charged with creative energy. That is why the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow is perhaps a place of strength and motivation, and it is wonderful that people who come here notice things, take inspiration and can implement them in their own regions."
As part of the "MediaAttraction" project at the National Centre RUSSIA, Tatyana Bulanova performed the songs "Do Not Be Afraid of Love" and "My Beloved" and wished the participants an excellent mood. In turn, the duo NANSI & SIDOROV presented their hits "Oncoming Lane", "Second Spring", "We Are Here" and other musical compositions, and took memorable photos with the participan
The exposition spaces will be closed to visitors for two days — 18 and 19 August.
At the National Centre RUSSIA, on the platform "Space of Opportunities", a meeting was held between the participants of the All-Russian Family Festival "Wings of Childhood" of the programme "Eaglets of Russia" ("Orlyata Rossii").
Today, on Air Fleet Day, aviation shows are held all over the country — in different cities and regions.
