Chairman of the United Russia political party, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev and Presidential Aide, Secretary of the Council for Culture and Arts, First Secretary of the Union of Writers of Russia Vladimir Medinsky took part in the ceremony of commemorative cancellation of four postage stamps dedicated to the 100th birthday anniversaries of war veteran writers Konstantin Vanshenkin, Yevgeny Nosov, Yevgeny Vinokurov and director and screenwriter Pyotr Todorovsky.
The ceremony was also attended by Secretary of the General Council of the United Russia party, First Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Vladimir Yakushev, as well as writers and poets who participated in the special military operation; members of the Union of Writers of Russia Dmitry Artis, Mikhail Dushin, Dmitry Filippov; Hero of Russia Maxim Bakharev; poetess Anna Revyakina; poet and essayist Igor Karaulov; war correspondent Semyon Pegov.
“This ceremony is dedicated to those who were bringing Victory in the Great Patriotic War closer and, after it ended, put their experiences and thoughts about the tragedy that befell our country and the whole world into words. This work to preserve historical memory is extremely important,” Dmitry Medvedev noted in his opening remarks.
Following the ceremony, Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Medinsky met with writers in an informal and warm atmosphere over a cup of tea, where they engaged in a meaningful discussion on key challenges facing the literarture sector. The conversation touched upon the development of children’s literature, pricing in the book market, the promotion of contemporary Russian poetry abroad – both in neighbouring countries and farther afield – and the urgent need to strengthen the institution of literary translation. Focus was also given to creating a dedicated platform under the auspices of United Russia and the Union of Writers of Russia, where authors could share their works about the heroes of the special military operation and the courage of civilians.
Vladimir Medinsky highlighted the pressing need to support and expand the network of bookshops across the country, proposing measures such as granting them access to cultural venues at preferential rental rates. The participants also underscored the importance of organising a national forum for patriotic forces.
Relevant instructions will be issued following the meeting.