Snake Island: Exclusive footage reveals heroic liberation operation
The Security Service of Ukraine has published a unique video showing the moment of the liberation of Snake Island from two years ago. It was there that the words spoken by a soldier, which became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance, were heard: "Russian warship, go to hell".
In June 2022, special units of the Central Security Service "A" of the Security Service of Ukraine and their comrades from the Military Intelligence Service and the Armed Forces of Ukraine carried out a unique and extremely important operation to recapture the key Snake Island.
The recapture of Snake Island
The operation consisted of several stages and was strategically important because this was when the process of pushing the Russians out of the Black Sea began, which continues to this day. "The special operation to liberate Snake Island became an example of boundless courage and professionalism of our soldiers of Ukraine's Security and Defence Forces. We remember the Heroes of Ukraine who gave their lives in this battle," wrote the SBU.
The published video lasts one and a half minutes. In the beginning, it shows Ukrainian aviation bombing the island. At the same time, special unit soldiers are already on their way, landing on the island and proceeding to attack after the bombings are finished. Most buildings on the island are destroyed or damaged.
The phrase that made it to a postage stamp
Russian troops occupied Snake Island at the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, which started on 24 February, and the whole world heard about it due to the recording of a radio conversation between a Ukrainian soldier and the captain of a Russian ship.
"Russian warship, go to hell," said the Ukrainian defender. Shortly after, the Russians began shelling the island. The author of this call, Border Guard Officer Bohdan Hotsky, was taken prisoner by the Russians and regained his freedom after nearly three months as a result of a prisoner exchange.
The Ukrainian post office announced a contest for a postage stamp depicting this phrase. 400 people participated, and the results were announced on 12 March 2022. The winning design was by Borys Grokh. On 12 April 2022, the stamp was issued in two denominations: as a fee for domestic and international mail. Additionally, 20,000 commemorative envelopes with this stamp were issued.
