Donetsk, Feb 19 - DAN. Donetsk People’s Republic Head Denis Pushilin has established a state award, the Medal For Liberation of Debaltsevo. The relevant decree was published on the official website of the head of state.
“In commemoration of the heroic feat and exceptional courage shown by DPR defenders I decree to establish a state award, the Medal for Liberation of Debaltsevo,” the document said.
Under Decree No 28, the medal is awarded to DPR militiamen and military operation organisers and leaders, as well as to non-military personnel who took part in the liberation of Debaltsevo from January 22 to February 18, 2015.
The medal can be awarded posthumously. It is made of brass and has the shape of a circle with a diameter of 32 mm. The face shows a railway station and the back marks the date with a five-pointed star above.
The decree came into force on the date of signing on February 19, 2020.
Earlier on Wednesday, Debaltsevo held a rally to mark the 5th anniversary of the liberation of the town from Ukrainian troops. Speaking at the rally, Pushilin said that the medal had been established in order to preserve historical memory. “We have to remember the Debaltsevo-Chernukhino operation. We must remember our heroes who are no longer with us and and those who keep fighting in our ranks,” he said.*jk