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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,

Exactly 100 years ago, on May 24, 1925, the first issue of Komsomolskaya Pravda appeared. I would like to congratulate the team of the legendary newspaper, your veteran workers, and, of course, your vast and loyal audience on this important date, on its birthday.

Like millions of people, I like your optimism and fresh perspective. I also appreciate your patriotic stance and commitment to always staying together with your country and people.

Komsomolskaya Pravda’s reports span an entire century of Russian history, marked by its great achievements and triumphs, as well as its intense trials and hardships. The newspaper’s pages have featured the works of renowned publicists, celebrated writers, and poets. Time and again, Komsomolskaya Pravda inspired pioneers and dreamers, becoming a driving force behind grand initiatives.

Your correspondents were always at the forefront of events, reporting on the sweeping industrialisation of the country, the construction of the DniproHES (the Dnieper Hydroelectric Power Station), Magnitka (Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works, MMK), the Moscow and Gorky automobile plants, the Baikal-Amur Mainline, and other major infrastructure and industrial projects.

We honour the heroism of Komsomolskaya Pravda journalists during the Great Patriotic War, their courage and unwavering commitment to duty, whether on the battlefield or working in the rear. They stood shoulder to shoulder with soldiers, capturing the harsh reality of war through pen and lens, preserving a living chronicle of Victory. It is only fitting that, for its exceptional service to the Fatherland, Komsomolskaya Pravda was honoured with the Order of the Patriotic War, I degree – like a true combat newspaper.

Today, Komsomolskaya Pravda’s military correspondents are on the frontlines, next to our fighters and commanders. They have been risking their lives since the very first day of the special military operation to tell the truth about Russia fighting for its future and the efforts to restore cities and villages in Donbass and Novorossiya.

Thank you for your professionalism, for supporting the volunteer movement, for helping the front and civilians, and for always writing about Russian soldiers and their feat in the name of the Fatherland.

This attention to people – their destinies, lives, emotions, and aspirations – has always been a defining trait of Komsomolskaya Pravda journalists. Through different political eras, including the most turbulent times, they have consistently strived for justice, defending the truth. This is why the newspaper has always had a distinctive social edge, addressing vital issues and public initiatives and ideas.

Today, you continue to develop your best traditions. Vladimir Sungorkin, who led the newspaper for 25 years, has largely contributed to this. Komsomolskaya Pravda remains one of the most popular newspapers in mass circulation both in Russia and in former Soviet republics.

It is most remarkable that despite its rich and lengthy history, Komsomolskaya Pravda remains youthful in spirit, dynamic, bold, and in tune with the times. Alongside its print editions, it continues to expand into new platforms, successfully developing radio, social media, and digital projects, mastering the modern digital space.

Congratulations once again on your anniversary. All the best to you.