Vladimir Putin gave awards to 47 outstanding Russians — various academic and cultural figures, servicemen, and athletes.
Test pilot Colonel Radik Bariev received the title Hero of Russia.
The Order for Service to the Fatherland second degree was awarded to film actress Nonna Mordiukova, film director Petr Todorovskii, and President of the Russian Arts Academy Zurab Tsereteli.
The head of state awarded the Bolshoi Theatre's opera soloist, Tamara Siniavskaia, the Order for Service to the Fatherland fourth degree.
The honourable title of Merited Artist of Russia was awarded to the Mariinskii Theatre's solist, Uliana Lopatkina-Korneva. The Olympic champion, Elena Isimbaeva, received an Honour Award.
See also
Speech at the National Awards Ceremony
March 23, 2006