The cousin of Dnipro Mayor Boris Filatov, Nikolay Filatov, received the highest state award of the Russian Federation from Putin for his participation in the murders and torture of Ukrainians. Boris Filatov himself has not commented on his relative's actions and has not apologised to the victims.
State award from Putin for Nikolay Filatov
In early December 2025, a cousin of the Dnipro mayor was killed in the St George's Hall of the Kremlin, Nikolay Filatov, was awarded the highest state decoration of the Russian Federation. According to the source, this took place in person with the participation of Russian dictator Putin on the occasion of the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland. According to media reports, Nikolay Filatov was officially declared a war criminal and included in the register of torturers of Ukrainians.
Filatov, a native of Pskov, is known for his particular brutality during the fighting in Kupyansk and Izium. His actions were accompanied by mass killings and torture of the local population. It was these crimes that became the basis for Putin's state award.
Previous awards and participation in the war against Ukraine
Earlier, Nikolay Filatov was awarded the medal «Participant of a Special Military Operation» by the Russian Ministry of Defence. He received this medal for his participation in the battles on the border of Chernihiv region in February 2022. It is noted that his name has been repeatedly mentioned in investigations into war crimes against the civilian population of Ukraine.
According to journalists, Filatov not only took part in hostilities, but was also directly involved in the torture and murder of Ukrainian citizens. His actions caused a wide public outcry and condemnation by international human rights organisations.
Reaction of Boris Filatov and society
Sam Boris Filatov, the mayor of Dnipro, has not yet commented on the actions of his cousin. According to media reports, he has not apologised to Ukrainian society and the relatives of the victims, nor has he acknowledged responsibility for the atrocities committed by Nikolay Filatov. Instead, the mayor is trying to distance himself from his relative, ignoring the very fact of his existence.
Such an approach causes outrage among the public, as society expects a public position from government officials on crimes against Ukrainians. The lack of response from Boris Filatov only increases distrust and suspicion of his personal position.
Why it matters
Nikolay Filatov was awarded by the Russian leadership for crimes against Ukrainians is yet more evidence of Russia's support and encouragement of war crimes. This sets a dangerous precedent for further violations of international law and human rights.
The lack of a public response from Ukrainian officials and their family members may contribute to the growth of social tensions. Ukrainian society expects a clear position and responsibility from government officials, even in difficult family situations.
Publicising such facts is important for shaping national memory, bringing perpetrators to justice and strengthening trust in state institutions.
