July 21, 2014 - the day of liberation from the Russian occupation of the city of Toretsk. It was on this day eleven years ago that fierce battles were fought here against enemy groups.
The operation was carried out swiftly, using unconventional tactics, without prior encirclement and cutting off communications, as was done in other settlements.
The key role in the liberation of Toretsk belonged to two consolidated groups of special forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In the morning, the first group, entering the city by bypassing the militants' checkpoints, occupied the city hall building in the central square. This building became the key point against which the counterattack of more than two hundred Russian mercenaries broke: for almost six hours, the city hall was shelled from tanks, BMPs, and ATGMs, burning and destroying it.
The second group bypassed the city and occupied the "green zone" near the city hall, supporting the first group and later directing artillery and air strikes. Coming under heavy fire and losing one of the tanks, pro-Russian armed formations were forced to retreat. Meanwhile, the main units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine completed the encirclement of the city.
The operation to liberate Toretsk lasted eight hours. There were no casualties among the Ukrainian military, but four defenders were injured.
Unfortunately, the eleventh anniversary of liberation finds the city in the epicenter of hostilities. The enemy army continues to ruthlessly destroy everything in its path...
Yet despite everything, we believe that thanks to the Defense Forces of Ukraine, all enemy attacks will be repelled, and the Russian invaders will ultimately be expelled from our land.
We believe in Victory! Glory to Ukraine!