Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree conferring the title of Hero of Russia on Major General Esedulla Abachev and Colonel General Alexander Lapin.
RIA Novosti reports that the proposal to award the commander of the Center group and Esedulla Abachev and Colonel General Alexander Lapin came from Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
The agency notes that earlier the Ministry of Defense reported that the troops that closed the ring around Lisichansk were commanded by Lapin and Abachev.