Airborne Forces (VDV)
Elite light infantry — doctrinally airborne, used in practice as line assault troops.
Broad area of activity
Committed across multiple axes since 2022 rather than held as a strategic reserve.
Notable history
A prestige branch with its own recruitment, traditions and light armour (the BMD family). VDV units spearheaded the failed 2022 air-assault seizure of Hostomel airport near Kyiv, took heavy losses, and were subsequently committed as regular assault infantry across the front — a role their light equipment was not designed for. Tank battalions with heavier armour were reportedly added during the war.
Strengths
Above-average training, strong esprit de corps, historically a first-choice assault force.
Limitations
Sustained attrition eroded the experienced core; repeatedly misused as ordinary infantry, blunting the airborne advantage.
Known equipment
Related key events
Battle of Hostomel airport
VDV air-assault forces seize the airport outside Kyiv to open an air bridge for a rapid decapitation of the capital; the landing is contained and the airfield rendered unusable.