Russia could be a ‘second home’ for those who embrace its values: Deputy PM

Russia could become a “second home” for people who respect the country and embrace its values, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko said during a visit to the International Festival of Youth 2026 in Yekaterinburg.

Chernyshenko made the remarks on Monday, September 14, during a speaking session at the festival’s venue, the International Exhibition Centre in Yekaterinburg. The event covers an area of about 30,000 square metres.

According to Chernyshenko, Russia is home to nearly 200 ethnicities and groups, with different religious institutions including an Orthodox church, mosque, Buddhist monastery and synagogue existing alongside one another. He said Russia’s traditional spiritual and moral values serve as a common foundation for its people.

He also referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, saying that shared values have been passed from generation to generation and have remained part of the country’s culture and history for more than 12 centuries.

During his visit, Chernyshenko also spoke about opportunities for visitors to travel around Russia. He said creating a comfortable and accessible environment for travelling across the country was a priority.

He said electronic visas could be issued online within four days and allow visitors to stay in Russia for up to 30 days. He also mentioned visa-free programmes for travellers from China, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Myanmar.

Chernyshenko also highlighted Russia’s plans to expand opportunities for international students. He said that, under the president’s direction, the country aims to have at least 500,000 international students studying in Russia by 2030.

According to his remarks, Russia is developing a network of university campuses as part of that goal, with 40 such campuses planned by 2036. He cited the Bauman Moscow State Technical University campus as the first to open and said a campus had also opened in Yekaterinburg this year.

During his visit to the festival venue, Chernyshenko also met participants and answered their questions.