The Defense Forces of Ukraine returned Zmiinyi Island under Ukrainian control and landed there.

The Special Operations Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (SOF) shared the details of the landing operation and installation of the Ukrainian flag.

While the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were performing their tasks, the Russian vessels began maneuvering in the direction of Zmiinyi Island.

On the night of July 7, combat divers of the 73rd Maritime Special Operations Center named after Kish otaman Antin Holovaty of the Ukrainian Armed Forces approached the island on swimmer delivery vehicles.

They examined the coastal zone with special equipment checking for sea and counterassault mines. When a boat passage for the main group was in place, they sent a signal to continue the operation.

Engineers were the first to step on the island. They cleared the passage from mines and traps for the rest of the group.

Upon entering the island plateau, a group of Ukrainian military began performing tasks, such as inspection of the terrain and collecting data on the enemy`s equipment, weapons, and other items brought by the enemy to Zmiinyi Island.

While on the island, the combined group installed Ukrainian flags in its different areas. The flag of the 73rd Maritime Special Operations Center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was also raised on the Island.

When the mission was complete, the Ukrainian military left the island. After that, the Russians launched a missile strike on Zmiinyi Island, hitting the pier. The group of Ukrainian soldiers returned to the base fully intact.

The combined group for the landing mainly consisted of the servicemen from the 73rd Maritime Special Operations Center. Engineers of the 59th Motorized Brigade, operators of the MoD DI (Defence Intelligence – ed.) and the 801st Separate Detachment of the Ukrainian Navy were also directly involved in the operation.

The 73rd Maritime Special Operations Center Command carried out operation planning and guidance.

Previously, it was announced that the Armed Forces of Ukraine landed on the Ukrainian island in the Black Sea which was recently abandoned by the Russian invaders. The Armed Forces also installed the Ukrainian National Flag there.