MOSCOW, July 14 – RIA "Dagestan". Shamil Ustarbekov, a 19-year-old resident of Kaspiysk with autism spectrum disorder, has been awarded the "Everything for Victory!" cup by President Vladimir Putin for rescuing over 20 people during devastating flooding in Dagestan.
Without any safety equipment, he anchored himself with a rope and braved icy currents to pull 23 individuals to safety, as later verified by street cameras, before going missing for three days until found in Makhachkala.
Though he retained few details of the event beyond feeling compelled to help, his actions earned presidential recognition at the National Center "Russia". Putin lauded his bravery, affirming that facing and surmounting fear and difficulty is fundamental to national fortitude and perpetual progress.