Support The Moscow Times!

Putin Gives Lavrov a Medal on His Birthday

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

President Vladimir Putin on Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's birthday issued a decree giving him a medal for outstanding achievements in foreign policy.

The medal is an order for service to the fatherland, awarded in part for Lavrov's many years of service as a diplomat, according to a copy of the decree posted on the state legal information website.

Lavrov, Russia's top diplomat, turned 65 years old on Saturday. He has been foreign minister for more than a decade.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, also awarded Lavrov one of the Church's highest honors, the order of Sergius of Radonezh, state news agency TASS reported Monday.

"I know you as a man with strict moral principles, an active patriot who remains faithful to his duty," the patriarch was quoted as saying.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more