Ukraine's Special Operations Forces release first footage of battle for Kyiv

Ukraine's Special Operations Forces have released, for the first time, footage of their role in the battle for Kyiv at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

The video was published by the SOF command on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

According to the Special Operations Forces, during the fighting for the capital, their operators not only helped establish the front line of defense but also operated independently behind enemy lines.

Small groups of special forces troops halted and delayed columns of Russian military equipment, disrupted logistics, and eliminated Russian personnel.

The released footage shows one SOF unit carrying out an ambush on Russian troops in the Kyiv region. Using grenade launchers, the special forces destroyed a Russian Vityaz all-terrain vehicle, then opened fire on its crew with small arms. After successfully completing the operation, the group remained in enemy-controlled territory and continued carrying out special missions.

"The victory in the battle for Kyiv at the beginning of the full-scale invasion was a key achievement that allowed Ukraine to preserve its statehood," the Special Operations Forces said.

The battle for Kyiv lasted from February 24 to April 1, 2022.

On March 23, 2022, Ukraine's Armed Forces fully established a "ring" around Russian troops in the areas of Irpin, Bucha, and Hostomel, bringing their main retreat routes under fire control. Russian forces were effectively encircled, forcing them into a defensive posture.

Successful Ukrainian counterattacks subsequently split the Russian grouping near Kyiv, making their eventual withdrawal from the region inevitable.