Development of the Yugra branch becomes the main topic of the meeting between Natalia Virtuozova and Ruslan Kukharuk
The Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova, and the Governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra, Ruslan Kukharuk, held a meeting on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026. They discussed the work of the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Yugra, as well as the implementation of joint projects and the further development of exposition and educational initiatives.
"I thank the teams of the Governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area and the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Yugra. We have built close cooperation and work as one. A strong team has been created here, developing the space and regularly coming to us to exchange experience — and this is especially valuable. Any initiatives we launch are promptly supported, developed and filled with their own content by the Yugra branch. This level of involvement and the branch's coordinated work allow us to move forward with confidence," said Natalia Virtuozova.
Since its opening, the National Centre RUSSIA branch has welcomed more than 47,000 visitors. The "Young Tour Guides School of Russia" project operates here, and educational and cultural events are held at the venue.
"The opening of the National Centre RUSSIA in the year of Yugra's 95th anniversary became a landmark event that set a new direction for the development of the region's cultural and public space. The Centre is quickly becoming a major point of attraction not only for residents of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra, but also for the entire Ural Federal District: events of various levels are held here. Very soon, the National Centre RUSSIA will launch the exposition "Energy of the Young" — a project about youth movements in Russia and Yugra, which will become a living space for dialogue between generations. Archival materials and modern success stories will show how the experience of past years inspires the creation of the future," noted Ruslan Kukharuk.
The branch in Khanty-Mansiysk opened its doors on 16 December 2025. Guests are introduced to Yugra's unique nature, the careful preservation of the centuries-old traditions of indigenous peoples, its industrial strength and its bold vision for the future.
Event photobank
The art object of the National Centre RUSSIA and the Tambov Region is one of the striking artistic accents of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026 venue.
