January 20, at Odesa State University of Internal Affairs, cadets and students paid tribute to the defenders of Donetsk Airport at the diorama commemorating the heroism of those who fought for Ukraine's freedom and independence.

Inna Yevshyna, a leading specialist in the social and humanitarian work department, together with Serhii Sainchyn, a senior lecturer in the criminal law department and participant in the anti-terrorist operation, told OSUIA students about the events surrounding the defense of «Donetsk» International Airport named after Sergei Prokofiev. They recalled that the defense of the airport became a symbol of the indomitability and courage of the Ukrainian military, volunteers, medics, and volunteers. Fierce fighting for the airport lasted 242 days, during which almost all of its buildings were destroyed.

The most tragic day of the defense was January 20, 2015, when russian militants blew up the columns holding up the terminal roof.

Ukrainian soldiers, who held back the enemy to the limits of human endurance, were called «cyborgs». They became the embodiment of resilience, courage, and unbreakable fighting spirit. The phrase «The cyborgs held out – the concrete did not» went down in history, and the feat of the defenders of Donetsk Airport will forever remain in the memory of Ukrainians as an example of self-sacrifice and devotion to the Motherland.

Unit of Communication of the OSUIA