Russian Pensioners Urge Help for NASA Astronauts

In a bizarre scene from Russia, groups of elderly pensioners recently gathered to voice their concerns over American astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

These enthusiastic citizens from Krasnodar took it upon themselves to appeal to President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, asking for his help in rescuing NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. They expressed worry that the duo is in trouble after their Boeing spacecraft reportedly malfunctioned.

One man stepped forward to share their concerns, stating, «There are two American astronauts in space right now. They have been in trouble for two months. Their Boeing broke down on the way. The engines failed, they somehow made it to the ISS. And now they don’t know how to get back. We ask you to help them.» His statement picked up the emotional tenor of the crowd.

A recurring theme throughout the gathering was the idea that the astronauts should not be treated as hostages, as they «are not to blame for Biden’s aggression.» This sentiment was echoed by a woman who pointed out the pressing need to bring Wilmore and Williams back swiftly due to their advanced ages.

Though both astronauts are fit and healthy, one might find it ironic, particularly since Oleg Kononenko, a Russian astronaut in orbit, is 60 years old and has far more experience flying in space.

Interestingly, many in the crowd seemed unaware that NASA has long since developed alternative means of getting their astronauts to and from space, especially with the advent of private space company SpaceX. In fact, NASA started launching missions with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket in 2020.

This gap in spaceflight capabilities was an important talking point for Russian officials a decade ago when they suggested that American astronauts could use a «trampoline» to reach the ISS, but that narrative is well out of date now.

As a result, while these elderly citizens earnestly plead for assistance from the Russian government, NASA has actually secured reliable transportation home for Wilmore and Williams with upcoming flights already scheduled.