Popular artist ST at the National Centre RUSSIA stand at IFY-2026: "It is a symbol of the country"
Russian rap artist, poet and TV presenter ST (Alexander Stepanov) visited the National Centre RUSSIA stand at the International Festival of Youth — 2026 in Yekaterinburg. The guest explored products from the Department Store RUSSIA and the "Nevalyashki" art installation.
The first thing that caught Alexander Stepanov's attention was the model of the future National Centre RUSSIA building, which is being constructed in Moscow on the instructions of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. It is scheduled to open in 2029.
"I was very interested to see the model of what the new National Centre RUSSIA building will look like and how the Centre plans to develop. It is incredible! I am looking forward to the opening. And, of course, it is great to have stands like this, where you can see the many different facets of our country reflected in its products," Alexander Stepanov shared.
The artist said that he often visits the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow and has already had a chance to discover many of its projects, as well as products presented at the Department Store: "There are a great many products from the regions that I have come to love and can only find at the National Centre RUSSIA. It is great that so many different traditional crafts are represented here," the artist said.
At the National Centre RUSSIA stand, ST also met Chebulyashka — a special version of the nevalyashka (roly-poly toy) dressed as Cheburashka, one of the symbols of IFY-2026. The toy was created by the National Centre RUSSIA especially for the festival: "Cheburashka-nevalyashka. Chebulyashka. Cool, very creative. I like the idea that depending on where the nevalyashka travels, it becomes a symbol. A symbol of Russia's resilience. Cool!"
The National Centre RUSSIA stand at IFY-2026 is operating from 13 to 16 September in the "Cultural Code" thematic space. Its flagship project, the Department Store RUSSIA, brings together products from Russian manufacturers across different regions of the country: contemporary brands, folk arts and crafts, food products, accessories and items featuring traditional motifs.
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