Putin presented Gold Star medals to Heroes of Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, December 9, presented Gold Star medals to military men awarded the title of Heroes of Russia in the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

The ceremony is timed to coincide with the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland.

The medal was awarded to Major Sergei Selivanov, whose unit, under his command and participation, captured eight strongholds of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). In addition, the Russian military captured enemy armored vehicles and captured militants. This helped the Russian army advance on the line of contact and prepared a bridgehead for the continuation of the offensive.

The President awarded Warrant Officer Artem Prokhoda, who distinguished himself when storming an enemy stronghold in an important tactical direction. In addition, the medal was awarded to Lieutenant Denis Raspopov, who commanded a tank crew that destroyed an armored personnel carrier (APC), a mortar crew and over 10 AFU fighters. Thanks to this, a gap was created in the enemy's defense.

Putin awarded the "Gold Star" to Private Alexei Asylkhanov, who stood out for having destroyed 15 tanks, 50 armored combat vehicles and a large number of enemy soldiers during the special operation to protect Donbass. The head of state awarded Captain Valery Enin. A squad of storm troopers under his command took a dominant height on an important part of the offensive. In addition, during the attack by the AFU Enin himself destroyed two drones and more than 10 enemy soldiers.

The President also awarded Colonel Dmitry Sablin, commander of the BARS "Kaskad" volunteer aerial reconnaissance unit and GROM "Kaskad" unmanned aviation brigade of the Russian Air and Space Forces.

The ceremony was attended by more than 300 servicemen who showed courage and heroism.

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At the award ceremony that day, Putin said that Russia will continue to rely on the heroes of special operations as the country's elite. Military men of the Russian Army are reliable and brave people, they put service to the Motherland above all else. These qualities, as the head of state noted, are important not only in the military, but also in civilian service. The President reminded that a special personnel training program "Time of Heroes" is working for the participants of the special operation.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the beginning of which was announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the worsening situation in the region.