Interesting that the Russians are looking towards the red planet. It makes one think that the USA and Europe have spent collossal sums of money in order to study Mars, send rovers etc and the Russians (who's actual contributions towards the study Mars have been minimal) could (very well) be the first to set foot on same.
After all, they've pioneered long space missions (Mir space station) for many years so are not strangers to long time weightlessness etc. Ironically, if they were to send a mission towards Mars (in the very near future) there's absolutely nothing that anyone could do about it. In fact the only issue for them (really) would be the cost and (if truth be known) I don't reckon that would be a show stopper as (it seems from past experience) kudos versus their welfare system appears to be more of a priority.
It would almost be a home from home - a bit like a giant Siberia but without the atmosphere.
Si thee