President Putin honors pilot major killed in Syria
In the Kremlin's St. Georgy Hall, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded the Hero of Russia Gold Star medal to the relatives of fallen fighter pilot Major Filipov, who died in Syria, along with other state awards.
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| Russian President Putin. Photo: Sputnik |
President Putin expressed his gratitude to all those who took part in the operation in Syria.
“Our soldiers have proven themselves ready to tackle the most difficult tasks in Syria.Acting boldly, resolutely and courageously, they helped the Syrian army defeat large, well-equipped terrorist groups," Putin said at the state award ceremony in the Kremlin.
He thanked all those who took part "in this complex operation, in real combat conditions they demonstrated military skill, showed heroism, courage, and bravery."
"Guards Major Roman Filipov was a brave soldier, a real officer," the President said, stressing that heroes always strive to be with the best and are true companions of their colleagues.
Mr. Putin emphasized that martyr Filipov had an unequal battle with terrorists, but he did not give up and did not surrender."We have every right to compare him with the heroes who defended the Brest fortress, the defenders of Moscow, Stalingrad, because regardless of the historical context, regardless of the time we live in, each person's earthly life is only one. If a person is ready to go to the end, to sacrifice himself for the benefit of the people, then this is the highest manifestation of courage, heroism, loyalty to the homeland," - the Russian President said.
The Su-25 attack aircraft piloted by Major Roman Filipov was shot down on February 3 while flying over the airspace of the "de-escalation" zone of Idlib province.
The officer managed to save the plane and report the attack on the Su-25 to the command post. Filipov parachuted but died in the battle with the terrorists, pulling the key to a grenade and committing suicide while surrounded by militants. He died, leaving behind his wife and four-year-old daughter.