MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. None of the fighters involved in the operation to penetrate the Ukrainian forces-held area in Sudzha via an unused pipeline refused to participate in it, Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov has said.
"This testifies to the ability and readiness for self-sacrifice. I saw that for myself, I communicated with the guys yesterday. There was not a single dropout. Even the cooks were eager to join in. Everyone wanted to go on that crucial mission," Yevkurov pointed out in an interview with the WarGonzo project.
Assessing the operation, Yevkurov stressed that it demonstrated "the highest level" - a small force performed a daring maneuver to determine the outcome of the battle.
"Of course, this causes delight and admiration," he said.
According to Yevkurov, the soldiers involved, just like other servicemen, underwent combat and psychological training.
"Motivation is of the essence. Walking 15 kilometers inside a pipeline requires a pretty serious psychological attitude. Physical endurance is needed and the very motivation to fulfill the task that was set," he pointed out.
"Any soldier must be ready to use the weapon he has in his hands," Yevkurov summarized.