Photo Russia's War Against Ukraine

A look at Ukraine’s Airborne forces in Russia’s invasion of Donbas

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On Aug. 2 Ukraine celebrates the Airborne Forces Day.

The day was paid especial attention in 2014-2015, as the airborne forces have been playing a notable role in fighting back the Russian and separatist troops in eastern Ukraine – the first military action on Ukraine’s territory in the past 70 years.

Airborne forces of Ukraine’s army form five brigades, primarily located in Lviv, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolayiv, and Druzhkivka in Donetsk Oblast.

“During our hard times the airborne forces of Ukraine have demonstrated their loyalty to the people of Ukraine, bravery, tenacity, and dedication,” reads the official congratulation of President Petro Poroshenko, posted on his website. “We bow our heads to the memory of the comrades who didn’t return from the sorties, who fell like heroes, holding the positions, and performed their duty till the end.”

In this photo gallery, we recall some of the moments the airborne forces of Ukraine had in the past year.