Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday awarded an Order of Courage to Russia’s top commander, Army General Valery Gerasimov.
Gerasimov is the commander of Russia’s full-fledged invasion of Ukraine. Being appointed by Putin to lead the Ukraine campaign in January 2023, Gerasimov has been issued an arrest warrant by the International Court for alleged crimes against humanity. He was decorated on Monday as he turned 70. According to a decree published on Russia's official legal acts website, the Order of Courage was given to Gerasimov "for courage, bravery, and dedication displayed in the fulfilment of military duty”.
Gerasimov was sanctioned by the United States the day after the Russian February 24, 2022. Apart from facing Western sanctions, Gerasimov is also subject to criticism at home due to setbacks and retreats within the Russian army.
