The message reads, in part:
“The agency’s history goes back to the establishment of the legendary Sovinformburo on June 24, 1941. During the first days of the war, its personnel played a special role in the uncompromising struggle against the enemy, unfailingly performing their professional, civilian and human duty. The entire country listened to its programmes, such as the Sovinformburo Briefs and Letters from and to the Battlefront. Prominent journalists and correspondents, famous Soviet writers and journalists Ilya Erenburg and Mikhail Sholokhov, Alexei Tolstoy and Valentin Katayev considered it an honour to work for Sovinformburo. Their talented and convincing articles filled with genuine love for the Fatherland rallied and inspired people, reinforced their belief in their rightful cause, and boosted morale. Of course, we will never forget that it was from the announcement made by renowned newsreader Yury Levitan that our citizens learned about the final and long-awaited Victory.
It is commendable that the current personnel of the agency keep up the traditions of honest and selfless service to their profession. Rossiya Segodnya, which has brought together creative and competent professionals, is actively contributing to the country’s life and firmly holds the positions of one of the top leaders in the international information space.”