Russian President Dmitry Medvedev awarded the tenth separate special purpose brigade of the Russian Defense Ministry with the Order of Zhukov for its participation in the operation to force Georgia to peace in 2008, RIA Novosti reported.
Senior officers are awarded with the Order of Zhukov, established by the presidential decree in May 1994, for their services in conducting major military operations.
"Not only military training, but also the ability to make correct and appropriate decisions in very difficult situations are required," he said. "Therefore, special forces are the elite of the armed forces."
The tenth separate special purpose brigade was formed in May 2003.
"You prepared and carried out complex military operations in the North Caucasus and South Ossetia," he said. "Today, you successfully master the modern techniques of combat and special training, new equipment, new weapons. I have no doubt that you will continue serving the interests of our country, the Russian Federation, protecting the safety of our citizens."
Military actions were launched in the unrecognized republic of South Ossetia in August 2008. Georgian troops entered Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia, and later Russian troops occupied the city and drove the Georgian military back to Georgia.
Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia on Aug. 26 and established diplomatic relations with the regions on Sept. 9, 2008.