Russian → English transcript

It will be our channel's anniversary. You know, right now it's…

Russia Today has become a major holding company.

Of course, they wanted to crush us, but they couldn't.

We're still operating; people still watch us, they still love us.

What would you like to tell us?

You know, to be honest,

When the very idea of creating Russia Today came about,

I didn't imagine it would take on such proportions,

such quality, and develop the way it has.

And I congratulate you on that.

Why did I have doubts?

Well, because fitting into the established system

of the world's mass media is not easy.

And then, unexpectedly for me — I'll be frank,

Russia Today found a particular niche, its own place.

And, surprisingly, surprisingly, millions of people on the planet

are watching and listening more and more,

they pay attention to what you and your colleagues do on this channel.

And I often find myself wondering, even asking myself,

why this happens?

And the answer, actually, is simple:

because you, despite the pressure

that is exerted on the journalists of Russia Today,

and all kinds of bans and sanctions,

and administrative and financial restrictions,

you say what you think.

And this very often does not correspond

to the so-called global media mainstream.

But it is precisely this, and the professionalism

with which you present that information,

the sincerity with which you do it,

and the truthfulness perceived by your viewers,

the reliability of the information you provide,

objectivity — it wins people over.

And the audience is growing quickly.

And first of all, I congratulate you on that.

Regarding my wishes, I wish you to act

in the same way in the future,

and to bring your position to millions of people around the world,

your position on the key issues of the international agenda.

But I think this is the whole purpose of your work and your life.

And I congratulate you on your achievements.

Thanks to Alexey Dubrovsky for the subtitles