Snake Island

Ukrainian guards have been recognised for their bravery after a Russian warship attempted to take the island.

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Snake Island's now-famous defenders in the Black Sea may be alive, Ukrainian officials said as Russia's assault on Ukraine carried into its third day.

None of the 82 Ukrainian troops from Snake Island were injured," Konashenkov said. Unmoved, the Ukrainians' response was, “Russian warship, go f*** yourself.” In addition, their statement said they "understand that Russian propagandists know how to make the necessary information attacks and use them, noting that Ukrainian defenders have surrendered." The Russian bulletin on Friday made no mention of casualties. “All border guards died heroically but did not give up,” he said. They will be returned to their families shortly," Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the troops on Snake Island 'died heroically' but border guard service says it holds out hope they are alive.

Snake Island – known as Zmiinyi Island in Ukrainian – is situated near the Ukrainian and Romanian coasts along the Black Sea, and has previously been the subject of a territorial dispute between the two countries. “Glory to Ukrainian defenders!” it added. “All border guards died heroically but did not give up,” Zelenskiy said.

The pointed message that the guards issued to a Russian warship went viral. But there may be more to the story.

Ukrainian officials said Saturday that they were working to determine what happened to the guards and praised them for digging in. The last independent newsletter in Russia suspended its operations. The weapons: Ukraine is making use of weapons such as Javelin antitank missiles and Switchblade “kamikaze” drones, provided by the United States and other allies. The border guards’ message for the Russians spread rapidly, with many comparing it to famous rallying cries from earlier wars. It now appears it was assumed the guards were killed. “I ask you to lay down your arms and surrender to avoid bloodshed and unnecessary deaths.

Ukrainian guards who told a Russian warship to “go f*** yourself” were reportedly killed moments later by a devastating missile strike.

Thirteen border guards died in air and sea bombardment on Snake Island in Black Sea after refusing to surrender.

This is a Russian military warship. “This is a military warship. Snake Island – known as Zmiinyi Island in Ukrainian – is situated near the Ukrainian and Romanian coasts along the Black Sea, and has previously been the subject of a territorial dispute between the two countries.