Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko called on governments to learn from the cooperation that keeps the International Space Station (ISS) running smoothly, saying that the crew’s ability to resolve disagreements through dialogue could be a model for resolving conflicts on Earth. He delivered the remarks during an engagement with participants of the 2026 International Festival of Youth, which is being held in Ekaterinburg from September 11 to 17.
Kononenko, who heads the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and commands the Roscosmos Cosmonaut Corps, explained that astronauts of different nationalities depend on one another for survival in space. “When we work on the ISS, we are all dependent on one another. When we discuss an issue, we listen to each other,” he said. He added that disagreements among crew members were always settled peacefully through mutual agreement, illustrating how countries can cooperate despite their differences.
During the session, Kononenko answered questions about becoming a cosmonaut, adjusting to weightlessness and the future of space exploration. He said aspiring cosmonauts must be selected before turning 35 and that the profession requires discipline, perseverance and patience. He recalled his own path to space, noting that his childhood ambition to travel into space shaped his education at a physics and technology school, his training at an aviation institute and his eventual work as an engineer.
Kononenko also reflected on his first flight, saying he was overwhelmed by excitement and could barely remember the spacecraft’s journey into orbit. He described the smooth launch of the Soyuz spacecraft and the breathtaking view of Earth’s water and thin atmosphere from space. One of his most memorable moments was witnessing what appeared to be a volcanic eruption in Russia’s Kamchatka region during a spacewalk with fellow cosmonaut Nikolai Chub.
Looking ahead, Kononenko projected that Russia could establish an independent orbital station in the early 2030s, creating opportunities for cosmonauts from former Soviet republics while keeping Roscosmos open to international cooperation. He also highlighted the Moon as an essential testing ground for technologies required for future missions to Mars, emphasizing that mastering landing, shelter construction and take‑off will first happen on the lunar surface.
The International Festival of Youth, themed “Follow Your Dream,” has attracted 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries, including 5,000 Russians and 5,000 international participants. Kononenko’s message underscores the power of collaboration beyond borders, both in space and on Earth.
