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The recipients of orders, medals and honorary titles included military service members, cosmonauts, representatives of public and religious organisations, public officials, musicians, journalists, mothers of many children, as well as healthcare, culture, education and industry workers.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, friends, good afternoon.

I welcome you all to the Kremlin and to this solemn ceremony. I am pleased to present you with high state awards.

The tradition of honouring outstanding citizens is evidence of public recognition of your talent and achievements in labour or art. Your heroic deeds in the name of freedom, independence and the future of Russia are a source of pride and deep gratitude.

We have recently celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War together. This entire milestone year is dedicated to the defenders of the Fatherland, the heroic generation of our World War Two veterans, who triumphed over Nazism, endured bitter trials, and showed unprecedented fortitude. And of course, this holiday also honours their glorious successors, who are fulfilling their duty valiantly on the most challenging and critical frontiers, bravely defending their native land and fighting for the lives of service members and civilians alike.

Among them are Lyudmila Bolilaya, a servicewoman of the Ministry of Defence, and Vladimir Kharlan, the chief physician of a district hospital in the Kherson Region. Both of them will be decorated with the Hero of Russia Gold Star medals today.

Several members of our brilliant cosmonaut squad are here at the Kremlin with us today. Your work involves cutting-edge research and the implementation of the most inspiring breakthrough projects – and, not least, challenges, risks, and difficult tests. Konstantin Borisov, Alexander Grebyonkin and Nikolai Chub have been awarded the title of Hero of Russia and the honorary title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation.

We pay tribute to peaceful development and active participation in the life of Russia. The Hero of Labour Star is awarded to statesman and public figure, State Duma Deputy Nikolai Kharitonov, whose extensive work has been dedicated to the advancement of our regions, domestic agriculture, and other vital sectors.

The high symbol of labour valour is also bestowed upon Rinat Galeyev, head of an enterprise that manufactures critically important, high-tech radio communication systems.

We welcome Honorary President of the Russian Olympic Committee Vitaly Smirnov. He has rightfully become a Hero of Labour due to his immense contribution to the development of elite sports and the promotion of the true ideals of Olympism.

Strong family foundations and traditional values are the steadfast pillars of our thousand-year statehood and a reliable moral compass for all generations, society, and the youth.

Today, we are joined by Maria Ilyashenko and Irina Ilyashenko. They represent different generations of one large, multi-child family. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law have devoted themselves to raising children, and each has rightfully earned the title of Mother Heroine.

The talent, knowledge, experience, and intellect of Russia’s chief diplomat, Sergei Lavrov, have earned him unwavering respect both in our country and around the world, among friends and, as we say, so-called geopolitical opponents. This recognition is based on his steadfast devotion to Russia, his readiness to resolutely defend its interests in any circumstances, and his many years of immense, complex, and tireless service to the Fatherland. Sergei Lavrov has been awarded one of our highest honours – the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called.

Friends, today’s most crucial task is the preservation of our people, their culture and spirituality, and the finest educational and enlightenment traditions. The State Historical Museum and its director, Alexei Levykin, exemplify such efforts.

Among the participants of our solemn ceremony are representatives of industry, healthcare, and education, as well as renowned artists and musicians.

All of you are masters of your craft, people of great courage and remarkable talent. The state awards and public recognition serve as an important testament that you – and those like you – are indispensable to Russia. Together with millions of such hardworking individuals, creators, and heroes, as a united people and, as recently stated during a meeting with volunteers in Kursk, as one team, we will overcome any challenge and rise to any task.

I wholeheartedly congratulate you. I wish you new successes and victories, good health, and all the very best.

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Vladimir Putin: Friends,

Just now, speaking here, one of the awardees – a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church, whom we affectionately and respectfully refer to as “Father” – said very important words. He spoke of how essential it is to love the Fatherland, to learn to love the Motherland, and to teach others to love it, above all by instilling this love in young people. But the best way, the best method, the best tool to teach anything is by personal example. And this is the example you set. For this, we thank you profoundly.

I congratulate you on these honours bestowed by the Motherland.