"Their life is a visible embodiment of the character and spirit of our people"

The Golden Stars of the Hero of Russia were awarded to the soldiers of the SVO on December 9 at a ceremony in the St. George's Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. The servicemen were awarded medals for their courage and heroism, among them those who defended the Belgorod region, liberated Zaporizhia and Kursk. Vladimir Putin traditionally addressed all those gathered at the ceremony — more than 200 Heroes of Russia and the Soviet Union — and congratulated them on Heroes of the Fatherland Day. Separately, the president stressed that the participants of the special operation worthily continue the traditions of military glory laid down by their ancestors.

The Kremlin welcomed the Heroes of Russia

For the second day in a row, St. George's Hall of the Kremlin Palace welcomes distinguished guests: the day before, the entire political elite of the country's leadership was here, and on December 9, Heroes of Russia and Heroes of the Soviet Union, as well as cavaliers of the Order of St. George and those awarded three or more orders of Courage. In total, more than 200 people were awarded for their exploits before the Fatherland, for their courage and heroism.

This event traditionally takes place on Heroes of the Fatherland Day. The tradition of honoring them was resumed on the instructions of the head of state in 2013. The date has deep historical roots and is timed to coincide with the holiday of the Russian Empire — St. George's Cavaliers Day, which was celebrated from 1769 to 1917.

— On Heroes of the Fatherland Day, we honor the great sons and daughters of Russia who performed outstanding deeds in the name of their native country, all those who, through their military and labor feats, dedication and bravery, set an example of true service to the Motherland. Their names are fanned with unfading glory. And here, in the St. George's Hall of the Kremlin, continuing the traditions laid down by Catherine the Great, bowing to all generations of heroes, we affirm and emphasize the continuity of the thousand—year history of our country," said Vladimir Putin.

Among the Heroes of Russia gathered in the hall, for example, was Damir Yusupov, a civil aviation pilot who made a successful emergency landing near Zhukovsky. Films have already been made about his story, and for a long time they even tried to involve him in politics. However, in an interview with Izvestia, he said that he was still faithful to his profession and admitted that he was glad to be present in the audience among other heroes. He evaluates his feat with restraint, but with pride. And I am grateful that people still remember the events of August 2019.

— We honor all those who, for their services, were awarded the titles of Heroes of Russia, Heroes of the Soviet Union, became a knight of the Order of St. George or the Order of Glory. Warriors, soldiers and officers, employees of special services and law enforcement agencies, pioneers, space explorers, pilots, polar explorers, doctors and representatives of peaceful professions who have committed heroic deeds — they all share a willingness to put the interests of the Motherland above all else. Their lives are a visible embodiment of the character, spirit of our people, and their inexhaustible strength," the head of state said.

To whom the President presented the awards

According to tradition, on this day, Vladimir Putin presented the Gold Star medals to the servicemen who showed heroism in the special operation zone in Ukraine. Now, at a difficult time for Russia, the country is once again convinced of how strong the traditions of military glory are, the president noted. Moreover, it is especially evident with what dignity they are continued by their contemporaries, including very young people fighting on the front line.

— From personal communication, I know that at the front they have become much more acutely aware of the spiritual, blood connection with their grandfathers and great-grandfathers, as never before, they feel this continuity and their responsibility for the legacy of their ancestors. Today, awards will be presented to military personnel awarded the title of Hero of Russia," the president said.

Among those who received the award is Lieutenant Colonel Pavel Endovitsky, under whose leadership the airborne assault company repelled attempts by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to invade the Belgorod region. The President also awarded Colonel-General Andrey Ivanaev, Commander of the Eastern Military District and Commander of the Vostok group of forces. The award was awarded to Sergeant Vitaly Kondratov, who, returning to the starting line during a combat mission, was attacked by six FPV attack drones and was seriously injured. However, he continued to move, despite the heavy loss of blood, and the combat vehicle was removed from under fire damage.

— I was wounded, yes, I already got it on the road. When I came back, I was already without an assault group, empty. I lost the gunner. Well, the car held up, by the way! Our equipment is good," Vitaly Kondratov told Izvestia.

The medal was also awarded to Captain Sergey Terziyan: he personally destroyed a large stronghold of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Other recipients include Major General Alexander Maidankin, whose units of the 127th Motorized Rifle Division of the 5th Guards Army of the Eastern Military District inflicted significant damage on enemy forces. The medal was awarded to Yevgeny Savvin, commander of the assault detachment of the 336th Guards Marine Brigade of the Baltic Fleet, and Lieutenant Colonel Denis Bukhanovsky, who distinguished themselves in the Zaporozhye and Kursk regions. Vladimir Putin also presented gold medals of Heroes of Russia to test pilots Viktor Minashkin, Leonid Chikunov and Andrey Shishov.

— I am pleased to present awards to test pilots who have dedicated themselves to the development of new types of military and civil aircraft. To make it clear to those who have not flown: only the hands move, the fingers only move. How is it possible in these conditions to rise, descend, rise, descend, still strike, and even descend to such a height, which becomes dangerous from the point of view of the enemy's air defense systems? It's just unbelievable, it's unbelievable," the president remarked.

Sergeant Nikita Afanasyev was posthumously awarded the Hero of Russia Star. The Gold Star medal was presented by the head of state to Sergeant Tatyana Afanasyeva's mother and Marina Borodina's widow.