Russia’s ethnic minorities lament the war in Ukraine

While Russia is dominated by Slavs, it is also home to more than 160 other ethnic groups [Alexander Nemenov/AFP]

In March, President Vladimir Putin awarded Nurmagomed Gadzhimagomedov with the Hero of Russia and used the opportunity to celebrate Russia’s ethnic diversity.

Gadzhimagomedov, a senior lieutenant from Dagestan, had served in Russia’s airborne troops and died in combat in the first days of Russia’s war on Ukraine.