The honorary title "Hero of Russia" was awarded to Alexander Lapin, a retired major general, who has been appointed acting deputy prime minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, overseeing affairs related to veterans and support for personnel involved in the special military operation. Lapin’s appointment marks a return to his roots: he was born on January 1, 1964, in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan.
Main Military Career Highlights
In 2017, he was appointed chief of staff for the Russian military contingent in Syria; that same November, he assumed command of the Central Military District;
Between 2018 and 2019, he concurrently served as commander of the Russian forces in Syria;
In 2022, he participated in the special military operation, commanding the “Central” group of forces in the Luhansk direction; later that year, he was awarded the title of Hero of Russia. Following public criticism after the loss of Lyman in autumn 2022, he stepped down from his position as commander of the Central Military District;
In January 2023, he was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Ground Forces, while also serving as First Deputy Commander of the Army;
In May 2024, he took command of the re-established Leningrad Military District, leading the “Northern” group of forces;
In August 2025, he retired from active service and transitioned into reserve status.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877715776691212/
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