Operation Zmiinyi (Snake): Ukrainian Special Operations Forces reveal exclusive details of their landing on the island

VALENTYNA ROMANENKO — THURSDAY, 7 JULY 2022, 19:44 

A joint group of troops has raised Ukrainian flags in various locations on Zmiinyi (Snake) Island.

Source: Press service of the Special Operations Forces

Details: On the night of 7 July, combat divers from the 73rd Maritime Special Operations Centre named after Kish otaman Antin Holovatyi of the Special Operations Forces (Ukraine) approached Zmiinyi Island in underwater vehicles. Using special equipment, they surveyed the coastal zone for the presence of anti-submarine and anti-landing mines.

After establishing a passage for the boats in the main group, they gave the signal to continue the operation.

Engineers were the first to land on the island, clearing the passage of mines and traps for the rest of the group.

After reaching the plateau of the island, the group began to perform its tasks: surveying the area and recording and collecting data on the Russian occupying troops’ equipment, weapons and resources that they brought to Zmiinyi.

As they went about their work, the joint group installed Ukrainian flags in different parts of the island. The flag of the 73rd Naval Centre of Special Operations of the Navy of Ukraine was also raised over Zmiinyi.

Quote: "While our soldiers were performing their tasks, Russian vessels began manoeuvring in the direction of Zmiinyi. Having completed the task, the joint group left the island. After that, the Russians launched a missile attack on Zmiinyi, hitting the pier. The group of Ukrainian soldiers returned to the base unscathed.

The planning and management of the operation was carried out by the command of the 73rd Naval Centre of Special Operations of the Navy of Ukraine. Soldiers from this centre made up the bulk of the joint group. Engineers of the 59th Separate Motorised Brigade, soldiers from Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, and the 801st Centre for Combat against Underwater Incursion Forces and Devices and Mine Disposal were also involved in the operation."

Background:

• On 24 February, two Russian ships approached Zmiinyi Island; the Russians demanded the surrender of the servicemen from the Izmail border detachment who were stationed there. The border guards responded, "Russian warship, go f*ck yourself". However, the Russian troops seized the island.
• On 30 June, the Russians fled Zmiinyi Island after attacks by Ukrainian troops, but called their withdrawal a "goodwill gesture".
• On 7 July, the Ukrainian military raised the Ukrainian flag once again on Zmiinyi Island, which had been under the control of Russian troops for several months.