Putin awarded Medvedev with an order

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on awarding Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev with the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 1st class.

Medvedev was awarded "for outstanding services to the state, a great contribution to the socio-economic development of the Russian Federation."

The decree is posted on the official Internet portal of legal information. It was signed on September 14, but was published only a month later.

• The Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" is awarded for particularly outstanding services related to the strengthening of the Russian statehood, the socio-economic development of the country, research activities, the development of culture and art, outstanding sports achievements, the strengthening of peace, friendship and cooperation between peoples, for significant contribution to strengthening the country's defense capability.