⚔️ Battle for Zmiinyi Island: The beginning of liberating the Ukrainian sea
🔥 Three years ago — on May 7, 2022 — special forces of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence and fighters from the SBU "Alpha" Special Center, supported by the Ukrainian Navy, conducted an operation to land troops on Zmiinyi Island.
✔️ Capturing Zmiinyi allowed Russian occupiers to control the northwestern Black Sea, threatened amphibious landings on Ukraine’s coast, and restricted the operation of Ukrainian ports.
⚡️ To drive the occupiers out, Ukrainian military intelligence, together with the SBU, prepared a surprise landing operation using boats and army helicopters.
"The enemy knew we wanted to do this, but the landing and attack still shocked them. They did not expect it, and we hit them hard," said Shaman, commander of the Defense Intelligence special unit involved in the operation.
☝️ The battle for the island lasted most of the day. The enemy brought in aircraft and reserves. Ultimately, Ukrainian forces withdrew to their positions, but the assault proved the island could be liberated.
"We gained a lot of experience, especially in mastering the captured equipment left behind by the Russians," noted Defense Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov.
❗️ Thanks to the liberation of Zmiinyi, Ukraine regained control over vital export sea routes.
"Until the end, a Russian special forces unit remained, trying to block shipping in the region. That is no longer the case," emphasized Budanov.
▫️ The island’s liberation became key for the "grain corridor," which is essential for Ukraine's economy and global food security.
🫡 The landing operation was part of a broader campaign for control over the Black Sea, demonstrating Ukraine's determination even in difficult conditions and paving the way for further successes against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
🔗 Watch how this unique operation unfolded in the documentary "Battle for Zmiinyi Island. The Sea" from the "Military Intelligence of Ukraine" series at the link.
Russian warship, go fuck yourself.