Lukashenko invited Vasilevskaya, Novitsky to visit him after flight, promising to treat them to his signature salad

On March 19th, the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, spoke with the ISS-71/VE-21 main crew members – currently at Baikonur – via video conference call, inviting cosmonauts Oleg Novitsky and Marina Vasilevskaya to visit him after returning from space and promising to treat them to his signature salad

Photo: www.president.gov.by

The President, in particular, asked Marina Vasilevskaya about her well-being and whether she was ready for the flight.

“Of course, there is some worry and excitement, as I’m a young woman and all these are new to me. However, I have a very experienced, reliable commander, who inspires great confidence. I’m supported by instructors and teachers, my supervisor Ivan Bucha [Deputy Head of the Aerospace Activities Department at Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences] is always here with me. Tracy is also very supportive. We have very good relations in the crew: well-coordinated and friendly. This supports me, giving confidence and strength,” answered Marina Vasilevskaya.

“I would like you to be friendly there,” Aleksandr Lukashenko wished. “We will be very worried about you and hope to see you after your return. Oleg, let’s cook our traditional salad [referring to the ‘Molodost (Youth) Anti-Covid’ salad, which the Head of State had previously prepared together with Oleg Novitsky during one of the previous personal meetings]. We’ll treat Marina. Moreover, cooking is her hobby, and we’ll teach her how to make our salad.”

“Thank you, with pleasure,” Marina Vasilevskaya smiled.

This will be the shortest space flight for Oleg Novitsky. After 12 days, he returns to Earth with Marina.

“It’s my shortest but most enjoyable flight, when I’m constantly surrounded by women,” the cosmonaut smiled.

“Don’t forget about Nastya [Anastasia Lenkova – Marina Vasilevskaya’s backup cosmonaut], don’t lose sight of her. We’ll meet and talk about prospects. She was prepared exactly like Marina, so we can’t lose a person either,” the Head of State noted.