Snake Island.Photo: Wikimedia
Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyyhad said last week all 13 Ukrainians were killed in Thursday’s attack on the island and would be posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.
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The Navy said in its Monday statement that “Russian propaganda is trying to promote the ‘news’ that the Ukrainian authorities have ‘forgotten’ and ‘buried’ their subordinates.”
Accordingto CNN, officials said the soldiers on the island had initially staved off Russia’s attack but eventually surrendered when they ran out of ammunition.
Snake Island, also known as Zmiinyi Island, was among the reported targets in the period since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine last week.
Ukrainian soldiers were occupying the island, which is located about 20 miles off shore, when a Russian ship approached and a Russian officer offered a stern warning, according tounverified audio.
In the audio clip of what purportedly took place next, a voice could be heard telling the Ukrainian soldiers: “This is a Russian military warship. I suggest you lay down your weapons and surrender to avoid bloodshed and needless casualties. Otherwise, you will be bombed.”
There was a brief exchange before one Ukrainian soldier allegedly said in response: “Russian warship, go f— yourself.”
According to the military statement released Monday, the Marines on the island “bravely twice repulsed the attacks of the Russian occupiers [but were] were unable to continue defending the island.”
The Ukrainian Navy added that Russian soldiers “completely destroyed the island’s infrastructure: lighthouses, towers, antennas, etc.” and that communication was cut off.
Emilio Morenatti/AP/Shutterstock
The post continued: “Summing up, we want to add that the enemy has once again demonstrated its essence. And again he proved that there is no faith and truth in his actions and words. And we look forward to our brothers and sisters with all our hearts.”
source: people.com
