In Russia, the authorities have decided to establish an order named after Subedei — a 13th-century Mongol commander, one of the main military strategists of campaigns after which cities burned, principalities fell, and Moscow, in January 1238, was taken, looted and burned.

After the “adventures of the Pechenegs,” official thought in Russia has finally reached the Mongol-Tatar era.

In preparing this material, we used open data and materials from open sources. We do not claim to be academic researchers. But historical facts remain facts.

Russia has produced another historical absurdity — and this time it is not hidden in a propaganda speech or a school textbook. It is being turned into an actual state award.

In Tuva, one of the subjects of the Russian Federation, the authorities have decided to establish a state decoration named after Subedei — the famous Mongol commander of the 13th century, a close associate of Genghis Khan and one of the major military strategists of the Mongol Empire.

According to Russian media reports from May 19, 2026, the Order of Subedei is intended to be awarded for “exceptional merits in defending the Fatherland,” courage, bravery, protection of Russia’s territorial integrity and interests, and contribution to security. A representative of the republican authorities directly linked the creation of the award to the war against Ukraine, which Russia still calls the “special military operation.”

A modern Russian military award for today’s war is being named after a commander associated not with the defense of Russia, but with a campaign of conquest — a campaign during which principalities on the lands of modern Russia were devastated and Moscow itself was taken, looted and burned.

Subedei, also known as Subutai-bagatur, was born, according to the common version, around 1175–1176. His origin is associated with the Mongol world, while Tuvan tradition links him to territories that today are part of Tuva.

He was not a khan and did not belong to the highest Chinggisid line. But he became one of the most successful commanders of the Mongol Empire. Under Genghis Khan, Ögedei and Batu, he took part in campaigns across enormous distances........

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