Russian prisoner awarded Suvorov Medal for "courage" in Ukraine war

A participant in Russia’s war against Ukraine who is being held in a pre-trial detention centre in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area was presented with a state award, although the criminal charges against him have not been disclosed.

The award was presented at Detention Centre No. 1 of Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area–Yugra. According to the message by the regional penitentiary service, the man is serving a sentence in the facility’s maintenance unit.

“Previously, the citizen took part in the ‘special military operation.’ For personal courage and bravery demonstrated during combat operations, he was nominated for the Suvorov Medal. In a ceremonial setting, the award was presented to the man by Alexei Nikiforov, deputy military commissar of the area,” the Khanty-Mansi regional branch of Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service said.

Relatives of the recipient and representatives of the detention center’s administration attended the ceremony, the agency added.

The statement did not identify the man or specify the article of the Criminal Code under which he is being held.

The Medal of Suvorov is a state decoration of the Russian Federation established in 1994. It is primarily awarded to ground forces personnel for personal courage and bravery demonstrated in defending the country, during combat duty, military exercises or while performing military service.

By Tamilla Hasanova