Vladimir Putin declassifies heroic actions of ‘Russian Rambo’ in Syria

We all know the heroism of Russian soldiers in Syria is legendary, where the world just, their actions or sacrifices in the Western-backed war wouldn’t be necessary. All of them are Heroes, and there are many whose names we may never know, yet sometimes the actions of a few become particularly known. This was the case with Roman Filippov, who died refusing to be captured, after his plane was downed.

Downed Russian pilot ‘Roman Filippov’ died fighting like a Hero

He returned fire with his sidearm and threw grenades before falling in combat

In these situations, it is not only amazing their bravery, but worthy of song how they lay down their lives to save a brotherly people far away from Russia, which the Syrians will never forget. That said, here is another name that won’t be forgotten.

In this story, the soldier – one Denis Portnyagin – was prepared to make the final sacrifice, like Filippov did, if need be.

Thank God, the timely arrival of reinforcement made that unnecessary. He did manage to pull off some combat stunts the likes of which you only think possible in movies or video games. Sputnik reports:

Lance-corporal Denis Portnyagin, when ambushed with his unit by the terrorist group Daesh* in Syria, was ready to blow himself up with a grenade to keep from being taken captive.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declassified some details of the heroic deeds of lance-corporal Denis Portnyagin in the fight with Daesh* (ISIS) terrorists in Syria, which he reveals in the new film “PUTIN.”

In August, 2017, close to the strategic city of Akerbat, a 4-5 man Russian special forces unit responsible for calling in airstrikes joined a group of Syrian government fighters, when they were unexpectedly attacked by Daesh* militants. While some Syrian forces retreated and all the other members of his unit were injured, including the commander and the second officer, the youngest unit member, lance-corporal Denis Portnyagin, took a machine gun and fended off nearly 40 attacking terrorists, killing 14 of them. After bullets hit his helmet and his weapon, he continued to fight with grenades. According to Putin, when the threat that they would take him prisoner was all but assured, Portnyagin prepared to blow himself up and drew their fire. Mortar fire could block the attackers; after the airstrike, another Russian unit joined them and evacuated Portnyagin’s group.

In December, 2017, Denis Portnyaging was awarded a Gold Star and the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, the state’s highest honor. The Ministry of Defense didn’t give any more information, other than saying that he was awarded for fulfilling special tasks. In the latest interview Putin expressed hope that Portnyagin will be promoted.

“He’s a hero. If he wasn’t, then who would be. And there are many such people in our military,” Vladimir Putin said.

“PUTIN” is a new film about the current Russian president, who is seeking a fourth term in office. For two hours, Vladimir Putin tells his campaign press-secretary and the film’s creator about his family, the crucial events of his term as well as his basic views and beliefs. Prominent political figures from Russia and abroad, as well as guests who knew Putin long before his political career, share their perceptions of the Russian president.  A second part will be released later.

*Daesh (also known as ISIS/ISIL/IS) is a terrorist group banned in Russia