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The message reads, in part:

“This prestigious award serves to bring talented works to a wider readership, to strengthen the standing of our recognised masters, and to give a vital start to promising young authors.

Today, the Union of Russian Writers plays a key role in uniting our national literary community and shaping a literary process worthy of our era. The state and our writers are working in partnership to address the challenges facing the nation, and I am particularly pleased to note that, in this Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, the Slovo National Literary Award is honouring not only writers but also literary translators, with prizes for works translated from Tatar, Bashkir, Yakut, and Avar. The writings of authors from our many ethnic groups fully reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity, while at the same time underscoring the unity of our shared ideals and values.

It is also gratifying to see that this year’s finalists include books about the special military operation. It is important for the audience to read our writers’ powerful and vivid accounts of our heroes, their courage, and their strength of character.

I am confident that this year’s award ceremony will be conducted in a warm and collegial spirit and will remain a memorable occasion for all participants and guests.”