Ukraine demands from Russia the immediate release of its citizens captured on February 26 near the Serpent Island.
Search and rescue ship “Sapphire”, after receiving information that among the island's defenders may be killed and wounded, sent a humanitarian mission. As a result, priests Vasyl Vyrozub, Oleksandr Chokov and their assistants agreed to go together with the rescue crew, reports the Facebook page of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
All of them were illegally captured by the Russians.
“The illegal seizure of a non-combatant civilian ship that did not carry out any military tasks is a violation of the rules and customs of war and international humanitarian law. We demand that Russia immediately release illegally captured Ukrainian citizens,” the General Staff said.
Ukraine is also awaiting the return of the Marines and border guards who bravely defended the Serpent Island and were captured by the enemy.
“We are very happy to know that our brothers are alive and well!” But Russian propaganda is trying to spread the “news” that the Ukrainian authorities have “forgotten” “buried” their subordinates. In addition, the marines twice repelled the attack of Russian occupiers. However, due to the lack of ammunition, they could not continue to protect the island. In turn, the occupiers “forgot” to report that they completely destroyed the island's infrastructure: lighthouse, towers, antennas. Thus, communication with Snake was cut off, “- said in the message.
Repeated attempts to contact personnel and find out their fate were in vain, and it was impossible to deliver aid due to constant shelling by the Russian military.
“Summing up, we want to add that the enemy has once again demonstrated its essence. The enemy also proved once again that there is no faith and truth in their actions and words. And we are looking forward to our brothers with all our souls,” said the General Staff.
On the first day of Russia's full-scale offensive against Ukraine, the enemy captured Snake Island. Border guards bravely repulsed enemy attacks during the day. The Russian occupiers threatened to demand that Ukrainian border guards surrender. The aggressor used an international channel of communication for the safety of navigation.
The following dialogue took place between the Russian occupiers and the Ukrainian defenders:
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I am a Russian warship! I suggest you lay down your arms and surrender to avoid bloodshed and casualties. Otherwise, you will be hit! Do you copy
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Russian ship, go fuck yourself!
Due to the impossibility to contact and check the condition of Snake island's defenders, they were considered dead after the devastating enemy shelling. However, on February 26, the State Border Guard Service said it hoped that the defenders of the Serpent Island could be alive.