President Vladimir Putin awarded the former prime minister and former head of the FSB, Sergei Stepashin, with the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 1st class, and he became a full holder of the order. The relevant document is published on portal legal information.
Stepashin was awarded “for services to the state and many years of conscientious work,” the document says.
In March 2002, Stepashin awarded Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” III degree, in March 2007 – II degree, IV degree at the end of February 2012.
Putin conferred general ranks on 74 military and law enforcement officers
Moreover, Putin awarded Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” III degree artist of the Moscow Drama Theater. Pushkin Vera Alentova and singer Valery Leontiev. He received awards for many years of activity and “a great contribution to the development of national culture and art,” the presidential decree says.