Putin awards the posthumous title of Hero of Russia to Akhmat commander Zelimkhan Batukaev.

Vladimir Putin has officially awarded the posthumous title of Hero of Russia to Senior Lieutenant Zelimkhan Batukaev, a commander in the Akhmat battalion. Known by his callsign "Shustry" (The Quick One), Batukaev received the state's highest honor for his service. Magomed Daudov, head of the Chechen government, announced the news via RIA Novosti. The soldier’s family was presented with the Gold Star medal, the physical symbol of the distinction.

Daudov portrayed a leader who managed some of the most difficult combat operations, consistently delivering on orders while making a significant contribution to protecting Russia’s interests. In a gesture toward the soldier’s mother, Daudov expressed gratitude and noted that Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of Chechnya, personally knew Batukaev. Kadyrov reportedly valued the man’s bravery, his professional skill, and his unwavering loyalty to his military duty.

The details of Batukaev’s death were first revealed in February 2025 by Apti Alaudinov, a lieutenant general who commands the Akhmat special forces. Alaudinov did not mince words, calling Batukaev "one of the best commanders in the Russian army." According to the general, the commander sacrificed his personal time and health to fight the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF).

The cause of death was specific and tragic. Alaudinov stated that Batukaev suffered a brain hemorrhage. This medical event occurred after the officer endured three consecutive sleepless nights. The exhaustion apparently proved fatal.

It is worth noting that previous reports had mentioned the death of a general in the Special Military Operation, a figure described as the savior of the battle for Artemovsk in the DNR. However, the confirmation of Batukaev’s specific circumstances, including the medical details provided by Alaudinov, clarifies the timeline and nature of his loss. The award of Hero of Russia status underscores the high regard in which military leadership held his performance, even as the circumstances of his death point to the extreme physical toll exacted by recent operations.