Russia’s President Putin attends an awarding ceremony in Moscow

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin attends a ceremony to present Gold Star medals to service members, bearing the title of Hero of Russia and involved in the country’s military campaign in Ukraine, on the eve of Heroes of the Fatherland Day at the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, December 8, 2023. Sputnik/Valeriy Sharifulin/Pool via REUTERS