After researching and reading through articles, I found that Sergey Yarashev, did indeed receive the prestigious "Star of Hero of Russia Medal" after holding positions in the DPR for 68 days. He was removed from the site with extreme injuries, resulting in the amputation of his feet. The award was ordered to be given to Sergey Yarashev by Russian President Vladimir Putin. After reading through the sources, the claim made about Yarashev is truthful given the written details and evidence provided. The resources I found also state other relevant details to the story, such as how Yarashev managed to hold out until he was eventually rescued, despite his bad injuries.
I found and used the source below to support my findings. From this article, I learned that Sergey Yarashev, 21-year-old soldier was awarded the medal "Hero of Russia" by Russian President Vladimir Putin for holding DPR positions for 68 whole days, and proceeded to be evacuated with severe injuries. Additionally, I learned that Putin ordered the award to Yarashev on March 10, 2026.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/ca/coronado/news/2026/03/10/putin-awards-hero-of-russia-medal-to-21-year-old-soldier/
This link below is a Russian publication that gives more detail and describes that Defense Minister Andrei Belousov was the one who presented the Gold Star medal to Private Sergei Yarashev, Russian soldier.
https://en.iz.ru/en/2065224/2026-03-24/what-known-about-sergei-yarashev-who-received-gold-star-medal-hero-russia
My first source, National Today, is a reliable source for news information and updates. They produce many different types of articles that provide relevant information. The source has many articles on recent events and even holidays.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/ca/coronado/news/2026/03/10/putin-awards-hero-of-russia-medal-to-21-year-old-soldier/
The claim that is to be fact-checked is "Russian Defense Minister Belousov awards 'Gold Star' of Hero of Russia to 21yo Sergey Yarashev who single-handedly held positions in the DPR for 68 days." This statement is true according to the information provided in the article. This source mentions that Denis Pushilin, head of DPR, was the one who appealed to President Vladimir Putin to award Yarashev for what he had done. It provides information that Vladimir Putin made the decision and ordered the award of the Hero of Russia medal to Yarashev. The article talks about how the award of the Hero of Russia medal, is one of the highest military honors, and that Yarashev's outstanding efforts have been rightfully, officially recognized and praised by Russia's leadership.
https://en.iz.ru/en/2065224/2026-03-24/what-known-about-sergei-yarashev-who-received-gold-star-medal-hero-russia
This is the resource that proves the claim that Defense Minister Belousov was the one who had presented the award to 21 year old Russian soldier, Yarashev.
