Ukrainian battalion celebrates Independence Day in Bosnia-Herzegovina (09/19/99)

Ukrainian battalion celebrates Independence Day in Bosnia-Herzegovina

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - A Ukrainian battalion that is part of the peacekeeping forces in Bosnia, celebrated Ukrainian Independence Day (August 24) in grand style in Mostar.

The event, which was attended by numerous military VIPs and invited guests, was given enthusiastic coverage in the German-language army newspaper Der Keiler (August 30), which serves Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia. The article was penned by 1st Lt. Boris Propping. [Photos of the event were provided to The Weekly by Maj. Yurij Holowinsky of the U.S., who is stationed in Bosnia as part of Operation Joint Force.]

Der Keiler reported that the eighth anniversary celebrations began with the commemoration of the 52 Ukrainian soldiers who died during the war in Bosnia in 1991-1995. It was followed by a review of soldiers of Ukrainian Battalion 240 of the SFOR, under the commander of Col. Hryhoriev. Receiving the review were Gen. Maj. Schwerdorffer, commander of the multinational South-East Division, and Brig. Gen. Johann Berger, commander of the Central Brigade.

The review, which was termed "exemplary," was followed by a demonstration of the skills and fitness of the Ukrainian paratroopers as variously exhibited in unarmed combat, the use of bayonets, and AK 47 assault rifles.

Onlookers invariably winced as bottles or bricks, balanced precariously on the backs of fellow soldiers, were broken with the blow of fists, bodies crumbled on the concrete floor of the fighting ring, and knives flew through the air - the whole at times verging on a Kozak bravura performance, noted the German newspaper.

The exhibition was deemed most impressive in terms of military and physical prowess, with the Ukrainians leaving "no doubt as to the high level" of their skills, Der Keiler observed.

The exhibition cum show was followed by a reception characterized by legendary Ukrainian hospitality - featured was such delectable fare as champagne from Crimea, vodka and caviar, smoked fish and lobster - which provided a conducive atmosphere for fraternizing and contributed in no small measure to participants' reluctance to part.

The final, resounding words of parting were: "Druzhba Ukraini!"

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