Putin called it a great honor to award symbols of Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a ceremony in the Kremlin on December 12 that he was honored to award those who have been a symbol of the country for decades.

"It is a great honor for me to award all of you, and especially those <...> who for decades have been a symbol of our country and have done things that we all enjoyed and were proud of. I mean, for example, the work of Alexandra Nikolaevna Pakhmutova or our outstanding hockey players," the head of state said.

The President also noted that he was happy to reward people who move the country forward.

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

December 12, Vladimir Putin presented state awards to outstanding Russians in the Catherine Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. The ceremony was attended by more than 30 people awarded orders, medals and honorary titles.