In this handout photo released by the Russian Defence Ministry, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and Captain Evgeny Melnik, right, awarded the Gold Star medal of Hero of Russia and the honorary weapon for courage and heroism displayed during the special military operation in Ukraine, pose for a photo during the awarding ceremony, in Moscow, Russia.

25.11.2025#9053987

In this handout photo released by the Russian Defence Ministry, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov presents the Gold Star medal of Hero of Russia and the honorary weapon to Lieutenant Colonel Khantemir Sultanov, left, who displayed courage and heroism during the special military operation in Ukraine, in Moscow, Russia.

25.11.2025#9053986

In this handout photo released by the Russian Defence Ministry, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov presents the Gold Star medal of Hero of Russia to Captain Evgeny Melnik, left, who displayed courage and heroism during the special military operation in Ukraine, in Moscow, Russia.

25.11.2025#9053985

In this handout photo released by the Russian Defence Ministry, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and Sergeant Yegor Nikolaev, right, awarded the Gold Star medal of Hero of Russia for courage and heroism displayed during the special military operation in Ukraine, pose for a photo during the awarding ceremony, in Moscow, Russia.

25.11.2025#9053984

In this handout photo released by the Russian Defence Ministry, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov presents the Gold Star medal of Hero of Russia to Sergeant Yegor Nikolaev, left, who displayed courage and heroism during the special military operation in Ukraine, in Moscow, Russia.

25.11.2025#9053983