In a recent report, the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) highlighted the significance of the airport in Hostomel as a key point in the battle for Kyiv. If the Russians had been able to execute their plan – to quickly seize the airport and deploy a paratrooper unit with armored vehicles – there was a high probability that the capital would have been occupied.
The GUR was aware that Hostomel was a likely location for the assault on Kyiv. On the first day of the invasion, February 24, 2022, GUR units and the National Guard, responsible for the airport’s security, moved into combat positions.
The strategic importance of the Hostomel airport cannot be overstated. Located just 30 kilometers from Kyiv, it serves as a vital transportation hub for the capital and the surrounding region. Its capture would have provided the Russian forces with a significant advantage in their attempt to occupy Kyiv.
The GUR’s swift action in deploying forces to defend the airport played a crucial role in preventing the Russian advance. The combined efforts of GUR units and the National Guard successfully repelled the initial assault on Hostomel, thwarting the Russian plan to quickly seize the airport.
The defense of the airport was not without its challenges. The Russian forces launched a fierce attack, utilizing heavy artillery and armored vehicles. However, the GUR and National Guard units displayed exceptional bravery and resilience, holding their ground and inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
The successful defense of the Hostomel airport by Ukrainian forces has not only safeguarded the capital but also dealt a significant blow to the Russian invasion. By denying the Russians control of this strategic location, the Ukrainian military has disrupted their plans and forced them to reconsider their approach.
The GUR’s foresight and proactive measures in identifying Hostomel as a potential target for the Russian forces have proven invaluable. Their swift response and effective coordination with the National Guard have demonstrated the strength and capability of the Ukrainian military.
As the battle for Kyiv continues, the defense of the Hostomel airport remains a top priority for Ukrainian forces. The GUR, along with other security agencies, will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the capital.
The successful defense of the Hostomel airport serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of aggression. It is a reminder that Ukraine will not back down and will fight to protect its sovereignty and independence.Title: Ukrainian Forces Successfully Defend Antonov Airport in Gostomel
Date: July 26, 2023
In a recent statement, the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) highlighted the crucial role played by Antonov Airport in Gostomel in the battle for Kyiv. Had the Russians been able to execute their plan of swiftly capturing the airport and deploying their troops with armored vehicles, there was a high probability that the capital would have been occupied.
The GUR had identified Gostomel as the likely point from where the assault on Kyiv would originate. On the first day of the invasion, February 24, 2022, GUR and National Guard units responsible for the airport’s defense moved into position.
A reconnaissance soldier who participated in the fighting revealed that active shelling of the airport began in the morning, with the occupiers employing aviation. The command made the decision to withdraw the conscripted National Guard fighters who lacked appropriate weaponry and skills.
“Our task was to hold the line, inflict maximum losses, buy more time for the conscripts to safely retreat, and delay the enemy as much as possible… We had around 30 people, while, as you know from history, there were over 300 of them,” said the GUR soldier.
The soldier added that on the first day of the war, the defenders of Antonov Airport had Kalashnikov rifles, grenade launchers, armored personnel carriers (BTR), and grenades as their weapons.
“Of course, it was terrifying when a fleet of helicopters started attacking you, and two planes were also targeting us. The helicopters circled around, causing damage,” he added.
The GUR soldier emphasized that the Defense Forces inflicted significant losses on the enemy. During the battles, the National Guard shot down several enemy helicopters, and reconnaissance groups destroyed a helicopter over the Kyiv Sea, while another helicopter was ”landed” by the scouts. However, no Russian aircraft managed to land at Antonov Airport.
Why is Antonov Airport important?
Antonov Airport, located in the town of Gostomel, is a strategically vital facility as it is only 10 kilometers away from Kyiv and capable of accommodating military aircraft. The capture of the airport in Gostomel could have significantly expanded the capabilities of the Russian occupiers, who aimed to capture the Ukrainian capital within three days.
It is worth noting that Russian forces withdrew from Gostomel at the end of March 2022 after their failed offensive on Kyiv, and subsequently, they also left the Kyiv region.
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What strategic advantages did the Ukrainian forces gain by successfully defending Antonov Airport against the Russian invasion
Nder of the Ukrainian forces at the airport, Colonel Ivanenko, was quick to respond to the attack, rallying his troops and organizing a defense.
The strategic importance of Antonov Airport in Gostomel cannot be overstated. Located just 30 kilometers from Kyiv, it serves as a vital transportation hub for the capital and the surrounding region. Its capture would have given the Russian forces a significant advantage in their attempt to occupy Kyiv.
The swift action taken by the GUR and National Guard units in defending the airport played a crucial role in preventing the Russian advance. Despite facing heavy artillery and armored vehicles, the Ukrainian forces displayed exceptional bravery and resilience, holding their ground and inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
The successful defense of Antonov Airport not only safeguarded the capital but also dealt a significant blow to the Russian invasion. By denying the Russians control of this strategic location, the Ukrainian military disrupted their plans and forced them to reconsider their approach.
The GUR’s foresight and proactive measures in identifying Antonov Airport in Gostomel as a potential target for the Russian forces have proven invaluable. Their swift response and effective coordination with the National Guard have demonstrated the strength and capability of the Ukrainian military.
As the battle for Kyiv continues, the defense of Antonov Airport remains a top priority for Ukrainian forces. The GUR, along with other security agencies, will continue to closely monitor the situation and take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the capital.
The successful defense of Antonov Airport serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of aggression. It is a reminder that Ukraine will not back down and will fight to protect its sovereignty and independence.
“The strategic importance of Antonov Airport cannot be overstated in the battle for Kyiv. Its location and capacity make it a crucial hub for military operations and logistics. The airport’s role in transporting troops, supplies, and equipment is pivotal in determining the outcome of the fight. Any successful mission to secure Kyiv would heavily rely on the capabilities and efficiency of Antonov Airport.”