British service people are forbidden to wear medals awarded by the USSR or by Russia post break up of the USSR. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20975646 The British equivalent, the Arctic Star was only finally begun to be awarded in February 2013, only 70 years later! Details are here http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2013/february/26/130226-arctic-convoy-heroes-can-begin-applying-for-their-ww2-campaign-medal-now