A space greeting to his fellow countrymen: Sergei Ryzhikov supported the opening of the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Yugra

The Commander of the International Space Station and Roscosmos cosmonaut, Sergei Ryzhikov, addressed the residents of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area on the occasion of the opening of the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Yugra. The video greeting was recorded on board the Russian segment of the International Space Station — a symbol of peaceful cooperation and humanity’s pursuit of new knowledge — at an altitude of 400 km above the Earth. Sergei Ryzhikov spent his childhood in the city of Nizhnevartovsk, which makes his participation in this event particularly meaningful and personal.

"It is here that you can appreciate the vastness of our country and the beauty of Siberia. And, above all, see the hardworking and warm-hearted people who, through their daily efforts, contribute to the wealth of our Motherland," said Sergei Ryzhikov in his message.

The cosmonaut noted that every visitor to the new branch would be able to gain a deeper understanding of the history, nature and people of Yugra — a region that has made an invaluable contribution to the development of the country. He invited everyone to visit the exposition to discover "what makes this place so unique". He wished the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Yugra every success from the bottom of his heart.

Sergei Nikolayevich Ryzhikov is a test cosmonaut of the Roscosmos corps and a Hero of the Russian Federation. Born in Bugulma (Tatarstan), he spent his childhood and youth in Nizhnevartovsk, which he considers his second homeland. He has completed three space flights and, since 5 August 2025, has served as Commander of the International Space Station.

The opening of National Centre RUSSIA branches across the regions is being implemented by order of President of Russia Vladimir Putin in order to showcase the country’s achievements, strengthen national identity, foster a sense of pride in the nation, develop children’s and young people’s professional skills, and preserve the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO.

The National Centre RUSSIA branch in Yugra will enable residents and visitors to explore, in an interactive format, the rich legacy and contemporary potential of the country’s oil and gas heartland.