Editor’s Note: Originally published by the blog “The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak” on Feb. 22, 2024, this article has been re-published by the Kyiv Independent with permission. To subscribe to “The Counteroffensive,” click here.
In the early hours of the full-scale invasion, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a strategic move by ordering his elite troops to seize Antonov Airport in Hostomel, located just outside Kyiv. This airfield, typically used for cargo and flight testing, became a focal point in the battle for the capital city.
Despite valiant efforts from Ukrainian special operators and the National Guard’s 4th Brigade, Ukrainian forces were eventually forced to retreat to the perimeter of the airfield on Feb. 24, 2022. This critical moment marked a turning point that could have led to the fall of Kyiv and the democratically-elected government.
Col. Oleksandr Vdovychenko, commander of Ukraine’s 72nd Brigade, played a crucial role in preventing the Russians from maintaining control of the airfield. With limited resources at his disposal, Vdovychenko ordered the firing of 2S3 artillery to disable the runway, a move that proved to be pivotal in the defense of Kyiv.
Experts like Nick Reynolds from the British think tank RUSI emphasized the significance of the battle for Antonov Airport, stating that a Russian victory at the airfield could have drastically altered the course of the conflict. However, Ukrainian resilience and a stroke of luck shifted the momentum of the war and prevented Kyiv from falling into Russian hands.
The intense 36-hour battle at Antonov Airport showcased the determination of Ukrainian forces and shattered the notion of Russian military superiority. This unexpected resistance in the face of overwhelming odds ultimately saved Kyiv from an imminent takeover.
The events at Antonov Airport underscored the unpreparedness of Ukrainian forces for a full-scale invasion. Despite warnings and intelligence assessments, the Ukrainian government, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, underestimated the threat posed by the Russians. The lack of defensive fortifications at the airport, as revealed by the Security Bureau of Ukraine, further exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s defense strategy.
As Ukrainian troops faced off against Russian forces at Antonov Airport, the world watched a David-and-Goliath battle unfold. The bravery and determination of the Ukrainian soldiers, coupled with a stroke of luck, prevented a swift Russian victory and preserved the sovereignty of Ukraine.