DUHANBE, August 8, 2014, Asia-Plus -- Rossiya Segodnya , a massive state-run media conglomerate, is expected to open a bureau in Dushanbe.

RFE/RL''s Tajik Service reports that Rossiya Segodnya (Russia Today) -- whose mission is to cover Russian state policy and public life for foreign audiences -- will also launch a news website in the Tajik language.

A Dushanbe-based journalist, who says she was recently hired by the agency, said on condition of anonymity that Russia Today is planning to hire up to 25 reporters and other media workers across Tajikistan.

It currently employs two reporters in the former Soviet republic.

The journalist said the news agency is in negotiations with Tajik authorities to officially register its office in Dushanbe.

The agency''s spokesperson in Moscow declined to comment.

Rossiya Segodnya replaced Russia''s major state-run news agency RIA Novosti, which was dissolved by President Vladimir Putin in December.

Controversial pro-Kremlin TV personality Dmitry Kiselyov was appointed to lead the agency.