Overview

• Russia published the decree late Monday awarding Gerasimov the Order of Courage for courage, bravery and dedication in military duty.
• Gerasimov, who turned 70, serves as chief of the general staff and is the overall commander of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
• The ICC issued an arrest warrant in June 2024 for Gerasimov and Sergei Shoigu over alleged responsibility for missile strikes on Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure from October 2022 to March 2023.
• Moscow is not a party to the ICC and rejects the allegations, saying electrical infrastructure is a legitimate target and denying attacks on civilians.
• The United States sanctioned Gerasimov the day after the February 2022 invasion, and he has faced criticism from pro-war Russian bloggers over early battlefield setbacks.