Key Facts
- Date of initial assault
- 24 February 2022
- Distance from Kyiv
- Less than 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Attacking force
- Russian Airborne Forces (VDV)
- Notable loss
- Antonov An-225 Mriya destroyed in hangar
- Ukrainian control restored
- 2 April 2022
Strategic Narrative Overview
Ukrainian forces counter-attacked swiftly, encircling the unsupported Russian paratroopers and repelling the first assault. The following day Russian forces renewed the attack, combining a second VDV air assault with an armored ground column advancing from Belarus, which breached Ukrainian defenses and secured the airport. However, combat damage left the airstrip unusable as a functional logistics hub, negating its intended value and halting Russia's plan for a swift seizure of Kyiv.
01 / The Origins
Hours after Vladimir Putin announced a 'special military operation' on 24 February 2022, Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) launched a helicopter air assault on Antonov Airport in Hostomel, Kyiv Oblast. The airport's location fewer than 10 kilometres from Kyiv made it strategically valuable: controlling it would allow Russia to airlift troops and heavy equipment directly adjacent to the Ukrainian capital for a rapid decapitation strike.
03 / The Outcome
Although Russia held the airport for roughly five weeks, its inability to use it as an airlift hub proved decisive. The world's largest aircraft, the Antonov An-225 Mriya, was destroyed in its hangar during the fighting. As Russian forces withdrew from Kyiv Oblast under Ukrainian military pressure, Ukraine restored control of Hostomel Airport on 2 April 2022, marking the end of the Kyiv offensive.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.