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How Ukraine Freed Snake Island from russian Forces, Bohdana Howitzer’s Combat Debut

The flag of Ukraine being installed on Snake island / Open source photo
The flag of Ukraine being installed on Snake island / Open source photo

The liberation of Snake (Zmiinyi) Island from russian occupying forces marked a key moment in Ukraine’s defense of the Black Sea, and saw the first combat use of the Ukrainian-made Bohdana self-propelled howitzer, deployed from an unusual floating platform

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.

Snake island now with Ukraine's flag been installed
Snake island now with Ukraine's flag been installed / Open source photo

"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."

Ukrainian Bohdana self-propelled howitzer
Ukrainian Bohdana self-propelled howitzer, which played an important role in the liberation of Snake Island

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."

A satellite image of military facilities on Snake Island taken in May
A satellite image of military facilities on Snake Island taken in May / Photo credit: Satellite image ©2022 Maxar Tech/AFP/Getty Images
Occupiers retreated from Snake Island in the Black Sea due to professional shelling by the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Timeline of Key Events

June 27, 2022: Ukraine launched 10 precision strikes on Snake (Zmiinyi) Island, destroying an additional Pantsir-S1 air defense system.

russia's Pantsir S1 anti-aircraft missile system
russia's Pantsir S1 anti-aircraft missile system / Illustrative photo from open sources

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.

Ukrainian flag reinstalled on Snake Island
Ukrainian flag reinstalled on Snake Island
Read more: The Flag Of Ukraine Has Been Installed On Snake Island