February 18 marks the end of the Chernukhino-Debaltsevo operation in the republics. Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin commented on the events of those days.
“On this day five years ago we completed the Chernukhino-Debaltsevo operation, a crushing defeat of the Ukrainian aggressors. This operation was a turning point in our confrontation. Our fighters gave an adequate response and defended their land.
One can’t help but liken it to 1943. The positions of our fighters were the same as 77 years ago during the Great Patriotic War. Heavy battles in the town were going on under the real steel rain, and in such hellish conditions our fighters broke the enemy’s ridge.
But we must do everything to make sure that the feat of our defenders remains immortal, so our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren can be proud of their courage, bravery and steadfastness,” the DPR Head stressed.