[3] The initial statute of the award stated the medal was to be awarded to military and civilian veterans of the Red Army, the Navy, of NKVD troops, guerrillas and members of the underground, for bravery, fortitude and courage displayed in fighting against the Nazi invaders or the Japanese militarists, and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Georgy Zhukov.

The basis for award of the medal was simple proof of direct participation in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 as part of the army, or in combat against Japan.

The Medal of Zhukov is now awarded to soldiers for bravery, selflessness and personal courage in fighting for the protection of the Motherland and the public interests of the Russian Federation, for distinction in military bearing during service, for alertness and active participation in exercises and manoeuvres, for excellent performance in combat training.

Above the bust, along the medal's upper circumference, the relief inscription "GEORGY ZHUKOV" (in Russian "ГЕОРГИЙ ЖУКОВ").

Some makers produced a variant of the medal with a smaller inscription (1896 - 1996) and added a relief "N" and a line for an award serial number.