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PUTIN’S ‘Hero of Russia’ has been killed in Kursk merely weeks after being awarded the top military medal by Vlad.
Marat Tibilov, the commander of the National Guard of Russia, was reportedly killed by Ukrainian forces during a combat mission in Kursk.
Tibilov, a celebrated figure within Russia’s army, was personally bestowed the country’s highest honor by Putin last month alongside ten others.
He received the award for repelling Ukrainian attacks in the Kursk region between February 5 and February 8 this year.
At the time, he told pro-Kremlin media: “This is the merit of my entire unit.
“Our unit carried out tasks from the 5th to the 8th in repelling counterattacks on the settlements of Berdino, Rozgrebli, Novosotnitskoye.”
Tibilov had been fighting for Russia since the first day of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
He was commander of a special forces group known as the Rosgvardiya, which is separate from the main army.
This elite battalion is responsible for internal law enforcement, couter-terrorism and riot control.
There has been fierce fighting in Kursk over the past few weeks as Russia tries to force out Ukraine from the remaining territory they hold.
What is the Hero of Russia?
THE “Hero of Russia” is the highest honorary title awarded by the Russian Federation.
It is bestowed for exception courage and bravery, usually demonstrated during service for the state.
The accolade a recognised by a gold star medal.
The title, established in 1992, can be awarded during a recipient’s lifetime or after death.
As of 2015, it had been awarded about 970 times – so that figure is now likely to be much higher.
Anyone from scientists and soldiers to politicians and officials can receive the award.
Ukraine grabbed the chunk of land off Russia in August 2024, and it is considered a valuable bargaining chip in negotiations.
However, repeated major Russian offensives have now all but removed Ukrainian forces from the region.
Putin personally visited the frontline in Kursk earlier this month to gee up his tired forces.
Moscow ramped up pressure particularly after Trump’s fallout with Zelensky in the White House.
The US temporarily withdrew military aid and halted sharing intelligence with Ukraine, leaving them “blinding”.
Russia sensed it could exploit the moment, so hammered Ukraine’s supply lines with drones and cut bridges into the occupies territory.
Open source maps show the territory controlled by Ukraine has shrunk to less than a third of what they seized in August.
The area has also been a testing ground for North Korean troops fighting for Russia.
Waves of the Kim’s troops on quadbikes were this month wiped out by Ukrainian drones, as captured in dramatic footage.
