Putin joined the inauguration ceremony of a new wintering facility in Antarctica via video link

Joining them in this ceremony are Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov, NOVATEK CEO Leonid Mikhelson, General Director of Zapsibgazprom Yury Vodopyanov, and Director of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute Alexander Makarov. They are all reporting on the successful launch of the facility via the video link.

The establishment of the research station's new wintering camp stands as Russia's foremost endeavor in the Antarctic region, showcasing a triumphant collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Russia’s sole functioning Antarctic station, situated within the continent, was established in 1957. The climatic conditions in this region are the most severe on Earth, with temperatures dropping below -70°C in winter and rarely rising above -30°C during the summer months. In July 1983, the lowest air temperature ever recorded on the planet, -89.2°C, was documented here. 

Throughout the Soviet era, the station underwent two reconstructions. The original structures have long been buried under a thick layer of snow, while the more contemporary facilities are partially or completely submerged up to a depth of five meters.

The current infrastructure necessitates a complete overhaul. To address this, a new wintering complex has been constructed at the Experimental Plant of Building Structures in Gatchina. Its technological launch will allow for testing the functionality of heating, water discharge, electricity, and fire alarm systems during the winter season. 

This significant undertaking will serve as the main event of the 69th Russian Antarctic expedition, which arrived at the Vostok station from St. Petersburg. The new wintering complex aims to provide comfortable working conditions for polar explorers and transform into a modern Russian research center in Antarctica.