Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday awarded soldiers who have fought in Ukraine the Hero of Russia medal.

During the solemn ceremony in the Kremlin, Putin handed over the medals, Russia's highest honorary title in the country, to soldiers and officers fighting in Ukraine and also to the relatives of fallen servicemen.

"In this new reality, with combat drones and other modern strike systems, it’s almost impossible to even lift your head and yet our guys keep fighting, Putin said during the ceremony. They are the real heroes."