“I feel that this is where the new Armed Forces of Ukraine are being established”, – the 131st separate reconnaissance battalion (Ukrainian National Assembly – Ukrainian People’s Self-Defence) celebrates second anniversary in Luhansk region

On April 1, 2017, a festive event on the occasion of the second anniversary of the 131st sep recon btln of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Ukrainian National Assembly – Ukrainian People’s Self-Defence) was held in Luhansk region

In early April of 2015, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine adopted the decision on the establishment of the 131st sep recon btln on the basis of two companies – from the 54th sep recon btln and 129th sep recon btln. On April 1, 2015 the 131st sep recon btln was established.

The warriors of this unit carried combat duty on observation posts from Shyrokyne to Volnovakha, from Popasna to Stanytsia Luanska, gathering important reconnaissance data. The 1st and 2nd recon companies and the long-range recon coy operated in the enemy's rear.

The combat fire support company and mechanized platoon of the 1st reconnaissance coy ensured the infiltration and return of reconnaissance units, conducted evacuation and rendered fire cover to reconnaissance units that operated on territory invaded by the enemy, as well as engaged pre-defined targets.

During the festive part, some of the battalion’s warriors were presented awards and certificates of commendation. Perished warriors were honored by a moment of silence.

“We can compare this event with the birth of a child. Before a child is born, it needs to be conceived, then come the nine months of pregnancy. This process is similar to the formation of our battalion, which began from several units and later turned into an independent entity”, - the deputy battalion commander Oleh, codename Olzhych, comments.

“Ukrainians have always been strong warriors. We know our history well, for example that Luhansk region – is the historical Ukrainian Slobozhanshchyna, and we are currently fertilizing this land with occupants who came to us with war. I’m very pleased with our guys. A lot of volunteers, who understand what they want to do with their lives, join us. I feel that this is the place where the new Armed Forces of Ukraine are being created. I have the health and inspiration to share my knowledge and skills with the youth who come to us. Most of them – are our light future, provided we lay a good foundation in them, and this is what we are trying to do. For this reason, our only obligation is to win, we have all the rest”.

One of the battalion’s warriors Yevhen Korabliov commented on this event similarly. The reconnaissance man was born near Shyrokyne, he was one of the participants of Self-Defence of Mariupol, and during his service in the 131st sep recon btn he took part in the battles for native places:

“It felt odd to shoot in the direction of the village and the school where I had once studied, but the adversary came to my land, that is why there was no other way.”