Putin awards top general with ‘Order of Courage’

Valery Gerasimov, who has led the Russian troops in the Ukraine conflict since 2023, received the decoration for “bravery and selflessness”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded Chief of the General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov, the ‘Order of Courage,’ according to a presidential decree published on Tuesday. The state decoration, established in 1994, recognizes selfless acts of courage and valor.

The official notice said the award was given to Gerasimov “for courage, bravery and selflessness shown in the performance of military duty.”

The 70-year-old general has headed the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces since 2012 and also serves as First Deputy Minister of Defense. Since 2023, he has commanded the Joint Group of Russian troops fighting Ukrainian forces.

Commenting on the campaign in late August, Gerasimov said the “strategic initiative” now rests “entirely with the Russian troops,” while Kiev has been forced to shift its most combat-ready units “from one crisis direction to another to plug holes.” Russian forces are carrying out a “non-stop offensive” across almost the entire front line and will continue this course through autumn, according to the commander.

Gerasimov has held the ‘Hero of Russia’ title since 2016. He has also received numerous decorations, including the Order of St. George, 3rd degree (2017), the Order of St. George, 4th degree (2015), and the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland,” 1st degree (2021).

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