[Epoch Times, May 08, 2022](The Epoch Times reporter Takasugi compiled and reported) The Ukrainian Defense Ministry claimed on Saturday (May 7) that it sank a Russian Serna-class landing craft near Snake Island. Since Russia launched its invasion war, the island has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.
According to Fox News, an undated video clip posted on social media (click here)here) appears to show that an airstrike hit a landing craft with soldiers on board.
Serhii Bratchuk, spokesman for Ukraine’s Odesa Regional Military Administration, told Ukrainian news outlet Pravda that Zmiinyi Island — — also known as Snake Island — has become “a symbol of our rock-solid endurance and our most tenacious will to crush our enemies.”
Early in the war, a video emerged showing a Russian ship warning a small group of Ukrainian soldiers on the island to lay down their weapons or face missile strikes. At the time, a Ukrainian radio forcefully rejected Russia’s warning.
The island first gained international attention after the footage surfaced. All 13 Ukrainian soldiers in the video were initially thought to have been killed after missing contact. They were later found to have been taken away as prisoners of war.
Russia’s war of invading Ukraine has been going on for more than two and a half months. In the weeks leading up to Russia’s “Victory Day” on May 9, Moscow has adjusted its strategy and is determined to occupy eastern Ukraine.
May 9 “Victory Day” is an annual Russian holiday to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. The outside world has paid more attention to the plans of Russian President Vladimir Putin for this year’s celebration of the day.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry released no other details about the attack on the Russian landing ship.
Responsible editor: Lin Yan #