CNN Mission: Peace

russian soldiers

Elite Russian troops eager
for Bosnia peacekeeping role

December 28, 1995
Web posted at: 2:50 p.m. EST (1950 GMT)

From Correspondent Eileen O'Connor

KOSTROMA, Russia (CNN) -- Russia is preparing to send some of its best and brightest soldiers to serve in the former Yugoslavia alongside the troops of its former Cold War enemies. For Moscow it is an opportunity to showcase its new relationship with the West; for the troops it is a chance to shine in side-by-side comparison with the U.S. Army.

sweeping soldier

Many of the Russian troops went through training competitions to win selection for the Bosnian duty. "They picked the strongest and the best," said one soldier, a Sgt. Gorbunov.

soldiers training

Now the troops are putting in serious training at a remote training ground, with daytime temperatures around 20 degrees below zero, preparing for a mission that will put their reputation on the line.

Russians soldiers are experienced in roughing it in tough country. "It can't be worse than Chechnya," said platoon leader Anatoly Sidkin. "And at least it will be warmer."

The pay will be better, too. They are expected to get the equivalent of $300 (U.S.) per month. While may not sound like much, it's a lot more than the $10 they now get.

two soldiers

The mere fact that the mission will cost $80 million and the troops ultimately will be under NATO command -- albeit with orders filtered through a Russian general -- shows just how important it is to the Russians.

They want to show off their best, to show off their pride, to prove they are still the superpower they once were, and to strike a new relationship with their former enemies.

"With the Americans we will be like friends, like brothers," said Gorbunov. "We will work together (and) live together."

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