Russian President Vladimir Putin personally awarded the "Hero of Russia" order to 21-year-old Russian soldier Sergei Yarashev, who defended his position alone for 68 days, repelling attacks by Ukrainian forces.

During one assault, Yarashev was the first to enter the Ukrainian defensive lines and destroy their firing positions. After being separated from the main Russian forces, he spent two months transmitting intelligence information and repelling multiple Ukrainian assault groups, while ammunition and food were delivered to him by drones.

His exceptional endurance and courage made him worthy of Russia's highest individual military honor - an order rarely awarded to soldiers as young as him.