Putin awarded Lavrov with the highest award - a historic recognition for a diplomat

Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 21 awarded Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov with one of the country's highest awards, the Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. The order was established by Peter I and officially restored in 1998, and since then only 28 people have been awarded it, including Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

When presenting the order, Putin noted that Lavrov's "talent, knowledge, experience and intelligence have earned him unconditional respect not only in Russia but throughout the world." According to the head of state, the minister has carried out "complex and grandiose tasks in the interests of the Fatherland."

The recognition also gave rise to interesting observations about Lavrov's activities in recent years. After the war in Ukraine began, he was diplomatically ostracized by almost all G7 countries. Lavrov, known for his active participation in world diplomacy, is currently touring African countries. These trips, which are intended to free Russia from international isolation, have sometimes caused controversy in terms of their scope and effectiveness.

Fedor Lukyanov, head of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, explained this situation as follows:

“It is impossible to completely isolate Russia, of course. But Lavrov’s activity at conferences and in international arenas in Europe is now history. Now he only has Africa and a number of neutral countries left.”

At that time, the number of sanctions imposed on Russia exceeded 17,000, which put the country ahead of Iran and North Korea and set a world “record.” Among the countries designated by Russia as “unfriendly” are the United States, the European Union, Great Britain, and Japan, which account for a large part of the world’s GDP.

In such a situation, the highest award given to Lavrov is seen not only as a recognition of personal merits, but also as a symbolic gesture aimed at strengthening Russia’s position in the broader foreign policy sphere.

Zamin.uz editorial office continues to closely monitor changes in international relations and a new stage in Russian diplomacy. How do you assess the award given to Lavrov? Is this truly a recognition of merit or a political statement?