On January 20, 2026, Ukraine commemorates the Day of Defenders of Donetsk Airport. This date marks the end of fierce battles for the airport that lasted from May 2014.
The decree to establish this remembrance day was jointly issued by the Minister of Defense and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2022. Prior to this, the memory of the 'cyborgs' was honored on January 16, as reported by Ukrinform.
For 242 days, Ukrainian soldiers, volunteers, medics, and supporters bravely resisted Russian occupation forces and pro-Russian militants. The battles took place at the international airport 'Donetsk' named after Serhiy Prokofiev.
During the defense of the airport, the defenders were referred to as 'cyborgs'. The phrase 'People stood firm, but concrete did not' succinctly encapsulates the lengthy standoff on the small outpost.
The airport, opened in 1933, underwent significant modernization before Euro 2012, including a new runway and terminal. This terminal was destroyed by pro-Russian illegal armed groups on January 20, 2015, ultimately rendering the airport inoperable.
The first attempt to seize the airport was made on April 17, 2014, and all flights were halted from May 6. Active combat started on May 26 when Russian troops and militants entered the new terminal. After coordinated actions by Ukrainian aviation and ground forces, the enemy was pushed back, and the airport came under the control of ATO forces.
Later, the city of Donetsk experienced complete destabilization, occupation, and endless attempts by the enemy to regain control of the airport, yet Ukrainian soldiers held their ground under heavy fire.
Throughout the summer of 2014, combat encounters were sporadic, but from the beginning of September, fighting intensified as the enemy escalated its offensive in violation of the Minsk agreements.
Ukrainian servicemen maintained control over both the old and new terminals. The village of Pisky served as a crucial supply point for the defenders, providing food and ammunition, and facilitating rotations. Artillery for fire support was also deployed in this village.
Pro-Russian forces systematically assaulted the terminals, capturing new positions, losing them, and preparing for further assaults. In December 2014, the old terminal sustained significant damage, and on January 13, 2015, the control tower at Donetsk Airport, held by Ukrainian fighters, collapsed. It served as the 'eyes' of the DAP defenders and became a symbol of their heroism and the defense of the airport overall.
Fighting in the new terminal occurred across various floors – in the final stages of the battle, Ukrainian forces held the first floor, while the enemy controlled the basement and upper floors. When pro-Russian forces detonated the new terminal on January 20, concrete ceilings and floors in many sections collapsed, trapping Ukrainian defenders underneath. On January 22, 2015, the surviving defenders exited the terminal. This date is considered the day when Donetsk Airport was completely destroyed.
The defense of Donetsk Airport became one of the first battles of the Russo-Ukrainian War and a significant milestone in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.