Snake Island leapt to international attention early in Russia’s war against Ukraine when its tiny garrison was told to surrender or face naval bombardment and certain death. “Russian warship, go fuck yourself,” came the now celebrated response from one of its guardsmen, Roman Hrybov.
Three months on, the 0.2 square kilometre island — barely more than an outcrop of rock — remains at the centre of a bitter fight as Ukraine and Russia vie for control of the Black Sea and the conflict’s broader propaganda battle.
Moscow has been unable to reinforce its position there to secure control against Ukrainian drone and air strikes. But nor can Ukraine, which has limited naval capacity, muster sufficient power to regain and hold the island.
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