Putin Awards Order of Courage to Russian General Gerasimov amid ICC Arrest Warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded the prestigious Order of Courage to Army General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian General Staff and commander of the war in Ukraine, in recognition of his "courage, bravery, and dedication" in military duties. Gerasimov, who turned 70, is considered the architect of Russia's modern warfare strategy, having played key roles in the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia's intervention in Syria, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Despite facing sharp criticism from Russian military bloggers over early setbacks in the Ukraine war, Putin’s decoration signals continued confidence in Gerasimov’s leadership and his status within the Kremlin. The award comes amid international controversy, as the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against Gerasimov for alleged war crimes, including missile strikes on civilian infrastructure, and the United States has sanctioned him for his role in the invasion. Russia denies targeting civilians and criticizes the ICC's actions as politically motivated, while framing Gerasimov's recognition as a symbol of resilience against Western pressure. This event underscores the Kremlin's resolve to maintain its military leadership despite international legal and diplomatic challenges.