Cosmonauts on the ISS congratulated Russians on Russia Day

Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov, Alexey Zubritsky and Kirill Peskov, while aboard the International Space Station (ISS), congratulated Russians on Russia Day on June 12.

"Dear compatriots, <...> congratulations on Russia Day, a holiday that unites all our multinational people. We all have the brightest and warmest feelings for our country, pride in it, its history and great achievements," said Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Ryzhikov, Hero of Russia.

Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexei Zubritsky stressed that the Motherland is not just a place of birth of a person. First of all, it is a place of strength, where a person feels connected with the past in his heart and builds a future for his family.

"Together we are developing our country and making it better based on common spiritual values and moral principles. Russia is a unique country where people of different cultures have lived side by side for centuries, and this is our strength," Zubritsky said.

Kirill Peskov, cosmonaut of Roscosmos, noted that during the Great Patriotic War our fathers and grandfathers fought for their Homeland. And today, Russian military personnel of the special military operation (SVO) continue to defend the interests of their country.

"We always overcome the most difficult trials together, and it will always be so, because our unity is based on devotion to the Motherland," Peskov said.

Russia Day on June 12: what is the importance of this holiday

In 2025, Russians will rest for four days, from June 12 to June 15.

On June 12, the whole country will celebrate an important holiday — Russia Day. It is dedicated to the adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty of the RSFSR in 1990 and symbolizes the birthday of the modern state. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Thursday, so Russians will have a three-day working week with long weekends.