Ukrainian soldiers raised the country’s flag on Snake Island for the first time since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Three soldiers were seen replanting the flag in a video posted to social media by Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s chief of staff, one week after Russian forces vacated the island. The soldiers secured the flag by placing several pieces of rubble from a destroyed building around the pole.
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“More videos like this ahead from Ukrainian cities that are currently under temporary occupation,” Yermak said in a tweet. “We need to tell more about Ukraine’s victories over Russia. Snake Island is one such victory.”
The flag of Ukraine on Snake Island. More videos like this ahead from Ukrainian cities that are currently under temporary occupation.
We need to tell more about Ukraine’s victories over Russia. Snake Island is one such victory. We are proud of our warriors. Glory to Ukraine ?? pic.twitter.com/TpoU6NtAEa
— Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) July 7, 2022
The soldiers also signed the flagpole with the inscription, “Bear in mind, ‘Russian warship,’ Zmiinyi Island is Ukraine,” the Ukrainian news outlet Pravda reported, according to Fox News.
The Black Sea island has been a point of conflict between the countries since the first day of the invasion in February. Russian forces captured the island in what was deemed an important strategic move due to its proximity to Ukraine’s major Black Sea port in Odesa. The small island became a symbol of Ukraine’s resistance against Russia when a small troop of soldiers on the island told Russian troops to “f*** off” after being told to surrender.
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Russian forces retreated from the island last week in what it claimed was a “gesture of goodwill,” as the United Nations attempted to secure passage through the Black Sea to fight a growing food shortage, the outlet reported. However, the evacuation came after the mainland launched a successful attack on the island, Ukrainian officials said.
Russian defense officials additionally claimed to attack the island with high-precision missiles shortly after the flag was raised. However, Ukraine has not confirmed the strike.
