Navigation via Danube-Black Sea Canal resumes following liberation of Zmiinyi (Snake) Island

KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO — SATURDAY, 9 JULY 2022, 21:45

Navigation via the Danube-Black Sea Canal has been resumed following the liberation of Zmiinyi (Snake) Island in Odesa Oblast from the occupiers by the Ukrainian military.

Source: Administration of Sea Ports of Ukraine

Quote: "Given the liberation of Zmiinyi Island from Russian troops and the build-up of a large number of ships waiting to proceed through the Sulina Canal [in Romania], it is possible to use the channel of the Bystre estuary of the Danube-Black Sea waterway for the entry/exit of ships transporting agricultural produce."

Background:

• On 24 February 2022, two ships approached Zmiinyi Island, and the Russians demanded the surrender of servicemen of the Izmail border detachment. The border guards replied, "Russian warship, go f**k yourself!" However, the Russian troops captured the island.
• On 30 June, the Russians fled from Zmiinyi Island after it was attacked by Ukrainian troops but called it a "goodwill gesture".
• On 7 July, the Ukrainian military returned the Ukrainian flag to Zmiinyi Island, which had been under the control of Russian troops for several months.
• Special Operations Forces revealed details of the landing on the island.