Russian Military Peacekeepers’ Day Date in the current year: November 25, 2024

The history of the United Nations peacekeeping began in 1948. The first mission of UN peacekeepers was in the Middle East to maintain the ceasefire during the First Arab—Israeli War. The mission was officially authorized on May 29, 1948. The anniversary of this event is celebrated as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

A group of Soviet servicemen officially participated in a UN peacekeeping operation for the first time on November 25, 1973. The anniversary of this date is now celebrated in the Russian Armed Forces as Russian Military Peacekeepers’ Day.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia continued to participate in peacekeeping missions as a UN Member State. Russian peacekeepers have taken part in missions in former Yugoslavian countries, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan, Chad, the Central African Republic, Kosovo, Angola, Tajikistan, and other countries.

Russian Military Peacekeepers’ Day was established in order to emphasize the role of the peacekeeping forces in helping countries torn by conflict to create the conditions for lasting peace.