Defense officials announced Thursday that Russian troops had left their positions on a Ukrainian island they captured. This is a significant setback for Moscow’s invasion and a weakening of its port blockade.
As NATO leaders met in Madrid for the second day, the news from the Black Sea was announced. They were determined to show unity and support Kyiv with advanced weapons against Moscow’s assault.
Snake Island was a symbol for Ukrainian resistance during the early days of war. The defenders of the rocky outcrop told a Russian warship asking them to surrender to tell them to “go to f**k themselves”, an incident that sparked a defiant meme.
It was also a strategic target because it was located near shipping lanes in the vicinity of Odessa, Ukraine. Russia attempted to install air defense and missile batteries under drone fire.
However, Ukraine now receives longer-range missiles and military equipment from its Western supporters, and Russia’s position at Snake Island appears to have become untenable.
Valeriy Zaluzhny is the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian military. According to Reuters, howitzers made in Ukraine also play an important role.
Reuters reports that Andriy Yermak is the chief of staff for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. He tweeted “KABOOM!” There are no Russian troops on Snake Island anymore. Our Armed Forces did an excellent job.
According to the Russian defense ministry, the retreat was described as “a gesture to goodwill” and meant to show that Moscow will not interfere with U.N. efforts in organizing protected grain exports from Ukraine.
However, Kyiv claimed victory.
Valeriy Zaluzhny stated, “I thank Odessa region defenders who took maximum measures in liberating a strategically significant part of our territory.”
Russian forces captured the Ukrainian troops, but they were later released in a prisoner exchange. After that, Ukraine began bombarding the small Russian presence on the island and its air defenses.
Ukraine is a major exporter of agricultural products in peacetime. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused damage to farmland and saw Ukraine’s ports seized or razed — potentially threatening African grain importers with famine.
Western powers accuse President Vladimir Putin, of using the trapped harvest to increase pressure on international communities. Russia has also been accused of taking grain.
According to the Russian occupation forces, on Thursday, a ship carrying 7,000 tonnes of grain left Ukraine’s Berdyansk.
Evgeny Baltsky, head of the pro Moscow administration, stated that Russia’s Black Sea vessels “are ensuring security” during the journey, and added that the port had been demined.
