The rank of Hero of Russia was conferred upon Senior Sergeant Abdulkhalik Kurbanov and Sergeant Mukhtar Suleimenov for their role in the death of field commander Ruslan Gelayev. The awards were given to their relatives.
The rank of Hero was conferred (posthumously) on Lieutenant-Colonel V. Shatov for the courage and heroism shown in carrying out a special assignment. His widow received the award.
President Putin then gave the Order of Courage to the widows of Lieutenant-Colonel I. Borzov and Senior Lieutenant R. Vershinin, both police officers.
The President expressed his condolences to the families of the dead. After the awards ceremony, Mr Putin had tea with the families.