Putin awards Hero of Russia medal to family of fallen Su-25 pilot

Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 23 personally awarded the Hero of Russia medal to the wife and parents of pilot Roman Filippov, who died when his Su-25 attack plane was shot down by rebels in Syria, according toSputnik.

"The spirit of readiness to fight to the end and sacrifice for the sake of the nation is the greatest manifestation of courage, heroism and loyalty to the Fatherland," the Russian President said at the award ceremony held to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Soviet Red Army..

Mr. Putin also took the opportunity to thank all Russian soldiers who participated in the military campaign in Syria for their courage in the fight against rebel groups.

Major Filipov's Su-25 attack aircraft was shot down by Syrian rebels with a shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile on February 3 in Idlib province, Syria, forcing him to parachute. He fought to the end to fight the rebels and used a grenade to kill himself to avoid falling into enemy hands.

Filipov was born on August 13, 1984 in Voronhez, in a family with a tradition of military pilots.During his military service, Filipov was considered a good and experienced pilot, holding the positions of chief pilot and deputy commander of the attack squadron of the Eastern Military District.