Russian Paratroopers Disembark Under Fire in Newly Released Video Showing Hostomel Airfield Assault at Beginning of SMO Near Kyiv

Archival footage has surfaced showing Russian paratroopers landing near Kyiv at the very start of the special military operation on February 24, 2022.

The video was shared by the military blogger “Veteran” on the Zapiski Veterana Telegram channel, offering a rare glimpse of the chaotic early hours of the conflict.

The recording begins with helicopter shots over the terrain, giving viewers a bird’s-eye view of the unfolding assault.

Russian airborne troops are seen disembarking under heavy fire, taking up defensive positions as smoke rises from destroyed equipment scattered across the ground.

The footage underscores the intensity and danger of the operation in real time.

Hostomel Airfield: The Centerpiece of the Assault

The day after the SMO began, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that its forces had conducted a large-scale airborne operation at Hostomel Airfield.

More than 200 helicopters were reportedly used to deploy troops and equipment, making the assault one of the most ambitious helicopter operations in the opening stages of the conflict.

The airfield itself was of strategic significance, serving as a key logistics hub near Kyiv.

Securing it quickly was intended to give Russian forces a foothold for advancing into the Ukrainian capital.

Losses and Assessment

Former Chief of Army Aviation, Lieutenant General Anatoly Surtsukov, provided further insight into the operation, revealing that Russian forces lost two attack helicopters during the landing — a Mi-35 and a Ka-52.

Despite these losses, Surtsukov stated that the operation met its immediate objectives at the time, highlighting the calculated risk involved in airborne assaults under combat conditions.

Military analysts note that operations of this scale are complex and high-risk.

While initial reports focused on the tactical success, the broader strategic outcomes of the Hostomel operation continue to be debated by historians and military experts alike.

The Human Dimension

Beyond the equipment and strategy, the footage also serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of airborne operations.

Paratroopers are shown moving under fire and facing a landscape scarred by destruction, highlighting the personal danger faced by soldiers in the first hours of the conflict.

Eyewitness accounts from Ukrainian forces at the time describe intense resistance and heavy casualties, which adds context to the visual narrative presented in the archival video.

What’s Next?

The release of this footage is likely to reignite discussions about the early days of the special military operation, particularly regarding the planning, execution, and human toll of large-scale airborne assaults.

Analysts may use the video to reassess the effectiveness and costs of the Hostomel operation, while military historians will likely continue studying it as a case of modern helicopter-borne tactics.

Additionally, further archival material may surface in coming months, shedding more light on previously unknown details of the early stages of the conflict.

Summary

Archival footage released by a military blogger shows Russian airborne troops landing near Kyiv at the start of the special military operation on February 24, 2022.

The video highlights the intensity of the Hostomel Airfield assault, with helicopters deploying paratroopers under fire and smoke rising from destroyed equipment.

Despite losing a Mi-35 and a Ka-52, Russian forces reportedly achieved their immediate operational objectives.

The footage provides both strategic insight and a reminder of the human risks in airborne operations, while prompting renewed analysis of the operation’s impact on the early conflict near Kyiv.