New Documentary on the Battle for Snake Island
The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine released a new documentary film "The Battle for Snake Island. The Sea" on May 7, detailing the events surrounding the liberation of the island from Russian forces in 2022.
The film is available on the official GUR YouTube channel.
Landing Operation on Snake Island, May 7, 2022: Key Insights
The film intricately narrates the joint operation by GUR and SBU special forces, supported by the Navy, that took place three years ago on May 7, 2022.
According to Ukrainian officers in the commentary, this operation was developed by intelligence in collaboration with the SBU as a "surprise landing operation using boats and army aviation helicopters" aimed at dislodging the occupiers from the island.
The commander of the GUR special unit, known by the call sign "Shaman", stated that the landing and assault by Ukrainian forces were a shock to the occupiers.
"They didn't see it coming, and we dealt them a serious blow," the officer said.
GUR noted that the battle for Snake Island lasted most of the day, forcing the Russians to deploy aviation and reserves to repel the attack. Ultimately, the Ukrainian paratroopers had to return to their initial positions, but the intelligence emphasized that this assault "proved that the island can be liberated".
Why is Snake Island Strategically Important?
Kyrylo Budanov, head of GUR, mentioned in the film: "We gained valuable experience, especially regarding operations on this island. Both during its attempted capture and after, when we had to master the trophy equipment left by the Russians."
GUR reminded that the subsequent liberation of Snake Island in the summer of 2022 allowed Ukraine to regain control over critical maritime trade routes for exports.
"A special forces unit of the Russian army was stationed there until the last moment, trying to block shipping in the region. Now that will no longer be the case," Budanov stated.
In conclusion, GUR emphasized that the liberation of Snake Island was a key factor in the functioning of the "grain corridor", vital for the Ukrainian economy and global food security.
