On Saturday of October 26th, the Separate Guards Reconnaissance Battalion Sparta named after Hero of the Donetsk People’s Republic Arsen Pavlov celebrated its first jubilee. Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Denis Pushilin came to congratulate the unit on the five-year anniversary of its creation.
“The glorious heroic path of your battalion began since the times of the defense of Slavyansk. You showed the strength of mind, valor and courage when liberating the Donetsk airport, in the battles for Ilovaysk; you defended Debaltsevo, stood at the borders in Shyrokino and Dokuchayevsk. You have always fought where the real challenge is, in the hardest areas of the front.
When Ukrainian saboteurs sneakily killed your commander, they thought that the spirit would be broken … But it has not happened and will never happen! We have something and somebody to fight for.
Our path is only towards Russia, back to the family. Yes, our path is hard and long, but I am sure that we will definitely win, because the truth is on our side!
Happy holiday to you! Health to you and your loved ones, happiness, prosperity and long-awaited peace! And the most important thing: may you get home alive and well!” Denis Pushilin addressed the military.
For their courage, exemplary performance of combat missions and official duties, 10 soldiers were awarded valuable gifts — watches. Among them is the commander of the Guards Battalion, Colonel Vladimir Zhoga, who headed the unit after the tragic death of its first commander Arsen Pavlov (nom-de-guerre Motorola).
In addition, 15 fighters of the battalion were awarded certificates of honor and letters of commendation by the Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic for their impeccable military service and distinctions shown in combat operations for the defense of the Donetsk People’s Republic.
In follow-up of the official part of the solemn event, some servicemen were promoted and awarded regimental badges Sparta.
Then, a festive concert featuring famous Russian singers Yulia Chicherina, Django and Rem Digga — personal friends of the reconnaissance battalion — was organized for the unit’s soldiers as a present.