RUSSIA: SPECIAL AIRBORNE BRIGADE GETS READY FOR DUTY IN BOSNIA

(22 Dec 1995) Russian/Nat

Russian soldiers have been showing they mean business before their deployment in Bosnia.

As they enter the final stages of their training, their commander says he is looking forward to being part of the NATO-led peace-keeping force.

Russia's role in the multi-national IFOR operation is still under discussion.

These Russian soldiers, decked out in snow camouflage, are part of a special airborne brigade due to fly out to Bosnia.

They have been going through the final stages of their training before joining the NATO peacekeeping mission.

The deep snow made for an ideal training ground as many parts of Bosnia are also gripped by winter.

As well as sniping practice, they carried out a mock ambush on this truck.

The driver and his troops put up a good fight but were outnumbered by the men in white.

As these troops head into Bosnia, they face an uncertain future.

Russia's role within the peacekeeping mission has not been clearly defined.

Reluctant to come under NATO command but eager to help the people of Bosnia, the Russians are still waiting to find out what they will be doing once they get there.

But the soldiers are comfortable with their situation.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
I see no problem in dealing with the soldiers from NATO units. I am just very happy to be a peacekeeper in Bosnia.
SUPERCAPTION: Vladimir Rasashin, Russian soldier

As with all the troops in Bosnia, mine clearing will be a big part of their operation.

These sappers are using their full engineering training to combat the difficulties of mine sweeping in the snow.

While they carry out their exercises, their commander is confident they will have a significant contribution to make once they get there.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
Our brigade will be deployed on the dividing line between the warring sides and that task was set during the Paris peace talks.
SUPERCAPTION: Colonel Alexander Letsov, Commander of Kostroma Brigade

He has already had a chance to meet his future partners from the U-S First Tank Division which is based in the northern part of Bosnia

He says he is looking forward to working with them.

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