"Nobody but us": Airborne Forces and Special Operations Forces Day celebrated in Vitebsk
03.08.2026
Several thousand people gathered at the Vitebsk separate guards airborne brigade to celebrate the Day of Airborne Forces and Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces.
At the solemn rally, Commander of the Special Operations Forces, Colonel Alexander Ilyukevich, read out the congratulations from the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko.
It noted that for almost a century, the "blue berets" have been guarding the interests of the Motherland, confirming the fairness of the legendary motto "Nobody but us" with their military labor. The Airborne Forces have always been served by people of special fortitude, who have inscribed many pages in the heroic chronicle: both in the battles of the Great Patriotic War and during local conflicts in the most difficult conditions, the fearless, invincible paratroopers honorably accomplished all assigned tasks. Today, the personnel of the Special Operations Forces worthily continue the traditions of the Airborne Forces, having proven themselves as a reliable bulwark of national security interests. Courage and an unbending character, exemplary training, devotion to the Fatherland and their chosen profession, and an unbreakable fighting spirit are the indispensable distinguishing features of the Special Operations Forces servicemen.
"I am firmly confident that you will never let us down and will always be a guarantor of our country's security and citizens' peace," the congratulations stated.
Alexander Ilyukevich emphasized that the Special Operations Forces remain the elite of the Armed Forces, a branch of troops where the highest professionalism, impeccable physical and moral-psychological training are the norm, not the exception.
Considering the experience of modern armed conflicts, new methods of performing tasks are being developed today. Paratroopers are needed where it is difficult. For more than four years, they have been performing combat missions on the southern borders of Belarus, ensuring peace in our country and the tranquility of citizens.
Alexander Ilyukevich reported that this year the team of the 103rd brigade represented Belarus at the prestigious international special army unit competitions held in Pakistan. 40 teams took part in them, including the USA. Our paratroopers took second place.