Ukraine raises its flag over Snake Island after Russia's withdrawal from region

As brutal war between Moscow and Kyiv continues unabated, Ukrainian forces have raised country's flag over Snake island after compelling a Russian pullout from strategically significant region. Snake Island, also known as Zmiinyi Ostriv in Ukrainian language, is located about 48 kilometres (30 miles) off coast of Ukraine and also considered a strategically important and symbolic stronghold in Black Sea. According to reports, Russian forces retreated last week following months of intense bombardment in region. 

" military operation in region is over and Snake Island has been returned to jurisdiction of Ukraine,” Natalia Humeniuk, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s sourn military command, told reporters, as per Guardian. Meanwhile, control of island has been viewed by Ukraine as a crucial first step in easing Moscow's blocke of its sourn ports. However, it remained unclear if Ukrainian troops would try to establish a long-term presence re as region is perilously exposed to bombing. 

Region around Snake island still remains 'grey zone': Ukraine

According to a Ukrainian military officer, region around Snake island still remains a "grey zone," indicating that Kyiv regime has no plans to redeploy its troops. Notably, Snake island gained international attention when Russian forces first took control of region in February. Earlier on June 30, Russia declared that it has withdrawn its forces from region as a "gesture of goodwill" in order to show that it was not impeding United Nations efforts to build a humanitarian corridor allowing grain to be shipped from Ukraine. According to reports, island still remains engulfed in thick smoke from  explosions. 

Russia-Ukraine war

It is pertinent to mention here that war between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate and entered day 131 on Monday, July 4. Both countries have also held several rounds of peace negotiations but y have failed to yield desired result so far. Meanwhile, officials of Russia and Ukraine have stated that peace negotiations between both countries have stalled as of now. Davyd Arakhamia, People's Deputy of Ukraine, has hinted that his country might resume peace talks with Russia in August.

Image: Twitter/@DPSU_ua