UKRAINIAN VETERANSATO/OOS HEROIC GENERATION OF DEFENDERS

Start of the War in Donbas

After the annexation of Crimea in March 2014, pro-Russian unrest began in eastern Ukraine, specifically in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, escalating into an armed conflict. This was part of a broader Russian plan to destabilize Ukraine. Soon after, war broke out between Ukrainian military forces and Russian-backed militants. The conflict was officially referred to as the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO), which began in April 2014. For Ukraine, this conflict became the first large-scale military confrontation since gaining independence in 1991, requiring immediate mobilization of the army and all resources to defend its territorial integrity.

Mobilization and Volunteer Battalions

Due to a lack of sufficient professional military personnel and equipment, the first waves of mobilization became the main source of reinforcements for the armed forces. In addition to mobilization, Ukraine saw the emergence of volunteer battalions, formed by patriotic citizens who decided to defend their country. Military formations like the 'Azov', 'Aidar', 'Donbas', 'Dnipro-1', 'Right Sector', and others played key roles in significant operations. Volunteers, often without proper military training, fought on par with professional militants and Russian mercenaries, becoming a crucial factor in holding off the enemy during the early stages of the war.

Ilovaisk Cauldron

The Ilovaisk Cauldron is one of the most tragic and pivotal moments of the war in eastern Ukraine. In August 2014, Ukrainian forces were surrounded in the Ilovaisk area of Donetsk region following a major offensive by pro-Russian forces. Troops trying to liberate Ilovaisk found themselves encircled due to multiple attacks by Russian regular military units that had secretly crossed the border. A promised 'green corridor' for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops was violated, and columns attempting to exit were ambushed. Over 400 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, and many were captured. This event left a deep scar on the Ukrainian psyche and underscored Russia's direct involvement in the war.

Minsk Agreements

The Minsk Agreements were attempts at a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The first agreement was signed in September 2014, but it failed to halt the fighting. Minsk-2, signed in February 2015, was designed as a roadmap for ending the war. The main points included a ceasefire, withdrawal of heavy weapons from the front line, and political reforms in Ukraine. However, the agreement was violated almost immediately after being signed, and fighting continued with varying intensity. The Minsk Agreements remain the primary diplomatic framework for resolving the conflict, but full implementation of the terms has yet to occur.

In April 2018, the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) was officially concluded and replaced by the Joint Forces Operation (JFO). This shift marked a new phase of the conflict. While the ATO was coordinated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and had an anti-terrorism focus, the JFO is managed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This move enhanced military command and the coordination of operations in the east. The JFO represents a more effective organization of defense efforts, utilizing modern tactics and involving all state security forces to stabilize the conflict zone.