Ukrainian Peacekeepers Headed Home

Between September 20 and October 13 the Ukrainian contingent in Iraq will be replaced for a third time. Every day several Il-76 planes fly 1,750 miles from Al Qut in Iraq to Sknyliv military airfield outside Lviv, bringing home the troops of the 6th Detached Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine’s Western Operations Command, who have successfully fulfilled their duty. After a medical examination and rehabilitation on the premises of the Yavoriv testing ground, those who wish to do so can stay at a defense ministry resort. Over the past six months the Ukrainian peacekeepers in Iraq detained 13,920 violators of law and order, as well as individuals who illegally crossed the Iraqi border with Iran, and also seized 721 firearms and 151,183 pieces of ammunition. Their routine duties included de-mining, guarding key installations, escorting humanitarian cargo and fuel convoys, patrolling streets, distributing humanitarian aid, and helping to restore the education and healthcare systems.

Unfortunately, five of their brothers in arms have not returned home. The Ukrainian peacekeepers observed a minute of silence in their honor at the Sknyliv airfield.

The same Il-76 planes are taking off for Iraq from the Mykolayiv airfield, carrying troops of the 7th Detached Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine’s Southern Operations Command. The manpower of the third Ukrainian contingent has been reduced to 1,400 servicemen.