Russian Paratroopers Die during Combat Readiness Exercises in Belarus

Two Russian paratroopers were killed after their parachutes failed and strong winds brought them down during a combat readiness exercises, Russian Ministry of Defense announced Friday.

"A sudden strong gust of wind close to the ground forced two contract paratroopers, who were highly qualified skydiving instructors, to come down. Both parachutists’ domes failed," the ministry said. "Doctors’ efforts were in vain and both Russian contract servicemen died of their injuries," the ministry said.

One of the Russian soldiers who died during airborne training outside Grodno reportedly tried to use his reserve parachute to save them both.