Ukrainian special forces liberate Snake Island in daring operation

In a daring operation, Ukrainian special forces stormed Snake Island in the Black Sea to liberate the key outpost from Russian troops, as revealed in previously unseen footage released by Ukrainian secret services. The assault, marked on its second anniversary, involved aerial bombings, helicopter assaults, and ground troops engaging in combat to reclaim the strategically important island. This successful mission dealt a blow to Russian forces, forcing them to retreat from the Black Sea outpost, which had been used to launch attacks against Ukraine until Ukraine sank the flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet on April 14, 2022. The liberation of Snake Island on June 30, 2022, was a significant moment in the conflict, with Russian claims of a 'gesture of goodwill' refuted by Ukraine as a forced retreat. The island, also known as Zmiinyi Island, gained international attention at the war's onset when Ukrainian defenders famously radioed an approaching Russian cruiser with a defiant message. Following the liberation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the island, underscoring its symbolic importance in the resistance against Russian aggression. The operation on Snake Island was described by the Kyiv Independent as pivotal in limiting Russian naval operations in the western Black Sea sector, enabling the resumption of grain and agricultural exports through the Black Sea Grain Initiative brokered by the U.N. and Turkey. The footage released on the anniversary showcases the intensity of the mission, with Ukrainian forces swiftly capturing the outpost amidst explosions and gunfire. The operation was hailed as 'unique and extremely important' by Ukrainian authorities, signifying a turning point in the conflict and boosting Ukrainian resistance efforts. Nineteen Ukrainian defenders of Snake Island, who spent over 800 days in Russian captivity, were finally liberated in a prisoner of war exchange with Russia on May 31. The mission's success highlighted Ukrainian determination and military prowess, setting the stage for further strategic victories against Russian aggression in the region. The release of the footage serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those involved in the operation to reclaim Snake Island and defend Ukraine's sovereignty in the face of external threats.