Putin Awards Hero of Russia Title to Corporal Andrei Grigoriev for Defeating Ukrainian Soldier in Hand-to-Hand Combat

Jan 11, 2025, 02:04 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded the Hero of Russia title to Corporal Andrei Grigoriev from Yakutia for his courage and heroism displayed during a hand-to-hand combat incident with a Ukrainian soldier. The incident, which gained widespread attention after a video was shared online, showed Grigoriev defeating and killing a Ukrainian soldier in a knife fight. The event occurred during a Ukrainian attempt to counterattack the village of Trudovoye in the Donetsk People's Republic. Grigoriev, a member of the 39th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, was also honored by the head of Yakutia, Aisen Nikolaev, who presented him with a new Yakut knife inscribed with 'Protect our Russia.' The recognition comes after Grigoriev's actions were highlighted in social media and various media outlets, with the Kremlin emphasizing his bravery in fulfilling his military duty.