Ahead of Spring and Labour Day, a ceremony for presenting the Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation gold medals took place in the Kremlin’s St Catherine Hall.

The title of the Hero of Labour of Russia is awarded for outstanding achievements in public, social and economic activity; for contribution to the country’s socioeconomic development, including industrial production, agriculture, transport, construction, science, culture, education, healthcare and other areas.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin says: “The high ideals of patriotism, devotion to duty and the Fatherland distinguish the work of Vasily Lanovoy. He himself and the pictures created by his talent are truly inseparable. They will continue to exist for all times and throughout all eras. The whole country knows and loves Mr Lanovoy for his vivid roles in the best domestic films and plays performed at the Vakhtangov Theatre. He is respected for his civic attitude and position of principle, for public and charity work. Now during the preparations for the great occasion, Victory Day, I would like to make a special mention of Mr Lanovoy’s enormous contribution to the protection of historical truth and the memory of the immortal exploit of our people. He devotes his entire self to this extremely important work and he is doing it sincerely, with an open heart”.