Kadyrov called Putin's speech at the awards ceremony a signal to detractors in the West

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a direct signal to his detractors in the West when he delivered a speech at the ceremony of awarding the Gold Star medal to the Heroes of Russia. Chechen head Ramzan Kadyrov said on December 10.

"In his speech, the president noted that today we honor all those who in different times and epochs defended the freedom and independence of the state, defended our right to determine our own destiny. <...> I fully support what the national leader said and want to add that the unity and cohesion of the peoples of Russia is the guarantee of our strength," he noted in his Telegram channel.

The Chechen politician said that the fact that Russia is feared and respected is a merit of the Russian leader.

"Today Russia is feared and respected all over the world. Undoubtedly, this is the merit of Vladimir Vladimirovich. He outlined clear priorities and gave a clear signal to all detractors that he will not allow to undermine the integrity and sovereignty of the country," Kadyrov added.

A matter of honor: Putin awarded Heroes of Russia with the Gold Star medal

Who was awarded the insignia and whom the president called the true elite of the country

Earlier, on December 9, the head of state presented Gold Star medals to military men awarded the title of Hero of Russia in the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. The ceremony was timed to coincide with the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland. More than 300 servicemen attended the ceremony.

At the awarding ceremony, Putin said that Russia will continue to rely on the heroes of special operations as the country's elite. The military men of the Russian Army are reliable and brave people, they put service to the Motherland above all else, the president said. He also reminded that a special personnel training program "Time of Heroes" is working for the special operation participants.