Russian Media Group summed up the year’s patriotic projects at the National Centre RUSSIA

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The results of Russian Media Group’s patriotic projects for 2025 were summed up on 28 November at the National Centre RUSSIA during a press breakfast. The participants honoured artists who had repeatedly travelled on a voluntary basis to the zone of hostilities with performances and humanitarian missions to hospitals and the front line, supported workers of defence-industry enterprises in the rear, and helped families of service personnel. For their patriotic work and active civic stance, all of them received high state decorations, including the Medal "For Contributions to Culture and the Arts", the Order "For Contributions to Culture and the Arts", the Order of Friendship and the Order "For Services to the Fatherland".

"For us the most important point is that, unlike the so-called 'wait-and-see artists' and those who have left, there is another category of performers who take part in these projects for free. I am certain that for all the artists gathered here today it would be insulting to ask how much they were paid to come. And no matter how we are criticised or how many bots and paid bloggers are directed at us, the clearest confirmation of our work and of our truth is that the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the country has awarded the artists present here and members of the media group with high state decorations," said music producer and founder of the group "Zemlyane", Vladimir Kiselev. 

Representatives of Russian Media Group spoke about key milestones in the patriotic projects. In particular, they highlighted the significance of the joint initiative of the media group and RT, "Songs and Films for Our Heroes", within which numerous events have already taken place both in the rear and on the front line.

"For us these are not just concerts, but a call of the heart, and, however it may sound, it is our civic duty at a difficult time for our country. I would also like to note that service personnel are supported not only by music, but also by children's letters, humanitarian aid, media reports, theatre productions and much more. I would particularly highlight cinema, which is an essential part of any country's ideology — a powerful language capable of inspiring love for one’s country and respect for its history and its heroes, and an important lesson for the younger generation. And the warm responses and impressions we receive only confirm that we are doing very important and necessary work," said singer and member of the Board of Directors of Russian Media Group, Yelena Sever.

Over the past year, 13 patriotic concerts have become part of Russian Media Group’s projects. Board member Yury Kiselev spoke about how these and other events take place.

"Artists and organisers of patriotic events sometimes risk their lives when travelling to the front line for various reasons. And the highest state decoration awarded to our media group is, in my view, well-deserved. I congratulate all my colleagues and the artists, and I believe that this is further proof that we are on the right path and that art is now more important than ever in shaping the understanding that our country is united. We are very pleased to be the flagships of this movement," said Yury Kiselev. 

Rock musician, singer, composer, and Honoured Artist of the Russian Federation, Alexander Marshal, noted that as someone born in the USSR he could never have imagined the possibility of the events unfolding today.

"Those who, at the start of the special military operation, posted 'black squares' with 'No to war' on social media had never been to Donbass and did not know what had been happening there all these years. Therefore, there is no point talking about them: they left — and that is that. And I am glad that our country has those who love it sincerely and genuinely. Our service personnel on the front line are the best people in the world. Therefore, victory will be ours — we simply have no other option. And I am very grateful to my fellow artists that we stand together," said Alexander Marshal.

Actress and singer Anna Semenovich has hosted the programme "Dembelsky Album" ("The Discharge Album") on "Russkoe Radio" ("Russian Radio") for more than 12 years.

"I am happy to be, one might say, part of the family of Russian Media Group and to take part in the wonderful events it creates. You cannot imagine how happy the eyes of the young men in the wards are when you walk in and give them even just a few minutes of your time, talk to them, bring gifts. And you realise how important it is when a public media figure leads such an active, kind, and patriotic life and work. And, of course, many thanks to 'Russkoe Radio' for the excellent programme 'Dembelsky Album', which supports both the families of service personnel and the morale of the fighters themselves when they hear musical greetings from their loved ones on the radio," said Anna Semenovich.

The participants noted that the more prominent an artist is, the more important it becomes to speak to compatriots sincerely, not for show or self-promotion, but from the heart.

"We have already made our choice. We are with our country and with our people, so there is no desire to talk much. Everything has already been said, and we prove not with words but with actions that we have always been and will remain with our country and with the guys who are there. My immense gratitude goes to each person individually for staying with the country in a difficult moment. I wish everyone happiness and health, and I hope that everything will be all right," said singer, producer and People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, Grigory Leps. 

Musician, actor and producer Roman Arkhipov said that from the very beginning of his musical career he had performed for the country, and he emphasised the importance of continuity between generations in developing a sense of pride among young people for their national identity.

"Those on the front line are young guys just like me, and supporting them means paying tribute to the motherland. Every man should do this, and every woman should support her men. At one point it felt as though the bridge between generations had collapsed, and even I, when I was a child, thought that everything Russian was just ‘for old ladies’. But the events of recent years have opened my eyes to many things. I believe that the present time is becoming a kind of renaissance for our country. We realise that being Russian is cool. We have depth, soul, culture, and unity, and we are fighting now for the right to speak about this proudly," said Roman Arkhipov.

The meeting was moderated by presenter of "Russkoe Radio", Maksim Privalov. He shared his view on the mission of artists in present circumstances and explained what he believes to be the main strength of art in difficult times.

"We are, in a way, comforters. Because when you arrive to see these people, see their frightened and confused eyes, and say: 'Everything will be all right, just believe it', the most important thing is born in them — hope and confidence. This is the essence of what we try to convey through our projects," concluded Maksim Privalov.

Russian Media Group is one of the largest domestic media holdings, comprising five radio stations: "Russkoe Radio", Monte Carlo, Hit FM, DFM and Radio MAXIMUM, as well as the music television channel RU.TV.

Russian Media Group represents different musical genres and targets diverse audiences, which allows the holding to maintain a leading position in the market. According to data for 2024, more than 33.8 million people across the country listen to the music broadcast on Russian Media Group’s radio stations. In addition, the holding organises large-scale concerts and festivals in Russia and abroad every year.