Russia celebrates Paratrooper Day

Today Russia celebrated 86th anniversary of the Airborne Troops - highly mobile troops of the Russian Armed Forces. Russian Airborne Forces (paratroops) were founded on August 2, 1930.

In an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza, the editor-in-chief of 'National Defense' magazine Igor Korotchenko and the editor-in-chief of 'Journalistic Truth' newspaper Vladislav Shurigin spoke about the meaning of the Airborne Troops for Russia and about their current level of training.

Korotchenko noted that "Paratroopers is the most mobile and professionally trained unit of Russian Armed Forces. They are troops that can resolve any problem, fulfill any order, even at the cost of their lifes, if necessary. So on this holiday, I want to say that paratroopers is the pride of Russian nation, the pride of Russia. Our people love blue berets. So today it is a highly mobile power component, which is always ready to protect people and the country itself," he said. 

As he noted, those young people who serve in the airborne troops are going through the school of courage. Happy holiday, blue berets. We are proud of you," he concluded.

Vladislav Shurigin expressed opinion that today, the airborne troops are not just an elite of Russian army, but rather its "backbone". "When everything collapsed in the 90s, they had to go through the most difficult wars. They deserve the highest praises for their perfection, honor and devotion," he said.

"So, of course, the Airborne Troops are an absolute elite, which can turn young man not only into a super fighter, but into decent active member of society," he concluded.