In this context, Gerasimov is said to be involved in tensions in the region, which made him on a long list of EU sanctions against senior Russian officials in April 2014.

The day after the start of Russia's "special military operations" in February 2022, Gerasimov added the US to the List of Specially Designated Citizens and Blocked Persons.

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Awards and achievements

In 2016, Putin awarded Gerasimov the highest honorary title in Russia - Hero of the Russian Federation. Gerasimov and Deputy Minister of Defense Dmitry Bulgakov became the highest-ranking military men who were awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation by Putin for their operations in Syria.

Other major titles Gerasimov received included the Order of St. George (3rd Grade and 4th Class in 2015 and 2017), the Order of Merit to the Fatherland (3rd and 4th Grades in 2002 and 2014, respectively), the Order of Alexander Nevsky (in 2021), as well as the Order of Military Merit and the Order of Honor.