In a video message from a Black Sea island that has come to represent Ukraine's tenacity in the face of the Russian invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the nation's warriors on Saturday as the war entered its 500th day.

Russia-Ukraine War: Volodymyr Zelensky visits snake island to mark 500 days of war

Snake Island, a strategic outpost in the Black Sea, has been dominating headlines for the past few days as Russian forces deserted their position after months of heavy shelling. A major moment on Monday saw Ukrainian forces raising their country’s flag on the island after a long time.

“The military operation has been concluded, and … the territory, Snake Island, has been returned to the jurisdiction of Ukraine,” Natalia Humeniuk, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s southern military command, told reporters according to The Guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fight-on-putin-tells-russian-troops-after-capture-of-luhansk-494427">Fight on, Vladimir Putin tells Russian troops after capture of Luhansk</a>

While the Russian troops have completely deserted the island, the area near the Black Sea is still being considered as a “grey zone” by the Ukrainian authorities. A military official confirmed it to The Guardian that they will not be positioning a major number of forces in the area.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also said that the area’s safety is not guaranteed by the pull back of the Russian forces. However, he hailed it as a step forward in the ongoing crisis.

&nbsp;“Step by step, we will push [Russia] out of our sea, our land, our sky,” Zelensky said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-jazeera-journalist-was-likely-killed-by-israel-fire-but-not-intentionally-494447">Al Jazeera journalist likely killed by Israel fire but not intentionally: US</a>

Ukraine has also accused Russia of using phosphorus bombs on the area. “Today at around 18:00... Russian air force SU-30 planes twice conducted strikes with phosphorus bombs on Zmiinyi island,” the Ukrainian forces said according to AFP.

Phosphorus bombs are incendiary weapons which leave a distinct white trail after it is used, and it is banned under an international convention (although with the exception of some military targets).

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(With inputs from agencies)

Snake Island, a strategic outpost in the Black Sea, has been dominating headlines for the past few days as Russian forces deserted their position after months of heavy shelling.

Snake Island, a strategic outpost in the Black Sea, has been dominating headlines for the past few days as Russian forces deserted their position after months of heavy shelling. A major moment on Monday saw Ukrainian forces raising their country’s flag on the island after a long time. “The military operation has been concluded, and … the territory, Snake Island, has been returned to the jurisdiction of Ukraine,” Natalia Humeniuk, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s southern military command, told reporters according to The Guardian. Also read | Fight on, Vladimir Putin tells Russian troops after capture of Luhansk While the Russian troops have completely deserted the island, the area near the Black Sea is still being considered as a “grey zone” by the Ukrainian authorities. A military official confirmed it to The Guardian that they will not be positioning a major number of forces in the area. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also said that the area’s safety is not guaranteed by the pull back of the Russian forces. However, he hailed it as a step forward in the ongoing crisis. “Step by step, we will push [Russia] out of our sea, our land, our sky,” Zelensky said. Also read | Al Jazeera journalist likely killed by Israel fire but not intentionally: US Ukraine has also accused Russia of using phosphorus bombs on the area. “Today at around 18:00... Russian air force SU-30 planes twice conducted strikes with phosphorus bombs on Zmiinyi island,” the Ukrainian forces said according to AFP. Phosphorus bombs are incendiary weapons which leave a distinct white trail after it is used, and it is banned under an international convention (although with the exception of some military targets). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian military raises national flag in Snake Island after Russian retreat

The Ukrainian army has accused Russia of using phosphorus bombs on Snake Island as Moscow decided to withdraw its forces from the strategic position in the Black Sea. “Today at around 18:00... Russian air force SU-30 planes twice conducted strikes with phosphorus bombs on Zmiinyi island,” the Ukrainian forces said according to AFP.

The name ‘Zmiinyi island’ is another name given to snake island. However, the Russian defense ministry completely denied any accusations and described the move to leave Snake Island as “a gesture of goodwill” which shows that Russia will not be interfering with the United Nations’ attempt to organise protected grain exports from Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-iron-curtain-descending-between-russia-and-west-says-defence-minister-493684">New ‘iron curtain’ descending between Russia and West, says defence minister</a>

Phosphorus bombs are incendiary weapons which leave a distinct white trail after it is used, and it is banned under an international convention (although with the exception of some military targets).

The white trail is being used by the Ukrainian authorities as the proof that Russia used the banned weapon on Snake Island. Ukraine released a video that showed a plane drop bombs that leave a similar trail along with a statement that stated that Russia did not “respect even their own declarations.”

Ukraine had earlier accused Russia of using similar kind of weapons during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine including in civilian areas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-calls-for-urgent-action-in-europe-to-contain-monkeypox-spread-493613" hreflang="en">WHO calls for 'urgent' action in Europe to contain monkeypox spread</a>

Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that a new “iron curtain” in descending between Russia and the West due to ongoing invasion in Ukraine

“As far as an iron curtain is concerned, it’s practically already coming into place,” Lavrov said.

“Let them just behave carefully,” he said of the current relationship between Russia and the West.

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The Ukrainian army has accused Russia of using phosphorus bombs on Snake Island as Moscow decided to withdraw its forces from the strategic position in the Black Sea.

The Ukrainian army has accused Russia of using phosphorus bombs on Snake Island as Moscow decided to withdraw its forces from the strategic position in the Black Sea. “Today at around 18:00... Russian air force SU-30 planes twice conducted strikes with phosphorus bombs on Zmiinyi island,” the Ukrainian forces said according to AFP. The name ‘Zmiinyi island’ is another name given to snake island. However, the Russian defense ministry completely denied any accusations and described the move to leave Snake Island as “a gesture of goodwill” which shows that Russia will not be interfering with the United Nations’ attempt to organise protected grain exports from Ukraine. Also read | New ‘iron curtain’ descending between Russia and West, says defence minister Phosphorus bombs are incendiary weapons which leave a distinct white trail after it is used, and it is banned under an international convention (although with the exception of some military targets). The white trail is being used by the Ukrainian authorities as the proof that Russia used the banned weapon on Snake Island. Ukraine released a video that showed a plane drop bombs that leave a similar trail along with a statement that stated that Russia did not “respect even their own declarations.” Ukraine had earlier accused Russia of using similar kind of weapons during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine including in civilian areas. Also read | WHO calls for 'urgent' action in Europe to contain monkeypox spread Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that a new “iron curtain” in descending between Russia and the West due to ongoing invasion in Ukraine “As far as an iron curtain is concerned, it’s practically already coming into place,” Lavrov said. “Let them just behave carefully,” he said of the current relationship between Russia and the West. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine accuses Russia of firing phosphorus bombs on Snake Island

Ukrainian forces claim to have scored a victory against Russian forces after launching a new attempt to re-take Snake Island in the Black Sea.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Ukraine forces push back Russian troops from Snake Island

US President Joe Biden said the United States will increase its military force in Europe.

The US president informed that over $700 billion has been provided to Ukraine since he took office even as 50 countries have pledged new commitments to the country battling Russian forces.

"In Germany, we came up with offers to develop the developing countries, unlike China, all the projects in the developing countries will be transparent," the president added while pledging to support Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-it-has-withdrawn-its-military-from-snake-island-in-the-black-sea-493215">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia says it has withdrawn its military from Snake Island in the Black Sea</a>

"Putin wanted Finlandization of NATO, he got NATOisation of Finland," Biden said on Finland's application to join the European military alliance.

The US should sell F-16s to Turkey, Biden said told reporters at the press conference, while adding that&nbsp;Congress will approve the F-16 sale.

&nbsp;"I need congressional approval to do that and I think I can do that," the president said, adding,"there was "no quid pro quo" of linking the sale to Turkey's approval for Finland and Sweden entering NATO.

The president added that America is in a "better position to lead the world". Biden said the US will announce a new $800 million weapons package for Ukraine in a few days while asserting that "Ukraine has already given a severe blow to Russia."

Watch:&nbsp;US pledges to boost military in Europe as NATO strengthens defences

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"Just today Snake Island is taken over by the Ukrainians," he added. The president said the Ukrainians are "increasing resistance against Russia". The president said:&nbsp;"war could end tomorrow if Russia stops its irrational behaviour".

Biden said he has suggested a cap on money to be paid for Russian oil while blaming the Putin regime for high gas prices and food security problems.

"The prices are up because of Russia, Russia and Russia!"

President Biden informed that he would be visiting Israel during his trip to the Gulf.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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US President Joe Biden said the United States will increase its military force in Europe. The US president informed that over $700 billion has been provided to Ukraine since he took office even as 50 countries have pledged new commitments to the country battling Russian forces.

US President Joe Biden said the United States will increase its military force in Europe. The US president informed that over $700 billion has been provided to Ukraine since he took office even as 50 countries have pledged new commitments to the country battling Russian forces. "In Germany, we came up with offers to develop the developing countries, unlike China, all the projects in the developing countries will be transparent," the president added while pledging to support Ukraine. Also Read: Russia says it has withdrawn its military from Snake Island in the Black Sea "Putin wanted Finlandization of NATO, he got NATOisation of Finland," Biden said on Finland's application to join the European military alliance. The US should sell F-16s to Turkey, Biden said told reporters at the press conference, while adding that Congress will approve the F-16 sale. "I need congressional approval to do that and I think I can do that," the president said, adding,"there was "no quid pro quo" of linking the sale to Turkey's approval for Finland and Sweden entering NATO. The president added that America is in a "better position to lead the world". Biden said the US will announce a new $800 million weapons package for Ukraine in a few days while asserting that "Ukraine has already given a severe blow to Russia." Watch: US pledges to boost military in Europe as NATO strengthens defences "Just today Snake Island is taken over by the Ukrainians," he added. The president said the Ukrainians are "increasing resistance against Russia". The president said: "war could end tomorrow if Russia stops its irrational behaviour". Biden said he has suggested a cap on money to be paid for Russian oil while blaming the Putin regime for high gas prices and food security problems. "The prices are up because of Russia, Russia and Russia!" President Biden informed that he would be visiting Israel during his trip to the Gulf. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US should sell F-16 fighter planes to Turkey, Congress can approve, says Biden

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that Russia's pullout from captured Snake Island shows futility of President Putin's strategoc goals in Ukraine.

"In the end, it will prove impossible for Putin to hold down a country that will not accept his rule," Johnson told a news conference after a NATO summit in Madrid.

Johnson added that agreement over any peace deal would be entirely upto Ukraine. He stressed&nbsp;unity against Russia from the NATO alliance and from G7 countries at a leaders' summit in Germany.

"We've seen what Ukraine can do to drive the Russians back," Johnson said.

"We've seen what they did around Kyiv and Kharkiv, now on Snake Island. I think the right thing for us is to keep going on the course that NATO has set out, no matter how difficult."

At the G7 summit, Johnson joked to fellow leaders that they could emulate Putin by posing topless to show their toughness.

The Russian leader responded that seeing Johnson and the other leaders half-naked would be "disgusting".

The prime minister refused to extend the war of words, arguing that Putin should reflect instead "about the consequences of his barbaric actions", including NATO's planned admission of Finland and Sweden.

"The most important conclusion that Vladimir Putin needs to draw from today and the last few days at NATO, and previously in the G7, is we are totally united in condemning what he has done in Ukraine," Johnson said.

Driven by Russia's actions, NATO members were committed to spending at least 2.0 percent of their gross domestic product on defence, he stressed.&nbsp;

Britain "will reach 2.5 percent of GDP on defence by the end of the decade", he added, although a row has erupted in London over whether Johnson's government is indeed sticking to that commitment.

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that Russia's pullout from captured Snake Island shows futility of President Putin's strategoc goals in Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that Russia's pullout from captured Snake Island shows futility of President Putin's strategoc goals in Ukraine. "In the end, it will prove impossible for Putin to hold down a country that will not accept his rule," Johnson told a news conference after a NATO summit in Madrid. Johnson added that agreement over any peace deal would be entirely upto Ukraine. He stressed unity against Russia from the NATO alliance and from G7 countries at a leaders' summit in Germany. "We've seen what Ukraine can do to drive the Russians back," Johnson said. "We've seen what they did around Kyiv and Kharkiv, now on Snake Island. I think the right thing for us is to keep going on the course that NATO has set out, no matter how difficult." At the G7 summit, Johnson joked to fellow leaders that they could emulate Putin by posing topless to show their toughness. The Russian leader responded that seeing Johnson and the other leaders half-naked would be "disgusting". The prime minister refused to extend the war of words, arguing that Putin should reflect instead "about the consequences of his barbaric actions", including NATO's planned admission of Finland and Sweden. "The most important conclusion that Vladimir Putin needs to draw from today and the last few days at NATO, and previously in the G7, is we are totally united in condemning what he has done in Ukraine," Johnson said. Driven by Russia's actions, NATO members were committed to spending at least 2.0 percent of their gross domestic product on defence, he stressed. Britain "will reach 2.5 percent of GDP on defence by the end of the decade", he added, although a row has erupted in London over whether Johnson's government is indeed sticking to that commitment. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'Impossible' to subdue Ukraine, says UK after Russian retreat from Snake Island

The important Black Sea outpost of Snake Island has been evacuated, according to the Russian military. For both sides in the conflict, the small patch of land in the Black Sea next to the Ukrainian port city of Odesa has acquired symbolic significance. 
 
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it had finished the tasks it had been given and was strategically pulling back to provide room for grain exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports.

The Russian Federation decided to abandon its positions on Zmeiny Island "in order to organise humanitarian grain corridors as part of the fulfilment of mutual agreements agreed with the cooperation of the UN," the defence ministry stated.

Ukraine claims recapture

Ukraine, on the other hand, claimed to have forced Russian forces to escape overnight on two speed boats. The statement from Ukraine's southern command claimed that combat was still going on since it was still possible to hear explosions and see smoke covering the island.

The island has reportedly been recaptured by Ukraine, weakening any potential Russian ground strike on that section of its coastline. 
 
The head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office, Andriy Yermak also confirmed that Russian forces had withdrawn from Snake Island.

"KABOOM! No Russian troops on the Snake Island anymore. Our Armed Forces did a great job," Yermak wrote on Twitter.

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KABOOM! 
 
No Russian troops on the Snake Island anymore. Our Armed Forces did a great job. 
More kaboom news to follow. All will be 🇺🇦 <a href="https://t.co/ItdP3oQvHK">pic.twitter.com/ItdP3oQvHK</a>
— Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndriyYermak/status/1542427080255836160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The important Black Sea outpost of Snake Island has been evacuated, according to the Russian military. For both sides in the conflict, the small patch of land in the Black Sea next to the Ukrainian port city of Odesa has acquired symbolic significance.

The important Black Sea outpost of Snake Island has been evacuated, according to the Russian military. For both sides in the conflict, the small patch of land in the Black Sea next to the Ukrainian port city of Odesa has acquired symbolic significance. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it had finished the tasks it had been given and was strategically pulling back to provide room for grain exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports. The Russian Federation decided to abandon its positions on Zmeiny Island "in order to organise humanitarian grain corridors as part of the fulfilment of mutual agreements agreed with the cooperation of the UN," the defence ministry stated. Ukraine claims recapture Ukraine, on the other hand, claimed to have forced Russian forces to escape overnight on two speed boats. The statement from Ukraine's southern command claimed that combat was still going on since it was still possible to hear explosions and see smoke covering the island. The island has reportedly been recaptured by Ukraine, weakening any potential Russian ground strike on that section of its coastline. The head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office, Andriy Yermak also confirmed that Russian forces had withdrawn from Snake Island. "KABOOM! No Russian troops on the Snake Island anymore. Our Armed Forces did a great job," Yermak wrote on Twitter. KABOOM! No Russian troops on the Snake Island anymore. Our Armed Forces did a great job. More kaboom news to follow. All will be 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/ItdP3oQvHK — Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) June 30, 2022 ×

Russia says it has withdrawn its military from Snake Island in the Black Sea

As the besieged country continues to strive to maintain morale high and win the PR battle against invading Russian forces, Ukraine has picked the image for a new postage stamp titled "Russian warship, go fuck yourself!"

Emine Dzheppar, the country's first deputy foreign minister, announced the stamp commemorating the Snake Island incident, in which 13 border guards stationed on a roughly 16-hectare (40-acre) rocky island about 186 miles (300 kilometres) west of Crimea reportedly replied, "Russian warship, go f**k yourself," when asked to surrender.

They were then attacked and believed to have been killed.&nbsp;

According to Dzheppar, the artist Boris Groh's illustration earned the most votes in a competition organised by the Ukrainian postal service.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-armed-attack-on-one-attack-on-all-if-russian-forces-strike-in-poland-462007">Also read | Pentagon says 'armed attack on one, attack on all' if Russian forces strike in Poland</a> 
 
According to an interpreter for NPR, the winning design's artist, Borys Groh, told Ukrposhta that the soldiers' refusal to surrender inspired him to submit a drawing to boost morale.

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The postage stamp named "Russian warship, go f**k yourself!" will appear in🇺🇦. The sketch by artist Boris Groh received the most votes and will soon be published by Ukraine's state postal company. 
🇺🇦✌️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopRussianAgression?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopRussianAgression</a> <a href="https://t.co/ByYAzw2tYq">pic.twitter.com/ByYAzw2tYq</a>
— Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmineDzheppar/status/1502545496614789126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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He said the design took him three days to complete and that if he hadn't been distracted by the news, he could have finished it in five hours.

Groh used to dwell in a city on Snake Island on the Crimean peninsula.

He is currently in Lviv, Ukraine's westernmost city.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As the besieged country continues to strive to maintain morale high and win the PR battle against invading Russian forces, Ukraine has picked the image for a new postage stamp titled "Russian warship, go fuck yourself!

As the besieged country continues to strive to maintain morale high and win the PR battle against invading Russian forces, Ukraine has picked the image for a new postage stamp titled "Russian warship, go fuck yourself!" Emine Dzheppar, the country's first deputy foreign minister, announced the stamp commemorating the Snake Island incident, in which 13 border guards stationed on a roughly 16-hectare (40-acre) rocky island about 186 miles (300 kilometres) west of Crimea reportedly replied, "Russian warship, go f**k yourself," when asked to surrender. They were then attacked and believed to have been killed. According to Dzheppar, the artist Boris Groh's illustration earned the most votes in a competition organised by the Ukrainian postal service. Also read | Pentagon says 'armed attack on one, attack on all' if Russian forces strike in Poland According to an interpreter for NPR, the winning design's artist, Borys Groh, told Ukrposhta that the soldiers' refusal to surrender inspired him to submit a drawing to boost morale. The postage stamp named "Russian warship, go f**k yourself!" will appear in🇺🇦. The sketch by artist Boris Groh received the most votes and will soon be published by Ukraine's state postal company. 🇺🇦✌️#StandWithUkraine#StopRussianAgression pic.twitter.com/ByYAzw2tYq — Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) March 12, 2022 × He said the design took him three days to complete and that if he hadn't been distracted by the news, he could have finished it in five hours. Groh used to dwell in a city on Snake Island on the Crimean peninsula. He is currently in Lviv, Ukraine's westernmost city. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian warship 'go f*ck yourself': Ukraine reveals postage stamp

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

&nbsp;

The Ukrainian navy said on Monday that the soldiers guarding Snake Island -- who were earlier reported to have died after recording an expletive-laced message to the invading Russian troops -- are "alive and well."

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/navy.mil.gov.ua/posts/324444389723150">navy said on Facebook</a> that the soldiers defending Snake Island in the Black Sea, also known as Zmiinyi Island, are alive and in Russian custody.&nbsp;

Snake Island is a small island that is strategically vital for Ukraine's territorial seas defence and is one of the country's southernmost communities.

According to the Facebook post, Russia destroyed the island's infrastructure, including lighthouses, towers, and antennae, and seized a civilian ship.&nbsp;

"We are very happy to learn that our brothers are alive and well," the post said.

As a result, communication with the island was cut off.

"Repeated attempts to contact the staff and find out their fate have been in vain. And the constant shelling by warships and aircraft of the Russian Federation has prevented us from delivering aid to the marines."

"Go f***&nbsp;yourself," a Ukrainian soldier guarding the island had urged a Russian vessel that came to strike them last week in a show of defiance.

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A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack. 
 
Their response: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself." 
 
They held their ground. All 13 were killed. <a href="https://t.co/GMRsXQRSX0">pic.twitter.com/GMRsXQRSX0</a>
— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/aletweetsnews/status/1497008826201124870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Last Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that all of the island's defenders had been killed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Ukrainian navy said on Monday that the soldiers guarding Snake Island -- who were earlier reported to have died after recording an expletive-laced message to the invading Russian troops -- are "alive and well." The navy said on Facebook that the soldiers defending Snake Island in the Black Sea, also known as Zmiinyi Island, are alive and in Russian custody. Snake Island is a small island that is strategically vital for Ukraine's territorial seas defence and is one of the country's southernmost communities. According to the Facebook post, Russia destroyed the island's infrastructure, including lighthouses, towers, and antennae, and seized a civilian ship. "We are very happy to learn that our brothers are alive and well," the post said. As a result, communication with the island was cut off. "Repeated attempts to contact the staff and find out their fate have been in vain. And the constant shelling by warships and aircraft of the Russian Federation has prevented us from delivering aid to the marines." "Go f*** yourself," a Ukrainian soldier guarding the island had urged a Russian vessel that came to strike them last week in a show of defiance. A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack. Their response: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself." They held their ground. All 13 were killed. pic.twitter.com/GMRsXQRSX0 — Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) February 25, 2022 × Last Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that all of the island's defenders had been killed. (With inputs from agencies)

The ‘go f*** yourself’ Ukrainian soldiers on Snake Island are alive, navy says

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

According to an audio recording of the incident, the thirteen Ukrainian border guards murdered Thursday while defending a crucial Black Sea island sent a defiant farewell message to the invading Russian forces.

A Russian cruiser notified the 13 soldiers stationed on the remote Zmiinyi, or Snake Island, about 40 kilometres from Romania's border, that they should surrender or "be attacked with a bomb strike."&nbsp;

"Russian warship, go f**k yourself," a Ukrainian border guard replied.

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A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack. 
 
Their response: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself." 
 
They held their ground. All 13 were killed. <a href="https://t.co/GMRsXQRSX0">pic.twitter.com/GMRsXQRSX0</a>
— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/aletweetsnews/status/1497008826201124870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to CNN and the Independent, the audio tape was first received by the Ukrainian news site Ukrayinska Pravda and has subsequently been confirmed as legitimate by Ukraine's interior ministry.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the guards as heroes.&nbsp;

In the days since the Russian invasion began on Thursday, 137 "heroes" have been slain and 316 people have been injured, Zelensky stated in a televised message.

The 13 border guards who refused to surrender as the island was taken over by Russians were among the deceased, according to the Ukraine Foreign Ministry.

Zelensky stated that they would be granted Hero of Ukraine awards posthumously.&nbsp;

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Russia blatantly captured Ukrainian island <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zmiinyi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zmiinyi</a>, destroying the infrastructure. All 13 🇺🇦 border guards were killed, refusing to surrender. They will be awarded the title «Hero of Ukraine» postmortem, says <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> 
 
Glory to Ukrainian heroes! 🇺🇦<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopRussianAggression?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopRussianAggression</a> <a href="https://t.co/PWEIvqzxyJ">pic.twitter.com/PWEIvqzxyJ</a>
— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_Ukraine/status/1497108738955788316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Two Russian vessels approached the island on Thursday after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the start of an invasion at dawn.

The ship called via loudspeakers, "Propose to put down arms immediately to avoid bloodshed and unjustified deaths."

In the worst case, you will be hit by a bomb strike. I am repeating... "they said," according to a translation by CNN.

Two Ukrainian guards are heard engaging in a brief exchange — "should I tell them to go f*ck themselves?" — before responding: "Russian warship, go f*ck yourself."

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Wow. It seems the Ukrainian soldiers on Snake Island really did tell Russian warships to "go to hell" before they were killed. <a href="https://twitter.com/unian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@unian</a> <a href="https://t.co/lRrXQDk3xQ">pic.twitter.com/lRrXQDk3xQ</a>
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASLuhn/status/1497129344887521280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. According to an audio recording of the incident, the thirteen Ukrainian border guards murdered Thursday while defending a crucial Black Sea island sent a defiant farewell message to the invading Russian forces. A Russian cruiser notified the 13 soldiers stationed on the remote Zmiinyi, or Snake Island, about 40 kilometres from Romania's border, that they should surrender or "be attacked with a bomb strike." "Russian warship, go f**k yourself," a Ukrainian border guard replied. A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack. Their response: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself." They held their ground. All 13 were killed. pic.twitter.com/GMRsXQRSX0 — Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) February 25, 2022 × According to CNN and the Independent, the audio tape was first received by the Ukrainian news site Ukrayinska Pravda and has subsequently been confirmed as legitimate by Ukraine's interior ministry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the guards as heroes. In the days since the Russian invasion began on Thursday, 137 "heroes" have been slain and 316 people have been injured, Zelensky stated in a televised message. The 13 border guards who refused to surrender as the island was taken over by Russians were among the deceased, according to the Ukraine Foreign Ministry. Zelensky stated that they would be granted Hero of Ukraine awards posthumously. Russia blatantly captured Ukrainian island #Zmiinyi, destroying the infrastructure. All 13 🇺🇦 border guards were killed, refusing to surrender. They will be awarded the title «Hero of Ukraine» postmortem, says @ZelenskyyUa Glory to Ukrainian heroes! 🇺🇦#StopRussianAggression pic.twitter.com/PWEIvqzxyJ — MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) February 25, 2022 × Two Russian vessels approached the island on Thursday after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the start of an invasion at dawn. The ship called via loudspeakers, "Propose to put down arms immediately to avoid bloodshed and unjustified deaths." In the worst case, you will be hit by a bomb strike. I am repeating... "they said," according to a translation by CNN. Two Ukrainian guards are heard engaging in a brief exchange — "should I tell them to go f*ck themselves?" — before responding: "Russian warship, go f*ck yourself." Wow. It seems the Ukrainian soldiers on Snake Island really did tell Russian warships to "go to hell" before they were killed. @unian pic.twitter.com/lRrXQDk3xQ — Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) February 25, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

‘Russian warship, go f**k yourself’: Ukraine troops killed guarding strategic island

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