Putin presents awards to soldiers for Ukraine offensive
President Vladimir Putin hands out Golden Star medals to over 200 Russian soldiers and civilians "who have shown special courage and heroism" during the Ukraine offensive, according to the Kremlin's press service.
The recipients of the award are also given the country's highest honorary title of Hero of the Russian Federation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that for him personally and for all residents of the country every fighter on the frontline of the special operation is a hero.
"The highest state awards will be presented today to the servicemen who showed exceptional valour and courage during the special military operation and were bestowed the title of Hero of Russia. I sincerely thank you for your service to the Fatherland, for your loyalty to the ideals that have always, at all times, united Russia. I also want to address those who are on the front line: For me, for all our fellow citizens, each of you is a hero. I really want you to feel the warmth of our hearts, the warmth of this truly nationwide support," Putin said.
He said, in general, heroism is based on love for the Motherland and a profound sense of military, civil, professional duty as well as a clear internal understanding of how to build one's life, what values to defend and protect and how to act in difficult, extreme situations.
