The message reads, in part:
“You rightly belong in the brilliant constellation of true professionals and champions who dedicated themselves to their chosen vocation, to the public, and the Fatherland. Throughout the stages of your demanding work as the Commander of the Aerospace Forces, you always demonstrated exceptional competence, management talent, and effective problem-solving skills. Your immense contribution to the development of the rocket and space potential, and the strengthening of the country’s defence capability deserve most sincere respect. It serves as a remarkable and inspiring example to the younger generation of officers.
Certainly, it is deeply symbolic that, in recognition of your service and achievements for the state, namely in the development of the Soviet and Russian space industry, in the year when we celebrate the anniversary of the first human space flight, you received a prestigious state award, the Order of Yuri Gagarin, established in honour of our outstanding fellow citizen who paved the way to the stars for the entire humanity.”