In a monumental achievement, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko has broken the world record for the total time spent in space, surpassing the previous record set by his compatriot, Gennady Padalka. Russia's space agency Roscosmos announced on Sunday that Kononenko has logged an impressive 878 days in orbit over five deployments.

Kononenko accomplished this remarkable feat while stationed at the International Space Station (ISS), where he has been since September of last year. The 59-year-old cosmonaut expressed his pride at holding the record for the total duration of human stay in space as a Russian.

"I am proud of all my achievements, but I am more proud that the record for the total duration of human stay in space is still held by a Russian cosmonaut," Kononenko stated, as quoted by the TASS news agency.

Kononenko's record-breaking journey is expected to continue, as he is set to reach the incredible milestone of 1,000 days in space on June 5. Despite this remarkable accomplishment, Kononenko humbly stated that he pursues his space missions for the sheer love of his work, not to set records.

The ISS remains an extraordinary collaborative project where the United States and Russia continue their close cooperation, despite tense international relations, especially concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Last December, Roscosmos announced the extension of their cross-flight program with NASA to the ISS until 2025, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two space agencies.

In addition to this record-breaking achievement, Russia's space exploration endeavors are set to soar even higher. The country recently announced its mission to launch its first moon mission in nearly 50 years. This development showcases Russia's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and further establishing itself as a leading force in the international space industry.

As Oleg Kononenko's name is etched in history with his unprecedented record, Russia's enduring presence in space and its dedication to pushing the limits of human exploration continue to shape the future of space travel and inspire generations to come.