In a recent development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to award state honors to Russians released from Western detention.
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Speaking to the returning citizens at Moscow's Vnukovo-2 airport, Putin personally greeted them and promised formal recognitions for their service, according to Tass.
“Each of you will be proposed for state awards,” Putin declared. State awards are formal recognitions or medals given by the government to acknowledge significant contributions or sacrifices.
Putin, addressing the group at the airport's governmental terminal, extended his congratulations: "We will meet again to discuss your future. For now, I just want to congratulate you on your return home."
Congratulated on Return to Motherland
The Russian president praised the returning citizens for their loyalty to their oaths and their country. "I want to congratulate everyone on your return to the motherland," he said. "I particularly want to thank those of you with military service backgrounds for your loyalty to your oath, your duty, and the homeland, which never forgot you for a moment."
The solemn event was marked by Putin's personal presence at the foot of the aircraft's stairs, alongside an honor guard lining the red carpet. Nearly forty soldiers from the Presidential Regiment were present to welcome the returning citizens who had been imprisoned in Western countries.
Putin's gesture underscores the importance the Russian government places on the returnees' loyalty and their service, framing their release as a victory and a reaffirmation of their patriotism.
