All defenders dead as Russia seizes island
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Zmiinyi Island – also known as Snake Island – has fallen to Russian forces, with all defenders killed in the desperate battle.
The tiny island, located in the Black Sea in the Odessa region, plays an important role in delimiting Ukrainian territorial waters.
Mr Zelensky paid tribute to those killed in the invasion.
“All the defenders of the island of Zmiinyi died, but did not surrender,” Mr Zelensky said.
“All of them will be named Heroes of Ukraine.”
According to Olexander Scherba, who served as Ukraine’s Ambassador to Austria from 2014-2021, there are reports that around 11 female soldiers died on the island after Vladimir Putin’s missile hit their barracks.
Audio reportedly captured shortly before the bloody attack shows Ukrainian soldiers remained defiant despite the overwhelming odds against them.
According to a translation shared by BuzzFeed correspondent Christopher Miller, who spent 11 years based in Ukraine and eastern Europe, Russians forces ordered the defenders to surrender.
“This is a Russian warship. I propose you lay down arms and surrender to avoid bloodshed and unnecessary victims. Otherwise, you’ll be bombed,” the Russians said.
The Ukrainian response was simple, and powerful: “Russian warship, go f*ck yourself”.
