Gostomel landing

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The Gostomel landing, also known as the Battle of Gostomel Airport, took place during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Participants and equipment

On February 24, 2022, Russian forces began seizing the strategically important Antonov Airport in Gostomel, located 25 kilometers from Kyiv. This would allow the airport to be used for the landing of large airborne forces and light armored vehicles, which was necessary for a rapid advance on the Ukrainian capital. The landing involved units of the Russian Airborne Forces, as well as helicopters and other aviation equipment [❞].

Progress of the battle

Ukrainian forces, including the 4th National Guard Brigade, defended the airport. On the first day of fighting, Russian troops landed troops via helicopters, but met fierce resistance from Ukrainian defenders. Despite initial success and the capture of territory, Russian forces were unable to use the airport to receive aircraft due to the destruction and ongoing fighting [❞].

Consequences

The fighting for the airport continued for several days, with Ukrainian forces launching numerous counterattacks. On April 2, 2022, Ukrainian troops liberated the airport, but by that time it had been significantly damaged, including the destruction of the world's largest aircraft, the AN-225 Mriya, which was in the hangar [❞] [❞].

This landing became one of the key operations in the initial phase of the invasion, demonstrating the determination of both