Ukraine honours defenders of Donetsk airport
On 20 January, Ukraine honours the memory of the defenders of Donetsk Airport — servicemen who, during the defence of the airport, became a symbol of modern Ukrainian courage, resilience and self-sacrifice. Corresponding statements were made public by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine emphasised that the defence of Donetsk Airport was an example of true brotherhood, loyalty to the oath and strength of spirit. By defending the airport, Ukrainian soldiers proved to the whole world that spirit can be stronger than concrete. That is why the enemy called them "cyborgs," not believing that humans were capable of fighting like that.
The statement emphasises that for Ukrainians, the defenders of Donetsk Airport are warriors of honour, courage and deep love for their homeland. They defended not only the destroyed terminals, but also the very idea of freedom and Ukrainian statehood. The Armed Forces of Ukraine noted that in the conditions of full-scale war, the spirit of Donetsk Airport lives on in every unit and every defender who continues to fight despite fatigue, pain and loss.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine expressed a similar position. The statement emphasises that the feat of the DAP defenders remains a moral benchmark for the modern Defence Forces. The military stressed that freedom is never given without a fight, and the state cannot exist without those who are ready to defend it. As long as the memory of this feat lives on, Ukraine has a future.
A separate statement was made by the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov. He recalled that the defence of Donetsk Airport lasted 242 days and became a symbol of the indomitable Ukrainian spirit and professionalism of its soldiers. Budanov emphasised the continuity of the struggle, noting:
"They held the defence then — we are holding it now."
The Head of the Presidential Office stressed that the "cyborgs" did not break, and their courage and heroism will forever remain in the national memory. He thanked each defender and honoured their feat with the words:
"Honour, warriors!"
Donetsk Airport, cyborgs, Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov
