Serhii Bratchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, shared his recollections of the operation during an interview with Espreso TV.
"I remember every detail of how Zmiinyi Island was liberated," Bratchuk said. "We maintained strict operational silence until it was safe to speak publicly. For us, the date of liberation also symbolizes the complete clearing of russian forces from the Odesa region, as Zmiinyi Island belongs to the village of Bile in the Izmail district."
Read more: Dozens of Fighter Jets Covered the Escape of Russian Troops From Snake Island
He also underscored the strategic importance of the island, quoting russian ultranationalist ideologue Alexander Dugin: "Whoever controls Zmiinyi controls the Black Sea." While this was not a Ukrainian doctrine, Bratchuk noted, it clearly aligned with Ukraine’s strategic thinking.
"All branches of the Ukrainian Armed Forces took part in the operation. The Bohdana howitzer was used to deliver precision fire against russian targets, and notably, its platform was set on water. It was one of the first recorded uses of Bohdana in combat," he said. "What happened on that day was brilliant — it was a turning point in reclaiming control over the Black Sea. Together with the sinking of the Moskva cruiser, it marked the beginning of the russian Navy’s retreat from our waters."
Bratchuk added that not all operational details of the liberation have been made public. "Some aspects remain classified," he said.
He also stressed the importance of honoring Ukrainian warriors who lost their lives on and around the island. "Victory always comes at a cost. We must remember every fallen hero by name."
Timeline of Key Events
June 27, 2022: Ukraine launched 10 precision strikes on Snake (Zmiinyi) Island, destroying an additional Pantsir-S1 air defense system.
June 30, 2022: russian forces hastily evacuated the island. The russian Ministry of Defense claimed it was a "gesture of goodwill," but British intelligence assessed the retreat as a response to the garrison’s growing isolation and vulnerability.
July 1, 2022: russia bombed the island with phosphorus munitions dropped from Su-30 jets.
July 7, 2022: Ukrainian forces raised the national flag over Zmiinyi and began clearing the island, uncovering around 30 pieces of abandoned russian equipment.
Read more: The Flag Of Ukraine Has Been Installed On Snake Island
