Ukrainian military explains why Russia constantly strikes at Zmiinyi Island

She shared the information on Espreso TV.

"First, it is a way for the enemy to demonstrate its dominance in the Black Sea. Transport routes that are recommended for civilian shipping are concentrated around Zmiinyi Island. In this way, the enemy is trying to put pressure on shipowners, convincing them that the waters of the territorial sea of Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian ports, are dangerous territory that can be used in their practice," Humeniuk explained.

Natalia Humeniuk noted that in this way Russia is trying to block Ukrainian port infrastructure.

De-occupation of Zmiinyi Island and Russian attacks

Russia's attacks on the Ukrainian Zmiinyi Island began on February 24, 2022, with a missile attack on the Ukrainian border garrison and its subsequent capture. At the end of the day, communication with the border guard detachment was lost. However, their heroic phrase, which has become a catchphrase, remained, and the military responded to the demand to surrender: "Russian warship, go f**k yourself!"

On February 26, the State Border Guard Service expressed hope that the heroic defenders of the island were alive. On February 28, it became clear that Ukrainian soldiers were in captivity.

The key to the liberation of the island was the sinking of the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Navy, the Moskva cruiser, on April 13, 2022, by two anti-ship missiles of the new Ukrainian mobile coastal complex RK-360MC Neptune.

On June 27, Ukraine launched 10 precision strikes on Zmiinyi Island and destroyed another anti-aircraft missile system.

On June 30, 2022, the Russian garrison was hastily evacuated. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that they did so as a 'gesture of goodwill.' British intelligence concluded that the Russians had left the island because of the isolation of the military garrison and its vulnerability to Ukrainian strikes. On July 1, the Russians attacked it with phosphorus bombs from Russian Su-30 aircraft.

On July 3, Russian Su-24 bombers under the cover of a Su-30 fighter jet launched two strikes on Zmiinyi Island in the Black Sea.

On July 7, 2022, the Ukrainian military returned the flag of Ukraine to Zmiinyi Island, which had been under the control of Russian troops for several months and cleared the island, discovering 30 pieces of Russian equipment.

On the morning of 13 July 2023, the Russian army attacked Zmiinyi Island, firing a high-explosive bomb at the territory. The Russians did it again on the night of 30 July, when they fired two unidentified bombs from the Black Sea at the island. 

On Saturday, 12 August, border guards supported by servicemen of the Main Intelligence Directorate installed a Ukrainian border marker on Zmiinyi Island.

On September 10, Russian troops launched an air strike in the direction of Zmiinyi Island, using guided missiles.