President Vladimir Putin has conferred the prestigious title of Hero of Russia upon First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, marking a significant recognition of his contributions to the nation. The announcement came from various officials, notably Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who shared the news on Telegram while also extending personal birthday wishes to Manturov. The Hero of Russia title is the highest honor in the country, typically awarded for acts of bravery in military service.

The accolade to Manturov is said to be linked to achievements within Russia’s defense industry, particularly those highlighted during the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine. Sources from government-associated Telegram channels claimed that his contributions have been instrumental in showcasing Russia's defense capabilities both domestically and internationally. However, it is worth noting that an official presidential decree confirming this honor had not yet been published as of Wednesday evening, leaving some questions regarding the verification of this award.

The timing of this award coincides with several high-profile meetings, including a gathering of Russia’s National Guard (Rosgvardia), which may suggest that the recognition is part of a broader narrative aimed at boosting morale among military and defense leaders. This recognition is not only a personal milestone for Manturov but could also be viewed as a strategic move by the Kremlin to reinforce support for its military operations amid ongoing scrutiny and hardship as the conflict continues.