Ruth Haines
Since the start of the war, Ukraine has witnessed the destruction of most of its civilian airports. One of the most notable incidents occurred during the Second Battle of Donetsk Airport, where Ukrainian forces engaged in a fierce battle with Russian military and proxy forces of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). The airport, located in a strategic position near Kyiv, became a target for Russian troops aiming to airlift more troops and equipment. Ukrainian defenders, referred to as cyborgs in intercepted radio communications, valiantly fought off constant attacks but ultimately lost control of the airport, which suffered extensive damage from bombardments and close-quarters combat. Additionally, Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow have led to temporary disruptions and closures of Russian airports, showcasing the ongoing impact of the conflict on aviation infrastructure in both countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 24 February 2022 |
| Location | Antonov Airport, Hostomel, Kyiv Oblast |
| Combatants | Ukrainian military, Russian military |
| Outcome | Russian victory |
| Casualties | 2 Ukrainian civilians and 38 combatants reported dead during the First Battle of Donetsk Airport |
| Ukrainian forces admitted losing control of Donetsk International Airport on 21 January 2015 | |
| Damage | Donetsk International Airport was destroyed in 2014 during the War in Donbas |
| Donetsk International Airport suffered extensive damage during the battles for the airport | |
| Ukraine's state aviation service says the country's 20 civilian airports have been damaged since the start of the war |
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What You'll Learn
The Second Battle of Donetsk Airport
At the start of the battle, the airport was the last part of Donetsk city held by Ukrainian government forces, sitting between the separatist and Ukrainian lines of control. The Ukrainian defenders, dubbed "Cyborgs" by the astonished invaders, held out for nearly four months until their positions were overrun on 21 January 2015. The remaining Ukrainian forces were either killed, forced to retreat, or captured by DPR forces.
During the battle, the word "Cyborg" was used to refer to the Ukrainian defenders of the airport. The term was taken from intercepted radio communications of DPR forces, who were astonished by the defenders' resilience and referred to them as "some kind of cyborgs sitting in there". The term "cyborg" is usually applied to the following units: 3rd Spetsnaz Regiment, 93rd Mechanised Brigade, 79th Airmobile Brigade, 17th Tank Brigade, and the Right Sector Ukrainian Volunteer Corps.
The airport complex suffered extensive damage during the battle, with the main terminal buildings serving as garrisons and shelters for soldiers defending the airport grounds. As a result, the buildings were subjected to attacks and suffered extensive structural failures, most notably the collapse of the massive roof over the new terminal building's mezzanine. The airport has been controlled by pro-Russian separatist forces since 2015 and has occasionally been a battleground.
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Russian paratroopers and Ukrainian defenders
The Battle of Antonov Airport, also known as the Battle of Hostomel Airport, was a military engagement that occurred during the Kyiv offensive of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russian paratroopers of the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) made an air assault on the airport with the objective of capturing it. The airport was located less than 10 kilometres outside of Kyiv, which would allow Russian troops to airlift more soldiers and equipment to threaten the city.
The Ukrainian military responded with a counterattack, encircling the unsupported Russian forces and repelling the initial assault. Russian helicopters attacked the airport with rockets, destroying some Ukrainian air defences. However, the rocket bombardment did not significantly weaken the Ukrainian defences. The Ukrainian defenders, including draftees who had never seen combat, offered limited resistance. As the Russian paratroopers landed in growing numbers, the Ukrainian garrison was forced to retreat as they ran out of ammunition.
The initial clash lasted about an hour, with the paratroopers suffering significant losses while none of the National Guard defenders were killed. The Russian forces captured the group of soldiers at the northern ZU-23 anti-aircraft gun and secured the airport. This success was attributed to the speed of the Russian attack, which took the Ukrainian military by surprise despite prior warnings from the CIA.
The Second Battle of Donetsk Airport was another engagement between the Ukrainian military and Russian proxy forces of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). During the battle, Ukrainian defenders of the airport were referred to as "Cyborgs" due to their ability to fend off constant attacks in close quarters with little sleep or support. Despite fighting and heavy losses on both sides, the airport remained a contested area, with control shifting between Ukrainian and DPR forces.
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Destruction of Ukrainian air defences
On 24 February 2022, Russian troops of the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) launched an air assault on Antonov Airport, also known as Hostomel Airport, located less than 10 kilometres outside Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. The airport was strategically important as it would allow Russian troops to airlift more soldiers and heavier equipment to directly threaten Kyiv.
During the assault, Russian helicopters attacked the airport with rockets, destroying some Ukrainian air defences. Despite this initial destruction, the Ukrainian military was able to counter-attack and repel the Russian forces. The Ukrainian defenders, numbering around 300, were not well-equipped, but they managed to shoot down at least two Russian helicopters.
The battle at Antonov Airport was part of the Kyiv offensive of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian military was taken by surprise by the speed of the Russian attack, despite warnings from the CIA. As a result of the battle, the airport suffered extensive damage, and Russian forces were eventually able to secure it.
The war in Ukraine has resulted in the closure of the country's airspace and significant damage to its civilian airports. Ukraine has stated that Russia has attacked its port infrastructure numerous times, damaging or destroying hundreds of facilities and civilian vessels. The airport in the western city of Lviv may reopen in 2025 if it is deemed safe and politically feasible.
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Russian forces secure the airport
On 24 February 2022, Russian troops of the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) launched an air assault on Antonov Airport, located less than 10 kilometres outside of Kyiv, with the aim of capturing it. The airport was of strategic importance as it would allow Russian troops to airlift more soldiers and heavier equipment to directly threaten the capital.
Russian helicopters approached the airport from the Dnieper River, but were attacked by Ukrainian small arms fire and MANPADS. In response, the helicopters deployed flares, and Russian aircraft intercepted the formation, shooting down at least two Ukrainian helicopters. Despite these losses, Ukrainian air defences hit and destroyed some of the Russian air defences during the initial attack.
Russian paratroopers landed in growing numbers, forcing the Ukrainian garrison to retreat as they began to run out of ammunition. The Ukrainian soldiers at the northern ZU-23 anti-aircraft gun were captured by the Russians. The Russian forces were thus able to secure the airport and began preparing for the arrival of 18 Ilyushin Il-76 strategic airlifters carrying fresh troops from Russia.
The battle of Antonov Airport, also known as the battle of Hostomel Airport, was a military engagement during the Kyiv offensive of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The airport remained under Russian control as clashes shifted to the towns of Bucha and Irpin to the south.
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Ukrainian forces admit defeat
Ukrainian forces have admitted defeat in the battle for Donetsk International Airport, which was destroyed in 2014 during the War in Donbas. The airport, located 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Donetsk, Ukraine, was the site of heavy fighting between Ukrainian and Russian-backed separatist forces. The battle lasted several months, with Ukrainian forces mounting a strong defence, earning them the nickname "cyborgs" among the Ukrainians. Despite their valiant efforts, the Ukrainian forces were eventually forced to retreat, and the airport fell under the control of pro-Russian separatist forces.
The Second Battle of Donetsk Airport began on 28 September 2014, despite a ceasefire agreement, the Minsk Protocol, being in place since 5 September 2014. The airport was strategically important as it was the last part of Donetsk city held by Ukrainian government forces and was located near the capital, Kyiv. The Ukrainian forces put up a fierce resistance, holding out against constant attacks by the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) forces. The defenders were able to fend off the attackers with little sleep or support, earning them the admiration of their countrymen.
During the battle, Ukrainian forces were forced to hole up in a single hall, under constant tank fire. Despite their determination, they were eventually overwhelmed. On 21 January 2015, DPR forces overran the Ukrainian positions, and the remaining Ukrainian defenders were either killed, captured, or forced to retreat. The airport complex suffered extensive damage from constant bombardments and exchanges of gunfire. The main terminal buildings, which served as garrisons and shelters for the defenders, were subjected to heavy attacks and sustained significant structural damage.
The defeat at Donetsk International Airport was a significant loss for the Ukrainian forces, as it marked the first step towards regaining territory lost to Ukrainian forces during the summer of 2014, according to DPR leader Alexander Zakharchenko. Despite this setback, the Ukrainian military continued to launch counter-attacks and repel assaults by the separatist forces. The battle for Donetsk International Airport became a symbol of Ukraine's resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
The impact of the war on Ukraine's aviation infrastructure has been significant, with the state aviation service reporting that most of Ukraine's 20 civilian airports have been damaged by the conflict. Ukraine has been exploring avenues to partially reopen its airspace, but security concerns and the ongoing military situation remain key considerations. Lviv's airport in western Ukraine may reopen in 2025 if regulators deem it safe and political decisions support this move. In the meantime, Ukrainians wishing to travel abroad must use road or rail to reach neighbouring countries.
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Frequently asked questions
The Donetsk International Airport was destroyed in 2014 during the First Battle of Donetsk Airport. It was seized by fighters from the Donetsk People's Republic, with technical assistance from Russian mercenaries.
The First Battle of Donetsk Airport was between the Donetsk People's Republic and the National Guard of Ukraine.
No, but it was captured by Russian paratroopers in 2022 during the Kyiv offensive of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The airport has been controlled by pro-Russian separatist forces since 2015 and has occasionally been a battleground.
