Politics · Russia · 9 hrs ago
Putin awards posthumous Hero of Russia title to Akhmat commander
Russian President Vladimir Putin posthumously awarded Akhmat commander Zelimkhan Batukaev the Hero of Russia title.
Batukaev commanded a special forces battalion called Akhmat, and his mother received the Gold Star medal in Grozny on October 29.
He died in February 2025, but accounts differ about the cause: his commander said he suffered a brain haemorrhage after three days without sleep on a combat mission, while an opposition group alleged a drug overdose.
The cause of his death remains disputed.
The award recognises Batukaev for his service in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The ceremony marked the formal presentation of the posthumous honour to his family.
The sources give no further steps after the presentation.
Vladimir Putin posthumously awarded Akhmat special forces battalion commander Zelimkhan Batukaev the title Hero of Russia.
The Gold Star medal was presented to his mother, Taus Batukaeva, at a ceremony in Grozny on October 29, 2026.
Chechen government chairman Magomed Daudov said Batukaev had shown courage, professionalism and dedication during Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Accounts of Batukaev’s death in February 2025 differ: one attributes it to a brain hemorrhage after three days without sleep, while another alleges a drug overdose.
- Who
- Zelimkhan Batukaev, a commander of an Akhmat special forces battalion, received the title posthumously.
- What
- President Vladimir Putin awarded him the title Hero of Russia. His mother received the Gold Star medal.
- When
- The medal was presented on October 29, 2026. Batukaev died in February 2025.
- Where
- The award ceremony took place in Grozny, Chechnya.
- Why
- Daudov said Batukaev showed professionalism, courage and dedication during Russia’s war in Ukraine.
NIYSO activists
Akhmat commander Apti Alaudinov
Cause of death
NIYSO activists
NIYSO said Batukaev died of a drug overdose while on leave in Chechnya; the article says the movement did not name its sources.
Akhmat commander Apti Alaudinov
Alaudinov said Batukaev died of a brain hemorrhage after three days without sleep while trying to complete a combat task.
Batukaev posted a video in front of a Chechen home belonging to a NIYSO activist and threatened to take the property.
Batukaev died; NIYSO and Akhmat commander Apti Alaudinov gave different accounts of the cause.
Alaudinov confirmed Batukaev’s death and said it followed a brain hemorrhage after three days without sleep.
Batukaev’s mother received his Gold Star medal at a ceremony in Grozny.
- Award
- Hero of Russia, posthumously
- Recipient
- Zelimkhan Batukaev, Akhmat special forces battalion commander
- Presentation date
- October 29, 2026
- Ceremony location
- Grozny
- Medal
- Gold Star, presented to his mother, Taus Batukaeva
3 sources
What people are saying
Zelimkhan demonstrated an example of true patriotism and devotion to the Motherland, was a brave warrior and a worthy officer. During the special military operation, he showed the highest level of professionalism, courage and self-sacrifice.
You and your family will never live in this courtyard; this courtyard will be given to me.