Vladimir Putin awards Order of Friendship medal to German pianist Justus Frantz

The German star conductor and pianist Justus Frantz has been honoured by Russia with an Order of Friendship medal.

Russian President Vladimir Putin invited the musician to Moscow for the award ceremony, despite the Kremlin launching a fresh waves of attacks against Ukraine and the imposition of new Western sanctions.

Putin made the presentation during celebrations for Russia's "Day of the Unity of the People".

"For many years, Justus Frantz has made a fruitful contribution to the rapprochement and mutual enrichment of the cultures of Russia and the Federal Republic of Germany," said Putin.

Frantz said it was a "great honour" to be there to "receive such an important order."

Putin and Frantz have enjoyed a friendly relationship for decades. The 81-year-old conductor has described himself in the past as a "Putin-understander". He even defended theRussian annexation of Crimeaas "reparation for historical injustice".

However, in February 2023, Frantz was one of the first people to sign the "Manifesto for Peace" by Sahra Wagenknechtand Alice Schwarzer. The document called for an end to the supply of military weapons to Ukraine.

Frantz closeness to the Kremlin has repeatedly caused sparked head-scratching within the German classical music scene. He continues to perform in Russia and celebrated his 80th birthday in St Petersburg last year.

For a time, he was married to the Russian violinist Xenia Dubrovskaya. According to his website, Frantz's next concerts will take place in Berlin and Lübeck in December.